VLD-2500 Vacuum Leak Detector
Find leaking heat exchanger tubes in about 10 seconds per tube, without pulling the bundle. Runs on plant air, with no compressor or power source, for tubes 1/4" to 3" OD. See how it works ›
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- Complete kit, or replacement parts
- Tube OD and gauge
- Extra nozzles (and sizes) or rubber plugs needed
- Quantity and date needed
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Tube Sizes | 1/4" – 3" OD |
| Air Supply | Standard plant air, 70 – 100 psi (no compressor or power source) |
| Sealed Reading | 15 – 18 inHg at 90 psig |
| Leak Indication | Vacuum drop on the gauge (14 inHg or less on repeat test) |
| Test Time | About 10 seconds per tube |
| Nozzles | 3/8" – 1-1/8" ID (other sizes available) |
| Far-End Seal | Rubber tapered tube plug • T-handle with nozzle |
| Kit Includes | VLD-2500 detector gun • 2 nozzles • T-handle • Rubber plugs • Carrying case |
| Maintenance | Replaceable inline filter |
What Is the VLD-2500?
A handheld, air-powered vacuum gun that tells you whether a heat exchanger tube is leaking. Plug one end of the tube, seal the nozzle in the other, and watch the gauge. A tight tube holds vacuum. A leaking tube can't.
Refineries, power plants, and petrochemical facilities use it during turnaround inspections to find tube failures before they cause downtime or contamination.
How to Test a Tube
Plug the Far End
Seal the far end of the suspect tube with a rubber tapered plug, or the T-handle and nozzle, sized for the tube OD and gauge.
Check the Baseline
Seal the nozzle and pull the trigger. At 90 psig air, the gauge should read 15 to 18 inHg.
Test the Tube
Insert the cone-shaped nozzle into the open end, hold the trigger, and watch the gauge for about 10 seconds.
Read the Result
If the tube doesn't reach the baseline vacuum, it's leaking. Larger leaks show faster than small ones.
Watch the VLD-2500 in Use
See how the VLD-2500 tests heat exchanger tubes in the field.
Kit & Accessories
| Tube ID | Nozzle |
|---|---|
| 3/8" – 1-1/8" | Included in kit |
| Other sizes | Available on request |
Why Vacuum Leak Detection?
It's a highly sensitive, accurate, and non-destructive way to pinpoint tube leaks before a small leak becomes a costly failure, a contamination event, or an unplanned outage.
As part of a regular maintenance program, it extends heat exchanger service life, improves reliability, and supports regulatory compliance and energy efficiency in power generation, petrochemical, and HVAC operations.
Vacuum Leak Detector FAQ
How does a vacuum leak detector find a leaking tube?
The tube is plugged at one end and the detector pulls a vacuum from the other. A sound tube holds the same vacuum as the sealed baseline. A leaking tube draws air through the breach, so the gauge reads lower.
What tube sizes does the VLD-2500 test?
Tubes from 1/4" to 3" OD. The kit nozzles fit 3/8" to 1-1/8" ID tubes, and other nozzle sizes are available.
What air supply does it need?
Standard plant air at 70 to 100 psi. At 90 psig, a sealed nozzle reads 15 to 18 inHg. No compressor or electrical power is needed.
How long does each test take?
About 10 seconds per tube. Larger leaks show faster than smaller ones.
Do I need to pull the bundle?
No. Tubes are tested in place from the tubesheet, so it fits into routine turnaround inspection.
What's the difference between the VLD-2500 and the TLD-2500?
The VLD-2500 tests with vacuum. The TLD-2500 Tube Leak Detector is our pressure-based leak detector. Call us and we'll help you choose.
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