DILO Armaturen und Anlagen GmbH in Babenhausen (Germany) has developed a new leak detection device. With the SF6-LeakSpy, even the smallest SF6 leakages can be traced and quantified. The new device is especially suitable for operators of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) where quick and precise leak detection is required.
The cordless battery-operated SF6-LeakSpy excels in daily operation by its “sniffing capacity.” The device allows detection of smallest SF6 leaks down to 3 g/year. The SF6 concentration in air is measured by means of a non-dispersive infrared sensor (NDIR sensor) and values are indicated on a graphic display with an accuracy of 1 ppmv. In addition, the leak detection unit allows precise localization of leaks by searching the highest SF6 concentration.
Thanks to its high accuracy and its low detection limit, the device can also be used to carry out integral measurements, i. e. to check a system’s overall gas tightness and to determine the total leak rate after a defined time period.
The response time T90 < 1 s is very short. Values measured are indicated on the display in ppmv, g/y or cm³/s. As there is no cross sensitivity to moisture and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the device is reliable in operation. In case of an existing SF6 contamination, the leak detection unit can be adjusted to the measured background contamination. Thus, it is possible to detect leakages even in contaminated areas.
To protect the device from particles the sensor is equipped with a filter which can be cleaned and/or exchanged easily by the operator. In addition, the SF6-LeakSpy is equipped with an exchangeable accumulator, allowing parallel loading of a second accumulator in a separate charging unit. Thus, the device facilitates continuous operation without idle times.
