Check tank tightness with a balloon

I just removed a stuck NRV by removing the pump and re-soldering, using a valve from Tilley. Thread on pump bottom is now M8 to accommodate the NRVs from Tilley. To check tightness, I just used a rubber balloon and got it to fit the riser, and pumped up to inflate the balloon, success ! It stayed inflated for a good hour ! My soldering skills are below average, but it is air tight...

 

That balloon test is genius. Wish I'd thought of it. Much easier than the soapy water immersion test.

Alex

 

Good job, rare model.
Duane

 

I love a little lateral thinking - nice!

 

Congratulations

 

The balloon idea is great!

 

Great idea.

The only drawback is that it does not tell you where a leak is, if the balloon deflates.

 

Agreed --but as an intitial "did I get it right?" check, it's an easier on-the-bench yes/no test than immersing it. If the answer is no, then you bring out the bucket and the soap.

Alex

 

Usual operating Pressure in the tank is about 0.5 bar, test pressure in the balloon is something like 0.05 bar or less. The suspect connection from riser tube to burner is ignored by the test.

 

Bummer.

It seemed like a good idea, anyway.

Alex