LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
(OP)
Hi,
I would like to know what would be the best way to use to detect a leak in evaporator used in sugar refinery. Has to be non-toxic, cannot be generated from a flamable source (ie.smoke). I was thinking of dye visible under UV light.
Please also mention the manufacturer of the suggested detection agent(s).
Thank you for your help.
I would like to know what would be the best way to use to detect a leak in evaporator used in sugar refinery. Has to be non-toxic, cannot be generated from a flamable source (ie.smoke). I was thinking of dye visible under UV light.
Please also mention the manufacturer of the suggested detection agent(s).
Thank you for your help.





RE: LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
RE: LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
RE: LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
I think widla has the solution I'm assuming that a Water Hydrostatic test is out of the question?
RE: LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
I suggest FREON detector, used by air conditioneer tech's
<nbucska@pcperipherals.com>
RE: LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
RE: LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
Patricia Lougheed
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of the Eng-Tips Forums.
RE: LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
RE: LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
RE: LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
How big is the evaporator, diameter?
If you go the soap bubble route use a leak detection fluid instead of soapy water unless you know the leaks are large.
Do the checking in sections. On some big exchangers where it was thought there might be a leak, we have filled the bundle with water just to cover the tubes, warmed the bundle up the applied N2 or Helium at no more than 10 or 15 lbs. We didn't want to pressure test the vessel with a gas.
We used this on HX where the process tended to plug the leaks when cold.
If nothing has filled the cracks you could use the water wash flourescent penetrant (Zyglo) and developer with a low voltage U.V. lamp. Watch your lamps because some have 400 volts at the bulb.
It is hard to locate a leak in large vessel with tubes using a helium sniffer. Helium diffuses so quick that all you will be able to determine is that there is a leak. Helium checking to locate a leak is a big job on a heat exchanger. There small portable He leak checkers that you can rent. You do loose sensitivity with these units, though the newer units are much more sensitive. We use these units almost everyday to check flanges and valves on a vaporized heating fluid system and on all new construction. Our units were made by Marks, who has since gone out of business. For higher sensitivity we use a Leybold or Edwards mass spec.
Here are a couple of sites that you might want to check out. We use the Amgas products with great success.
http://www.amgas.com/index.htm
http://www.leak-detectors.net/
RE: LEAK DETECTION QUESTION
If it is leaking steam or similar hot fluid or gas, then an Infrared imager will detect the hot area at the leak. Similarly if it is leaking cool material -- it will detect the cool area.
In addition to infrared, airborne ultrasonics should be able to detect the leak. That may require a leak solution.
I am assuming the leak is out to ambient environment.
If the leak is into the process from the environment then IR is still applicable, providing the equipment is, for example, normally hot and the ambient air is cooler. The incoming air will cool the area surrounding the hole and reveal it to an Infrared camera.
If this needs more, or more clear, explanation, feel free to contact me directly.
Jack
Jack M. Kleinfeld, P.E. Kleinfeld Technical Services, Inc.
Infrared Thermography, Finite Element Analysis, Process Engineering
www.KleinfeldTechnical.com
RE: LEAK DETECTION QUESTION