Technical Data Sheet

Leak Detection Instructions & Info

Leak Detection Powder
Lower Maintenance Costs
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.
Usage
Broken bags allow the leak detection 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 through 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.

Leak Detection Colors

► Pink — good in all industries
► Green — aluminum, cement, utilities
► Yellow — all industries except where sulfur is present
► Orange — all industries except where iron oxide is present
► Blue — all industries except where dust color is very light
► Purple — all industries except where dust color is very light

Benefits

► Pinpoints bag and seal leaks
► Identifies bag failures early
► Assures effective start-up
► Decreases downtime
► Simple and easy process
► Easily seen with ultra-violet light
► Safe, non-hazardous formula
► Highly engineered product designed for high visibility
Formula

Step 1: [diameter] in x π (3.14) = [circum]
Step 2: [Step 1 result] x [length] = [circum] in2
Step 3: [Step 2 result] in2 = _______ ft2 144 in2
Step 4: _______ bags x _______ ft2 = _______ ft2 cloth area
Step 5: _______ ft2 / 1000 = lbs. of compound

Using Leak Detection Powder

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 compound in the mixture of 1 lb. for every 1,000 ft.2 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 leak detection 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 leak detection compound.
  3. Shut off the fan and inspect, using the black light.

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.

Make sure you have more than one color on hand in order to verify leak repairs!

Having trouble finding the leaky bags in your collector?

We have just the tool for that!
No more extension cords to get in the way or tiny flashlights that can’t get the job done! This is a powerful and compact blue LED flashlight kit that is designed to help maintenance personnel quickly find leaks in any dust collection unit. It is cordless and rechargeable. Helps make filter bag inspections quick and easy with less down time.
► LED Lifetime 10,000 hours
► Flashlight has four LEDs
► Beam angle approximately 15 degrees
► Quartz diffusing for a smooth beam output
► DimensionsL 5.25″ long x 2.25″ wide
Kit includes: flashlight, case, monochromatic glasses, two 18650 batteries, and battery charger (universal input, USA plug)