Functional testing of portable CO2 leak detectors

With the increased use of CO₂ in recent years, more mobile CO₂ leak detectors have also come onto the market. A rough, basic functional test of these devices can be performed simply by breathing on them (using the CO₂ content present in exhaled air). However, this method can only verify that the tested device has a sensitivity of approximately 40,000 ppm. It is not possible to verify using this method whether the leak detector can also detect leak rates in the relevant range of approximately 50 g/year.

Project objective

In addition to the proven R134a-equivalent test leaks and propane-equivalent test leaks, a simple and cost-effective CO₂ test leak is to be developed for leak detection in refrigeration systems using mobile leak detectors. In principle, the new test leak will be compatible with all common detection methods used in mobile leak detectors. In addition to its use in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, the CO₂ test leak can also be used to verify other CO₂ gas leak detectors. Before each use of the leak detection devices, the functionality and detection sensitivity of the devices should be tested with such a test leak, if possible, to ensure that leaks of the appropriate magnitude are indicated.