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Contamination
&
Leak Detection
Objectives
Identifying Refrigerant
Types of Contamination
Finding Leaks
Refrigerant Identifier
Why is it important?
Mixing of refrigerants can cause damage
to A/C components
An identifier tests the purity of refrigerant
Purity must be at least 98% to reuse
Newer alternative refrigerants have
increased the occurrence of contamination
Refrigerant Identifier
Connect hose to
low side of A/C
system
Identifier will show
“R-12”, “R134a”,
or “unknown”
Reclaim only if
refrigerant is
identified correctly
Types of Contamination
Sealant Contamination
Seal Sweller
softens the seals and o-rings in the system
causing them to expand
Problem?
Stop Leak
chemically reacts with moisture to form an
epoxy
Problem?
Types of Contamination
Contamination of sealer can damage A/C
components, as well as recovery and
charging equipment
Refrigerant identifiers do not detect
sealers
A separate identifier must be used
Types of Contamination
Air Contamination
Usually occurs when the system is
opened to service components
May occur from a system leak
An improperly operating low-pressure
switch can cause air to be drawn into
the system
Atmospheric pressure exceeds system
pressure and a vacuum is created
Types of Contamination
If air contamination is found, the system
must be evacuated and recharged
If a leak caused the air, the system will
hold very little or no vacuum during the
recharge process
Types of Contamination
Moisture Contamination
Often occurs when the system is
opened to service components
May be due to a failed receiver-drier or
accumulator
Whenever the system is opened, lines
and components must be sealed off
immediately to prevent moisture from
entering the system
Types of Contamination
Water reacts with refrigerant to form
hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is very corrosive and
damages all metal parts including
copper, aluminum and steel
Maximum allowable moisture content in
the A/C system is 10 ppm
One drop of water in a 2 lb system
equals 60 ppm (6 times the allowable
amount)
Types of Contamination
Preventing Uncap and install the
Moisture receiver-drier or
accumulator last when
Contamination
replacing
Cap off all lines and
components
immediately after
opening system
Avoid working
around water or in
humid conditions
Types of Contamination
Preventing Moisture Contamination
Keep refrigerant oil and system dyes in a
dry clean place
Use clean tools when working on the A/C
system
Only charge system with a known good
refrigerant
Pull vacuum on the system before
charging to remove any moisture present
Types of Contamination
Moisture Removal The vacuum pump
A vacuum pump must removes the moisture
be used to remove from the system in a
moisture from the vapor state
system
Pump is connected to
both the high and low
pressure lines of the
system through the
service valves
Vacuum lowers the
boiling point of water
and causes it to boil
Types of Contamination
Moisture Removal
25-30 inches of vacuum should be
maintained on the system for 20-30
minutes
The pump should then be turned off and
the system monitored for 5-10 minutes
to see if vacuum is lost
A loss of vacuum indicates a leak in the
system
If excessive moisture is found in the
system, the receiver-drier or
Leak Detection
Leak Testing
Visual Inspection
A/C leaks often leave
refrigerant oil
deposits that can be
seen during
inspection
Closely inspect o-ring
connections and
component fittings
Look for traces of oil
on the compressor
clutch indicating a
leaking compressor
shaft seal
Leak Testing
Soapy Water
Effective and cheap
for accessible areas
50/50 mix of dish
soap and water in a
spray bottle
Bubbles will form
anywhere
refrigerant is
leaking
Does not find leaks
that are losing less
than 40 oz per year
Leak Testing
Visible Dye
Specific for refrigerant
type (R12; R134a) unless
otherwise specified
May be injected into a
system under pressure
System must have at
least 50 psi of pressure
to accurately find leaks
After the vehicle is
driven for a couple days
with the A/C operated,
the dye will visibly show
at the leak
Leak Testing
Fluorescent Dye
Specific for
refrigerant type (R12;
R134a)
Injected into the
system
Dye shows up quicker
than visible dye, but
vehicle may still have
to be driven a while
Dye shows up as
bright yellow under a
black light where a
leak is present
Leak Testing
Electronic Leak
Detector
Able to detect as little
as ½ ounce loss per
year
Makes an audible
sound when the
probe comes in
contact with
refrigerant
Since refrigerant is
heavier than air, it is
usually detected on
the bottom side of
Leak Testing
Electronic Leak
Detector
– Select (1) for R134a or
(2) for R12
– Adjust sensing level
until a steady tick is
heard
– Run probe along lines
and fittings, starting on
the top and working
down
– Sensitivity may have to
be adjusted to pinpoint
small leaks
Areas to Check for Leaks