Detecting R454B Leaks: Best Practices, Detector Recommendations, Maintemance ad Usage Tips

With the increasing global demand for environmental protection, low-GWP refrigerants are gradually replacing traditional refrigerants. In recent years, many countries and areas have enacted relevant policies to promote the use and development of low-GWP refrigerants. R454B is a new environmental protection refrigerant; its applications are becoming increasingly widespread. This blog will introduce the features of R454B, recommend R454B Leak Detectors, and provide maintenance suggestions systematically. 

Overview of R454B           

The R454B is an A2L low flammability refrigerant, which is mixed by R32(69%) and R1234yf(31%). Its GWP value is approximately 466, which is lower than R410A (The GWP value is approximately 2088). It's primarily designed to replace R410A, suitable for new housing, business air conditioners, and heat pump systems. The work pressure of R454B is the same as that of R410A, but R454B offers higher efficiency and significantly reduced environmental impact.

Detecting the low-GWP refrigerants, such as R454B, is more complex than detecting traditional refrigerants.              

1、Smaller molecules:The R454b can penetrate even smaller cracks and crevices than R410A, which makes it more difficult to locate the leak points.                                                                                2、Spreads easily:The R454B spreads faster, resulting in a lower concentration at the leak point, which requires higher-accuracy leak detectors                                                                                                 3、Environmental interference:The non-professional leak detector will false alarm if there are other  hydrocarbons around                                                                                                         4、Safety and regulations: The R454B is one of A2L refrigerants, finding the leaks on time is very crucial to ensure system safety, protect maintenance engineers' health and comply with environmental regulations.

 Recommend the best refrigerant leak detectors for R454B Refrigerant. 

Choosing a suitable refrigerant leak detectors is a key condition to locate the leak points. According to the features of R454B, we recommend the following detectors.  

Infrared (IR) Leak Detectors             

Working principle: Utilizing the absorption characteristics of specific gasses towards infrared radiation. Calibration can be performed for specific refrigerants such as R454B.

Advantages: high sensitivity, good selectivity, not easily affected by background gas interference, no risk of sensor poisoning, and fast response speed.

Recommended scenarios: professional maintenance personnel, leak detection for large commercial systems, and precise positioning.

Brand model reference: Aprvtio ALD-300, Inficon D-TEK 3, Yellow Jacket AccuProbe

Heated Diode (HD) leak detector

Working principle: decompose refrigerant molecules through heating and measure changes in ion flow. 

Advantages: Highly sensitive to halogen gasses (including HFCs and HFOs) and able to quantitatively display leakage rates.

Disadvantage: The sensor probe is susceptible to contamination (poisoning) from substances such as silicone and grease, and requires regular cleaning and replacement.

Recommended scenario: occasions requiring high sensitivity and quantification of leakage rate. Brand and model reference: Aprvtio ALD-200,  CPS LS1

Key points for purchase: Confirm that the equipment manufacturer clearly lists support for testing R454B or similar HFO mixed refrigerants (such as R1234yf). Priority should be given to models with high sensitivity (usually expressed in grams per year or ounces per year), rapid response, and strong anti-interference ability. 

Daily maintenance and usage tips. 

Calibrated termly: Calibrate the detectors according to the manufacturer's advice strictly by professional labs.  

Sensor maintenance: For HD sensors, avoid contact with silicone sealant, oil fumes, and large amounts of refrigerant vapor. IR-type sensors need to keep the optical window clean.

Battery management: Ensure sufficient battery power, low battery may affect sensitivity.

Skills improvement: Create a calm environment: Turn off the fan and air conditioning during detection, or cover suspicious areas with plastic sheeting to prevent gas from being blown away. System pressurization: Within the safe permissible range, increasing the system pressure appropriately (but not exceeding the maximum working pressure) can make leaks easier to detect.

Segmented isolation: For complex systems, valves can be closed for segmented detection to quickly narrow down the scope of faults.

Patience and meticulousness: Micro leak detection requires time and patience, and moving the probe slowly and systematically is key. 

In the face of new environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R454B, successful leak detection relies on understanding the gas characteristics, selecting appropriate professional tools, and following rigorous detection procedures. 

Investing in a high-quality infrared or heating diode leak detector that supports R454B and combining it with an ultrasonic leak detector and traditional soap bubble method for cross validation is currently the most effective solution. By regularly maintaining equipment and cultivating good testing habits, technicians can ensure the efficient, safe, and environmentally compliant operation of the system.