Efficient, automated leak testing and leak localisation by the example of refrigerators

Automation is key for manufacturers to be competitive. In the HVACR industry leak testing is often done manually.
By the example of leak testing refrigerators, we show the challenges and solution for automation in such test scenario. Results can be transferred to other applications in this industry.

Description

south_east

Speaker

south_east

When & Where

calendar_today

Wed, 09.10.2024, 14:40 – 15:00

place

Hall 8 / 8-516

Details

Format: Lecture

Language: English

Description

Automation is key for all manufacturing companies to become or remain competitive. It is common practice to use automation in many industries for both: production and quality testing purposes.
However, in the HVAC/R industry, leak testing and leak detection are still often carried out manually. This type of test cannot provide a 100% repeatability and reliability since the test result always depends from the operator, his skills, his mood, his condition etc.
In a consequence there is a risk to supply leaky products, compromising brand reputation and consumers satisfaction.
Using common integral leak test methods, which allows easy automatization to get rid of operator influence, is often not sufficient for many HVAC/R applications. Tests methods are either not sensitive enough for the required leak rate specification or products cannot be tested in a hard vacuum chamber, due to dimensions or other limitation factors.
Locating leaks, guided by a robot, seems to be a perfect fit to get this tasked solved. Robotic leak testing is state of the art for many applications in other industries. In HVAC/R you will soon be faced with the challenges and limitations of this test method.
By the example of leak testing refrigerators fully automatically, we are going to show these challenges in this certain test scenario and how they can be overcome. We are going to proof that a specific solution is available and will be able to also meet the tough cycle time requirements of a real, industrial production line.
The results can be transferred to numerous other applications in the HVAC/R industry.