The practical way to locate SF6 leaks on gas-insulated substations (GIS), switchgear and circuit breakers without de-energising them is to survey them with a gas imaging camera that makes the escape visible from a safe distance, with the installation in service. The TC706 detects SF6 in the 9.8-11.2 µm band, where it absorbs strongly, with a cooled 320 × 256 QWIP detector (NETD ≤ 0.025 °C at 30 °C): the escape appears as a live plume, the 635 nm laser pointer marks the leak point and every finding is recorded as radiometric images and video with a voice note.
TC706 key data
- In-service survey: the TC706 pinpoints the exact SF6 leak point at a distance on energised GIS, switchgear and circuit breakers, with no power outage and no specific background or auxiliary light.
- SF6 sensitivity: 9.8-11.2 µm band tuned to SF6 absorption (peak 10.55 µm), cooled 320 × 256 QWIP detector and NETD ≤ 0.025 °C at 30 °C.
- Marking the leak: 1 mW / 635 nm laser pointer, 1-4× electronic zoom and focus from 0.5 m (14.5° × 10.8° optics) or from 0.3 m (24° × 18° optics).
- Leak reporting: 14-bit radiometric JPEG with measurement data, infrared and visible MPEG-4 video, 40 s voice notes and a 1.3 MP visible camera; 8 GB SD card and transfer to PC over USB 2.0.
- Single operator: 3 kg, handle and viewfinder that rotate together, 0.6-inch HD OLED viewfinder and 5-inch touchscreen.
- Field conditions: IP54, −15 °C to +50 °C at ≤ 90 % RH non-condensing, Li-Ion battery for 3 h continuous use and 10-15 V DC external input.
- Thermography on the same round: measures temperatures from −40 °C to +500 °C with ±2 °C or ±2 % of reading, so it also covers routine thermographic inspection of the substation.
Advantages
Inspection without shutdowns
Passive thermal imaging in the 9.8-11.2 µm band, where SF6 absorbs strongly, locates the exact leak point remotely — no power outage and no auxiliary light or specific background required.
Cooled detector, double duty
The cooled 320 × 256 QWIP detector provides high-contrast imaging with a thermal sensitivity (NETD) of ≤ 0.025 °C and accurate temperature measurement from −40 °C to +500 °C, so it also covers routine thermographic inspection.
Designed for one operator
At 3 kg, with rotating handle and viewfinder, HD OLED eyepiece and a 5-inch touchscreen, the camera suits single-person field surveys at any angle.
Beyond SF6
Acetic acid, ammonia, FREON-12, cyanoacrylate, ethylene, chlorine dioxide and MEK are among the other detectable gases.
Complete field documentation
Radiometric image and video storage with voice annotation, built-in visible camera and HDMI output for full survey reports.
Applications
- SF6 leak surveys in gas-insulated substations and circuit breakers.
- Preventive inspection of energised switchgear.
- Tracing emissions of environmentally harmful gases.
About the product
SF6 is used across the electric power industry as an insulating and quenching medium in gas-insulated substations and circuit breakers; tracing its leaks protects both the installation and the environment. The TC706 documents each finding with radiometric images, video and voice notes for complete reports.
Analysis tools include up to 10 movable spots, 5 areas, 2 lines, profile, isotherm and temperature-difference functions with voice and colour alarms.
Technical specifications
| Detector | Cooled QWIP, 320 × 256 |
| Spectral range | 9.8-11.2 µm (peak 10.55 µm) |
| Thermal sensitivity (NETD) | ≤ 0.025 °C at 30 °C |
| Temperature range | −40 °C to +500 °C; ±2 °C or ±2 % |
| Displays | HD OLED viewfinder; 5-inch touchscreen |
| Battery | Li-Ion, 3 h continuous operation |
| Protection | IP54; −15 °C to +50 °C |
| Weight | 3 kg |
| Field of view / min. focus | 14.5° × 10.8° / 0.5 m or 24° × 18° / 0.3 m |
| Laser pointer | 1 mW / 635 nm (red) |
| Storage and interfaces | 8 GB SD (over 6000 images); HDMI, USB 2.0, audio output |
Frequently asked questions
How do you locate an SF6 leak on a GIS without taking it out of service?
With optical gas imaging from a safe distance. The TC706 works at 9.8-11.2 µm, where SF6 absorbs strongly, and its cooled 320 × 256 QWIP detector (NETD ≤ 0.025 °C) shows the escape as a live plume with the installation energised and no auxiliary light or specific background; the 635 nm laser pointer marks the leak point.
How long does it run for a substation survey?
The TC706 runs for 3 h continuously on its rechargeable Li-Ion battery and accepts a 10-15 V DC external supply or on-line adaptor charging. It weighs 3 kg, is rated IP54 and operates from −15 °C to +50 °C.
How does the camera detect SF6?
By passive thermal imaging in the 9.8-11.2 µm band, where SF6 absorbs infrared radiation strongly: the escape appears as a live plume on screen.
Does the installation need to be de-energised?
No. Leaks are located at a distance with the equipment energised and in service.
Can it measure temperature as well?
Yes. It measures from −40 °C to +500 °C with ±2 °C or ±2 % accuracy, with spot, area, line, profile and isotherm analysis.
How are findings documented?
With radiometric images and video, 40 s voice notes, the built-in visible camera and HDMI output.
