Performance of portable locating leak detectors and of fixed gas detectors for all refrigerants

This document specifies the requirements for portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas detectors for all refrigerants.
Locating detectors used in factories for manufacturing processes are not included in the Scope of prEN 14624.
1.1   Product application:
This document applies to different applications and environments such as plant and machine rooms, production rooms, cold rooms, supermarkets, occupied spaces like offices and hotels.
1.2   Product performance:
This document specifies minimum requirements for sensitivity, operating range, response time, environmental conditions and cross sensitivity from interference gases.
1.3   Product installation:
This document gives guidance of suitable technology, location of detection points, interconnection with secondary equipment (e.g. initiation of mechanical ventilation, personnel warning, equipment shutdown).
1.4   Service and maintenance:
This document gives guidance for service and maintenance: Sensors and mechanical equipment have a limited operating life and require regular performance verification to ensure conformity.

Leistung von mobilen Leckdetektoren und Raumüberwachungsgeräten für halogenierte Kältemittel

Dieses Dokument legt die Anforderungen für mobile Leckdetektoren mit Suchfunktion und feste Gasmelder für alle Kältemittel fest.
Leckdetektoren mit Suchfunktion, die für Fertigungsprozesse in Fabriken verwendet werden, liegen nicht im Anwendungsbereich von prEN 14624.
1.1   Anwendung des Produkts:
Dieses Dokument gilt für unterschiedliche Anwendungen und Umgebungen wie Anlagen- und Maschinen-räume, Fertigungsräume, Kältekammern, Supermärkte und Räume, in denen sich Personen aufhalten, wie z. B. Büros und Hotels.
1.2   Leistung des Produkts:
Dieses Dokument legt Mindestanforderungen für Empfindlichkeit, Betriebsbereich, Ansprechzeit, Umgebungsbedingungen und Querempfindlichkeit durch Störgase fest.
1.3   Montage des Produkts:
Dieses Dokument bietet einen Leitfaden für geeignete Technologien, den Standort von Erkennungspunkten, die Anbindung an Zusatzausrüstung (z. B. Aktivierung von mechanischer Lüftung, Personalwarnung, Anlagen Abschaltung).
1.4   Wartung und Instandhaltung:
Dieses Dokument bietet einen Leitfaden für die Wartung und Instandhaltung: Sensoren und mechanische Geräte haben eine beschränkte Betriebslebensdauer und müssen zur Sicherstellung ihrer Konformität regel¬mäßig auf ihre korrekte Funktion geprüft werden.

Performances des détecteurs de fuite portables et des contrôleurs d'ambiance de fluides frigorigènes halogénés

Le présent document spécifie les exigences relatives aux détecteurs de fuites portables et aux détecteurs de gaz fixes pour tous les fluides frigorigènes.
Les détecteurs utilisés dans les usines pour les  procédés de fabrication ne sont pas inclus dans le domaine d'application du prEN 14624.
1.1   Application du produit :
Le présent document s'applique à différentes applications et environnements tels que les usines et salles de machines, les salles de production, les chambres froides, les supermarchés, les espaces occupés comme les bureaux et les hôtels.
1.2   Performance du produit :
Le présent document spécifie les exigences minimales en matière de sensibilité, de plage de fonctionnement, de temps de réponse, de conditions environnementales et de sensibilité aux interférences de gaz.
1.3   Installation du produit :
Le présent document fournit des orientations sur la technologie appropriée, l'emplacement des points de détection, l'interconnexion avec l'équipement secondaire (par exemple, déclenchement de la ventilation mécanique, avertissement du personnel, arrêt de l'équipement).
1.4   Entretien et maintenance :
Le présent document donne des conseils pour l'entretien et la maintenance : les capteurs et l'équipement mécanique ont une durée de vie limitée et une vérification régulière des performances est nécessaire pour assurer la conformité.

Lastnosti premično lociranih javljalnikov puščanja in fiksnih detektorjev plina za vsa hladilna sredstva

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
31-Oct-2018
Publication Date
07-Apr-2020
Technical Committee
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
30-Mar-2020
Due Date
04-Jun-2020
Completion Date
08-Apr-2020

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SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 14624:2020
01-junij-2020
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 14624:2012
Lastnosti premično lociranih javljalnikov puščanja in fiksnih detektorjev plina za
vsa hladilna sredstva
Performance of portable locating leak detectors and of fixed gas detectors for all
refrigerants
Leistung von mobilen Leckdetektoren und Raumüberwachungsgeräten für halogenierte
Kältemittel
Performances des détecteurs de fuite portables et des contrôleurs d'ambiance de fluides
frigorigènes halogénés
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 14624:2020
ICS:
13.320 Alarmni in opozorilni sistemi Alarm and warning systems
27.200 Hladilna tehnologija Refrigerating technology
71.100.45 Hladiva in antifrizi Refrigerants and antifreezes
SIST EN 14624:2020 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST EN 14624:2020

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SIST EN 14624:2020


EN 14624
EUROPEAN STANDARD

NORME EUROPÉENNE

March 2020
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 23.040.99; 71.100.45 Supersedes EN 14624:2012
English Version

Performance of portable locating leak detectors and of
fixed gas detectors for all refrigerants
Performances des détecteurs de fuites portables et des Leistung von mobilen Leckdetektoren und stationären
détecteurs de gaz fixes pour tous les fluides Gasmeldern für alle Kältemittel
frigorigènes
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 3 February 2020.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.





EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 14624:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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SIST EN 14624:2020
EN 14624:2020 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 10
5 General requirements for all portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas
detectors — Refrigerant gas type (informative) . 10
6 Specific requirements for portable locating leak detectors . 11
6.1 Detection limits . 11
6.1.1 General. 11
6.1.2 Static detection limit - the leak detector probe is stationary . 11
6.1.3 Dynamic detection limit - the leak detector probe is moving . 11
6.1.4 Dynamic detection limit in a contaminated environment . 11
6.2 Response time . 11
6.3 Recovery time . 11
6.4 Calibration frequency and procedure . 11
7 Test apparatus for portable leak detectors . 11
7.1 General. 11
7.2 Calibration leaks . 12
7.3 Measuring distance . 12
7.4 Apparatus no. 1: detector probe stationary at the orifice of calibration leak . 12
7.5 Apparatus no. 2: detector probe moved with defined speed and distance in front of a
calibration leak . 12
7.6 Apparatus no. 3a: Chamber with monitored concentration . 14
8 Performance tests of portable leak detectors . 15
8.1 General. 15
8.2 Test no. 1: Static detection limits . 15
8.3 Test no. 2: Dynamic detection limits . 15
8.4 Test no. 3 Dynamic detection limit in a contaminated environment . 16
8.5 Test no. 4: Response time . 16
8.6 Test no. 5: Recovery time . 16
9 Portable leak detector characteristics, reporting of test results and requirements . 17
9.1 Reporting of test result . 17
9.2 Minimum product requirements . 17
10 Service and maintenance — Portable locating leak detectors — Periodic check and
calibration . 18
11 Technical specification and product information — Portable locating leak detectors . 18
12 Specific requirements for fixed gas detectors . 18
12.1 General. 18
12.2 Suitability . 19
12.3 Function of gas detector . 19
2

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SIST EN 14624:2020
EN 14624:2020 (E)
12.4 Ambient conditions, temperature and humidity . 19
12.5 Typical measuring ranges and thresholds . 20
12.6 Accuracy and performance . 21
12.7 Response time . 21
13 Test apparatus for fixed gas detectors . 22
13.1 General . 22
13.2 Apparatus no. 3b: Chamber with monitored concentration . 22
13.3 Apparatus no. 4: Calibration gas with specific concentration . 23
13.4 Apparatus no. 5: Calibration gas for aspirated systems . 24
14 Performance tests of gas detector . 24
14.1 General . 24
14.2 Test conditions — Temperature and humidity . 24
14.3 Test methods . 25
14.3.1 General . 25
14.3.2 Test of accuracy and thresholds . 25
14.3.3 Test of response time . 25
15 Fixed gas detector characteristics, reporting of test results — Reporting of test
results . 25
16 Service and maintenance — Fixed gas detectors . 25
16.1 Expected sensor lifecycle . 25
16.2 Periodic check and calibration . 25
17 Technical specification and product information - Fixed gas detectors . 26
Annex A (informative) Conversion factors of leakage rate units . 27
Annex B (informative) Correlation between test gas concentration and leakage rate . 28
B.1 EXAMPLE 1a: Conversion of a concentration increase in a hood to a total leakage
volume flow rate (pV-throughput) . 28
B.2 EXAMPLE 1b: Concentration increase due to a small leak in a voluminous room . 28
B.3 EXAMPLE 2: Conversion of a leakage rate (pV-throughput) into a mass flow rate. 29
B.4 EXAMPLE 3:Calculation of the concentrations of tracer gas to be detected in front of
a leak with specified leakage rate . 30
Annex C (informative) Guidelines for application of Fixed Gas Detectors . 32
Annex D (informative) Calculation of gas concentration from kg/m3 to ppm . 33
Annex E (informative) Selectivity, cross interference and potential contaminants . 34
Bibliography . 36

3

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SIST EN 14624:2020
EN 14624:2020 (E)
European foreword
This document (EN 14624:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 182
“Refrigerating systems, safety and environmental requirements”, the secretariat of which is held by
DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by September 2020, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by September 2020.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 14624:2012.
The following changes have been made during revision:
a) the document has been restructured and divided into two parts: Portable locating leak detectors
and fixed gas detectors;
b) the document covers all types of refrigerants;
c) Annex C “Guidelines for application of Fixed Gas Detectors” has been modified;
3
d) Annex D “Calculation of gas concentration from kg/m to ppm” has been added;
e) Annex E “Selectivity, cross interference and potential contaminants” has been added.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
4

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SIST EN 14624:2020
EN 14624:2020 (E)
Introduction
This document recognizes the unique nature of leak detection and gas detection for refrigerating
systems, air condition systems and heat pumps and is intended to address the specific needs of the
refrigeration and heat pump industry. This document should be read in conjunction with the
EN 378 series.
5

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SIST EN 14624:2020
EN 14624:2020 (E)
1 Scope
1.1 General
This document specifies the requirements for portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas detectors
for all refrigerants.
Locating detectors used in factories for manufacturing processes are not included in the Scope of
EN 14624.
1.2 Product application
This document applies to different applications and environments such as plant and machine rooms,
production rooms, cold rooms, supermarkets, occupied spaces like offices and hotels.
1.3 Product performance
This document specifies minimum requirements for sensitivity, operating range, response time,
environmental conditions and cross sensitivity from interference gases.
1.4 Product installation
This document gives guidance of suitable technology, location of detection points, interconnection with
secondary equipment (e.g. initiation of mechanical ventilation, personnel warning, and equipment
shutdown).
1.5 Service and maintenance
This document gives guidance for service and maintenance: Sensors and mechanical equipment have a
limited operating life and require regular performance verification to ensure conformity.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 378-1:2016, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps — Safety and environmental requirements —
Part 1: Basic requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria
EN 378-2:2016, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps — Safety and environmental requirements —
Part 2: Design, construction, testing, marking and documentation
EN 378-3:2016, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps — Safety and environmental requirements —
Part 3: Installation site and personal protection
EN 378-4:2016+A1:2019, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps — Safety and environmental
requirements — Part 4: Operation, maintenance, repair and recovery
EN 45544-1:2015, Workplace atmospheres — Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and
direct concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours — Part 1: General requirements and test
methods
EN 45544-3, Workplace atmospheres — Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct
concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours — Part 3: Performance requirements for
apparatus used for general gas detection
6

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SIST EN 14624:2020
EN 14624:2020 (E)
EN 60079-29-1, Explosive atmospheres — Part 29-1: Gas detectors — Performance requirements of
detectors for flammable gases (IEC 60079-29-1)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
refrigerant
fluid used for heat transfer in a refrigerating system, which absorbs heat at a low temperature and a low
pressure and rejects heat at a higher temperature and a higher pressure usually involving changes of
the state of the fluid
3.2
gas concentration
ratio in weight or in volume of a given gas to the total weight or volume of the gas mixture
Note 1 to entry: The concentration is dimensionless and is designated either with ppm (m/m) = parts per
million (mass) or ppm (V/V) = parts per million (volume).
3.3
leakage rate
gas flow through a fissure, an orifice or aperture
Note 1 to entry: The usual leakage rate unit is gram per year (g/a). For other measuring units see Annexes A and
B (informative).
3.4
fixed gas detector
electrical device which permits the indication or the measurement of concentrations of refrigerant
gases in the atmosphere at one or several points
3.5
indicating fixed gas detector
electrical device indicating that one or several levels of pre-set concentration thresholds have been
exceeded, but with no indication of the measured value
3.6
measuring fixed gas detector
electrical device that measures concentration and displays the respective value and/or gives a
proportional output
Note 1 to entry: The device may also indicate when pre-set concentration thresholds have been exceeded.
Note 2 to entry: Measuring detectors can be aspirated devices with one or more channels which sequentially
sample air for the target gas
7

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SIST EN 14624:2020
EN 14624:2020 (E)
3.7
portable locating leak detector
electrical device, either indicating or measuring leak detector with a detector probe capable of
localizing a leak by measuring a local gas concentration with short response time
Note 1 to entry: This type of detectors is used for service and maintenance to search for leaks on refrigeration
systems.
3.8
portable indicating leak detector
electrical device indicating one or several levels of concentration or leakage rate thresholds, but with no
indication of the measured value
3.9
portable measuring leak detector
electrical device that measures leakage rates or concentrations and displays the respective value or
gives a proportional output signal
3.10
detector probe
flexible tube connected to portable locating leak detector that either has a sensor attached at the end of
it or is used to carry a sample to the sensor in the body or the portable locating leak detector
3.11
calibration gas
gas consisting of the target gas in a suitable carrier gas and at a specified concentration and accuracy
traceable to national standards, e. g. R404A at 1 000 ppm in air
Note 1 to entry: Refer to product manufacturer regarding suitable carrier gas.
Note 2 to entry: Calibration gases are readily available in cylinders or may be produced in test chambers by
injection of the target gas by syringe or using calibrated mass flow controllers or equivalent.
3.12
calibration leak
device with a defined flow rate of a given gas under defined pressure and temperature conditions used
to calibrate/test a portable leak detector
Note 1 to entry: Calibration leaks are themselves calibrated according to operation conditions (upstream and
downstream pressure) against a primary or secondary standard that is traceable to national standards (standard
leak).
3.13
response time for an indicating detector
time elapsing from the moment the detector in normal operation is exposed to a defined gas
concentration or a leak rate above pre-set threshold until an indication occurs
3.14
response time for a measuring detector
time elapsing from the moment the detector in normal operation is exposed to a defined gas
concentration or a leak rate until it reaches pre-defined percentage of its final reading, e. g. 90 % is
referred to as t90
8

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SIST EN 14624:2020
EN 14624:2020 (E)
3.15
recovery time for portable locating leak detectors
time required for a locating leak detector to indicate the lower detection limit again after exposure to a
specified large leakage rate without any manual zeroing operation
3.16
zeroing time for portable locating leak detectors
time from immersion of the probe into a fixed concentration of gas until indicated zero is stable
(automatically or after a zeroing action specified by the manufacturer)
3.17
lower detection limit for portable locating leak detectors
minimum detectable leakage rate which can be indicated with specified uncertainty and/or for which
an indication threshold can be set and is repeatedly triggered
3.18
upper detection limit for portable locating leak detectors
maximum detectable leakage rate which can be indicated with specified uncertainty and/or for which
an indication threshold can be set and is repeatedly triggered
3.19
indication thresholds
one or more pre-set values which can be set and repeatedly triggered by the appropriate gas
concentration or leakage rate
3.20
selectivity
ability to identify a specific gas or group of gases among other gases
Note 1 to entry: Portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas detectors can be selective or non-selective.
Note 2 to entry: Non-selective detectors cannot identify a specific gas among other gases but the gases they can
detect and that are present in the mixture will output a common value.
3.21
measuring range
range of measured values of gas concentration over which the accuracy of the apparatus lies within
specified limits
9

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SIST EN 14624:2020
EN 14624:2020 (E)
4 Symbols and abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the symbols and abbreviations given in Table 1 apply.
Table 1 — Symbols and abbreviations
Symbol Description Unit
3
V accumulation volume m
acc
3
Vmol molar volume m /mol
M molar mass g/mol
ṁ mass flow kg/s or g/a
v̇ molar mass flow rate mol/s
3
q Leakage rate (pV-throughput) mbar l/s or Pa m /s
pV
C Concentration (volume) V/V
V/V
C Concentration (mass) m/m
m/m
C Concentration in parts per million (V/V) ppm
ppm
C Concentration in percent of lower flammable limit %LFL
LFL
Gas flow Gas flow in litres per minute l/min

5 General requirements for all portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas
detectors — Refrigerant gas type (informative)
Refrigerants are defined in different groups as stated in Table 2 — Refrigerant types.
Table 2 — Refrigerant types
 Non-toxic Toxic
Higher flammability A3 B3
Flammable A2 B2
Lower flammability A2L B2L
No flame propagation A1 B1

10

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SIST EN 14624:2020
EN 14624:2020 (E)
6 Specific requirements for portable locating leak detectors
6.1 Detection limits
6.1.1 General
Portable leak detectors shall be able to indicate a leak in the following situations: first, when the
detector probe is stationary in front of a leak, and second, when the detector probe is moving in front of
a leak.
6.1.2 Static detection limit - the leak detector probe is stationary
The portable leak detector with the probe held stationary in front of a leak of a specified minimum size
at a measuring distance of 3 mm (d in Figure 1 — Measuring distance b) shall give a visual or acoustical
alarm indicating that an alarm threshold has been met.
6.1.3 Dynamic detection limit - the leak detector probe is moving
The detector probe, when moved across a leak of a specified size passing at a speed of 2 cm/s and a
distance of 3 mm (d in Figure 1 —Measuring distance b) in front of the leak, shall give a visual or
acoustical alarm indicating that an alarm threshold has been met.
6.1.4 Dynamic detection limit in a contaminated environment
The portable leak detector shall be able to compensate for a background concentration of refrigerant
and retain its detection ability for leak location.
6.2 Response time
The manufacturer shall specify the response time of the device.
6.3 Recovery time
The manufacturer shall specify the recovery time of the device.
6.4 Calibration frequency and procedure
The manufacturer shall specify the recommended frequency and procedure for calibrating the device.
Local regulations or standards may supersede the manufacturer’s recommendation.
7 Test apparatus for portable leak detectors
7.1 General
A portable leak detector may be tested with any specific refrigerant to claim compliance for that single
gas or it may be tested with the following representative gases to claim compliance to the respective
type of refrigerants.
Table 3 — Representative gases
Type Representative gas
HFO R-1234yf
HFC/HCFC R134a
Hydrocarbon R-290

11

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SIST EN 14624:2020
EN 14624:2020 (E)
Other refrigerants, for example CO (R744) and Ammonia (R717) shall be tested individually for
2
compliance.
7.2 Calibration leaks
Two types of calibration leaks exist and are commercially available: capillary calibration leaks and
membrane calibration leaks (permeation membrane). Membrane or capillary calibration leaks shall be
re-calibrated after a time recommended by the manufacturer. The calibration shall be traceable to
national standards.
The uncertainty of the nominal leakage rate of calibration standards used for the qualification of
portable leak detectors according to this document shall be no more than ± 20 %.
7.3 Measuring distance
Figure 1 — Measuring distance — describes the measuring distance (d).

Key Key
1 leak detector probe 1 leak detector probe
2 test object with leak 3 calibration leak outlet
d measuring distance d measuring distance
a) Measuring distance d during leak search b) Measuring distance d during calibration with
on a test object a calibration leak
Figure 1 —Measuring distance
7.4 Apparatus no. 1: detector probe stationary at the orifice of calibration leak
The apparatus comprises a calibration leak and a fixture for positioning the probe of the portable leak
detector such that it can be quickly (less than 2 s) moved from a location at least 10 cm away from the
calibration leak to a position where the probe tip is held stationary at a distance of 3 mm ± 0,5 mm
directly in front of the calibration leak orifice or membrane.
The apparatus is located in a room where ambient temperature is (20 to 25) °C and relative humidity
(30 to 70) % at atmospheric pressure.
7.5 Apparatus no. 2: detector probe moved with defined speed and distance in front of a
calibration leak
The apparatus co
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 14624:2018
01-oktober-2018
/DVWQRVWLSUHPLþQLKMDYOMDOQLNRYSXãþDQMDLQVREQLKQDG]RUQLKQDSUDY]D
KDORJHQVNDKODGLOD
Performance of portable leak detectors and of room monitors for halogenated
refrigerants
Leistung von mobilen Leckdetektoren und Raumüberwachungsgeräten für halogenierte
Kältemittel
Performances des détecteurs de fuite portables et des contrôleurs d'ambiance de fluides
frigorigènes halogénés
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 14624
ICS:
27.200 Hladilna tehnologija Refrigerating technology
71.100.45 Hladiva in antifrizi Refrigerants and antifreezes
oSIST prEN 14624:2018 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 14624:2018

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 14624:2018


DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 14624
NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM

August 2018
ICS 23.040.99; 71.100.45 Will supersede EN 14624:2012
English Version

Performance of portable leak detectors and of room
monitors for halogenated refrigerants
 Leistung von mobilen Leckdetektoren und
Raumüberwachungsgeräten für Kältemittel
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 182.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.


EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2018 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 14624:2018 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
oSIST prEN 14624:2018
prEN 14624:2018 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 10
5 General requirements for all portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas
detectors — Refrigerant gas type . 10
6 Specific requirements for portable locating leak detectors . 10
6.1 Detection limits . 10
6.1.1 General . 10
6.1.2 Static detection limit - the leak detector probe is stationary . 11
6.1.3 Dynamic detection limit - the leak detector probe is moving . 11
6.1.4 Dynamic detection limit in a contaminated environment . 11
6.2 Response time . 11
6.3 Recovery time . 11
6.4 Calibration frequency and procedure . 11
7 Test apparatus for portable leak detectors . 11
7.1 General . 11
7.2 Calibration leaks . 11
7.3 Measuring Distance . 12
7.4 Apparatus no. 1: detector probe stationary at the orifice of calibration leak . 12
7.5 Apparatus no. 2: detector probe moved with defined speed and distance in front of a
calibration leak . 12
7.6 Apparatus no. 3: Chamber with monitored concentration . 14
8 Performance tests of portable leak detectors . 14
8.1 General . 14
8.2 Test no. 1: Static detection limits . 15
8.3 Test no. 2: Dynamic detection limits . 15
8.4 Test no. 3 Dynamic detection limit in a contaminated environment . 15
8.5 Test no. 4: Response time . 16
8.6 Test no. 5: Recovery time . 16
9 Portable leak detector characteristics, reporting of test results and requirements . 17
9.1 Reporting of test result . 17
9.2 Minimum product requirements . 17
10 Service and maintenance — Portable locating leak detectors — Periodic check and
calibration . 17
11 Technical specification and product information - Portable locating leak detectors . 18
12 Specific requirements for fixed gas detectors . 18
12.1 General . 18
12.2 Suitability . 19
12.3 Function of gas detector . 19
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12.4 Ambient conditions, temperature and humidity . 19
12.5 Typical measuring ranges and thresholds . 19
12.6 Accuracy and performance . 20
12.7 Response time . 20
13 Test apparatus for fixed gas detectors . 21
13.1 General . 21
13.2 Apparatus no. 3b: Chamber with monitored concentration . 21
13.3 Apparatus no. 4: Calibration gas with specific concentration . 21
13.4 Apparatus no. 5: Calibration gas for aspirated systems . 23
14 Performance tests of gas detector . 23
14.1 General . 23
14.2 Test conditions — Temperature and humidity . 23
14.3 Test methods . 23
14.3.1 General . 23
14.3.2 Test of accuracy and thresholds . 24
14.3.3 Test of response time . 24
15 Fixed gas detector characteristics, reporting of test results — Reporting of test
results . 24
16 Service and maintenance - Fixed gas detectors . 24
16.1 Expected sensor lifetime . 24
16.2 Periodic check and calibration . 24
17 Technical specification and product information - Fixed gas detectors. 24
Annex A (informative) Conversion factors of leakage rate units . 26
Annex B (informative) Correlation between test gas concentration and leakage rate . 27
B.1 EXAMPLE 1a: Conversion of a concentration increase in a hood to a total leakage
volume flow rate (pV-throughput) . 27

B.2 EXAMPLE 1b: Concentration increase due to a small leak in a voluminous room . 27
B.3 EXAMPLE 2: Conversion of a leakage rate (pV-throughput) into a mass flow rate . 28
B.4 EXAMPLE 3:Calculation of the concentrations of tracer gas to be detected in front of
a leak with specified leakage rate. 29
Annex C (informative) Guidelines for application of Fixed Gas Detectors . 31
Annex D (informative) Calculation of gas concentration from kg/m3 to ppm . 32
Annex E (informative) Selectivity, cross interference and potential contaminants. 33
Bibliography . 35

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European foreword
This document (prEN 14624:2018) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 182
“Refrigerating systems, safety and environmental requirements”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 14624:2012.
The following changes have been made during revision:
a) the standard has been restructured and divided into two parts: Portable locating leak detectors and
fixed gas detectors;
b) the standard covers all types of refrigerants;
c) Annex C “Guidelines for application of Fixed Gas Detectors” has been modified;
3
d) Annex D “Calculation of gas concentration from kg/m to ppm ” has been added;
e) Annex E “Selectivity, cross interference and potential contaminants” has been added.
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Introduction
This document recognizes the unique nature of leak detection and gas detection for refrigerating
systems and heat pumps and is intended to address the specific needs of the refrigeration and heat
pump industry. This standard should be read in conjunction with the EN 378 series.
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1 Scope
This document specifies the requirements for portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas detectors
for all refrigerants.
Locating detectors used in factories for manufacturing processes are not included in the Scope of
prEN 14624.
1.1 Product application:
This document applies to different applications and environments such as plant and machine rooms,
production rooms, cold rooms, supermarkets, occupied spaces like offices and hotels.
1.2 Product performance:
This document specifies minimum requirements for sensitivity, operating range, response time,
environmental conditions and cross sensitivity from interference gases.
1.3 Product installation:
This document gives guidance of suitable technology, location of detection points, interconnection with
secondary equipment (e.g. initiation of mechanical ventilation, personnel warning, equipment
shutdown).
1.4 Service and maintenance:
This document gives guidance for service and maintenance: Sensors and mechanical equipment have a
limited operating life and require regular performance verification to ensure conformity.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 378-1:2016, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements – Part 1:
Basic requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria
EN 378-3:2016, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements – Part 3:
Installation site and personal protection
EN 378-4:2016, Refrigerating systems and heat pumps - Safety and environmental requirements – Part 4:
Operation, maintenance, repair and recovery
EN 45544-1:2015, Workplace atmospheres - Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct
concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours – Part 1: General requirements and test methods
EN 45544-2, Workplace atmospheres - Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct
concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours – Part 2: Performance requirements for apparatus
used for exposure measurement
EN 45544-3, Workplace atmospheres - Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct
concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours – Part 3: Performance requirements for apparatus
used for general gas detection
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EN 60079-29-1, Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-1: Gas detectors – Performance requirements of
detectors for flammable gases (IEC 60079-29-1)
EN 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) (IEC 60529)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
refrigerant
fluid used for heat transfer in a refrigerating system, which absorbs heat at a low temperature and a low
pressure and rejects heat at a higher temperature and a higher pressure usually involving changes of
the state of the fluid
3.2
gas concentration
ratio in weight or in volume of a given gas to the total weight or volume of the gas mixture
Note 1 to entry: The concentration is dimensionless and is designated either with ppm (m/m) = parts per
million (mass) or ppm (V/V) = parts per million (volume).
3.3
leakage rate
gas flow through a fissure, an orifice or aperture
Note 1 to entry: The usual leakage rate unit is gram per year (g/a). For other measuring units see Annexes A
and B (informative).
3.4
fixed gas detector
electrical device which permits the indication or the measurement of concentrations of refrigerant
gases in the atmosphere at one or several points
3.5
indicating fixed gas detector
electrical device indicating that one or several levels of pre-set concentration thresholds have been
exceeded, but with no indication of the measured value
3.6
measuring fixed gas detector
electrical device that measures concentration and displays the respective value and/or gives a
proportional output
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3.7
portable locating leak detector
electrical device, either indicating or measuring leak detector with a detector probe capable of
localizing a leak by measuring a local gas concentration with short response time
Note 1 to entry: This type of detectors is used for service and maintenance to search for leaks on refrigeration
systems.
3.8
portable indicating leak detector
electrical device indicating one or several levels of concentration or leakage rate thresholds, but with no
indication of the measured value
3.9
portable measuring leak detector
electrical device that measures leakage rates or concentrations and displays the respective value or
gives a proportional output signal
3.10
detector probe
remote sensor head of a portable locating leak detector, which is typically in the end of a flexible tube
3.11
calibration gas
gas consisting of the target gas in a suitable carrier gas and at a specified concentration and accuracy
traceable to national standards, e. g. R404A at 1 000 ppm in air
Note 1 to entry: Refer to product manufacturer regarding suitable carrier gas.
Note 2 to entry: Calibration gases are readily available in cylinders or may be produced in test chambers by
injection of the target gas by syringe or using calibrated mass flow controllers or equivalent.
3.12
calibration leak
device with a defined flow rate of a given gas under defined pressure and temperature conditions used
to calibrate/test a portable leak detector
Note 1 to entry: Calibration leaks are themselves calibrated according to operation conditions (upstream and
downstream pressure) against a primary or secondary standard that is traceable to national standards (standard
leak).
3.13
response time for an indicating detector
time elapsing from the moment the detector in normal operation is exposed to a defined gas
concentration or a leak rate above pre-set threshold until an indication occurs
3.14
response time for a measuring detector
time elapsing from the moment the detector in normal operation is exposed to a defined gas
concentration or a leak rate until it reaches pre-defined percentage of its final reading, e. g. 90 % is
referred to as t90
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3.15
recovery time for portable locating leak detectors
time required for a locating leak detector to indicate the lower detection limit again after exposure to a
specified large leakage rate without any manual zeroing operation
3.16
zeroing time for portable locating leak detectors
time from immersion of the probe into a fixed concentration of gas until indicated zero is stable
(automatically or after a zeroing action specified by the manufacturer)
3.17
lower detection limit for portable locating leak detectors
minimum detectable leakage rate which can be indicated with specified uncertainty and/or for which
an indication threshold can be set and is repeatedly triggered
3.18
upper detection limit for portable locating leak detectors
maximum detectable leakage rate which can be indicated with specified uncertainty and/or for which
an indication threshold can be set and is repeatedly triggered
3.19
indication thresholds
one or more pre-set values which can be set and repeatedly triggered by the appropriate gas
concentration or leakage rate
3.20
selectivity
ability to identify a specific gas or group of gases among other gases
Note 1 to entry: Portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas detectors can be selective or non-selective.
Note 2 to entry: Non-selective detectors cannot identify a specific gas among other gases but the gases they can
detect and that are present in the mixture will output a common value.
3.21
measuring range
range of measured values of gas concentration over which the accuracy of the apparatus lies within
specified limits
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4 Symbols and abbreviations
Table 1 — Symbols and abbreviations
Symbol Description Unit
V accumulation volume 3
acc m
V molar volume 3
mol m
M molar mass g/mol
ṁ mass flow kg/s or g/a
v̇ molar mass flow rate mol/s
q Leakage rate (pV-throughput) 3
pV mbar = l/s or Pa = m /s
C Concentration (volume) V/V
V/V
C Concentration (mass) m/m
m/m
C Concentration in parts per million (V/V) ppm
ppm
C Concentration in percent of lower flammable limit %LFL
LFL
Gas flow Gas flow in litres per minute l/min
5 General requirements for all portable locating leak detectors and fixed gas
detectors — Refrigerant gas type
Refrigerants are defined in different groups as stated in Table 2 — Refrigerant types.
Table 2 — Refrigerant types
 No toxicity Toxic
Higher flammability A3 B3
Flammable A2 B2
Lower flammability A2L B2L
No flame propagation A1 B1
6 Specific requirements for portable locating leak detectors
6.1 Detection limits
6.1.1 General
Portable leak detectors shall be able to indicate a leak in the following situations: first, when the
detector probe is stationary in front of a leak, and/or second, when the detector probe is moving in
front of a leak.
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6.1.2 Static detection limit - the leak detector probe is stationary
The portable leak detector with the probe held stationary in front of a leak of a specified minimum size
at a measuring distance of 3 mm (d in Figure 1 — Measuring distance b) shall give a visual or acoustical
alarm indicating that an alarm threshold has been exceeded.
6.1.3 Dynamic detection limit - the leak detector probe is moving
The detector probe, when moved across a leak of a specified size passing at a speed of 2 cm/s and a
distance of 3 mm (d in Figure 1 —Measuring distance b) in front of the leak, shall give a visual or
acoustical alarm indicating that an alarm threshold has been exceeded.
6.1.4 Dynamic detection limit in a contaminated environment
The portable leak detector shall be able to compensate for a background concentration of refrigerant
and retain its detection ability for leak location.
6.2 Response time
The manufacturer shall specify the response time of the device.
6.3 Recovery time
The manufacturer shall specify the recovery time of the device.
6.4 Calibration frequency and procedure
The manufacturer shall specify the recommended frequency and procedure for calibrating the device.
Local regulations or standards may supersede the manufacturer’s recommendation.
7 Test apparatus for portable leak detectors
7.1 General
A portable leak detector may be tested with any specific refrigerant to claim compliance for that single
gas or it may be tested with the following representative gases to claim compliance to the respective
type of refrigerants.
Table 3 — Representative gases
Type Representative gas
HFO/HFC/HCFC R-1234yf
Hydrocarbon R-290

Other refrigerants, for example CO and Ammonia shall be tested individually for compliance.
2
7.2 Calibration leaks
Two types of calibration leaks exist and are commercially available: capillary calibration leaks and
membrane calibration leaks (permeation membrane). Membrane or capillary calibration leaks shall be
re-calibrated after a time recommended by the manufacturer. The calibration shall be traceable to
national standards.
The uncertainty of the nominal leakage rate of calibration standards used for the qualification of
portable leak detectors according to this standard shall be no more than ± 20 %.
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7.3 Measuring Distance
Figure 1 — Measuring distance — describes the measuring distance (d).


Key Key
1 leak detector probe 1 leak detector probe
2 test object with leak 3 calibration leak outlet
d measuring distance d measuring distance
a) Measuring distance d during leak search b) Measuring distance d during calibration with
on a test object a calibration leak
Figure 1 —Measuring distance
7.4 Apparatus no. 1: detector probe stationary at the orifice of calibration leak
The apparatus comprises a calibration leak and a means for positioning the probe of the portable leak
detector such that it can be quickly (less than 2 seconds) moved from a location at least 10 cm away
from the calibration leak to a position where the probe tip is held stationary at a distance of
3 mm ± 0,5 mm directly in front of the calibration leak orifice or membrane.
The apparatus is located in a room where ambient temperature is (20 to 25) °C and relative humidity
(30 to 70) % at atmospheric pressure.
7.5 Apparatus no. 2: detector probe moved with defined speed and distance in front of a
calibration leak
The apparatus comprises a sliding carriage or pivoting arm (see Figure 2 — Test stand configurations)
which can be moved from left to right and vice-versa at a speed adjustable between 1 cm/s and 5 cm/s
with a minimum deflection of 10 cm to either side of the midpoint and an adjustable dwell time at each
end of travel. The sliding carriage or pivoting arm is configured to hold the portable leak detector probe
and translate it in front of a calibration leak such that the minimum distance between the calibration
leak and the probe tip is adjustable in the range of 1 mm to 5 mm.
The apparatus is placed in a “glove box” type enclosure. A minimum clearance of 20 cm shall exist
between test apparatus and the front, rear and side walls of the enclosure. Also there shall be a
minimum clearance of 20 cm between the top of the apparatus and the top of the enclosure.
Alternatively, the apparatus can be located outside the enclosure with a slot that is at least as wide as
the deflection of the moving carriage or arm and that is sealed with a flexible elastomeric strip. In this
arrangeme
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