Zero tolerance approach to refrigerant leaks

WR Refrigeration is rolling out the Trace-A-Gas leak detection system as part of its strategic focus on environmentally responsible refrigeration.
 
The contractor has worked with distributor Climate Center on trials to prove the effectiveness of the approach, which can pinpoint tiny leaks that are almost impossible to detect using traditional methods.
 
Trace-A-Gas, by refrigerant specialist A-Gas, is a non-flammable, non-toxic mixture of 5 per cent hydrogen and 95 per cent nitrogen. Hydrogen makes an excellent leak indicator as it penetrates the smallest fractures in pipe work, joints and components due to its exceptionally small molecular size.
 
Used in conjunction with an electronic detector, such as Javac’s GAS-Mate, it enables engineers to identify and locate much smaller leaks than is possible with Oxygen Free Nitrogen (OFN) and a leak detection spray. Engineers have long used the industry standard OFN pressure test to check for leaks. In the event of pressure loss, leak detection spray is often used to try and pinpoint the source. However, small leaks are difficult to find using this method, particularly if the pipework and joints are not accessible.
 
Using Trace-A-Gas overcomes this, enabling engineers to quickly find leaks as low as 5 grams a year. A leak would have to be of at least 500 grams a year to be found using leak detection spray, making Trace-A-Gas a hundred times more sensitive.

It is also delivers results much more quickly than conventional methods, as engineers are not required to wait for the results from the pressurisation test. Any leaks show up immediately, cutting down on waiting time.
 
Patrick Mullins, WR Refrigeration’s marketing and business development director, says: “The F-Gas Regulation requires an unswerving focus on leak detection and minimisation. It is not only a legal requirement but an environmental and economic imperative.”
 
He added: “Customers require assurance that their plant is designed, built and maintained to the highest standards, and Trace-A-Gas gives us an edge in the critical area of leak elimination.”
 
The contractor will use Trace-A-Gas to prove the tightness of new capital plant before delivery by WR Products, as well as in existing installed equipment in use in the field.
 
The A-Gas product, which is compatible with a standard nitrogen regulator, is available from Climate Center branches nationwide.