Leak Detection Fluids and Test Sprays
Tools, Assembly and Test Equipment
Leak detection fluids and test sprays show where a cooling circuit is losing tightness. Applied to a joint under pressure, the fluid forms a standing foam at the escape point and reveals even fine leaks at threads, couplings and hose clamps. Compared with waiting for the first droplet this has a clear advantage: the point is located before liquid reaches the rack. The method is used during the pneumatic pre-test with air or nitrogen and for fault finding on a system that is already running.
No assortment is currently listed in this category. It describes the function within the cooling circuit while the range is being built up. Compatibility is the key criterion: the fluid stays on the joint and dries there, so it must not attack the sealing materials and plastics of the circuit and must not leave residues that encourage corrosion. Once the leak is found, the area is cleaned, the joint is re-tightened to the specified torque and tested again.
What each method shows and where it reaches its limit
| Method | What it shows | Requirement | Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test spray forming foam | escaping gas directly at the joint | circuit pressurised with air or nitrogen | works only on accessible joints |
| Visual check for droplets | liquid that has already escaped | filled circuit at operating pressure | the leak has already occurred |
| Pressure drop over holding time | leakage across the whole circuit | tight test rig, temperature known | gives no position for the leak |
| Absorbent pad under the joint | slow drip leakage | access to the joint | evidence takes a correspondingly long time |
| Check of tightening torques | under- or over-torqued joints | documented target values | finds no leakage in components themselves |
- Leak location during the pneumatic pre-test of a new circuit
- Fault finding on couplings and fittings during operation
- Checking hose clamps and threaded connections after maintenance
- Testing individual sections before handover
- Repeat checks after re-tightening a leaking joint