How to find leaks in an ammonia refrigeration system?
Thread Content
Ammonia systems often have minor leakage points at their static seals; an odor can be detected, but the soapy water test fails to identify the exact location of the leak. I’m wondering if there are any other simple methods that could be used.
The issue mentioned by the original poster is also something I want to know; please discuss it and come up with a solution!
There is a simple and effective way to detect ammonia leaks: find a bottle of 85% formic acid solution, open its lid and bring it close to the sealed area; if there is a leak, white smoke will be produced, making it easy to identify the issue! That’s how I use it! (Formic acid is volatile and reacts with ammonia in the air to form white formamide):handshake
The best way is to use a pH test strip
I usually use this: apply phenolphthalein to the filter paper, and the areas that turn red are the ones we’re interested in. If the leakage is minor, place the entire piece of paper over it and watch as small red spots gradually appear