FLUORESCENT LEAK DETECTION THAT WORKS.

About: UV Leak Detection

Have you searched for a leak in an air conditioning or refrigeration system recently? Most likely, you used a bubble solution. What is this bubble solution? It’s one of the most popular methods of leak detection in the HVAC Industry. Just spray a soapy solution over a suspected surface until a bubble appears. This bubble indicates the location of the leak.

Sounds great, right?

While this method is cost efficient up front, in the long run, its inaccuracy ends up costing more by operating a system not running at peak effi- ciency, high refrigerant replacement costs, food spoilage, and customer callbacks. Furthermore, this time consuming practice keeps technicians on the job for an excessive amount of time. It also makes it extremely difficult to find smaller leaks, especially on an outdoor unit on a windy day.

So what is UV Leak Detection?

It’s a method in which a small amount of fluorescent dye is injected into and circulated through an operating system. The dye/refrigerant mixture will escape and accumulate at all leak sites. By then scanning the system with a leak detection lamp, all leaks will fluoresce green or yellow, making them easy to spot.

Don’t feel like waiting for the dye to circulate before getting to work?

Well, this method is best when used as part of a comprehensive mainte- nance plan, in which the dye is added to a system before a problem has occurred. A leak detection flashlight or lamp can then be used to quickly scan the system for leaks during regular maintenance or service calls. If a leak is present, a fluorescent glow will appear, making even the smallest leaks easy to pinpoint.

What is: UV and Violet Light? And why is it used in fluorescent leak detection?

Violet and UV light are a form of electro- magnetic radiation. Higher energy light is characterized as having shorter wave- lengths. Some wavelengths are visible while others are not. Violet light is visible to the human eye. UV light is invisible to the human eye because it is of a higher mag- nitude of energy. However, when UV light is absorbed by fluorescent materials, the light is reflect- ed as visible light. This is known to us as UV-induced visible fluorescence. Fluorescent dye naturally glows under varying wavelengths. But for the best fluorescent results, Violet and UV light easily activate the fluorescent response.

Easy to Use: Technicians can search for leaks while system is off or running

Detect Leaks at a Distance

Leak detection range of 25 feet (8 m) or more

Accurate Results: Very small, multiple & intermittent leaks are easily found

Compatible with All Refrigerants

Finds the exact source of each & every leak

The electromagnetic spectrum is vast.

But only a tiny fraction of it is visible to human eyes.

Fluorescent dye is activated by high-energy violet and ultraviolet light. These wave- lengths fall within the 400-300 nanometer range. This information is critical because leak detection flashlights must be carefully en- gineered to provide a strong, consistent beam profile. This diagram shows an electron moving from a ground state to an excited state. When this occurs, fluorescent light is released as a byproduct of energy loss. Fluorescent dye requires a powerful leak detection flashlight to excite electrons – and provide brilliant leak detection results.

A. Ground State: Dye absorbs UV/ VIOLET light ener- gy, gets excited

B.Excited State: Dye emits energy as a YELLOW/ GREEN glow, gets grounded

Visible Light Region of the Electromagnetic Spectrum. Fluorescent dye naturally glows under varying wavelengths. The best response is between 300-400 nanometer range. Violet light easily activates a fluorescent response.

Quality Dye

Choose the RIGHT DYE for you. Nervous about voiding your equipment’s warranty? Some dyes are approved by manufacturers, and can remain safely in systems for their lifetime. It’s about choosing the RIGHT dye for you. Check the dye manufacturer’s specifications for an OEM Grade indication.

Dyes should be:

OEM-Grade

Choosing a dye that is OEM Grade by major compressor, refrigerant, lubricant and AC&R manufacturers will not void any equipment warranties. These dyes can also safely remain in systems. Look for the label before you buy!

NSF Certified

When searching for leaks in refrigeration systems, dyes should be registered to meet food- grade processing requirements for category codes HTX-2 and HX-2.

Co-Solvent Free

Co-solvents are a class of chemicals which impairs or inhibits the lubricant properties of the refrigerant oil. This can lead to premature wear or outright damage to system components, including the compressor. Poorly manufactured, economy fluorescent dyes typically contain high levels of co-solvents.

Concentrated

Dye fluorescence is dependent on the ratio of fluorescent material to carrier oil. Economy dyes typically have low levels of fluorescent material. Simply put, they lack the concentration necessary to give a good fluorescent response when exiting a leak site. Spectroline dyes are the most concentrated dyes in the industry. This means they not only fluoresce brilliantly, but are more economical in the long run because you can use less dye per dose. In addition, we take a system approach to leak detection, carefully matching the dye with an inspection lamp that will provide the most intense fluorescent response.

Quality

Spectroline dyes are true solutions of organic fluorescent fluorophores within inert carrier fluids.

Versatile

Safe for all types of units Ranging from small to large systems.

Compatible

With all popular refrigerants and lubricants.

System Safe

Fully miscible, filtered down to 2 microns. Will NOT affect operating characteristics of any system.

Specifically Formulated

Without particulate matter. Cannot be filtered out or separated.

Industry Tested

Extensive testing. Proven safe for AC&R systems. Trusted by more HVAC/R OEMs than any other brand.

AR-GLO® 5 Fluorescent Dye

Our brightest, highest quality, and most advanced dye formula ever.

AR-GLO® 5 Dye Formula VS Competitor Dye Formula

Shown under 400 nm light with amber glasses. Fluoresces Brightly Find AC&R leaks quicker & more easily.

Highly Stable: Tolerant to extreme temperature range & moisture

Long Shelf Life: Up to 5 years

Fully Miscible: High quality, non-particulate and filtered down to 2 microns. Won’t change the viscosity or lubricity of host fluid.

Eco-Friendly: Formulated with safe raw materials & helps reduce refrigeration emissions into the atmosphere

Exclusive Formula: From the inventors & most trusted name in fluorescent leak detection

Common misconceptions

Direct sunlight may make it difficult to see the glow of the fluorescent dye. Solution: Inspect for leaks early or late in the day, or shade the suspected area.

Equipment must be in operation to circulate dye. Solution: A full charge is not actually required. Slight cooling indicates that the dye is being circulated.

If another technician is called to service the system, they won’t know I’ve put dye in the system. Solution: Many leak detection kits come with leak-free stickers, which can be placed on the system to indicate when dye was injected and how any found leaks were handled. Another option is to use tamper- evident straps to warranty your work and guard against unqualified repairs. Doing this will also safeguard your recovery equipment and reduce comebacks.

Line of sight doesn’t always allow for proper inspection. Solution: Light can be bounced off an inspection mirror to view difficult areas. Also, flexible shaft UV inspection lamps are available for such circumstances.

There is a time delay after injecting dye into systems before inspection can be performed. Solution: Dye can be added on a service call before a problem presents itself. It will then be fully circulated and the system will be ready to quickly inspect when needed.

Step 1 : Add dye

Add dye to the system & let it circulate

Step 2: Scan lamp

Scan system with a Spectroline leak detection lamp and see any leaks glow brightly

Continuously circulating – working for you around the clock, 24/7 to quickly identify any future leaks

Best practices:

Tips for cleaning & avoiding fluorescent dye spills

Most fluorescent dye spills occur when a service port of a pressurized AC&R system charged with dye is accessed, resulting in a forcible spray of dye. Incomplete connection to the service port and/or injecting fIuorescent dyes into systems with damaged or out-of-specification service ports may also result in dye spills. The best cure is prevention. Work neatly and do your best to avoid dye spills or sprays in the first place. Always cover the service port connection with a rag when connecting or disconnecting dye injection devices. This way any dye spray will be kept to the access fittings where it can be easily managed.

React quickly.

The quicker that the mess is cleaned up, the smaller it will be. Older stains can be very difficult to remove, especially on porous, painted, or plastic materials. Only use rags to absorb cleaners used in the dye clean ups. They work much better than paper towels.

Always wear disposable latex gloves when working with fluorescent dyes. Discard gloves immediately after each use. Dye stains on hands can be easily removed with any waterless hand cleaner. One helpful tip when using these cleaners is to first apply them to hands or skin, rub them in vigorously, then wipe off the residue with a paper towel or rag. Do not rinse with water after the first application; wiping off first removes dye better and prevents spreading. Following up with additio- nal waterless cleaner or soap, both with a water rinse will complete the job. Any remaining skin staining should wear off and fade after a day or two.

Solvent cleaners

Several types of readily available solvent cleaners will work well on removing fluorescent dye spills from most surfaces, however several factors will contribute to their effectiveness, including the spill size, type of material stained, and length of time before cleaned. Solvent cleaners yielding the best results are:

Good

• Goof-Off
• Mineral spirits (paint thinner)
• Non-chlorinated automotive brake cleaner (spray can)

Better

• WD-40 (spray can)
• Isopropyl alcohol (spray can)

Best

• Non-chlorinated automotive brake cleaner (spray can)

Product Analysis: Injection methods

Spectroline® offers three different injection methods, each appropriate for the size of the system being serviced. They work in all AC&R systems, and overcome system pressure: UP TO 450PSI

GLO-Stick®

Single-dose dye capsules are injected by connecting between the low-pressure gauge of a charged manifold and the service port, using a bleed valve. By opening the valves slowly, dye will gradually be added into the system, along with refrigerant.

Get the best results with quality injection systems.

EZ-Ject™

Multi-dose dye cartridges are recommended for small to medium systems and can be installed by using an injector like the EZ-Ject. Injection is performed by connecting the hose to the low-side service port. Then turn the EZ-Ject handle to inject the amount of fluorescent dye required into the system. Reusable Injector Assembly: Save money on unnecessary hardware with each application!

BigEZ™

Larger multi-dose dye cartridges are cost efficient when working on multiple medium or larger systems. A multi- dose injector (like the BigEZ) is connected to the system’s low-side service port. Simply turn the handle to inject the amount of dye required and let it circulate. Reusable Injector Assembly: Save money on unnecessary hardware with each application!

Address: Spectronics Corporation 265 Spagnoli Road, #100 Melville, NY 11747 USA

Phone: Free Toll: + 1 800-274-UVUV (8888)

Online: orders@spectroline.com 

www.spectroline.com