1. How does Spectroline work?

Briefly, a UV fluorescent dye is added to the oil in the refrigeration system, the oil and dye circulate with the refrigerant. When there is a leak refrigerant, oil and dye will escape. A trace of oil and dye will be left at the leak site. This is picked up with a UV/Blue inspection lamp. For a more in depth description of how Spectroline works please see Detecting Refrigerant Leaks, Cambridge 1998.

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2. How accurate do I have to be in calculating the amount of dye required for a refrigeration system?

Exact quantities of dye are not critical. Optimum results are best achieved by diluting the dye quantity with the volume of oil within the system. The final concentration should be one part dye to 350-500 parts (c.0.2%) lubricant. Each kit comes with full instructions.

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3. I am using Glo-Stick capsules - which size do I need?

4. I am using bottled dyes and a mist infuser - how do I work out how much dye I need?

5. I have a BigEZ cartridge how do I work out how much dye I need?

One graduation of a BEZ-400/E cartridge treats up to 1.9 litres of oil. A whole cartridge treats upto 61 litres of oil (180 kg of refrigerant or 150 tons of cooling).

One graduation of a BEZ-200/E cartridge treats up to 720 ml of oil. A whole cartridge treats 23 litres of oil

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6. I have an EZJect how do I work out how much dye I need?

One graduation of an EZJect cartridge treats up to 450 ml of oil. A whole cartridge treats 7.6 litres of oil (11.4 kg of refrigerant.)

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7. What is the lowest temperature the Spectroline dye will work at?

Standard additive has been tested and approved to -40°C. Alkyl Benzene (LT) additive has been approved to -73&°C

8. I have a mineral, alkyl benzene or PAG oil dye, can I use it on any other type of oil?

This question is more complex that it may appear. Please contact one of our specialists for specific application guidelines.

9. I have the polyolester type of oil dye, can I use it on any other type of oil?

Yes. The polyolester additive is UNIVERSAL. It can be used with any oil type.

10. What if I have an oil-less system?

A specialist dye is available for oil-less systems

11. How long does the dye last once it is in the system?

Once dosed the dye will remain working in the system until the oil is changed

Lubricant specific and solvent free, patented AR-GLO additives have been installed in over 50 million air conditioning and refrigeration systems world-wide and are approved by major compressor and equipment
manufacturers, including Carrier, Copeland, Bristol, Bitzer and Frascold.

The reason for these approvals is that Spectroline additives are a solution of colorant (which is a super stable ultra violet fluorescent molecule) and a high quality refrigeration oil that is the same as the system lubricant. (It may be mineral, ester, PAG or Alkyl Benzene).

Once the additive is in the system the final concentration is one part colorant to 350 - 500 parts lubricant or 0.2%. This is far less than the 1:32, 3% ratio recommended by other additive suppliers.

The stability of the molecule, plus its exceedingly low concentration in the host lubricant, ensures that there will be no ill effects to the lubricant's chemical or physical properties or the systems components. This is the reason for the approvals - no other additive supplier has the approval of any compressor manufacturer.

13. What is the smallest leak that Spectroline will find?

The Spectroline system will find leaks as small as 3g per year.

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14. What is the best "starter kit" to buy?

For smaller systems (Splits and Fridges):-

The 'Optimax Jr Complete Starter Kit' offers excellent value for money, providing you with everything that you need to get started.

For larger systems (Chillers etc):-

If you are working on large systems then look no further than the 'Optimax Pro Complete Starter Kit'. This features the Optimax Pro lamp which is not only much more powerful than it sibling, but is also rechargeable. In addition to the Optimax Pro Lamp, the kit also features the Big EZ injector kit which contains more dye making it ideal for dosing larger systems.

15. I can buy UV tubes from my local hardware store can I use one of those to make the dye fluoresce?

The human eye is most sensitive to UV fluorescence at a wavelength of 550nm. Spectronics additive is designed to fluoresce the brightest at 550nm making even pin hole leaks easier to detect. It is important to use a Spectronics high intensity UV or UV/Blue lamp to provide the optimal wavelength of light. Spectronics produce the most powerful leak detection lamps available making it possible to spot leaks from as far as 3 - 6 meters away.

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16. There are so many lamps to choose from, which is best for my application?

Currently the biggest selling lamp is the Optimax Pro Kit cordless UV/blue lamp. Recognized as the most powerful portable lamp available. The intensity is comparable to standard 100w lamps.

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Yes. All relevent Advanced Engineering Coil Cleaners (the disinfectants) are tested to British and European Standards. View certificates.

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