A leak in an HVAC system does not always result in a visible puddle beneath the unit. Sometimes the problem begins much more subtly: with a slight drop in pressure, traces of the fluid around the fittings, a deterioration in the system’s performance, or a gradual loss of fluid, the source of which is difficult to pinpoint.

In heating, cooling, solar and process systems, as well as in heat pump systems, the rapid detection of leaks is of great importance. It helps to minimise service time, reduce fluid loss and restore the system to normal operation more quickly.

One solution to aid diagnosis is the use of a medium fitted with a leak detector and the Prolight D1018 detection lamp. This is a practical tool that helps to locate the site of a leak more quickly — particularly where a standard visual inspection does not provide a clear answer.

Why is leak detection difficult?

In theory, a leak should be easy to spot. In practice, HVAC systems are often extensive, partially insulated, and routed through restricted areas. The leak may occur in very small amounts, and its trace is not always immediately visible.

The most common places where leaks can occur are:

• threaded connections,
• valves,
• circulation pumps,
• air vents,
• heat exchangers,
• distributors,
• connectors on the equipment,
• connections following maintenance work,
• components concealed beneath the insulation.

In such situations, searching for a leak ‘by eye’ can be time-consuming. Micro-leaks are particularly problematic, as they do not cause an immediate failure but, over time, can lead to a drop in efficiency, loss of fluid and the need for more frequent maintenance.

What is a leak detector fluid?

A fluid leak detector is a medium that, in addition to its standard operational function, can support subsequent system diagnostics. In the event of a leak, the trace of the medium becomes easier to see when illuminated with a suitable detection lamp.

This doesn’t mean that the detector replaces proper installation, leak testing, or regular maintenance. It provides additional diagnostic support that can significantly facilitate problem identification during system operation.

Procold offers leak detection functionality on selected products, including:

• Factory GLY— propanetriol-based liquid,
• Factory EKO D— monopropylene glycol-based fluid with detector,
• Supercool— liquid based on potassium formate,
• AQUAPRO WOAT+— ready-made anti-corrosion water equipped with a leak detector.

Depending on the type of installation and operating conditions, the selection of the medium should always be tailored individually. A heat pump installation, a refrigeration system, or a technological installation operating in an industrial facility may require a different solution.

Prolight D1018 Detector Lamp – How Does It Work?

The Prolight D1018 detection lamp is used to locate the location of a leak in an installation that has been flooded with a medium equipped with a leak detector.

The principle is simple: the lamp’s light is directed at the suspected leak. If a trace of the medium with the detector appears at that point, it becomes easier to spot.

This is especially useful in locations where the leak is small, diffuse, or partially hidden by system components. This allows the technician to more quickly narrow the inspection area and pinpoint the area requiring repair.

What does the Prolight D1018 kit include?

The Prolight D1018 kit is designed as a complete tool for service work. It includes:

• Prolight D1018 detection lamp,
• contrast-enhancing glasses,
• 3 batteries,
• battery charger.

Contrast-enhancing glasses help you see traces of the medium, especially in difficult lighting conditions. Batteries and a charger simplify on-site work, where installation inspections may require checking multiple points.

It’s worth remembering that the lamp operates as part of an overall diagnostic system. It’s compatible with fluids equipped with a leak detector—it won’t detect a leak on its own if the fluid in the system doesn’t have the appropriate detection additive.

How to perform an installation check step by step?

Inspecting with a detector lamp is simple, but should be done methodically. For best results, check the installation according to a specific schedule.

1. Make sure there is a medium with a detector in the installation

The first requirement for effective detection is the use of an appropriate medium. This could be antifreeze or anticorrosive water equipped with a leak detector.

If the installation is flooded with a standard medium without a detector, the lamp will not fulfill its function.

2. Indicate places particularly susceptible to leaks

It’s a good idea to start your inspection at the points where leaks are most common. These include connections, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, vents, manifolds, and areas where installation or service work has recently been performed.

In complex installations, it is a good idea to check the system in stages so as not to miss less obvious places.

3. Direct the lamp light towards the suspicious areas

The Prolight D1018 lamp should be aimed at the suspected leak. In practice, it’s worth inspecting not only the connection point itself, but also the space beneath it, adjacent components, and surfaces where the fluid may have flowed.

Sometimes the leak trace isn’t exactly where the leak originated. The medium may have migrated across a system component, insulation, or device housing.

4. Locate the medium’s trace

If a leak has occurred, the trace of the medium with the detector becomes visible in the light of the lamp. This allows you to more quickly pinpoint the area requiring repair.

In the case of very small leaks, it is worth repeating the inspection after the installation has been operating for some time, as traces of the medium may only appear after prolonged operation under pressure.

5. Eliminate the cause and re-check

Simply locating the leak is only the first step. After the repair, it’s worth re-inspecting the affected section of the system to ensure the problem has been effectively resolved.

This approach reduces the risk of repeated medium loss and allows for better monitoring of the system condition after service.

In what installations does this apply?

Lamp-based leak detection can be used in a variety of systems, provided the medium being used is equipped with an appropriate detector. This includes:

• HVAC installation,
• heating installations,
• refrigeration installations,
• heat pumps,
• solar installations,
• technological systems,
• industrial facilities,
• installations working with antifreeze fluids,
• water installations requiring anti-corrosion protection.

This solution offers the greatest value where the system is difficult to control, and quickly pinpointing the leak location can reduce service time.

Does the detection lamp replace the leak test?

No. The detection lamp does not replace a properly performed leak test or the procedures required for commissioning the installation.

Its role is different. It’s a diagnostic tool that supports operation, after service, or when symptoms indicate a possible leak.

It can be said that the leak test answers the question of whether the installation has been properly prepared for operation, and the detection lamp helps to find the problem more quickly if signs of leakage appear during use.

What does a detector lamp not replace?

The Prolight D1018 helps locate leaks, but it does not fully assess the condition of the fluid in the system. Therefore, it should not be considered a sole diagnostic tool.

In professional installation inspection the following are still important:

• pH measurement,
• conductivity control,
• alkaline reserve assessment,
• testing for the presence of sediments,
• measurement of the freezing point with a refractometer,
• inhibitor level control,
• laboratory tests of the medium,
• assessment of the degree of contamination of the installation.

Only by combining these elements can a more complete picture of the system’s condition be achieved. The detection lamp primarily answers the question: where might the leak be?

Why is leak detection important in practice?

Even a small leak can lead to gradual loss of fluid, pressure drops, and deterioration of system operating conditions. In extreme cases, it can also contribute to the failure of pumps, heat exchangers, or other system components.

Faster location of leaks means:

• shorter time spent searching for a problem,
• less media loss,
• easier service planning,
• reducing the risk of further degradation of the installation,
• greater control over the operation of the system.

In large technical facilities, industrial plants or extensive HVAC systems, such diagnostic support can be of very practical importance.

Liquid with detector already at the installation preparation stage

Leak detection can be useful not only during later operation, but in some cases, it’s worth considering it as early as the installation’s preparation stage.

If a system is being flushed, cleaned, or prepared for flooding, the ability to perform a leak check in advance can help reduce the risk of problems after commissioning. This is particularly true for systems where subsequent access to parts of the system will be difficult.

This approach is consistent with a broader principle: it is worth not only filling the installation with an appropriate medium, but also preparing it, securing it and then regularly monitoring it.

Prolight D1018 as part of Procold diagnostics

The Prolight D1018 detector light is not a standalone tool. It makes the most sense as part of a broader diagnostic system that includes:

• selecting the appropriate medium,
• use of a leak detector,
• control of the freezing point,
• inhibitor control,
• laboratory tests,
• assessment of the installation condition,
• selection of appropriate rinses and inhibitors.

This approach allows us to move away from acting “by feel” and base installation service on specific observations and parameters.

Summary

Leaks in HVAC systems aren’t always easy to detect. Especially in the case of microleaks, a standard visual inspection can be insufficient, and finding the source of the problem can be time-consuming.

The Prolight D1018 detection lamp, combined with a leak detector, facilitates the location of leaks. This allows the service technician to more quickly narrow the inspection area, pinpoint the area requiring repair, and reduce the risk of further leaks.

This is a practical tool for installers, technical services, industrial plants and installation users who want efficient diagnostics and better control of the system’s condition.

If you’re looking to select a fluid with a leak detector or want to determine if the Prolight D1018 is the right solution for your system, contact the Procold team. We’ll help you select the fluid and diagnostic tools for your specific system.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about the Prolight D1018 detector lamp

Does the Prolight D1018 lamp work with any liquid?

No. The lamp is designed for use with fluids equipped with a leak detector. If the system contains a fluid without a detector, the lamp will not effectively pinpoint the leak.

Does the leak detector change the properties of the fluid?

The detector is an accessory that supports diagnostics. However, fluid selection should always be based primarily on the type of installation, temperature range, system materials, and operational requirements.

Can the lamp be used in heat pump installations?

Yes, if the installation works with a medium equipped with a leak detector and the use of such a solution is appropriate for the given system.

Does the lamp replace laboratory testing of the fluid?

No. The lamp helps locate the leak but does not evaluate media parameters such as pH, conductivity, alkaline reserve, inhibitor levels, or freezing point.

When is the best time to perform a lamp check?

It is worth performing the inspection after starting the installation, after service work, in case of a pressure drop, when a micro-leak is suspected or when unexplained losses of the medium occur.