Method of introducing an in situant into a vapor compression system, especially useful for leak detection, as well as an apparatus for leak detection and a composition useful for leak detection

US6327897A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Mainstream Engineering Corporation · US

Inventors

• Robert P. Scaringe · Melbourne, US
• Lawrence R. Grzyll · Merritt Island, US
• Dwight D. Back · Stuart, US
• Joseph E. Mayer · Minnetonka, US
• John A. Meyer · Buffalo Grove, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 11, 1998
• Grant date: Dec 11, 2001
• Expiry date: Jun 11, 2018

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F25B2500/222
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Leaks are detected in a vapor compression system using fluorescent and daylight visible in situants which are introduced to a system by way of a carrier and dissolved into the systems oil or lubricant. This invention teaches the use of POE oil as a universal carrier fluid, alone or in combination with an alcohol, and combined with one or more "in situants". The in situants are compounds which are the same or substantially similar to compounds already present in oils or lubricants. An on-off UV light source, such as a xenon light, can the be used to visually detect the leak from the vapor compression system components.