The main causes of leaks in refrigeration systems with ammonia are:

 • Failures in the relief valves, both mechanical and due to inadequate pressure adjustment;

• Inadequate supply of communicating vessels;

• Damage caused by external impact from mobile equipment, such as forklifts;

• External corrosion, faster in conditions of great heat and humidity, especially in the low pressure portions of the system;

• Internal cracks in vessels that tend to occur close to the welding points;

• Trapping of liquid in the pipes, between shut-off valves;

• Excess liquid in the compressor;

• Excessive vibration in the system, which can lead to premature failure.