SF6 Gas Leak Detector
Our company has specialized in the production and manufacturing of SF6 Gas Leak Detector for 20 years, with a modern intelligent factory covering an area of over 10000 square meters, staffed by 51 professional technicians, and hold CE certification. 35 patents, 10+ software copyrights，Currently, we have over 150 stable distributors worldwide and established more than 10 service offices overseas.
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- 10+ software copyrights
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- Wuhan Technology Innovation "Gazelle" Enterprise.
SF6 gas leak detector is a precision instrument specifically used to detect leakage points of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) equipment and measure leakage concentration. It is mainly used in the power industry because SF6 gas is widely used as an insulation medium for high-voltage switches, transformers and other equipment due to its excellent insulation and arc extinguishing performance.
- Locate Leak Points: Quickly and accurately pinpoint tiny gas leak locations in complex power equipment.
- Quantify Leakage Rate: Measure the severity of leakage, determine compliance with safety standards, and estimate the annual leakage rate.
1.Detection Performance
- Ultra-high Sensitivity: Minimum detection limit up to 0.01 ppm or 0.001 ml/s, capable of detecting micro-leaks with an annual leakage of only a few grams.
- Fast Response: Response time typically < 1 second, fast recovery, suitable for rapid inspection.
- Accurate Quantification: Directly displays ppm concentration; some models support quantitative leakage rate calculation.
- High Selectivity: Exclusive response to SF6, strong anti-interference, reduces false alarms.
- Excellent Stability: Good data consistency and repeatability, reliable for long-term use.
2.Structural Design
- Portable & User-friendly: Mostly pump-suction / handheld type with separate probe, light weight and compact size, ideal for field operation.
- Intelligent Operation: Touchscreen / LCD display, one-key calibration, automatic fault diagnosis, audible and visual alarm.
- Strong Environmental Adaptability: Wide temperature range (-20℃ ~ 50℃), high humidity resistance (95% RH), dustproof and waterproof, suitable for outdoor / industrial environments.
- Safe & Reliable: No radiation source, sensor not prone to “poisoning”, no toxic by-products.
- Long Battery Life: Powered by lithium battery, continuous operation for 7~10 hours to meet all-day inspection.
3.Data Management
- Visual Location: Infrared thermal imaging type can display leakage points visually.
- Data Storage: Records concentration, alarm and calibration data, supports export / printing.
- Communication Interfaces: WiFi, RS485, USB, supports remote transmission and system integration.
- Explosion-proof Design: Intrinsically safe type, suitable for flammable and explosive environments.
Working Principle of SF₆ gas leak detectors
SF₆ gas leak detectors utilize the strong electronegativity of SF₆ or specific infrared absorption peaks to detect leaks. The mainstream methods include four types: negative corona discharge method, infrared absorption method, laser spectroscopy method, and infrared imaging method.
I.Negative Corona Discharge Method
(High-Frequency Ionization/Negative Ion Capture, Mainstream Qualitative Leak Detection)
Core Principle: SF₆ is a strongly electronegative gas that readily captures free electrons.
A high-frequency, high-voltage discharge within the probe generates a stable corona discharge, forming a reference current. When air containing SF₆ is inhaled, SF₆ captures electrons → the corona current decreases.
The circuit detects the current change; the higher the concentration, the greater the current drop → an audible and visual alarm (frequency/volume increases with concentration).
Features: High sensitivity (ppm level), fast response, portable, moderate cost; non-selective, easily affected by other electronegative gases.
II. Non-Dispersive Infrared Spectrometry (NDIR, mainstream quantitative leak detection)
Core Principle: SF₆ has a unique infrared absorption peak (molecular "fingerprint") at 10.5–10.6 μm.
The infrared light source emits broadband light → passes through a narrow-band filter (only around 10.6 μm).
The light passes through the gas cell, where SF₆ absorbs a specific wavelength → the light intensity attenuates.
The detector measures the light intensity → the concentration (ppm) is calculated according to Beer-Lambert's law.
Features: High selectivity, strong anti-interference capability, accurate quantification, long lifespan, no sensor poisoning; higher cost than the negative corona method.
III. Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectrometry (TDLAS, high-precision quantitative detection)
Core Principle: A narrow-linewidth laser is precisely aligned with the SF₆ absorption peak to detect the light intensity attenuation.
Features: Extremely high sensitivity (ppb level), fast response, strong anti-interference capability; high cost, sensitive to environmental vibrations.
IV. Infrared Imaging Method (Thermal Imaging, Visual Leak Detection)
Core Principle: SF₆ absorbs infrared radiation, forming a "dark area/shadow" on the thermal imager, visually displaying the leak cloud.
Features: Visual, long-distance, large-area rapid screening; low quantitative accuracy, affected by ambient temperature/background.
Functions of SF₆ as leak detectors
1. Core Detection Functions
Leak Location: Close-range scanning of equipment joints, flanges, welds, valves, etc., accurately locates the leak.
Quantitative Concentration Display: Real-time display of SF₆ concentration (ppm/μL/L) to assess leak severity.
Audible and Visual Alarm: Automatic alarm when concentration exceeds limits, with sound, light, and vibration alerts for convenient on-site operations.
Adjustable Sensitivity: High, medium, and low sensitivity levels to adapt to different scenarios from rough checks to precise leak location.
2. Practical Maintenance Functions
Rapid Response and Recovery: The probe reacts quickly and returns to zero rapidly after being removed, without trailing or false alarms.
Data Recording/Storage: Records leak location, concentration, and time for use in inspection reports and logs.
Self-Diagnosis/Self-Calibration: Self-test upon startup and zero-point calibration ensure long-term stability and accuracy.
Charging/Long Battery Life: Lithium battery powered, suitable for extended on-site inspections.
3. Safety and Environmental Functions
* Oxygen Deficiency Monitoring (Some Models)
* Simultaneously detects O₂ to prevent asphyxiation in confined spaces.
* Explosion-proof Design (Optional)
* Suitable for safe indoor use in hazardous areas, substations, and GIS systems.
4. Typical Application Scenarios
* Leak detection for high-voltage switchgear, GIS, and SF₆ circuit breakers
* Routine inspections in power plants and substations
* Airtightness acceptance after equipment installation and maintenance
* Environmental compliance and annual leakage rate testing
SF₆Gas Leak Detector Standard Operating Procedure
I. Preparation Before Use
1.1 Inspect the Instrument:
Ensure the instrument is undamaged, the probe is clean, and the battery is fully charged.
Confirm the instrument is within its calibration validity period.
1.2 Power-On Warm-up
After powering on, wait for the self-test and warm-up to complete (generally 30-60 seconds).
Complete zero-point calibration in clean air.
1.3 Select the Speed
Use medium/low sensitivity for a coarse check first.
Approach the leak point and then switch to high sensitivity for precise location.
II. Leak Detection Operation Steps
1.Inspection Route
Starting from above the equipment, slowly move along flanges, joints, valves, welds, sealing surfaces, and pressure gauge interfaces.
2.Probe Position
Keep the probe 1-5 cm away from the leak point, close but not touching it.
Move slowly, steadily, and continuously; avoid rapid shaking.
3.Identify the Leak
If the instrument displays: rising concentration value + increasingly rapid audible and visual alarm → this is the leak area.
4.Precise Location
Scan back and forth at the point of strongest alarm; the point with the loudest alarm and highest value is the leak point.
5.Record: Record the leak location, concentration, and time; take photos and mark if necessary.
III. Post-Use Processing: Zeroing/Resetting: Return the probe to clean air and wait for the reading to return to zero.
1.Shutdown: Power off normally and clean the probe surface of dust and oil.
2.Storage: Store in a dry, dust-free environment free of SF₆ gas; charge for later use.
Operational knowledge
▣Precautions of Operation
Do not allow the probe to directly inhale large amounts of high-concentration SF₆ to avoid sensor saturation or damage.
Avoid windy environments, as this will dilute the gas and result in inaccurate measurements.
Do not allow contact with oil, water, or dust to prevent probe clogging.
If the probe does not return to zero after an extended period, recalibrate the zero point.
▣Differences in Operation Between Different Instruments
- Modern Portable/Intelligent Instruments: Relatively simple to operate, quick warm-up, and usually have a digital display and menu.
Operation mainly involves selecting functions such as "Online Detection" and "Historical Data" using buttons or a touchscreen; they are highly automated.
- Traditional High-Precision Instruments: Some older or high-precision instruments have more steps involved, may require adjusting multiple knobs, and have a longer warm-up time (10-15 minutes).
Operation typically requires sequentially turning on the "Power," "Run," and "Measurement" switches, adjusting the "Range Adjustment Knob" to select the sensitivity, manually zeroing the instrument using the "Zero Adjustment Knob," and then reading the values using the pointer or scale and calculating the results from a table.
Applications of SF₆ Gas Leak Detectors
Power Industry
1.Substations: GIS Leak detection for combined electrical appliances, SF₆ circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and instrument transformers
2.Power plants: Air tightness testing of generator outgoing lines and high-voltage equipment in substations
3.Power grid operation and maintenance: Daily inspections, post-maintenance acceptance, and annual leakage rate testing
4.Substations: Leak detection for high-voltage ring main units, gas-filled switchgear, and SF₆ switchgear
Industry and Manufacturing
Self-owned power plants and high-voltage substations in metallurgical, petrochemical, mining, and cement enterprises
Electrical equipment manufacturers: Air tightness testing of SF₆ equipment production, assembly, and factory delivery
Gas recovery companies: Leak detection in SF₆ gas filling, recovery, and processing
Rail Transit and Infrastructure
1.High-speed rail, subway, and light rail traction substations and distribution substations
2.High-voltage power supply systems for airports, large stadiums, and data centers
Research and Testing Institutions
1.Equipment testing in quality inspection institutes, metrology institutes, and power research institutes
2.High-voltage electrical testing and research in universities and research institutes
Fire-fighting equipment: Testing fire extinguishers
Building and Environment: For building ventilation rate research
Refrigeration and Storage: Testing storage containers, gas transmission pipelines, and some refrigeration equipment
Alternative Name
· SF₆ Gas Leak Detector
· SF₆ Leak Detector
· Sulfur Hexafluoride Leak Detector
· SF₆ Gas Leakage Detector
· SF₆ Gas Detector
· SF₆ Leak Tester
· SF₆ Leak Analyzer
· SF₆ Leak Meter
· Infrared SF₆ Leak Detector
· SF₆ Infrared Imaging Leak Detector
· Corona SF₆ Leak Detector
· GIS Leak Detector
· High-Voltage Equipment SF₆ Leak Detector
· SF₆ Gas Leak Testing Instrument
FAQ
1.The instrument keeps alarming after powering on / the value doesn't return to zero?
A: Please place the probe in clean air and perform zero-point calibration; check if the probe is damp, oily, or clogged with dust; remove it from SF₆ gas environments before powering on.
2. Insufficient sensitivity, unable to find the leak point?
A: Set the instrument to a high sensitivity setting; when detecting leaks, keep the probe close to the sealing surface (1-3cm) and move it slowly; strong winds can affect detection, so it is recommended to test under sheltered conditions.
3.The value fluctuates greatly and is unstable?
A: This may be caused by ambient airflow, temperature and humidity changes, or the probe being near strong electromagnetic interference; it is recommended to stabilize the probe and recalibrate the zero point; if the problem persists, contact after-sales service to check the sensor.
4.Slow response / slow recovery?
A: The instrument may experience a brief trailing effect after leaving a high-concentration environment, which is normal; placing the probe in clean air will allow it to recover quickly; if it does not recover for a long time, calibration is recommended.
5.Can it display quantitative concentration?
A: Yes, it can directly display ppm/μL/L values, which can be used for leak detection and recording.
6. What is the detection accuracy?
A: The sensitivity can reach **≤1×10⁻⁶ vol/s** (or ≤1ppm, write according to actual parameters), meeting the requirements of the power industry standards.
7. Can it measure other gases?
A.This instrument is specifically designed for SF₆ gas detection and has little or no response to other gases.
8.Can it be used with GIS, switchgear, and circuit breakers?
A: Fully applicable. It is a dedicated leak detection device for GIS, high-voltage switchgear, SF₆ circuit breakers, and ring main units.
9.Can it be used indoors/outdoors?
A: It can be used both indoors and outdoors; for outdoor use, it is recommended to avoid strong winds to prevent gas diffusion from affecting the detection effect.
10.How long is the probe lifespan? Does it need to be replaced?
A: Under normal use, the probe has a long lifespan. Avoid water, oil, and dust ingress. If the sensitivity drops significantly, contact us to replace the probe.
11. Does it need regular calibration?
A: It is recommended to calibrate annually to ensure detection accuracy; calibration has been completed before leaving the factory.
12. How long can it be used on a single charge?
A: It can work continuously for 4-8 hours on a full charge (depending on the model), and supports simultaneous charging and use.
13. Does it meet power standards?
A: It meets DL/T and GB relevant power equipment testing standards and is suitable for substations, power plants, and industrial and mining enterprises.
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