DeFelsko PosiTest AIR Instruction Manual

Instruction

Manual v. 1.0

Introduction

Introduction

The portable, hand-operated PosiTest AIR Leak Tester tests the air
barrier integrity of single, two-ply and liquid membrane systems, including
air barriers, roofing systems, waterproofing and ground liners by locating
leaks.

In accordance with ASTM E 1186, the PosiTest AIR will indicate whether
leaks exist in the test area. It is a simple pass/fail test.

The PosiTest AIR can be utilized during construction and
post-construction. The practice consists of applying a leak detection liquid
(PosiTest AIR Test Solution) to the test specimen surface, sealing a
transparent chamber around the specimen and depressurizing the
chamber with a fan.

The location of an air leak is indicated by bubbling of the Test Solution.
An estimate of the relative size of the leak can be made based on the size
and speed with which the bubbles form.

Quick Start

Quick Start

The PosiTest AIR powers up and displays dashes when the

button is pressed. To preserve battery life, the instrument powers

down after 5 minutes of no activity or by holding for 2 seconds.

Basic steps for performing a test with a PosiTest AIR:

Prepare for the Test (pg. 3)

- Clean the test area.

- Set Mode of Operation - Automatic (default) or Manual

Perform Test (pg. 4)

- Apply Test Solution to test area.

IMPORTANT:

- Place test chamber firmly over test area.

- Initiate test and observe test area for bubbles;

determine pass or fail.

- Store test result in memory. (optional)

Test Solution must be applied correctly. (pg. 4)

Page 1

PosiTest AIR Leak Tester Kit Contents

- PosiTest AIR tester body

- High impact, transparent, polycarbonate test chamber

- 5' (1.5 m) hose with quick disconnect couplings

- AC Power Supply

- (4) - 8 ounce (237ml) bottles of Test Solution each with dauber applicator

- Nylon carrying case with shoulder strap

- USB cable & PosiSoft 3.0 Desktop Software (available as download)

- Instruction Manual

- Certificate of Calibration traceable to N.I.S.T.

PosiTest

PosiTest

Every PosiTest AIR comes complete with (4) bottles of Test Solution.

The Test Solution is applied to the test area prior to initialization of the test.

The Test Solution has been specially formulated not to have any adverse
effects on waterproofing, roofing, air barrier membranes or the
PosiTest AIR unit. Do not use on spun polyolefin building wrap.

Additional Test Solution can be purchased by contacting your distributor.

NOTE:

once testing has been completed. Wipe the test area with a clean,
dry cloth to remove the test solution.

All residual test solution should be removed from the test area

AIR

Test Solution

AIR

Test Solution

Page 2

Preparing for the Test

Preparing for the Test

Clean the Test Areas

Ensure that the test area is free of dirt, dust and debris. The test area
should not be hot (from torching), frosted or extremely wet.
Slight dampness around the test area will not compromise the results of
the test. The area being tested should be free of ice, which may act to
“plug” the leak.

Set Mode of Operation

The PosiTest AIR has two modes of operation:
Automatic (default) and Manual

To view current operation mode, press .
Press again to switch between operation modes.

Automatic Mode Testing

The PosiTest AIR automatically depressurizes the test chamber at a
selected rate until the selected pressure limit has been achieved.

Common test parameters:

Pressure Differential Limit: 500 Pa
Rate of Depressurization: 25 Pa/sec

Press to display the current Pressure Differential Limit.
Press repeatedly to select Limit in increments of 100 Pa
(maximum of 900 Pa).

Press to display the current Rate of Depressurization.
Press repeatedly to select Rate in increments of 5 Pa/sec
(maximum of 30 Pa/sec).

Manual Mode Testing:

The PosiTest AIR test chamber is manually depressurized using the

and buttons. Manual mode is ideal for quick spot checks

of multiple test areas.

: (default and most commonly used mode)

Page 3

Performing the Test

Performing the Test

1. Apply Test Solution

Using the included dauber applicator, thoroughly
cover the prepared test area with a thin film of
Test Solution.

IMPORTANT:

For best results, test solution must be applied correctly.

Rotate dauber as test solution is being applied over test area.•
Do not overapply or the solution will form a froth or foam.•

2. Place the Test Chamber over the Test Area

Place and hold the test chamber firmly against test area to ensure
continuous contact with the substrate. Achieving a perfect seal between
the test chamber and test surface is not necessary. The PosiTest AIR
will adjust for any extraneous leakage that occurs.

3. Initiate the Test

Press to ready the PosiTest AIR for the test. Press it again to
begin test.

In Automatic Test Mode (pg. 3) the PosiTest AIR will automatically
increase fan speed until the set Pressure Differential Limit is reached or
the button is pressed.

In Manual Test Mode (pg. 3) the user manually adjusts fan speed to
depressurize test chamber as test is being performed. Press and hold
, to increase or to decrease fan speed.

During the test, if the solution around the test area bubbles,
a leak is present.

Page 4

Careful observation is important as bubbles of
different sizes can form anywhere within the test area
where solution is present. Bubbles may also form
and pop quickly. A very large leak may not form a
bubble, but rather blow solution away.

When a leak has been identified, the test can be halted by pressing the

button. In Automatic mode, the PosiTest AIR will automatically

stop when the pre-selected pressure limit is reached.

Let the pressure within the test chamber decrease before removing it
from the test surface. The test area can then be marked for further repair,
or the bubble can be photographed if documentation is required for the
particular job.

Upon completion of the test, the maximum pressure differential and
duration of the test will flash on the display.

4. Store Test Result (optional)

Press upon completion of the test. The PosiTest AIR will display
“PASS”.

Press to store a PASS result.
Press to store a FAIL result.

In addition to the PASS/FAIL result, the rate of depressurization,
maximum pressure differential and test duration is stored in memory.

Press repeatedly, to review test results stored in memory.

To remove all stored data:

Press and hold the button, then press the button.
The icon on the display will disappear.

Accessing Stored Test Results

Accessing Stored Test Results

Stored test results can be downloaded using the supplied USB cable and
PosiSoft 3.0 Desktop Software (available for download at
www.defelsko.com/posisoft). Test results are not erased from memory
after downloading.

Page 5

Power Supply / Low Batter y Indicator

Power Supply / Low Batter y Indicator

Power Source: Built-in rechargeable NiMH battery (> 200 tests with full charge)

The symbol will appear when remaining battery power is below 35%.

The built-in rechargeable NiMH batteries** are charged using the included
AC power supply. Ensure batteries are charged prior to use.
The symbol will blink while the instrument is charging and disappears when
fully charged. The charging process will take 2-3 hours depending on remaining
battery power.

NOTES:

The included AC power supply can be used to power the instrument while
charging is in progress.

The USB port will NOT charge or power the PosiTest AIR. The USB connection
will drain battery power when connected for an extended period of time.

**Do not attempt to remove or replace the internal NiMH battery pack. In the
unlikely event power issues are experienced, please contact your dealer or
DeFelsko for technical support assistance.

Technical Data

Technical Data

Conforms to: ASTM E 1186 and others.

Specifications:

PosiTest AIR

PosiTest AIR
Test Solution

Resolution: 1 Pa Accuracy: ±(10% + 10 Pa)

Storage Temperature: -22° to 149° F (-30° to 65° C)
Operating Temperature: 5° to 122° F (-15° to 50° C)

Storage Temperature: -22° to 149° F (-30° to 65° C)
Operating Temperature: -22° to 149° F (-30° to 65° C)

Calibration

Calibration

The PosiTest AIR Leak Detector is shipped with a Certificate of
Calibration showing traceability to a national standard. For organizations
with re-certification requirements, the PosiTest AIR Leak Detector may
be returned at regular intervals for calibration. DeFelsko recommends
that our customers establish the instrument calibration intervals based
upon their own experience and work environment. Based on our product
knowledge, data and customer feedback, a one year calibration interval
from either the date of calibration, date of purchase or date of receipt
is a typical starting point.

Page 6

Returning for Ser vice

Returning for Ser vice

There are no user serviceable components. Any service must be performed by
DeFelsko Corporation.

If you need to return the Instrument for service, please fill out and include the
Service Form located at www.defelsko.com/support.

Be sure to describe the problem fully and include your company name, company
contact, telephone number and fax number or email address.

Limited Warranty, Sole Remedy and Limited Liability

Limited Warranty, Sole Remedy and Limited Liability

DeFelsko’s sole warranty, remedy, and liability are the express limited warranty,
remedy, and limited liability that are set forth on its website:

www.defelsko.com/terms

www.defelsko.com

© DeFelsko Corporation USA 2013. All Rights Reserved

This manual is copyrighted with all rights reserved and may not be reproduced or transmit­ted, in whole or part, by any means, without written permission from DeFelsko Corporation.

DeFelsko, PosiTest and PosiSoft are trademarks of DeFelsko Corporation
registered in the U.S. and in other countries. Other brand or product names are trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Protection provided by the equipment may be impaired if the equipment is used in a manner
not specified by the manufacturer.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this manual is accurate.
DeFelsko is not responsible for printing or clerical errors.

Page 7

Detector de Fugas

Manual de

Instrucciones v. 1.0

Introducción

Introducción

El detector manual de fugas portátil manual PosiTest AIR prueba
la integridad de la barrera de aire de los sistemas de membrana simple,
membrana doble y membrana líquidos incluyendo barreras de aire,
sistemas de techado, revestimientos impermeabilizantes y de suelo
localizando fugas.

De acuerdo con la norma ASTM E 1186, el PosiTest AIR indicará si
existen fugas en el área de prueba. Es una sencilla prueba
de pasa/no pasa.

El PosiTest AIR puede emplearse durante y después la construcción.
La práctica consiste en aplicar un líquido de detección de fugas
(Solución de Ensayo PosiTest AIR) a la superficie de la muestra
de prueba, sellando una cámara transparente alrededor de la muestra y
despresurizando de la cámara con un ventilador.

La ubicación de una fuga de aire se indicará mediante el burbujeo
de la solución de ensayo. Puede estimarse el tamaño relativo de la fuga
según el tamaño y la velocidad con la que se forman las burbujas.

Inicio Rápido

Inicio Rápido

Si pulsa el botón , el PosiTest AIR se encenderá y mostrará
guiones. Para preservar la vida de la batería, el instrumento se apagará
después de 5 minutos de inactividad o al pulsar durante
2 segundos.

Los pasos básicos para realizar una prueba con PosiTest AIR son:

Preparación de la Prueba (Pág. 3)

- Limpie la zona de prueba.

- Ajuste el modo de funcionamiento - Automático (predeterminado)
o Manual

Ejecución de la Prueba (Pág. 4)

- Aplique la solución de ensayo en el área de prueba.

IMPORTANTE:

- Sujete con firmeza la cámara de ensayo en el área.

- Inicie la prueba y observe las burbujas en el área;

determine el pasa o no pasa.

- Almacene el resultado de la prueba en la memoria. (opcional)

La solución deberá aplicarse correctamente.(Pág. 4)

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