Spectroline.com - HVAC/R F.A.Q.

A. Spectroline fluorescent leak detection (U.S. Patent No. 5,149,453) uses ultraviolet or UV/blue light inspection lamps and AR-GLO fluorescent dyes which are compatible with all sizes of AC&R units and all commonly used refrigerants—including R-134a! The dyes are infused into the AC&R system while it operates through the use of the unique EZ-Ject™ dye injection system (patent pending), prefilled GLO-STICK capsules (U.S. Patent No. 5,167,140) or the refillable Mist Infuser™ (U.S. Patent No. 4,938,063). The Spectroline method locates multiple leaks, leaks that are not detectable by any other method, even those smaller than 1/8 oz per year, and never gives false alarms. It works with virtually all refrigerants, conserves expensive refrigerant, and is completely safe to compressors, associated AC&R components and refrigerants. Top of Page

Q. What types of leaks can I find with the Spectroline method?

A. Spectroline leak detection finds all types of air-conditioning and refrigeration leaks—big or small, wherever they hide—in tubing, solder joints, fittings, valves, compressors, coils—even seals around moving shafts! Top of Page

Q. How long does it take to find leaks with the Spectroline method?

A. The Spectroline method pinpoints the exact source of most leaks in just minutes with a bright fluorescent glow! Extremely small leaks are so slow that you may have to let the dye circulate for a day or two before you'll see them. But once the dye has time to circulate, you'll find leaks as soon as you shine your UV lamp on them! Top of Page

Q. What are the advantages of Spectroline leak detection?

A. The Spectroline method slashes service time by finding leaks faster. It saves refrigerant by eliminating unnecessary recharges and maximizes efficiency by lowering energy bills. Reduced refrigerant consumption and faster servicing translate into lower-cost repairs, increased customer satisfaction and higher service profits. In addition, since the Spectroline method makes finding leaks so fast and easy, AC&R units can operate at their full efficiency without wasting energy. Top of Page

Q. How does the Spectroline method work?

A. Just follow these simple steps:

1) Pour the premeasured AR-GLO dye into the Mist Infuser fill port, tilting to vent all air. (Note: Skip this step if you are using either EZ-Ject dye cartridges or prefilled GLO-STICK capsules.)

2) Connect the EZ-Ject dye cartridge, GLO-STICK capsule or the Mist Infuser between your low-pressure gauge and the service port.

3) Open the valves slowly to gradually add AR-GLO to the system and allow enough time for the dye to circulate.

4) Inspect the system with a Spectroline ultraviolet or UV/blue light lamp. All leaks will glow brightly, revealing their precise location. It's that easy! Top of Page

Q. What dyes should I use when I'm checking for leaks?

A. You can use AR-GLO fluorescent dyes on any size AC&R unit using every commonly used refrigerant, including R-11, R-12, R-22, R-113, R-114, R-123, R-500 and R-502, which use mineral oil lubricants. In addition, special AR-GLO formulas are available for R-134a, R-404a, R-507 and many other alternative refrigerants and blends using ester, alkyl benzene or PAG lubricants. The concentration and amount of the dyes vary according to the size of the system. Top of Page

Q. Are the dyes harmful to the system?

No. AR-GLO dyes have been proven safe by tests in accordance with the stringent ASHRAE standards 97 and 86. They never need to be removed from the AC&R system. In fact, they are specially designed to remain in the system so you can easily confirm if your repair was successful as well as for routine maintenance checks in the future. Top of Page

Q. How can I tell if I've repaired all the leaks?

A. After cleaning the fluorescing area and allowing sufficient time for the dye to circulate, scan the system with your lamp. If there's no fluorescent glow, you've fixed all the leaks. Top of Page

Q. What is a Mist Infuser?

A. It's a unique, hand-operated tool that makes servicing safer and easier by infusing bottled AR-GLO fluorescent dyes into an AC&R system without introducing air or contaminants or slugging the compressor. Its transparent housing allows the user to actually monitor the infusing process and thus control the rate of infusion. Top of Page

Q. What are Glo-Stick capsules?

A. They have the same safety features as the Mist Infuser, but are even faster, easier and neater to use. Because they're prefilled with premeasured dosages of AR-GLO, no filling or venting is required, which eliminates spilling of the dyes. They're also disposable, so you'll just use them once and discard the empty capsule! Top of Page

Q. What is the EZ-Ject dye injection system?

A. The unique EZ-Ject dye injection system (patented) offers a third way to introduce fluorescent dyes into an air-conditioning or refrigeration system. Just connect the cartridge and inject—there are no complicated hookups. Each calibrated, disposable EZ-Ject cartridge treats up to 2 gallons (7.6 liters) of lubricant or 25 lbs (11.4 kg) of refrigerant. Top of Page

Q. Can I use the Spectroline method without a Mist Infuser, Glo-Stick capsule, or the EZ-Ject system?

A. Yes. If the AC&R unit has a separate oil reservoir, AR-GLO can be added directly into the oil sump. But we recommend using the Mist Infuser (or Mist Infuser Pump) in any case because it protects the unit and does the job more quickly and more efficiently. Top of Page

Q. Is the Spectroline method safe for technicians?

A. Absolutely! Just follow the simple operating instructions provided.
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Q. Can the Spectroline method help cut CFC emissions?

A. Yes! The Spectroline method finds leaks faster and makes frequent leak inspections practical. Consequently, it prevents large amounts of CFC emissions from escaping from AC&R units—the largest single class of CFC users, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Scientists have determined that unless CFC emissions are drastically curtailed, continued deterioration of the earth's ozone layer will cause more skin cancer, eye cataracts and even decrease food production. Therefore, the reduction of CFC emissions is of paramount importance.
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Q. What role will leak detection play in the future?

A. Servicing leaks will become even more important as time goes by. Due to environmental concerns, refrigerant gases containing harmful CFCs will be severely curtailed over the next few years, taxed heavily, and eventually phased out in favor of substitutes which are less efficient but environmentally safe. That's why CFC-based gases will be in short supply and continue to undergo dramatic price increases. So finding and fixing leaks earlier will conserve expensive refrigerant and protect the environment.Top of Page

Q. I'm in the service end of the business. How will I be affected by the phase-out?

A. Your leak detection skills will command premium prices and leak detection will become an even more profitable part of the refrigeration and air-conditioning business. The Spectroline method is designed to increase your productivity and work with both CFC-based refrigerants and the non-CFC alternatives. Top of Page

Q. How will the CFC issue affect me as an AC&R user?

A. Simple economics will require you to have your equipment periodically inspected for refrigerant leaks as part of your preventive maintenance program. Leak detection will no longer take place only on an emergency basis after large losses of expensive refrigerant have been noticed. The Spectroline method will save you lots of money on refrigerant, labor and energy costs if you inspect your AC&R units at least monthly! Top of Page

Q. How is Spectroline leak detection superior to competitors' leak detection systems?

A. Spectroline fluorescent leak detection is far superior in many ways:

The AR-GLO fluorescent dyes used in Spectroline fluorescent leak detection have been proven safe to compressors, associated AC&R components and refrigerants by tests in accordance with the stringent standards of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This means that when you use AR-GLO dyes you can be absolutely certain no harm will come to the system you're testing. AR-GLO dyes have been successfully infused into over 40 million AC&R systems to date worldwide.
AR-GLO dyes are approved by major compressor, AC&R equipment and refrigerant manufacturers
Higher-intensity Spectroline inspection lamps give you more power for your money, greater ease of use and better value.
The unique Mist Infusers, with their transparent housings and two control valves, permit the user to maintain complete control over the infusion process for maximum safety. They are available in four different models for use with AC&R systems of all sizes.
The patented GLO-STICK capsules make infusing AR-GLO even faster, easier and cleaner. The disposable capsules are prefilled with premeasured doses of AR-GLO. They are available in four different concentrations.
The EZ-Ject system offers the convenience of one easy connection and calibrated cartridges so you'll introduce exactly the right amount of dye every time! Dye cartridges are available for mineral oil, ester and alkyl benzene lubricant systems.
Bottled AR-GLO fluorescent dyes are available in five different concentrations to exactly match the user's needs.
Spectroline lamps are built tougher to withstand hard, round-the-clock use. Top of Page

Q. Where can I see a demonstration of Spectroline fluorescent leak detection in action?

A. Click here to see an online video demonstration of the Spectroline method or you can request a copy of our FREE videotape that shows you how to find leaks faster and easier! Top of Page

Q. How can I get started using Spectroline fluorescent leak detection?

A. We offer a wide range of leak detection kits, lamps, dyes and accessories to meet your specific needs. The kits are complete. They work with your charging gauges using standard hoses and bulk refrigerant. You only need to reorder the fluorescent dyes you use. Top of Page

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Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerant Leak Detection

Q. What is Spectroline fluorescent leak detection?