Inficon D-TEK User manual

D-TEK
Refrigerant Leak Detector
OPERATING MANUAL

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Declaration of Conformity
This is to certify that this equipment, designed and manufactured by:
INFICON Inc.
2 Technology Place
East Syracuse, NY 13057
USA
meets the essential safety requirements of the European Union and
is placed on the market accordingly. It has been constructed in
accordance with good engineering practice in safety matters in
force in the Community and does not endanger the safety of
persons, domestic animals or property when properly installed and
maintained and used in applications for which it was made.
Equipment Description: D-TEK Refrigerant Leak Detector
Applicable Directives: 73/23/EEC as amended by 93/68/EEC
89/336/EEC as amended by 93/68/EEC
Applicable Standards: EN 61010-1 : 1993
EN50081-1 : 1992
EN50082-1 : 1992
CE Implementation Date: January 3, 1995
Authorized
Representative: Gary W. Lewis
Vice President-Quality Assurance
INFICON Inc.
ANY QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO THIS DECLARATION OR TO THE SAFETY OF INFICON’S PRODUCTS SHOULD BE
DIRECTED, IN WRITING, TO THE QUALITY ASSURANCE DEPARTMENT AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS.
THIS SYMBOL IS INTENDED TO ALERT THE USER TO THE PRESENCE OF IMPORTANT
OPERATING AND MAINTENANCE (SERVICING) INSTRUCTIONS IN THE LITERATURE
ACCOMPANYING THE INSTRUMENT.

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Thank you for buying the
INFICON D-TEK Refrigerant Leak Detector!
D-TEK combines sophisticated technology with durability for an
instrument with outstanding sensitivity that’s still Laboratory
Accurate, Toolbox Tough
TM
. With normal use and little special care,
your D-TEK Refrigerant Leak Detector from INFICON will give you
years of trouble-free service.
The D-TEK’s High-Performance Features
• Electrochemical heated-diode sensor
• “No-reset” detection of CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs
• Automatic adjustment (zeroing) to refrigerants in leak test area
• Rugged flexible probe
• Foam filter for sensor protection
• High/Low leak-sensitivity switch
• Convenient ON/OFF switch with LED indicator
• Variable-pitch audible leak-source signal
• Progressive yellow LED leak-magnitude indicators
• Rechargeable, replaceable NiCd power cells
• AC mains power adapter (100, 120, 220, 240 VAC models
available)
To get the best performance from your D-TEK Leak Detector,
please read this manual carefully before you start using the
instrument. If you have any questions or need additional assistance,
please call 800-344-3304. We’ll be happy to help you.

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Green LED’s
Yellow LED’s
On/Off
switch
Rubberized
grip
Flexible probe
High/Low sensitivity switch
Power-cell
compartment
Power jack
Headphone jack
Heated-diode sensor
Tip protector
Getting Started
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE THIS INSTRUMENT IN THE
PRESENCE OF GASOLINE, NATURAL GAS, PROPANE, OR IN
OTHER COMBUSTIVE ATMOSPHERES.
Installing the Sensor
The D-TEK Refrigerant Leak Detector is shipped with the heated-
diode sensor packed separately. The sensor is located in the foil
protective package along with a desiccant capsule to keep it dry.
Installation of the sensor in the tip of the leak detector is required
before use. The steps for installation are:
• Locate the end of the leak detector probe and unscrew (counter-
clockwise) the tip protector. The three sockets are for the leads
of the D-TEK sensor to fit into.
• Remove the sensor from the foil protective package. The sensor
is the small metal “can” with a hole in the top.

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Installing the Sensor (Continued)
• Carefully align the 3 leads (small wires coming out of the bottom
of the cap) on the sensor with the 3 sockets in the top of the
probe. Insert the leads into the sockets and press them together.
Note: You must be careful not to bend the sensor leads because this
can cause erratic operation (see Troubleshooting.)
• Place the tip protector (with filter installed) over the sensor and
tighten snugly by turning cap in clockwise direction.
Charging the Power Cells
Because the D-TEK’s power cells are nickel/cadmium, they are not
yet charged. To charge them, connect the cord of the AC power
adapter to the power jack at the rear of the instrument, and plug the
adapter into the appropriate mains outlet. Allow 10 hours for the full
charge. Even while the power cells are being charged,
your D-TEK Leak Detector’s power cords allow it to
operate (see Using Your INFICON D-TEK) .
Note:
Power cells must be installed in the detector for proper operation.
Using Your INFICON D-TEK
WARNING: DO NOT OPERATE THIS INSTRUMENT IN THE
PRESENCE OF GASOLINE, NATURAL GAS, PROPANE, OR IN
OTHER COMBUSTIVE ATMOSPHERES.
Using the D-TEK Refrigerant Leak Detector is simple: Make sure
the sensitivity switch is set on HIGH, then slide the power switch to
the ON position. The green ON indicator lamp will light, and some
or all of the yellow warm-up indicator lamps will come on. When the
yellow lamps all go off, the unit is ready to use.
The INFICON D-TEK Refrigerant Leak Detector provides similar
responses to all CFC’s, HCFC’s, HFC’s and refrigerant blends (i.e.,

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Using Your INFICON D-TEK (Continued)
R-404A, R407C, R-410A) as well as SF
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. There is no need to select
the refrigerant you’re working with.
Headphone sets may be used with the D-TEK Refrigerant Leak
Detector. When the headphones are plugged into the detector, the
audio signal will only be heard through the headset.
WARNING: ONLY USE HEADPHONE SETS SUPPLIED BY
INFICON, PART #032-404. SERIOUS HEARING DAMAGE MAY
OCCUR IF OTHER HEADPHONE SETS ARE USED.
Finding Leaks
• Place the tip of the leak-detector probe as close as possible to
the site of the suspected leak. Try to position the probe within
1/4 inch of the possible leak source.
• Slowly (approximately 1-2 inches per second)
move the probe
past each possible leakage point.
Note: It is important to move the tip of the probe past the leak to get a
correct reading. The INFICON D-TEK only responds to changes in
concentration of the refrigerant from the leak. Moving the probe permits
the instrument to respond properly to these changes.
• Watch for the yellow lamps to light, and listen for a tone. When
the instrument detects a leak source, its yellow lamps will light,
and it will emit a different audible tone.
• When the D-TEK signals a leak, pull the probe away from the
leak for a moment, then bring it back to pinpoint the location.
• If the concentration of the refrigerant gas is high, slide the
sensitivity switch to LOW before repositioning the probe at the

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suspected leak source. The LOW sensitivity setting helps find
the exact site when a leak is large.
• Once you have isolated the leak source, return the sensitivity
setting to HIGH to continue using the D-TEK.
Note: When you reset the instrument to HIGH, as when you turn it on
initially, the yellow lamps will relight and the tone will sound again
momentarily.
• When you’ve finished leak-testing, turn OFF the instrument.
• Store your INFICON D-TEK in a clean place, protected from
shock, impact, or other possible damage.
Choosing Power Options
The INFICON D-TEK Refrigerant Leak Detector will operate either
on charged power cells or by connection to the AC power adapter.
When the unit is plugged in using the AC power adapter, the power
cells will continue to be charged while the D-TEK is operating,
although somewhat more slowly than if the instrument is OFF.
Two DC power cords are also available, designed to charge and
power the D-TEK from your vehicle’s battery. One DC power cord
plugs into your cigarette lighter; the other has battery clips. As with
the AC adapter, the D-TEK can be operated while connected to the
12-volt supply.
Note: Power cells must be installed in the detector for proper operation.
Maintaining Your INFICON D-TEK
Recharging the Power Cells
Fully charged power cells should provide power for greater than 6
hours of continuous operation. When the charge is getting low, the
green light starts to flash. The flashing light indicates that you have

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about 1 hour of useful charge in the power cells. To recharge the
power cells, use one of the instrument’s power cords.
WARNING: DO NOT ATTACH ANY OTHER POWER
CORDS TO THE D-TEK’S POWER JACK EXCEPT THE AC
POWER ADAPTER AND DC CORDS DESIGNED FOR THIS
INSTRUMENT.
• Connect the AC power adapter cord to the instrument, and plug
the adapter into a working outlet
or
•Connect one of the DC cords to the D-TEK, and tap the power
from your vehicle’s battery.
Allow 10 hours for a full charge. You can operate the leak detector
on any of its power cords while the power cells are charging. Using
the instrument while the power cells are charging, however, will
lengthen the time required for a complete charge. The leak
detector will not overcharge the power cells, but for maximum
power cell life, disconnect the power adapter when the power cells
are fully charged.
Maintaining Your INFICON D-TEK
Recharging the Power Cells (Continued)
Probe
Sensor
Filter
Tip protector
Changing the Filter
The foam filter at the probe tip should be replaced if it becomes
plugged with water or oil. To replace the filter, unscrew the tip

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Changing the Filter (Continued)
protector (counter clockwise) and simply push out (with a paper
clip or similar diameter object) the filter from the sensor side (larger
end) of the tip protector. Slide the new filter into the small hole in
the tip protector, then replace the tip protector.
If the sensor unplugs when you remove the tip protector, take it out
and plug it back in, as described in the next section.
Changing the Sensor
The D-TEK’s electrochemical heated-diode sensing element is
located in the tip of the probe. This specialized sensor will operate
for about 100 hours. At that point, you should replace the sensor:
•Turn OFF the leak detector.
•Locate the end of the leak detector probe and unscrew (counter
clockwise) the tip protector. Pull the sensor (the sensor is the
small “can”with the hole in the top) straight out, which unplugs
it.
•Remove the replacement sensor from the foil protective
package.
•Carefully align the 3 leads (small wires coming out the bottom of
the can) on the sensor with the 3 sockets in the top of the probe.
Insert the leads into the sockets and press them together.
Note: You must be careful not to bend the sensor leads because this
can cause erratic operation (see Troubleshooting .)
•Take this opportunity to change the filter, too. (see Changing
the Filter
.)
•Place the tip protector over the sensor and tighten snugly by
turning cap in clockwise direction.

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Sensitivity Check
The D-TEK has a circuit that allows the operator to check the
sensor’s operation, insuring your instrument will be able to sense
refrigerant at the specified rate. To do this check you should:
•Turn on the D-TEK with the sensitivity switch in the HIGH
position. Be sure you either have charged power cells or you
are operating the D-TEK off the AC adapter.
•After the D-TEK goes through its warm up and all the yellow
LED’s turn off, move the sensitivity switch from HIGH to LOW
and then back to HIGH.
•If you do
not see three (3) or more yellow LED’s light then zero
out, your sensor has either lost its ability to pick up the specified
refrigerant leak or your D-TEK has a malfunction (see Trouble-
shooting
.)
Removing/Replacing the Power Cells
If you have a set of three fully charged power cells, you may
exchange the
complete set with the three used cells in the leak
detector, then recharge the originals later.
Note: Power cells must be installed in the detector for proper operation.
Remove the battery compartment door on the back of the D-TEK by
pressing on both release buttons on the grip and pulling the door
straight out. See the photo below for location of parts. The batteries
are free to slide out into your hand.
Release Button
(Other side not shown)
Battery Door