Ultrasonic Leak Detectors

Ultrasonic Leak Detectors

Ultrasonic Leak Detectors “listen” for gas leaks in compressed air, refrigerant gas lines, steam lines, vacuum lines, and other HVAC/R applications.

The leak flow, passing through very narrow spaces (cracks, holes, etc.), generates a rich ultrasonic sound spectrum that is easy to detect by the electronic stethoscope. An electronic conversion process called heterodyning translates this ultrasound into true audible sound that helps the user distinguish leaks through headphones.

Better units will have some immunity to wind. Electronic refrigerant "sniffers" are sensitive, but sometimes too sensitive when large leaks exist, or if contaminants are present, which cause false alarms. They are also very difficult to use in windy areas.