Tracer Wafer™ — Fluorescent Refrigerant Leak Detection Dye for OEM Assembly Line Applications

The Tracer Wafer provides the perfect solution to the problem of introducing fluorescent refrigerant leak detection dyes into production line situations.

The Tracer Wafer is an absorbent substrate of inert material (the carrier) impregnated with a fluorescent leak detection dye. The wafer can be shaped into a profile that is convenient to handle and can be installed automatically into a component of the air-conditioning system, thus minimizing the labor required to incorporate the dye into the final package. It can also be introduced directly into the dryer or accumulator. The wafer retains the dye until it is released via the refrigerant and lubricant flow to which it will be exposed when the final assembly is completed and the air-conditioning unit is charged and operated.

Advantages of the Tracer Wafer include:

• No handling of liquid dyes, thus avoiding false leak indications
• No production line changes necessary
• Can be used for quality control on the production line as well as for warranty service and beyond
• A premeasured, precise amount of dye is applied to each vehicle's air-conditioning system
• Value-added benefits for manufacturer and end-user
• Protects the environment by reducing refrigerant emissions

A prime location for the Tracer Wafer is inside a desiccant bag within the receiver/dryer or accumulator/dryer of an air-conditioning system.

Major desiccant bag manufacturers are now equipped to easily include Tracer Wafers in their products. One of the U.S. "Big 3" automobile manufacturers has put the Tracer Wafer into the air-conditioning systems of all its cars since the 1995 model year. At least eight automobile and truck models are presently being checked on the production line for air-conditioning leaks. The Tracer Wafer has been installed in over 45 million vehicles to date.

Tracerline fluorescent leak detection dye shown on various substrates

The Tracer Wafer is presently being produced using an absorbent synthetic felt, the same material used in the desiccant bags. However, other forms and shapes of fluorescent dyes can be custom designed for special OEM needs. These can be solid or semi-solid dyes such as pills, pellets, slurries, swatches containing dye, etc. Other safe and practical methods of introducing fluorescent dye into air-conditioning systems for OEM assembly lines are also available. Contact our Engineering/Technical Department for further assistance.

U.S. Patent Nos. 5,440,919 and 5,650,563; foreign patents pending.