Bactron User Group > Chamber Operation  »   I think my chamber has a gas leak. How can I tell?

1. Each chamber is individually tested at the factory before shipping. The following
procedure, however, should still be followed to detect any possible damage due to
shipping.
2. Make sure the catalyst is removed from the chamber during initial leak testing.
3. Check to ensure Manometer is filled.
4. Close the outer and inner air Lock doors.
5. Secure the Armport doors. Turn the locking bars horizontally to pass through the
cutouts in the chamber, and then turn bars so they are vertical, tighten knobs. Do
not over tighten. See Note at the end of Section 13.0
6. Open the gas tank valve all the way on and set the gas regulator to 10 psi.
7. Turn the power switch on. As before, with the power switch on, you should see the
POWER SWITCH, INCUBATOR TEMPERATURE display, CHAMBER GASSING,
AIR LOCK DOORS SEALED, and AUTO CYCLE AEROBIC light illuminate.
8. The CHAMBER GASSING light will turn OFF when the water level in the manometer
reaches a level of approximately ½” of water. The AIR LOCK DOORS SEALED
light will turn ON when the inner and outer Transfer Module doors are both closed. If
this light is not ON, either the doors are not closed properly or one or both of the door
sensors are improperly adjusted (See Troubleshooting Guide).
9. If there are no leaks in the system, the CHAMBER GASSING light will remain OFF,
and the water level in the manometer will remain stable at approximately ½” water. Normally, a “leak-tight” chamber will go from 15 to 30 minutes without the CHAMBER GASSING light coming on again.
10. If the system has a gas leak, the CHAMBER GASSING light will flash ON and
OFF. Flashing every 10-30 seconds indicates a very large leak, whereas flashing
every 10 minutes or so indicates a small leak. This is accompanied by a “clicking”
sound (originating from the chamber gas solenoid). In this case, check the
following:
A. Armport doors for adequate seal of O-rings.
B. Air Lock outer/inner door gaskets for adequate contact with doors.
11. If the system still has a leak, refer to these sections in your manual:
A. Chamber Maintenance: Leak Detection
B. Trouble Shooting: Excessive Gas Consumption