The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Leak Testing

Author: KSCop
Date: 2016-11-18 08:02

I'm sure this topic has been discussed before, but I thought I'd share my latest endeavor.

In checking my various acquisitions, I've been using a combination of play testing and Mylar 'feelers' to check for leaks as well as the ubiquitous suction test.

I got to thinking about this and, as others have I'm sure, decided that while a suction test is valid, I'm more concerned with what air is leaking out than being sucked in. I'm not sure I can explain the science but it seems to me that there would be different dynamics in play that could result in a pad not leaking during a suction test but leaking during playing. I'm not sure if that is an accurate statement, but that's my basis for what follows.

I decided I wanted to see what air was leaking out of the pads and got to thinking about the way I've checked vehicles using smoke. With the understanding that I didn't want to damage anything or cause undue odors, I started looking at options.

I first thought of using a fog machine, since the fog is just vaporized propylene glycol (safe for consumption and no lasting odor). That lead me to looking for something smaller and more portable, which led to E-Cigs.

Since you can buy or make eLiquid with no nicotine and no flavor, with the result being just PG or Vegetable Glycol.

I did some testing and found that it leaves no odor and no residue. It is basically just like your own breath vapor and a standard cleaning takes care of any issues. It doesn't appear to effect pads and actually might have some beneficial moisturizing effect.

So my new 'Smoke Test' went into play.

It works VERY well and even the smallest leaks have been detected; where there is smoke there is a leak.

I'm using a set of rubber stoppers, with one of them having a length of tubing that I blow the smoke into. This allows me to have the clarinet section away from my mouth and gives me a better view of things.

I'm sure this has been done before, but great minds think alike.

It does take a bit of vapor to check an alto or bass, but with my current e-cig setup I get enough of a cloud to check a tenor sax!

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics