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The subject has come up in the past that when testing a newly installed RCABS system, the bladder sometimes does not fully deflate when the air is released back into the WTC. That indicates a leakage of air into the WTC.
I recentlly tested a new installation, and the bladder deflated completely, after a few quick trials. I then tested the model in the swimming pool, and after an extended trial run, I noticed the bladder did not fully deflate, and there were a few drops of water in the WTC. I had a very slow leak in the WTC around the brass tube connecting the bladder to the inside of the WTC. This allowed some air into the WTC, reducing the partial vacuum before launching, and prevented full deflation of the bladder when commanded.
I now suggest that, when bench testing, you leave the bladder inflated for about 15 minutes before signalling deflation. If you then get full deflation, you can be more confident that there is not a slow air/water leak in the system.
I recentlly tested a new installation, and the bladder deflated completely, after a few quick trials. I then tested the model in the swimming pool, and after an extended trial run, I noticed the bladder did not fully deflate, and there were a few drops of water in the WTC. I had a very slow leak in the WTC around the brass tube connecting the bladder to the inside of the WTC. This allowed some air into the WTC, reducing the partial vacuum before launching, and prevented full deflation of the bladder when commanded.
I now suggest that, when bench testing, you leave the bladder inflated for about 15 minutes before signalling deflation. If you then get full deflation, you can be more confident that there is not a slow air/water leak in the system.
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