Ultrasonic Leak Detect for Vacuum Leak

[dswilliams]

I've got a CVHE that appears to have a vacuum leak that is proving very difficult to track down. Has anyone had experience with using an ultrasonic leak detector for locating vacuum leaks?

[deltap10]

I have never had any success with the amprobe I have. Maybe yours is better. Likely the size leak is way too small to get a reliable reading. A hot water heater will get you into positive pressure where you can use an electronic leak dectector. Most leak repairs require you to pull the charge. Better to test with nitrogen and trace gas.

[Tommy knocker]

May have to take it to the positive to pinpoint, following manufactures recommendations closely. Alittle to much may be way to much. Good luck.

[freonrick]

I used it on a r113 tonrac which worked locating leaks. sometimes when a system is in a vacuum and you pressurize it then it does not leak while under pressure.

[Healey Nut]

Rather than wasting your time trying to find it get someone who is familiar with the CVHE to go over it with a set of wrenches and tighten up all the usual trouble spots and monitor your pumpout minutes after that . It will take less time and be more productive .

[Tommy knocker]

Rather than wasting your time trying to find it get someone who is familiar with the CVHE to go over it with a set of wrenches and tighten up all the usual trouble spots and monitor your pumpout minutes after that . It will take less time and be more productive .

Very good suggestion.

[dswilliams]

Thanks for the input, it has already been pressurized. I'm thinking we have a vacuum leak that is occurring after the chiller is running for a while. Vac leaks can be difficult to find, they may not show up with pressure. I use a H10, haven't ever had a reason to use anything else. Just wanted to know if the ultrasonic works well for searching for vacuum leaks. Thank goodness this kind of problem only happens once in a while. Keeps you on your toes.

[supertek65]

if you pressurized it and could not find a leak with an h10 mebbe there is a problem with the purge??

[heavymetaldad]

if you pressurized it and could not find a leak with an h10 mebbe there is a problem with the purge??

my h10 is broke

[supertek65]

tool replacement!!!!!!!!!!

my h10 is broke

[heavymetaldad]

tool replacement!!!!!!!!!!

yep. bought the cordless one - H10whatever.
hope it's better than my lousy detek

[supertek65]

it is!!!!!!!!!!!!

[heavymetaldad]

it is!!!!!!!!!!!!

whew!

[MechanicallyInclined]

Has anyone used a DTek Select after pressurizing a centrifugal with a boiler used for domestic hot water?

[supertek65]

I usually just use a small 110 volt water heater?
we have some machines we built with little electric heaters and built in pumps etccc.
most of my accounts have built in heat blankets or built in heaters.
a small heater and a small pump works fine.
a boiler?? sounds like it would work but may be a bit overkill>??

as far as a detek?
i do not believe they work well on r11?
i have never had any luck with them on r11 buy maybe i just need to learn how to use them?

Has anyone used a DTek Select after pressurizing a centrifugal with a boiler used for domestic hot water?

[chiller mekanik]

No luck. In one case, I had the occasion to transfer the refrigerant, add trace gas & nitrogen, mark all the leaks, etc. They suddenly ran out of money but had just enough left to have us pull it down & transfer the refrigerant back & put it on line. After doing so, for kicks I decided to use the ultra sonic where I knew all the leaks were & no joy.

[mathias]

it is!!!!!!!!!!!!

supertek68 is on the right track - if you have pressurized the system and can't find the leak install a check valve on the end of your exhaust pump, it is probably leaking back thru in cold periods!

[Nuclrchiller]

supertek68 is on the right track - if you have pressurized the system and can't find the leak install a check valve on the end of your exhaust pump, it is probably leaking back thru in cold periods!

If that's the case, you'd be better off just replacing the failed solenoid valve. And verifying the ability of the pumpout pump to pump against a 20"-25" vacuum.

[Chiller Tex]

I agree with making sure purge is working correctly and pressurizing purge unit. After that,Is it leak test worthy? If so, i would pull gas, pressure up with trace gas and nitrogen. Pressure up slowly and leak check at low and higher pressure. Some leaks don't show under higher pressure..... Example, I had a CVHE up to 10psi and no leak any where. I was letting gas out and a bubble caught my eye on IGV tang. The pressure was at 1psi. I only use an H-10.

[York2004]

H-10 is the only detector I have had any luck with. Have you tried retorqueing your suction ell bolts and economizer flange bolts. The evap flange bolts have been a problem. I have had to replace the whole flange due to the sealing surface being deteriated badly. I have had good luck with using gortex sealing cord instead of the rubber gaskets.