WHAT IS THE LEAK RATE?
Particularly if using pipeline
gas supply leaks can occur in the many pipe connections, fittings and gas
delivery hoses. Unfortunately these leaks work 24/7 and can be very
costly. In addition while the valuable shielding gas is leaking
out-moisture laden air is going back through the same hole! To
understand how that can occur requires discussing the fellow who discovered
how mixed gases behave, John Dalton (born in 1766.) That information as well
as much more is covered in our:
Lean Welding Manufacturing Tools,
"Optimizing Shielding Gas Use and Eliminating Waste";
It provides a simple approach to allow calculation of the gas leak
rate in pipelines and gas hoses.
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The
photo left shows how a leak detect solution found a 1 to 2 CFH leak.
We plugged the hose end and slightly loosened the fitting to produce this
leak. The ball in the flow gauge was just off its seat. A simple
leak detect solution easily found the leak. The bubble test solution quickly
produced bubbles. Using a leak detect solution is better than soap. It
will produce smaller bubbles and more accurately define smaller leaks.
It also will not corrode the brass fittings.