SAE J2970_201207

This standard provides the testing and functional requirements guidance necessary for a leak detection device that uses any non-A/C refrigerant tracer gas, such as helium or a nitrogen-hydrogen blend, to provide functional performance equivalent to a refrigerant electronic leak detector. It explains how a non- refrigerant leak detector’s calibration can be established to provide levels of detection equal to electronic leak detectors that meet SAE J2791 for R-134a and SAE J2913 for R-1234yf. Loss of refrigerant from leaking systems occurs when a system is charged to enable use of an electronic refrigerant leak detector or trace dye. Although a system can be checked with an electronic detector with as little as 10-15% of the specified charge installed in the system, trace dyes if not previously installed require a full refrigerant charge. As a result, use of any refrigerant as a fluid medium for leak detection is subject to regulation and an environmentally benign alternative may be required. Some manufacturers have proposed using a nitrogen/hydrogen blend as a trace gas for use in leak detection of mobile air conditioning systems. This standard is meant to define the minimum requirements for safety and performance of all non-refrigerant leak-tracer gasses.