Minimum Performance Requirements for Non-Refrigerant Tracer Gasses and Electronic Tracer Gas Leak Detectors J2970_201207

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4271/J2970_201207

Issuing Committee: Interior Climate Control Service Committee

Publisher: SAE International

Pages: 14

Rationale: Loss of refrigerant from leaking systems occurs when a system is charged to enable use of an electronic refrigerant leak detector or trace dye. Although a system can be checked with an electronic detector with as little as 10-15% of the specified charge installed in the system, trace dyes if not previously installed require a full refrigerant charge. As a result, use of any refrigerant as a fluid medium for leak detection is subject to regulation and an environmentally benign alternative may be required. Some manufacturers have proposed using a nitrogen/hydrogen blend as a trace gas for use in leak detection of mobile air conditioning systems. This standard is meant to define the minimum requirements for safety and performance of all non-refrigerant leak-tracer gasses.