With the Glo-Stick capsules, the dye is injected into an operating air conditioning or refrigeration system where it mixes with the refrigerant and lubricant as they circulate through the unit. Wherever refrigerant may leak out, so does the dye. The refrigerant will evaporate, but the fluorescent dye remains at the leak site. When the system is scanned with a high-intensity Spectroline ultraviolet or UV/blue light lamp, the company says, the location of each leak is revealed by a bright yellow-green glow.
AR-GLO is compatible with all commonly used refrigerants, including R-134a and blends, says the company. It is said to be solvent-free, so it cannot impair lubricant properties, which could lead to excessive wear or damage to system components.
For more information about the dye capsules, visit the Spectronics Corporation website at www.spectroline.com.
Publication date: 11/11/2002