Aquacomputer LEAKSHIELD Leakage Protection System Standalone (34138)

The Aquacomputer LEAKSHIELD Leakage Protection System Standalone (34138) is a negative pressure leak prevention system for water cooling loops. Its G1/4 connection thread goes to a vacant port in the top of almost any reservoir. Its sibling, the LEAKSHIELD for ULTITUBE (34137), screws straight onto an ULTITUBE reservoir.

Properties

Thread

G1/4 connection, to the top of the reservoir

Negative pressure

max. -450 mbar

Supply

5 V DC via USB, max. 500 mA

Display

128 x 64 pixels OLED, rotates 360°

Size

approx. 72 x 77 x 36 mm, 140 x 82 x 46 mm with mounting bracket

How negative pressure stops a leak

Thanks to its negative pressure, the unit actively protects the whole loop: if a joint starts to leak, coolant cannot exit the system and ambient air enters instead. When air does enter, the integrated vacuum pump of LEAKSHIELD switches on in a fraction of a second, pumps it out of the system and holds the negative pressure. This means a small leak lets no more coolant out, and the user almost no longer needs to worry about the tightness of the loop.

Of course, it does not protect against major damage. Only in case of massive leaks, such as torn tubes or a completely separated tube, may coolant leak out. The amount of negative pressure is adjusted to the installed coolant pump, which makes sure there is negative pressure everywhere in the system. A highly accurate pressure sensor watches the loop continuously and reports even very small leaks, so you can act at a very early stage.

Leak tester, filling and fill level

Even before the loop is put into operation for the first time, LEAKSHIELD checks it for leaks. In leak tester mode it starts by creating a vacuum, then the system is checked for pressure changes, and the leak rate can be displayed in ml/h. Minuscule pressure changes are detected, so the test finds very small leaks too.

It can also simplify filling: drawing the coolant directly from the bottle through an optional suction line replaces pouring and prevents spills. The FILL action generates a vacuum of 250 to 300 mbar with the water pump switched off, so Aquacomputer recommends filling with the PC off. DEAERATION vents the loop by cyclically building and releasing negative pressure. By monitoring pressure changes and the volume of pumped air, the unit can precisely calculate the current fill level of the reservoir.

Modes on the device

One button beside the illuminated silicone ring runs the menu. SHIELD gives complete protection and detection of leakages once aquasuite has configured it, MONITOR watches for leaks at a low negative pressure without protection, and RELEASE switches the system off and releases the vacuum. TEST runs a leak test at a configurable pressure and shows the pressure loss.

OLED display, RGB lighting, USB and alarms

The OLED display shows the operating status and the measured values, and for an optimal perspective it can be rotated freely through 360°. The integrated digital RGB LED lighting can be synchronized with the operating status or adjusted individually to match the computer's lighting setup. Together with the aquasuite software, all data can be read and displayed on the PC via the USB interface. Other data from aquasuite, such as hardware readings, can also be called up on the OLED display.

An alarm can be set for a value that is under- or exceeded. The unit then makes itself known through the integrated alarm buzzer, and the alarm is also shown on the OLED display and by the RGB LEDs. For an emergency shutdown, LEAKSHIELD can send USB keyboard commands to the PC. Its signal header can also press the motherboard's power switch with a short or long press, through the alarm output cable to the mainboard power button (53216), which is not included in delivery.

Mounting the Standalone version

This version adds an adapter set with a G1/4 thread and a stainless steel mounting bracket. To fit the adapter, an O-ring (94997) goes into the groove on the module, then the acetal adapter plate is screwed tight with the aluminum threaded coupling. The bracket is held by three M4 x 6 screws (see the drawing in the manual) and fits the mounting holes for 120 or 140 mm fans, so it can be mounted easily. Bracket and mounting material are part of the scope of delivery.

What the loop needs

LEAKSHIELD must be installed above the reservoir, ideally vertically above it, and connected to a vacant port in the reservoir top. Coolant has to run back freely from the unit into the air cushion of the reservoir: run the connecting tube in a straight line, with an inner diameter of at least 8 mm. Otherwise a closed membrane can disturb the function. The reservoir needs an air cushion of at least 100 ml.

Every part of the loop must be qualified for the configured negative pressure. Aquacomputer says all of its own products are, while parts from other suppliers have to be checked first. Soft, thin walled tubes are not suitable. As a broad rule, PVC tubing needs an outer diameter of at least 1.5 times its inner diameter, PUR tubing a factor of 1.2, and hardtubes are generally suitable. Systems with more than one pump have to be checked for their maximum pump pressure, for example by measuring it.

The only approved coolant is the DP Ultra series, such as Double Protect Ultra Clear. Power and data come from an internal USB 2.0 header on the motherboard, and the system requirements are Windows 10 or newer.

aquasuite software

Activating the unit gives you the current aquasuite version with an upgrade service for at least eighteen (18) months. After it expires, you may keep using and reinstalling the latest version from that period with no time limit. The update service can be extended or renewed at any time for a fee. Installation and activation of aquasuite need an internet connection.

Technical details

Notes

• Never touch the membrane on the bottom side. A damaged membrane lets moisture into the unit and can make it fail; contact Aquacomputer's technical support if you see damage.
• Coolants with particles can clog or even destroy the membrane, and coolants with flammable substances must never be used.
• To keep LEAKSHIELD running while the PC is in standby, set the USB port in the BIOS so its power stays on, or use an external USB power supply; a USB powerbank works for transportation.
• Turn off the power supply before connecting or disconnecting any cable.

In the box

• 1x LEAKSHIELD Leakage Protection System Standalone
• Stainless steel bracket
• Mounting material
• One internal USB cable, length approx. 100 cm

The manual for LEAKSHIELD Standalone covers installation, the connectors and every aquasuite page, and Aquacomputer's FAQ explains how the system works and how to set it up.