Method of Statement

Pressure (Leak) Test for Copper Refrigerant Pipes by Using Gas Nitrogen
1. At the indoor position, one end of the copper pipes to be sealed by clamping and welding.
Then, an access valve to be brazed to the other end of the copper pipes.
2. At the outdoor unit position, the suction and discharge copper pipes will be jointed
together by brazing a u-shape copper to the end of the pipes.
3. A pressure gauge is used to measure the pressure reading of the Gas Nitrogen. Connect
one charging hose to the access valve at the copper pipe and another charging hose to the
regulator of the nitrogen tank.
4. Open the regulator valve at the nitrogen tank. Open the charging valve at the pressure
gauge slowly to release the Gas Nitrogen into the copper pipe. When the pressure reading
reaches at 250 psi, close both the charging valve and regulator. Disconnect the charging
hose from the regulator.
For capillary tube, which located at the condensing unit (for 1 HP to 2.5 HP), the suction
and discharge pressure are as follow:
Suction pipe: 70 psi.
Discharge pipe: 140 psi.
5. For 3.0 HP and above, where the capillary tube is located at the indoor unit the test
pressure will be 300 psi.
6. Take the initial pressure reading. After 4 hours, take the reading again. If there is no drop
or within 5% drop of the initial reading, the copper pipe is tested with no leakage.
7. If the pressure reading is drop more than 10% of the initial reading, check every brazing
point at the copper pipe to find out the leakage point and rectify the leakage point.
8. Repeat step 4 to step 7 to retest the copper pipe. If there is no drop or within 5% drop of
the initial reading, the copper pipe is tested with no leakage.
9. Disconnect the pressure gauge from the copper pipe. Repeat the same process for the
copper pipes for every air conditioner unit.