INFICON Leak Detectors Ready for new HFO-1234yf Refrigerant

Since the beginning of this year, a new EU regulation regarding mobile air conditioners has been in effect and any newly released car models must use a refrigerant with a GWP below 150. As a result, R134a, with a GWP of 1300, will be phased out in the automotive industry. In response to the new regulation, most car manufacturers have decided to use the new HFO-1234yf, developed jointly by DuPont and Honeywell.

A new refrigerant raises the question of how to perform leak detection in the future. In 2010, INFICON updated all its leak detection products in response to the use of HFO-1234yf. Currently, INFICON offers three instruments in this field - two for testing in final assembly at the production lines and one for aftermarket service applications.

Leak Testing in the Production Line

For leak testing in final assembly, two proven leak detectors are available: the INFICON Ecotec E3000 and the HLD5000. Both are sniffer leak detectors and are widely used on automotive assembly lines.

With the HLD5000, either R134a or HFO-1234yf can be selected from an internal gas library. The instrument can be quickly set-up to a different gas by a simple two button operation before each test. However, the HLD5000 is fully cross-sensitive to both refrigerants. For example, when set to R134a, the HLD5000 will also react to concentrations of HFO-1234yf but not with the right signal size. When the correct gas is selected, the leak rates will be shown correctly. Customers who already own an HLD5000 leak detector need the newest software release to use the HFO-1234yf functionality. If currently using the R134a probe, the leak detector also needs to be upgraded with a Smart probe. The HLD5000 can be calibrated with the built-in COOL-Check test leak or with an external test leak for HFO-1234yf (also available from INFICON).

The Ecotec E3000 uses a different detection principle than the HLD5000 and is, therefore, able to distinguish correctly between gases. Up to four different gases can be detected at the same time without cross-sensitivity. Operators do not need to switch between gases, as the Ecotec E3000 will automatically detect which gas and what leak size without any interference from the operator. Customers who already own the Ecotec E3000 should contact their INFICON service representative for the newest software release. The Ecotec E3000 can be calibrated with the built-in ECO-Check test leak or with an external test leak for HFO-1234yf.

Leak Testing in Service Stations

The D-Tek Select leak detector, developed for service applications in the aftermarket, is also capable of detecting leaks of HFO-1234yf. Like the HLD5000, D-TEK Select will react to both refrigerants, R134a and HFO-134a. The D-Tek Select has a string of LEDs to show the presence of refrigerants, but no numerical calibrated leak rate is available and only the presence of the refrigerant is detected.

For more information about INFICON leak detectors that are next-generation refrigerant ready, visit www.inficon.com.