Apparatus for detecting leaks in a pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system

A cartridge for charging a closed, pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system with a fluid, comprising:

• a) a closed, non-pressurized cylindrical cartridge,
• wherein the cartridge has two ends, a first open end and a second open end,
• wherein the first open end comprises an inner nozzle which connects to the system being charged and an outer nozzle;
• b) a predetermined amount of the fluid;
• and
• c) a piston sealably disposed with the second open end of the cartridge,
• wherein the cartridge is adapted to connect sealably and releasably to the pressurized air conditioning or refrigeration system via fluidly coupling means to form a closed binary system,
• wherein the fluidly coupling means is a connector assembly having a first end connected to the inner nozzle of the cartridge and a second end connected to a service valve of the pressurized system,
• wherein the connector assembly comprises:
• i) a flexible conduit,
• ii) a thread on a first end of the flexible conduit, to engage with the inner nozzle of the cartridge, and
• iii) a release valve on a second end of the flexible conduit, to engage with the service valve of the pressurized system, and
• wherein the connector assembly further comprises a valve at one end of the flexible conduit, which prevents any material from back flushing into and contaminating the fluid in the cartridge.