Troubleshooting Elliott RECON Tube Leak Test Guns

Elliott’s 1500 series vacuum-style test guns are highly versatile, particularly beneficial for contractors dealing with a variety of tube sizes. Their tapered seals are designed to easily accommodate different tube internal diameters (IDs). However, this versatility comes with a common wear point: the seal itself.

One of the primary issues with vacuum-style guns stems from seal degradation. Over time, the seal can rub against the edge of the tube, causing its surface to wear down. A worn seal prevents the gun from forming a complete seal, leading to a false positive reading during testing. Regularly inspecting seals for signs of wear and replacing them as needed is crucial for maintaining accuracy and preventing misdiagnoses.

Another significant challenge arises from improper tube preparation. It’s strongly recommended that tube leak testing only be performed on clean tubes. Debris within the tubes can easily clog pin-sized holes, leading to a false negative where a leak goes undetected. Furthermore, when the vacuum gun is activated, any dirt or debris inside an unclean tube will be drawn into the test gun, clogging the internal filter. This necessitates a filter replacement, adding to downtime and maintenance costs. Ensuring tubes are cleaned before testing is a simple yet vital step in preventing these issues.

Elliott’s 1250 pressure-style test guns are well-suited for applications involving repeatable tube sizes due to their ID-specific seals. While offering precision for consistent diameters, these seals, much like those in vacuum guns, are subject to wear over time.

The seals in pressure test guns expand when the tester is initiated and contract when deactivated. This continuous expansion and contraction force gradually wears out the seal set, compromising its ability to form a proper seal. This wear can also result in a false positive, indicating a leak where none exists. As a general guideline, these seals typically last for 150 to 200 tubes before requiring replacement. Regular monitoring of seal performance and adherence to recommended replacement intervals are essential.

Improperly cleaned tube ends are another common culprit for inaccurate readings with pressure-style guns. Dirt and debris on the tube ends prevent the seals from effectively gripping the surface, leading to an unreliable seal and potentially false results. A clean contact surface is paramount for accurate testing.

Lastly, while pressure test guns don’t require high air pressure to create a tight seal, using air at a higher than recommended CFM can forcefully break the seal. To avoid this, it’s highly recommended to always use the air regulator that comes with the gun. This allows you to precisely control and dial back the air pressure to the optimal level, ensuring the seals perform correctly and are not prematurely damaged.

Troubleshooting Elliott’s tube leak test guns often boils down to addressing a few core issues: improper tube preparation and seal wear. These two factors are the most frequent causes of inaccurate readings and operational problems.

Elliott strongly recommends using a new control sample to test the gun’s functionality before starting work on a vessel. This ensures that the gun is operating as expected and provides a baseline for accurate testing.

Adhering to general best practices in terms of inspection and repair is also crucial for maintaining optimal gun performance. This includes consistently using clean, dry, and lubricated air with both vacuum and pressure-style guns. Contaminated air can lead to filters or check valves becoming clogged with debris, impeding the gun’s operation.

Finally, effective communication and coordination between operators are vital. Both operators must be working in unison: on the same tube, at the same time. Failure to do so can result in a false positive reading. By following these guidelines, you can significantly enhance the reliability and efficiency of your RECON tube leak test guns.