Ammonia Leak Detection

leak can detected by passing an open bottle or squeeze bottle of concentrated hydrochloric acid in the vicinity of the suspected leak.
Dense white fumes of ammonium chloride will be formed at the leak site.Wet red litmus paper or phenolphthalein paper will undergo a colour change in an ammonia atmosphere and are of help in detecting small ammonia leaks.

Serious leaks that cannot be stopped in a reasonable amount of time should be doused with water which will take up ammonia and prevent the atmosphere from becoming contaminated. Cylnder valves may develop leak through the packing which can be stopped by tightening up the packing nut.
The equipment designed for leak detection of ammonia and of fluorocarbon refrigerant is entirely differant and must never be confused. It is , therefore, non possible to use a halogen test lamp or an electronic leak detector for ammonia. (except for certain models of explosion proof design)
Neither will hydrochloric acid be suitable for detecting leaks on a fluorocarbon refrigerator. Wrong application of such equipment may be fatal. as a concentration of 15-28% ammonia by in the atmosphere will ignite when sparked or exposed to temperatures exceeding 650 Celsius (1202 Farandhide)