Inficon WHISPER User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
Whisper®
Ultrasonic Leak Detector

2
Declaration Of Conformity
This is to certify that this equipment, designed and manufactured by
INFICON® Inc., Two 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. . . . . . . . Whisper® Ultrasonic Leak Detector
Applicable Directives . . . . . . . . . 73/23/EEC as amended by 93/68/EEC
89/336/EEC as amended by 93/68/EEC
Applicable Standards . . . . . . . . . EN61010-1: 1993 EN55011, Group 1,
Class A: 1991 EN50082-1: 1992
CE Implementation Date . . . . . . January 15, 2001
Authorized Representative. . . . . Duane Wright
Manager, 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.
WARNING
This symbol is used to alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying this instrument.
INFICON® and Whisper® are trademarks of INFICON Inc.

3
Introduction
The Whisper® will detect and locate sources of ultrasonic disturbance through
the use of sophisticated circuitry.
An ultrasonic disturbance is created when objects collide. Vacuum leaks
create collisions between molecules flowing through an orifice. Pressure leaks
create collisions between molecules exiting an orifice. All gases and liquids
create disturbances if forced into, or out of, an orifice. All solid materials create
disturbances when any friction exists.
The Whisper is therefore capable of detecting and locating sources of
ultrasonic disturbances created by gases, liquids or solids.
General Information
The Whisper is a very sensitive instrument used to detect and locate the
source of vacuum and/or pressure leaks of liquids and/or gases. The Whisper
is sensitive only to ultrasound (40.5 kHz) and is unaffected by audible noise.
INTERNAL NOISE CONTROL (I.N.C.) allows the use of this instrument in
extremely noisy environments such as mechanical rooms, around operational
chillers, etc. Rotate the “Sensitivity” knob clockwise to increase sensitivity
when experiencing little or no environmental noise. Rotate the “Sensitivity”
knob counterclockwise to reduce sensitivity in response to an increase in
environmental noise. The I.N.C. works much like a two way radio squelch
allowing only the strongest and closest signals to penetrate the electronic wall
built by the I.N.C. circuitry.
Many variables can affect the amount of ultrasound generated by the leakage
of gas through an orifice. Such factors include the pressure/vacuum and the
surrounding environment, how smooth the edges of the orifice are, the
diameter of the orifice, the leak detector’s distance from the orifice and the
presence of airflow, which may dissipate the ultrasound.
As you use the Whisper, keep in mind that these factors may affect your ability
to detect ultrasonic leaks.

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Applications
A/C Refrigerant Leaks (Any and all types of refrigerant)
Locating Worn Bearings
Leaks in Pneumatic Control Systems
Leaks in Natural Gas, LPG Leaks
Leaks in Compressed Air Systems
Leaks in Vacuum Systems
Line Set Leaks In Foundation/Walls
Diagnosing Solenoid Operations
Steam Traps
Electrical Arcing
Specifications
Sensitivity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Detects a leak through a 0.004" diameter orifice
at 5.0 psig from a 12" distance.
Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indoor or Outdoor
Operating temperature range. . . . . . . . . . . +32 °F to +122 °F (0 °C to +50 °C)
(may be operated for a limited time
in lower temperature environments)
Storage temperature range . . . . . . . . . . +14 °F to +140 °F (-10 °C to +60 °C)
Humidity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85% RH NC Max.
Altitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6500’ (2000 m)
Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One 9 Volt alkaline battery
Battery Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Approximately 50 hours
Pollution Degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Overvoltage category. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Weight (with battery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 oz. (0.25 kg)

5
Locating Leaks
NOTE: Bumping the probe into objects while seeking leaks will cause false
alarms. Leaks will be indicated by an increase in the tick rate.
Disregard occasional short alarms.
WARNING
Always keep clear of hot and/or moving engine and machinery
parts. Damage or injury could result.
1. Slide the power switch to the on position and rotate the “Sensitivity” control
knob to the maximum clockwise position.
2. Point the Whisper in the direction of the suspected leak and scan the area
by making a slow “X” (a vertical and horizontal type sweeping motion) while
keeping the probe pointed in the general direction of the suspected leak.
3. If the tick rate increases, there is an ultrasonic disturbance. Begin turning
the “Sensitivity” knob very slowly in a counter-clockwise direction until the
ticking returns to normal.
4. Move closer to the suspected leak, continuing the sweeping pattern and
narrowing the range of the sweep by making smaller patterns until the
ticking once again increases. This will lead to the location of the
disturbance. If an exact location is desired, attach the flexible rubber
extension to the probe and repeat step 3.
5. Repair all leaks as located and repeat scan.
High Noise Environments
In noisy environments, it may be necessary to “tune out” unwanted signals
from other areas in close proximity to where you are scanning for leaks. Begin
by attaching the rubber extension over the probe. When the extension is
attached, the sensing angle of the system is reduced, thereby increasing the
directional capability and reducing the effects of the adjacent noise sources.
This allows the probe to become more directional. If you suspect your reading
to be originating from a source other than what you are scanning, point probe
toward suspected other source (may be a compressor, v belt, discharging
steam line, etc.) and slowly turn “sensitivity” knob counterclockwise until the
alarm stops. Turn probe back toward direction of suspected leak and continue
to scan. This step may have to be repeated as you move around to other
locations in search of leaks. If probe is close to internal moving parts of
equipment, and the alarm sounds, push rubber probe against housing of
equipment. If the alarm still sounds, internal friction of moving parts and not a
leak source, may be causing the alarm.

6
Transmitter Accessory
The Whisper Transmitter is an optional accessory which can be used with the
Whisper Ultrasonic Leak Detector to locate leaks in walk-in coolers/freezers,
wall and ceiling joints, around doors, windows, body seals, rubber moldings,
ducts, etc. The Transmitter produces the frequency detected by the Whisper.
By placing the Transmitter in a sealed area and scanning the exterior of this
area, any signal escaping from the sealed area will be indicated by the
Whisper. A flaw in the seal can quickly and accurately be pinpointed.
1. Turn the transmitter power switch on. The LED will illuminate to indicate it is
operating.
2. Place the Transmitter into the area to be tested. Seal area to be tested
completely.
3. Set the “Sensitivity” control of the Whisper to maximum.
4. Scan the exterior area for the suspect leaks.
5. To pinpoint leaks, see Locating Leaks, on page 5.
Care and Maintenance
To clean exterior surfaces, wipe with a soft damp cloth.
To change the battery, depress the release tab using a coin or a screwdriver
and slide the cover back. Replace the battery with a 9 volt alkaline battery.
Replace the cover by holding it in place along the side rails while sliding it
forward to engage both the rear hooks and the front release tab.

7
Warranty
INFICON warrants your Whisper Ultrasonic Leak Detector to be free from
defects of materials or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.
INFICON does not warrant items that deteriorate under normal use, such as
power cells. In addition, INFICON does not warrant any instrument that has
been subjected to misuse, negligence, or accident, or has been repaired or
altered by anyone other than INFICON.
INFICON’s liability is limited to instruments returned to INFICON,
transportation prepaid, not later than thirty (30) days after the warranty period
expires, and which INFICON judges to have malfunctioned because of
defective materials or workmanship. INFICON’s liability is limited to, at its
option, repairing or replacing the defective instrument or part.
This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, whether of
merchantability or of fitness for a particular purpose or otherwise. All such
other warranties are expressly disclaimed. INFICON shall have no liability in
excess of the price paid to INFICON for the instrument plus return
transportation charges prepaid. INFICON shall have no liability for any
incidental or consequential damages. All such liabilities are excluded.

TWO TECHNOLOGY PLACE
EAST SYRACUSE, NY 13057-9714 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: +1.315.437-3803
Email: [email protected]
www.inficon.com
074-345-P1C