Hydrogen Sniffing Leak Detection

HVAC & Refrigeration Manufacturing

High-Sensitivity Tracer Gas Leak Detection for Production

Hydrogen sniffing leak detection is a proven and highly sensitive method for detecting leaks during HVAC and refrigeration manufacturing, assembly, and end-of-line testing. By charging components or complete systems with a safe hydrogen/nitrogen tracer gas mixture and scanning with precision hydrogen sniffing leak detectors, manufacturers can reliably identify micro-leaks that impact product quality, efficiency, and long-term reliability.

This technique is widely used in OEM production lines and component manufacturing facilities.

Benefits for HVAC & Refrigeration Manufacturers

• Improved product quality and reliability

• Reduced warranty claims and field failures

• Lower test costs compared to helium

• Hydrogen Leak Detectors are much less maintenance intensive compared to helium leak detectors
• Background of hydrogen does not increase to a level to hinder production

Our VL30 Hydrogen Leak Detector- Also Detects Refrigerants HFC, HFO & R600a

-Shock proof housing
-Intuitive interface with 4 line LCD
-Easy Low Maintenance
-Simple Calibration
-Automatic zero of background gases (ambient contamination)
- Self-Checking of probe connection
-Audible leak rate indication with adjustable volume

Leak Rate Specifications for the VL30

0. 5 g/yr- R290, HFC, HFO, R134a, R407a, R404a, R410a
0.05 g/yr- R600a
0.3 g/yr (3x10-6 atm cc/sec)  5% H2/ 95% N2

Hydrogen Sniffing vs. Other Manufacturing Leak Tests

Manufacturing Applications

Hydrogen sniffing leak detection is used throughout HVAC and refrigeration manufacturing, including:

HVAC Manufacturing

• Heat exchangers and coils

• Line sets and tubing assemblies

• Brazed and welded joints

• Valves and service ports

• Complete indoor and outdoor units

Refrigeration Manufacturing

• Compressors and compressor housings

• Condensers and evaporators

• Display cases and cabinets

• Refrigeration racks and piping

• CO₂ and low-GWP system components

How Hydrogen Sniffing Leak Detection Works

1. Pressurize with Tracer Gas
   Components or assemblies are filled with 95% nitrogen / 5% hydrogen, a non-flammable tracer gas mixture.

2. Stabilize Pressure
   The part is allowed to stabilize to ensure consistent and repeatable detection.

3. Sniff Critical Areas
   A hydrogen leak detector probe is passed over joints, seams, fittings, and welds.

4. Detect and Quantify Leaks
   The detector provides audible and visual feedback, allowing operators to locate and document leak points.

5. Repair & Verify
   After repair, sniffing is repeated to confirm leak elimination.

Get the Right Manufacturing Leak Detection Solution

Effective implementation depends on test pressure, detector sensitivity, probe technique, and production workflow. We provide:

• Hydrogen tracer gas solutions

• Manufacturing-grade hydrogen sniffing detectors

• Application engineering and process support

👉 Contact us at 770-4789-7138 to discuss hydrogen sniffing leak detection for HVAC and refrigeration manufacturing applications.