Video: D-TEK

Video transcript

One hand-held instrument that first finds the area of a leak, then the exact point. How it detects SF₆, how its two modes work, and how to search with it. When gas leaks from a breaker or a switchgear compartment, it does not spread evenly. The concentration is higher near the source. A classic detector only answers yes or no at the tip of its probe, so on a large installation the search can take a long time. The answer is to follow the concentration first and pinpoint second.

It detects with an infrared sensor. The air drawn in passes through a test cell crossed by infrared light. Clean air lets it all through to the detector. SF₆ and refrigerants absorb part of that light, and the drop in the signal is the measurement. Because nothing is consumed, the sensitivity does not degrade with time. it works as two instruments. In cloud hunting mode, it behaves like a portable monitor and shows the

concentration in parts per million to find the area where the gas is highest. In pinpoint mode, it works as a classic leak detector to isolate the exact joint or fitting. And a manual zero mode gives the operator control over the baseline. The instrument, a flexible probe of 43 centimeters, with its tip where the gas is drawn in, a large and easy to read LCD display, and two keys under it, mode and sensitivity and zero. It weighs 500 grams and is used with one hand.

In cloud hunting mode, the display shows a large reading in parts per million with a resolution of 1 and the maximum reached. There is no sensitivity setting. Walk slowly through the suspect area and follow the number. The higher it goes, the closer you are. If the reading does not settle, move to clean air for a few minutes. in the area, switch to pinpoint mode. A large indicator bar replaces the number,

and the sensitivity can be set in steps up to super, the most sensitive. The automatic zero compensates for the gas already in the background, so only the extra gas at a leak shows. In manual zero mode, a press of the sensitivity and zero key sets the baseline. search follows the same order every time. Switch on in clean air. Walk the installation in cloud hunting mode, watching the number. Stop where it peaks. Change to pinpoint and move the tip slowly along each joint,

flange and valve in that area. Confirm the point and mark it for the repair. standard sensor detects SF₆ and the traditional refrigerants and blends, CFC, HCFC, HFC, and HFO. Two optional sensors extended, one for carbon dioxide and one for flammable refrigerants. The sensor is a cartridge, changed in the field in seconds, without tools. The sensitivity is tested to the EN 14624 standard.

For SF₆, five grams a year. For R134a, one gram a year. And half a gram for R1234yf. Carbon dioxide and flammables need their own sensors. Maintenance is light. The sensor lasts up to 2,000 hours and keeps its sensitivity. A water repellent filter protects it. If the white cloth looks discolored, fit a new filter. Spares are in the kit.

And once a year, verify the detector against a calibrated reference leak. The lithium-ion battery lasts about eight hours in cloud hunting and ten in pinpoint. A flat battery reaches 80% in about two hours and full in three. And the detector keeps working while it charges over USB. Use only a certified 5-volt, one-amp charger. The battery itself is changed in the field. It comes in a rugged case with the detector, the infrared refrigerant sensor,

the battery, spare filters, wall and car chargers, the extra-long probe and earbuds. One limit to respect, it is not certified for explosive atmospheres. Check the local rules before working in a classified area. Where it is used. SF₆ leaks in breakers, switchgear and GIS, refrigeration and air conditioning circuits, periodic checks of installations, and, with the right sensor, carbon dioxide systems. SF₆ leak detection from Amperis.