For decades, leak detection can be a tough problem for the industry customers. The whole industry is also seeking a reliable way to fix the issues.
While vehicle manufacturers have improved their engineering standards to minimize leaks, you only have to take a look around a standard car park to see oil stains and other fluids on the tarmac. The four common types of leaks are oil, coolant, water and air conditioning and with traditional methods of detection you may be able to spot big leaks, but the smaller leaks still go undetected, annoying any customer who has been told the leak is fixed.
UV detection – how does it work?
UV leak detection is a great solution to this problem. It is a quick, easy and low-cost method for detecting leaks of all sizes and can also be used to highlight invisible leaks, such as A/C leaks. To track down the leaks, an appropriate UV fluorescent fluid is added to the system that is suffering from leakage (not brakes, it should be noted) and this is then run or pressurised so that fluid will emerge from whatever leaks may be present. Shining a UV lamp all around possible leakage points can quickly reveal all the leaks as they will glow brightly where the UV light encounters the fluorescent additive
How to undertake A/C leak detection?
As air conditioning has become more common on vehicles, so has the need for maintenance and repairs. A/C leak detection, as a result, has now become a key factor in generating profits from A/C servicing work. To aid with accurate leak detection,
Sunlonge has designed the SL1200 UV light which is used together with a range of UV dyes, can detect leaks in automotive oils and fuels, coolant systems, A/C systems and other leak applications
The SL1200 is with just 1 pcs 3W LED light source. The illuminance can be up to 48 000 uw/cm2, which makes it an ideal UV lights for the leak detection needs. The compact design makes it accessible to some very narrow space.
In conjunction with the UV light, Sunlonge has also launched fluorescent UV dyes for different applications (A/C, coolants, water ingress and engine oils). The fluorescent UV dyes are simple to use and are packaged in different measure bottles. The mechanic simply adds the UV dye into the system being tested and can then leave it to blend in the engine component for a while. Then scan the system with Sunlonge SL1200 UV light. All the leaks will be glowing brightly under SL1200 UV light.
Once the leak has been identified and repaired the SL1200 can be used again to ensure the repair has been successful. The dye is safe to leave in the system and can be used for future tests.