Leak Testing of Heat Pumps that use R290 (Propane) as Refrigerant
Heat pumps using R290 (propane) as refrigerant are said to have the highest energy efficiency, offering power savings of up to 70% compared to electrical heating. And compared to a refrigerant like R410A, R290 reduces global warming by a factor of 570, making an R290 propane system one of the most environmentally-friendly systems on the market.
Leak Testing Heat Pumps That Use R290 as Refrigerant is an Integral Step in Providing Safe, Long Lasting Heat Pumps
Although R290 has a low refrigerant charge, it is important to remember that it is a flammable gas that requires attention to safety measures. Before testing for finest leaks (and before charging with refrigerant), the charging system first checks the assembly for gross leaks, as only gross leaks can cause explosive mixtures. After filling with R290, parts/assemblies can then be tested for finest leaks with the INFICON HLD5000 Smart Refrigerant Leak Detector down to 0.5 g/a (0.02 oz/yr), with minimum influence from the hydrocarbon background of the testing area. Additionally, with the INFICON Ecotec E3000 Multi-gas Sniffer Leak Detector parts/assemblies can be tested down to 0.05 g/a (0.002 oz/yr), with minimum cross-sensitivity to other sources of hydro(fluoro)carbon. For calibrating the HLD5000 or Ecotec E3000, INFICON also offers certified calibrated leaks in the range of 2 – 5 g/a.
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