Infrared gas leak detector (including detailed operating procedures

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas is widely used in high-voltage switchgear due to its excellent insulation and arc-extinguishing properties. However, SF6 leakage not only compromises equipment insulation performance and jeopardizes the safe operation of power systems, but also poses environmental risks as a potent greenhouse gas. Traditional leak detection methods suffer from low sensitivity, inability to provide quantitative measurements, and potential poisoning hazards at high concentrations, making them inadequate for meeting the precision requirements of routine power equipment inspections.

We have newly launched this infrared gas leak detector, which employs an advanced dual-infrared detection principle to achieve high-sensitivity quantitative measurement at 0.1 ppm. Specifically designed for field inspections and on-site leak detection of gas-filled equipment such as SF6 gas-insulated switchgear, ring main units, and SF6 circuit breakers, the device features a portable gun-style design, user-friendly operation, and resistance to high-concentration poisoning, providing a precise, efficient, and reliable technical solution for SF6 gas leakage detection in power equipment.

This leak detector employs infrared dual-wavelength detection technology, utilizing the absorption characteristics of SF6 gas at specific infrared wavelengths to achieve precise detection. Compared with traditional electronic capture or halogen-based leak detection methods, the infrared detection principle offers significant advantages such as excellent stability, long service life, and immunity to interference from other gases.

The instrument achieves a maximum sensitivity and resolution of 0.1 ppm, enabling quantitative detection of SF6 gas and precise display of leakage concentrations. Upon detecting gas presence, an integrated buzzer emits an alarm sound whose volume and frequency vary proportionally with concentration levels; the alarm reaches its peak intensity when concentrations exceed 25.6 ppm. Operators can assess leakage severity simultaneously through both audible alerts and visual readings on the screen.

Traditional leak detectors are prone to sensor "poisoning" when exposed to high concentrations of SF6 gas or pure SF6 gas, leading to reduced sensitivity or even complete failure. This requires prolonged recovery periods or sensor replacement, significantly compromising on-site detection efficiency.

This instrument employs infrared detection technology, fundamentally eliminating sensor poisoning issues; neither high-concentration SF6 gas nor pure SF6 gas can damage the detection unit. It features a protective housing that effectively prevents dust, moisture, and grease from clogging the probe, thereby enhancing environmental adaptability and service life. The housing can be cleaned with compressed air and quickly replaced when contaminated by oil or other hard-to-clean deposits, ensuring measurement accuracy.

The instrument features an ergonomic gun-shaped design with a net weight of only 0.4 kg, allowing operation with a single hand for convenient long-term inspection tasks. It is equipped with a 116 mm-long metal probe tip that can penetrate narrow gaps for detection, as well as a 308 mm spare stainless steel flexible tube capable of flexible bending to reach hard-to-access inspection areas, meeting leakage detection requirements for various equipment structures.

Equipped with a high-capacity lithium battery that delivers over 4 hours of continuous operation, it meets all-day outdoor inspection requirements. Featuring an AC 100–240 V wide-voltage charging design compatible with global power standards, the device boasts an aluminum alloy housing weighing just 1.2 kg and measuring 345×255×110 mm—making it easy to carry and store for field inspections.

In addition to quantitative detection of SF6 gas, the instrument can also perform qualitative analysis on various other halogen gases, including CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs and their mixtures, as well as all halogen gases containing chlorine, fluorine, or bromine.

The application scenarios include leak detection of ethylene oxides in hospital disinfection equipment, leakage detection of cleaning agents (such as carbon tetrachloride) in dry cleaning machines, and detection of halogen gases in fire suppression systems. With its multi-functional design, this device provides flexible solutions for gas leak detection across various industries.

After confirming that the protective shield assembly is properly installed, turn on the instrument power switch to initiate the preheating phase. The preheating process takes approximately 3 minutes; once the instrument stabilizes, detection may begin. During preheating, the instrument performs internal self-checks and baseline calibration to ensure measurement accuracy.

Select the appropriate detection method based on the inspection location: For conventional inspections, use the front-end metal rod probe directly; for deeper inspection positions or special angles, install a spare stainless steel flexible tube to extend the detection range. When installing the flexible tube, ensure that O-ring seals are inserted into the grooves at both ends and tightened to guarantee air path sealing and prevent air leakage that may affect detection accuracy.

Press the micro-pump start button to activate the instrument in detection mode. Slowly move the probe along potential leakage areas of the inspected equipment, such as sealing surfaces, flanges, and joints, maintaining a distance of approximately 1–2 cm from each detection point. Avoid excessive movement speed to ensure the gas pump has sufficient time to collect gas samples.

During the detection process, closely monitor the concentration value displayed on the LCD screen and listen to the alarm buzzer sound. Upon detecting an SF6 gas leak, the LCD screen displays the concentration value in real time, while the buzzer's volume and frequency increase as the concentration rises, enabling operators to quickly locate the leakage point.

Upon receiving a leakage alarm, repeatedly move the probe near the affected area to determine the precise location of the leak by monitoring changes in concentration readings and variations in alarm intensity. The location with the highest concentration reading and the loudest alarm sound is identified as the leakage point. Record both the leakage point coordinates and the maximum concentration value for use as reference data for equipment maintenance.

Upon completion of all tests, release the micro-pump startup switch to stop sampling and turn off the power supply. Wipe the probe and device body with a clean soft cloth; check whether the protective cover is clean, and if dust is present, blow it off with compressed air. Return the instrument to its aluminum alloy housing and store it in a dry, well-ventilated location. When the battery level is low, charge it promptly; after approximately 3 hours of charging, the indicator light will change from red to green, indicating full charge.

Problem description: The initial leakage rate from minor leaks at the sealing surfaces of SF6 equipment is extremely low. Traditional soap-water leak detection methods or simple inspection techniques lack sufficient sensitivity to promptly identify early-stage leaks. By the time significant leakage occurs, insulation performance has often deteriorated, posing safety risks.

Solution: This leak detector employs infrared dual-wavelength detection technology with a maximum sensitivity of 0.1 ppm, capable of detecting trace amounts of SF6 gas leakage. Its quantitative display function accurately measures leakage concentration levels, enabling maintenance personnel to assess leakage severity, identify potential hazards early in the leakage progression, schedule scheduled repairs, and prevent fault escalation.

Problem description: Leak detectors operating on electrochemical or electron capture principles are prone to sensor poisoning upon exposure to high concentrations of SF6 gas, leading to a significant decline in sensitivity or even complete failure. Recovery may take several hours or even days, severely compromising the continuity of on-site detection operations.

Solution: Based on infrared optical detection technology, this system eliminates sensor poisoning issues and remains unaffected even when exposed to pure SF6 gas. It immediately resumes normal operation upon exiting high-concentration environments. Particularly suitable for on-site inspection of faulty equipment with significant leakage rates or for inspection tasks requiring continuous multi-point monitoring within short timeframes, it eliminates sensor recovery delays and significantly enhances detection efficiency.

Problem description: Equipment such as SF6 gas-insulated switchgear, ring main units, and circuit breakers have complex structures, with potential leakage points—such as gas chamber sealing surfaces and flange joints—often located inside the equipment or in narrow gaps. The limited length of conventional leak detectors makes it difficult to reach these blind spots, leading to missed detection.

Solution: The instrument is standardly equipped with a 116 mm metal rod probe and a 308 mm flexible stainless steel hose, which can be extended flexibly to meet detection requirements, enabling access into internal gaps and narrow spaces of the equipment. The hose can be bent at any angle, and combined with the gun-type grip design, operators can easily inspect leakage in blind spots such as the rear and bottom of the device, thereby minimizing detection dead zones.

Problem description: Substation and distribution room inspections often require mobile equipment operation across multiple locations. Traditional leak detectors have short battery life, necessitating frequent charging or battery replacement during inspections, which compromises operational continuity and efficiency.

Solution: Equipped with a high-capacity lithium battery that delivers over 4 hours of continuous operation on full charge, ideal for full-day outdoor inspection tasks. Its low-power design consumes only 0.5 W, significantly extending battery life. The device automatically shuts down when the battery voltage drops below 3.0 V to prevent damage from over-discharge. Featuring convenient charging compatibility with AC 100–240 V, it charges completely in approximately 3 hours for quick refueling.

Problem description: Industrial environments are complex, with pollutants such as dust, moisture, and oil contaminants readily entering the gas lines and sensors of leak detectors, causing blockages or sensor contamination. This leads to reduced detection accuracy, potential equipment damage, and increased maintenance costs.

Solution: The instrument is equipped with a dedicated protective housing assembly installed at the front end of the probe, which effectively filters dust, moisture, and oils to protect the internal detection unit. The housing can be cleaned by reverse-blowing with compressed air, extending its service life; when exposed to hard-to-clean contaminants such as oil stains, the protective housing assembly can be replaced directly without returning the entire unit for repair, resulting in low maintenance costs and rapid turnaround time while ensuring uninterrupted on-site testing operations.

SF6-filled gas-insulated switchgear and ring main units, widely used in power distribution systems, are key targets for gas leakage detection. During routine inspections, maintenance personnel can employ this leak detector to systematically examine sealed surfaces, gas chamber welds, cable joints, and other critical areas, enabling early identification of minor leaks. Its portable design and long battery life make it particularly suitable for multi-point inspection tasks in distribution rooms and switchgear substations, significantly enhancing both inspection efficiency and quality.

The high-voltage SF6 circuit breaker is a core component of substations, where gas pressure directly determines arc-quenching performance and insulation quality. During preventive testing, this leak detector is employed to conduct thorough leak inspections on the circuit breaker body, support insulators, and sealing points of the transmission mechanism. Combined with SF6 pressure monitoring data, these results enable comprehensive evaluation of the equipment's gas sealing integrity, provide data-driven support for condition-based maintenance, and ensure safe and reliable operation of the circuit breaker.

Upon completion of installation, gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) must undergo a hermeticity acceptance test. This leak detector can be used to identify leaks at flange connections in GIS chambers, basin insulators, bushings, operating mechanisms, and other critical components, thereby assisting in evaluating installation quality. Its high sensitivity of 0.1 ppm enables detection of minute sealing defects during installation, ensuring the equipment meets strict hermeticity requirements before commissioning.

Upon completion of SF6 equipment maintenance, the sealing performance of repaired areas must be verified. This leak detector should be used to conduct targeted inspections of repaired flanges, sealing rings, joints, and other components to ensure compliance with repair standards and prevent leakage upon reactivation of the equipment. The quantitative detection function enables comparison of leakage concentration changes before and after repairs, providing an intuitive assessment of maintenance effectiveness.

In addition to SF6 gas detection in the power industry, this instrument can also be widely applied for qualitative detection of halogen gases across various sectors, including refrigerant leakage detection in the chemical industry, ethylene oxide leakage detection in hospital disinfection equipment, carbon tetrachloride and other cleaning agent leakage detection in the dry cleaning industry, and fire suppression gas leakage detection in firefighting systems, providing flexible solutions for gas safety monitoring across multiple industries.

This infrared gas leak detector offers a professional, efficient, and reliable solution for detecting gas leaks in SF6-powered electrical equipment, featuring dual-infrared wave high-precision detection, resistance to high-concentration poisoning, a portable design, long battery life, and adaptability across various scenarios.

We remain dedicated to the technological development and innovation of power testing equipment. The introduction of this leak detector further expands our SF6 gas detection product portfolio, offering comprehensive gas leak detection solutions for power operation and maintenance organizations, equipment manufacturers, and third-party testing institutions—thereby supporting the safe operation of power infrastructure and environmental protection efforts.