Troubleshooting Guide for Leaks on Mallard Equipment

1. Prepare Your Equipment:
   • Fill up the bellows and ensure all connections are properly set up.
2. Initial Leak Check:
   • Set the flow control to zero.
   • Observe if the bellows are dropping slowly, indicating a potential leak.
   • Temporarily remove the hose from the absorber elbow before the bellows drop completely.
   • Cover the exposed end of the hose with your hand.
   • If the bellows stop dropping, it suggests no leak in the bellows area.
3. Isolate the Absorber Area:
   • Focus on the absorber area as a potential source of the leak.
   • Remove one plug from the end of the breathing circuit and attach it to the absorber elbow.
   • Use the other plug to seal the open end of the hose that was disconnected earlier.
4. Flow Control Test:
   • Gradually increase the flow control while closely monitoring the gauge's needle movement.
   • Aim for the needle to reach 60 on the gauge, then quickly return the flow control to zero.
   • Observe the gauge as it drops from 60 to 50 within 10 seconds or longer.
   • If the gauge drops rapidly, it indicates a leak in the system; the faster the drop, the bigger the leak.
5. Interpreting Results:
   • If the gauge drops slowly and steadily, there is likely no leak in the absorber area.
   • A fast drop signifies a leak that needs addressing.
   • Tighten any connections or components to fix the leak.
6. Repeating the Test:
   • Repeat the flow control test to confirm the absence or presence of a leak.
   • If necessary, recreate a small leak to observe the gauge's response.
7. Final Steps:
   • Make sure you're watching the gauge while adjusting the flow control.
   • Focus on the absorber area since you've isolated the breathing circuit.
   • If the leak persists in the breathing circuit, consider isolating and testing its components.

By following these steps, you can systematically identify and address leaks in your Mallard equipment. Remember to prioritize safety and make adjustments as needed to maintain the integrity of the system.