What Is a Leak Tester?
A leak tester is a device and chemical product designed to detect leaks in industrial products and various types of piping. These testers can be either inspection devices that electrically detect leaks or chemical products that visually identify leaks.
While the former type inspects for the presence of leakage throughout the product or piping, the latter focuses on identifying the specific location of a leak.
Uses of Leak Testers
Leak testers are commonly used in production line inspections, refrigerant leak checks in air conditioners, and gas piping leak detections.
For production line inspections, the “internal pressure type” pressurizes the inside of the product, and the “internal pressure chamber type” involves placing the product in a pressurized chamber. The “external pressure type” is frequently used for products already in use.
Additionally, “infrared absorption type,” “semiconductor type,” or liquid type leak testers are employed for inspecting products in service, with the “infrared absorption type” being particularly prevalent for detecting flammable or refrigerant gas leaks.
Principles of Leak Testers
In the internal pressure type, leakage is detected by observing pressure fluctuations within the pressurized product. The external pressure type involves placing the product in a pressurized chamber and detecting whether pressure escapes from the chamber into the product.
The internal pressure chamber type pressurizes the product within the chamber and monitors for pressure changes inside the chamber to detect leaks.
Both infrared absorption and semiconductor types detect leaks by identifying gases in the inhaled air. The infrared type offers quick reaction times, while the semiconductor type boasts high sensitivity and longevity.
While inspection equipment checks for leaks, locating the specific leak site requires either a liquid leak tester or submerging the product in water for visual inspection. However, this method may lead to internal corrosion or oversight depending on the product and inspector’s skill.