How a Refrigerant Leak Detector Works: Principles and Use Cases
In the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning(HVAC) systems, refrigerant leaks not only reduce system efficiency but can also cause energy waste and environmental pollution. In order to solve this problem, the refrigeration service technicians always use the refrigerant leak detector to locate and repair the leak, that why the HVAC leak detectors are an essential tool in HVAC.
The digital refrigerant leak detectors can quickly identify various refrigerant types, R410A, R134a, R22, even can detect the new LOW-GWP refrigerants, such as R32, R454B, R600, R290. The freon leak detectors help technicians detect system problems early, prevent equipment damage, and avoid refrigerant emissions into the atmosphere.
The types of Senors: Infrared, Heated Diode, Corona
The different refrigerant leak detectors are built in different sensors and use different technologies. There are three most common types used in HVAC leak detection tools.
1️、Infrared Sensor
The infrared refrigerant leak detector identifies leaks by analyzing how refrigerant gases absorb infrared light at specific wavelengths. When refrigerant molecules are present in the air, the infrared beam is partially absorbed, and the system calculates the leak concentration based on signal variation.
Advantages: High sensitivity; Strong resistance to interference; Long sensor lifespan(more than 10 years); Wide range of refrigerants
Disadvatages: Expensive and has certain technological barriers
Reconmand Product: ALD-300 Infrared Refrigerant Leak Detector
2️、Heated Diode Sensor
The heated diode refrigerant leak detector works by detecting the ionization effect of halogenated gases (such as fluorine and chlorine). When refrigerant gas passes through the sensor, the ionization current changes, indicating the presence of a leak.
Advantages: High sensitivity and fast response; Cost-effective design; Ideal for quick on-site HVAC service inspections; 500 hours sensor lifespan; Wide range of refrigerants
Disadvatages: Weak resistance to interference
Representative Model: ALD-200 HP Heated Diode Refrigerant Leak Detector (used in air conditioner and heat pump system)
3️、Corona Discharge Sensor
The corona discharge refrigerant leak detector generates an ion current in a high-voltage electric field. When refrigerant molecules enter the detection area, they disturb the corona discharge current, triggering an audible or visual alarm.
Advantages: Extremely fast response; Suitable for detecting tiny refrigerant leaks
Disadvantages:May be affected by humidity and dust; can not detect flammable refrigerants
Classic Product:WJL-6000 PRO Refrigerant leak detector
The Refrigerant Leak Detector Works Principles
The core of the refrigerant leak detection is identifying the gas and processint the signal. The following are the basic steps of the test:
1、The detectos inhale the refrigerant gas
2、the refrigerant reflect with the sensors and cause the changes in electrical signas
3、The internal circuitry amplifies the signal and performs digital analysis
4、The detector will alarm through beep, LED light and FTF screen display, when the detected value exceeds the threshold.
Commonly used in: air conditioning repair and installation, cold storage and food transportation, heat pumps and commercial refrigeration equipment, and automotive air conditioning systems.
With increasingly stringent environmental regulations, refrigerant leak detection has become standard practice in the HVAC industry. Choosing the right detector not only improves work efficiency but also helps companies meet environmental requirements and avoid refrigerant waste.
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