Ensuring your have a perfectly sealed vacuum bag (or vacuum equipment such as catch-pot or degassing chamber) is an essential part of many composites vacuum processes, particularly resin infusion, and so any devices that can make this task easier are extremely useful and can save a lot of time.
This small, low-cost Vacuum Leak/Flow Indicator is a very handy visual indicator that there is a leak in your vacuum bag or vacuum equipment. The device features an ultra-low friction vane which is rotated by very tiny amounts of airflow meaning that all but the very smallest leaks will be clearly shown by the rotating indicator meaning that for as long as the indicator is turning you should keep checking the seal on your bags and equipment or looking for tiny puncture marks in the bag itself. Having sealed any leaks the indicator will come to rest, at which point you should now perform a vacuum drop test over a 20 minute period to identify any leaks to small to register on the indicator.
How to Use
Using the Vacuum Leak/Flow Indicator could not be simpler. The indicator has a push-fit barb connector either side of it which you simply connect in-line with your vacuum pump or other equipment using 6mm ID PVC Tube (available to buy separately).
The Vacuum Leak/Flow Indicator can be left in-line for all your vacuum operations then whenever you want to know whether any air is flowing through the vacuum tube just look at the indicator. The indicator can be used over and over again and should provide many years of service if operated in clean air (see below).
Loss of Sensitivity
For maximum sensitivity and operating life the Vacuum Leak/Flow Indicator should only be used in clean air (such as when emptying a vacuum bag prior to resin infusion). Use on oil-fed vacuum lines or systems or in-line when degassing certain materials will gradually reduce the sensitivity of the indicator by clogging the bearings with accumulated contaminants. If this occurs we recommend replacing the indicator.