MAHLE RTI ELF-1 - Manual (Page 8)

Page 5
It is very important that the Pressure Regulator is turned all the way down
(counterclockwise) before applying fog in this mode. Failure to observe proper
procedures may result in damage, distortion and destruction of components
not designed to be pressurized to 15 PSI.
Never hook ELF-1 to any system or component with the regulator setting in an
unknown position. A sudden, excessive increase in pressure will result in
damage to the component.
4 - 15 PSI MODE
When in this mode, internal pressure switches are by-passed enabling full control over the amount of
pressure and/or volume that ELF-1 will supply.
FLOW METER
The markings on the front of the Flow Meter provide an approximate indication of the amount of air
(Standard Cubic Feet per Hour) that is being fed into the system being tested.
The 0.020 & 0.040 markings are indicative of the approximate amount of flow that would be allowed
by a leak of that size at 1 PSI. This represents a round hole of 0.020 inch or 0.040 inch. Variation can
be expected from leak to leak as most leaks are not simple, round holes.
Once a leak has been established, switch to the 3 PSI mode (more fog delivery) or stay in the 1 PSI
mode if the leak has been spotted.
AIR FLOW VALUES
The air flow will generally be in the 15 to 18 SCFH range when the Pressure Regulator is set correctly.
It is possible to measure the rate of a leak by adjusting the Pressure Regulator while in the 1 or 3 PSI
mode. Flow has been adjusted to match the leak when ELF-1 is continually cycling.
ELF-1 can deliver well over 30 SCFH, when the Pressure Regulator is opened fully. A typical empty
fuel tank may be in the 4 cubic feet area. It would appear that it would take about eight minutes (60\30
x 4) to fill the tank. However, under real conditions, with no resistance, the tank will reach about 1 PSI
in about 2 to 3 minutes.
LEAK FLOW CONFIRMATION
This feature incorporates a highly accurate Flow Meter which is used with one of the two internal
automated pressure switches to assess the suspected leak.
Hook up the fog tube with adapter to the system to be tested. Select one of the two controlled pressure
ranges (1 PSI or 3 PSI). The button will illuminate when pressed.
When the selected pressure is reached, the application of pressure is automatically cut out, indicating
that the system has reached the target pressure.
Any leak will lower the pressure that is trapped in the system. When this occurs, the sensitive pressure
switch cuts the fog supply back in. As the system cuts back in, the ball in the Flow Meter is blown high
up in the display, indicating that there is in fact a leak. This may be repeated as often as required. The
more frequently the ball bounces the larger the leak.