Take our recovery quiz and register for Comfortech. Elements of Effective Leak Detection Programs
The goal should be to establish proper leak detection response protocols, but also to institute proactive measures that minimize or eliminate leaks altogether. A zero-tolerance policy for leaks is ideal.
To maximize the effectiveness of leak detection programs, retailers should clearly communicate the importance of detecting and minimizing leaks across their organization — which includes communication with their HVACR contractors. If this is not currently happening, we encourage contractors to engage retail operators to discuss the benefits of investing in leak detection programs.
Accurate detection methods, reliable notifications and continuous monitoring are the key elements needed for effective leak detection programs:
Detection — Leak detection strategy should begin with detection. There are different technologies to choose from, depending on the retailer’s requirements Automatic Leak Detection (ALD) equipment can help to ensure early detection of leaks and help to identify the location. Using an automated system can reduce inefficiencies and potential for error with manual inspections. You should consider installing leak detector devices in the locations that are most likely to produce refrigerant leaks - namely, racks, condensers and cases.
Notification — To ensure that the appropriate individuals are alerted when a leak has occurred, alarms - which can be remote, local or a combination of both - are critical. Most remote notifications are integrated into a retailer’s facility management system, which can alert a technician or a remote monitoring center in order to identify, diagnose and address the leak properly.
Continuous monitoring — This element is often overlooked but is important to an effective leak detection program. By recording and analyzing the system data from when a leak occurred, retailers can correlate that information with different types of equipment or maintenance events to take appropriate action. This can help with identifying problem areas and understanding the overall impact of the leaks. Monitoring provides valuable data for retailers — and their contractors — to continually improve the effectiveness of their leak detection program to ultimately eliminate leaks, as well as assist in improving overall facility operations.
Types of Leak Detection Technologies
Direct technologies, which can be fixed hardware or portable devices used by technicians for inspections, directly monitor the concentration of refrigerants in the air. Both active and passive sensors are available for direct leak detection technologies. Active detectors use a central system with tubing that samples multiple areas. Passive sensors utilize zone-specific infrared technology, but can be expensive if a lot of them are used. Both types generally offer the ability to connect to a building management system which can provide remote notification capabilities.
For stores with refrigeration racks, indirect technologies analyze data to detect leaks. Indirect leak detection monitors the operation of a refrigeration system to infer whether a leak is present. This application is conducted with existing sensors and hardware on site, and it relies on algorithms to look at existing conditions, such as temperatures, liquid levels and ambient conditions to interpret if a leak is occurring. It also monitors the equipment history and trend analytics.
For best results, retailers can combine both technologies.
How Leak Detection Applies to Contractors
HVACR contractors working on food retail systems would benefit from better understanding the broad impact of refrigerant leaks. They can provide value to their retail partners by assisting with the implementation of an effective leak detection program. Partner with the operators to discuss the challenges and opportunities for their business, focusing on the advantages to investing in a program that helps to get to the bottom of a refrigerant leak issue - and not just focus on the quick fix.
Locating leaks can be very challenging but not finding and properly repair a leak can be very costly as noted above. Contractors can help the operators to understand the impact on energy, food quality and other issues that can arise from leaks benefiting both the operator and the contractor.
It’s important to have proper maintenance procedures in place to minimize leak rates. Perform regular inspections and implement preventive maintenance on refrigeration systems to help retailers save more over time. Avoiding refrigerant leaks is less expensive than repairing them after they’ve occurred.