Patent ID: 6742384
Filing Date: 2004-06-01
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
A method for detecting leaks in a heat exchanger of the type having an internal conduit through which refrigerant is intended to pass for purposes of heat transfer between the refrigerant and a medium passing externally over said heat exchanger, comprising the steps of:providing an inner container having a leak detection sensor disposed therein; providing an outer container surrounding said inner container with a space therebetween; placing a coil to be leak detected into said inner container and connecting said coil to a source of trace gas; pressurizing said coil with trace gas and using said sensor to detect leaks therein; with apparatus separate from said sensor, collecting any leakage of the trace gas in said inner and outer containers; and wherein a trace gas recovery station is included and the method includes the additional steps of allowing trace gas from said inner container to pass to said trace gas recovery station; and passing at least some of said trace gas from said trace gas recovery station to a supply gas tank for reuse in subsequent testing.