Detect-A-Leak™ Tracer Compound

It is essential that you monitor filter bags frequently for deterioration or failure. Our leak detection system requires the least amount of downtime for your demanding operating schedule. The old method of having a maintenance engineer inspect each bag for tears, holes, and leaking seams is highly labor intensive and does not provide a foolproof check. This procedure also involves extensive exposure of maintenance personnel to a highly dusty and sometimes dangerous atmosphere.

Broken bags allow the Detect-A-Leak compound to pass through the bag to the "clean" side of the collector. The compound is activated by a special detector light and radiates an intense glow, therefore rapidly locating defective bags. There is usually a large buildup of compound around a broken bag which will emit an intense glow. Bleed though of the compound, caused particularly with woven material bags or bags that have been in service for a long period, may give the appearance of a broken bag. You will quickly learn to differentiate between the two effects. The material has a very small particle size (2-5 micron) and can be used to locate leaky seams or faulty seals. For best results, do not expose the compound to temperatures higher than 550° F.

It is important to keep in mind that leaks in a baghouse do not necessarily point to leaking or faulty filter bags. Detect-A-Leak identifies leaks in seals, as well as hairline cracks in the tubesheet and at weld points - structural leaks that otherwise often cannot be detected at all unless they are clearly obvious.

Detect-A-Leak is available in a variety of fluorescent colors. Make sure that you have more than one color on hand in order to verify leak repairs.

Operating Instructions

1. Locate a convenient position on the ductwork that is on the suction side of the fan. The port should be at least 3" in diameter. The simplest means of injection is to install a 4" pipe nipple with a cap onto the duct.
2. Shut off the cleaning mechanism, start the fan and introduce the Detect-A-Leak compound in the mixture of 1 lb. for every 1,000 ft² of filter area. It is best to turn off the bag cleaning mechanism in order to leave a dustcake on the filter bags. The resulting high pressure differential between the clean and dirty side of the bags will encourage the compound to flow through any holes. Injecting the Detect-A-Leak compound should take about one minute. Allow the fan to run no more than 30 seconds after injection of the tracer compound. DO NOT operate the cleaning mechanism during or after the injection of the Detect-A-Leak compound.
3. Shut off the fan and inspect, using the Detect-A-Leak blacklight. For pulse type units, inspection involves opening the top door and shining the light over the clean air plenum. For shaker or reverse air units, inspection takes place from the inside, starting with the lower level and concentrating the light around the cellplate and thimbles.