Ultrasonic Leak Detectors…Amended Comments

A while back, I did a post on my thoughts as to leak detectors and leak detection methods, in which I stated having had no personal success with the ultrasonic instruments. I have since, discovered some definite value in their application to locating leaks in some situations. The first situation was a leak in a condenser section. The electronic sniffers were confirming a source of escaping refrigerant, but were of little help in pinpointing the source…once the probe entered the condenser fan opening, the gizmo would  begin alarming. There were no oily spots and Big Blue wasn’t making any bubbles.

For some unknown reason, I thought about the ultrasonic detector I had, somewhere, not having thought about it for literally years. So I gave the HO some comment about needing to regroup with a different tactic, would return next day and began to wonder if the detector was even findable, let alone operational. Well, I did find it and it did work, after a new battery was added (which in and of itself, was a near miracle). Long story short, the next day I confirmed a leaky accumulator with the heat pump.

A couple of other times, it has come through for me in similar situations. The latest was a package heat pump. Again, the sniffers confirmed the presence of refrigerant, but were powerless in determining which direction it was coming from, in a condenser section. Pulled out the ultrasonic, found a leaking factory weld joint almost immediately. The instrument has definitely won my confidence in certain situations…

I suppose initially, my lack of success was due to expecting the device to do something  beyond its capabilities. Like the guy who sold me the thing said, “..you ain’t likely just gonna’ walk up to a condenser, point the tool at it and find a leak…”. So, I still start and most times finish, the leak search with the electronic sniffers…but in the end, success in leak detection probably comes down to technique, and taking advantage of all the methods available, if need be.