To ensure the quality of installation of an air conditioning system, it is necessary to carry out certain tests.
The evaporators used by KALORI are 100% tested by their manufacturers. For any transformations they undergo in the assembly workshop (addition of an expansion valve, connecting pipes, etc.), they are tested again (100% of production) via a dedicated test bench. This check ensures a certain level of quality of KALORI deliverables.
It does not, however, guarantee the leaktightness of the system delivered by the vehicle manufacturer to the user, or by the cab manufacturer to the vehicle manufacturer.
When an assembly delivered by KALORI is installed in a vehicle or in a cab, integration requires connection to connectors equipped with seals. Each connection presents a potential risk of leakage if the seal is incorrectly positioned, lubricated, or torqued.
The correct functioning of the air conditioning when it comes off the production line is not sufficient to detect these leaks. Indeed, an air conditioning system can work perfectly during the test (it “blows cold”) but have a very small leak that will empty the circuit in just a few weeks or months.
The After-Sales Service is sometimes contacted for leak problems on vehicles. In two-thirds of cases, the leak is located on the connections made by the cab, vehicle or heavy equipment manufacturer.
What causes these leaks?
The technician installed a seal; he no doubt properly lubricated it, and was certain that the connection was tight. Despite his professionalism, the seal may have become pinched or been slightly cut when tightening the connection. In appearance, the work was perfectly carried out, but the connection will leak. This leak, however, will be insufficient to be detected during the functional test.
To solve this problem, KALORI has designed a test system that allows for delivering controlled air conditioning at a correct level. This test bench also ensures the traceability of these tests. This leak test is capable of detecting the slightest leak: our testing equipment is accurate to within 0.01 cc/min.
The assembly constitutes an investment, but it will avoid a good many maintenance call-outs.
Several manufacturers have already implemented it to carry out these checks.