TIF IR-1A Manuel Du Propriétaire page 6

Contaminate Mode
To detect even the smallest leak in refrigerant-contaminated environments,
press the PEAK button rapidly four times. The green LED will flash rapidly
to show contamination mode is on. Press the PEAK button rapidly four
times again to turn contamination mode off.
Leak Detection Procedure
1. Press and hold the ON/OFF button for one second. The warm-up and
calibration sequence takes approximately 30 seconds. The sensitivity
level defaults to High at startup.
2. The most likely place for a refrigerant leak is at soldered joints in
refrigerant lines and changes in cross section or direction of these lines.
The TIF IR-1A detects changes in concentration of refrigerant, not the
absolute concentration of refrigerant. This allows the detection of leaks
in locations that may have refrigerant in the air. Use the following
"double pass" method to find leaks from the detection of change in
refrigerant concentration.
A. Charge the system with sufficient refrigerant to have a gauge
pressure of at least 340 kPa (3,4 Bar) with the system off. At ambient
temperatures below 15 °C leaks may not be measureable because
the pressure may not be reached.
B. Visually trace the entire refrigerant system, and look for signs of air
conditioning lubricant leakage, damage, and corrosion on all lines,
hoses, and components. Check each questionable area with the
detector probe, as well as all fittings, hose-to-line couplings,
refrigerant controls, service valves with caps in place, brazed or
welded areas, and areas around attachment points and hold-downs
on lines and components. If looking for an apparently larger leak,
check first at the 7 g/yr or 14 g/yr position.
C. Always follow the refrigerant system around in a continuous path so
that no areas of potential leaks are missed. If a leak is found, always
continue to test the remainder of the system.
D. Recheck service valves with caps removed. Blow fresh air over
service valve to clear immediate area, and then check with detector
on 7 g/yr setting.
E. Move the detector at a rate of no more than 75 mm/sec (3 in/sec)
and as close as possible to 9.5 mm (3/8 in) from the surface,
completely encircling each test position (switch, sensor, refrigerant
tubing connection, etc).
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