Panther
Portable Gas Leak Detector
The Panther by ION Science is a portable gas leak detector for fast, sensitive detection of a wide range of gases, including helium, hydrogen and refrigerants. Its micro thermal conductivity detector measures helium leaks from 5×10-6 cc/s and hydrogen from 3.8×10-6 cc/s, with a 1 second response. An internal piezo pump keeps the sample flow stable in draughty conditions. It comes in two versions: the Panther Standard, and the Panther PRO with Bluetooth, ION PC software and 10 days of datalogging.
KEY BENEFITS
- Detects helium leaks from 5×10-6 cc/s and hydrogen from 3.8×10-6 cc/s, with a 1 second response
- Internal piezo pump gives stable sample flow, even in draughty environments
- Three selectable sensitivity levels to suit the leak size and application
- Relative immunity in high electromagnetic field environments, such as near MRI scanners
- Colour LCD display, easy to read in any light
+ more in the Description tab below
Fast, Sensitive Leak Detection
The Panther is designed for searching and locating gas leaks. It feels natural in the hand, and everyday tasks like zeroing are quick and easy.
Its micro thermal conductivity detector gives fast, sensitive detection of many gases, including helium, hydrogen and refrigerants. Referenced to helium, it detects leaks from 5×10-6 cc/s. Hydrogen is detected from 3.8×10-6 cc/s, so it’s even more sensitive to hydrogen than to helium. The response time is 1 second (T90).
An internal piezo pump draws a stable sample flow, which keeps readings steady in draughty environments where diffusion instruments can struggle.
Standard or PRO
Both versions share the same sensor, pump, housing, battery, torch and display. The difference is connectivity and data.
The Panther Standard is the straightforward option for reliable leak detection without data management. It suits inspection work where records are kept manually.
The Panther PRO adds Bluetooth, through a USB dongle, and ION PC software. ION PC lets users create and load custom calibrations, choose the measurement gas from the internal gas table, and set units, display and alarm settings. The PRO logs 10 days of continuous data, and sessions can be downloaded, compared and exported as graphs to CSV, Excel or PNG. ION PC runs on Windows 10 and 11.
Simple Technique, Fast Results
Draw the probe along the area being tested at about 25 mm per second. When a leak is detected, go back over the route more slowly until it’s pinpointed. Then hold the probe over the leak until the reading settles, and read the leak rate or concentration from the display.
Three sensitivity levels, high, medium and low, let the operator match the response to the leak size and background conditions. Readings can be shown in cc/s, mg/m3, g/yr, ppm or % Vol.
Built for Demanding Sites
The Panther has shown relative immunity in high electromagnetic field environments, which makes it suitable for work near MRI scanners and high voltage equipment.
It’s IP44 splash proof, with a removable spout to protect the probe. Alarms include flashing LEDs, vibration and a loud sounder of at least 90 dB at 10 cm. The integrated torch helps in dimly lit areas, and the lithium ion battery runs for up to 20 hours from a USB-C charge.
Warranty
The standard warranty extends to up to two years when the Panther is registered online within one month of purchase.
Benefits
- Detects helium leaks from 5×10-6 cc/s and hydrogen from 3.8×10-6 cc/s, with a 1 second response
- Internal piezo pump gives stable sample flow, even in draughty environments
- Three selectable sensitivity levels to suit the leak size and application
- Relative immunity in high electromagnetic field environments, such as near MRI scanners
- Colour LCD display, easy to read in any light
- Up to 20 hours of battery life from a USB-C charge
- Integrated torch for dimly lit or dark inspection areas
- IP44 splash proof, with a removable spout to protect the probe
- Panther PRO: Bluetooth and ION PC software for setup, custom calibrations and data download
- Panther PRO: 10 days of continuous datalogging, with export to Excel, CSV or PNG
Detection principle
Micro thermal conductivity detector (MTCD)
Sensitivity
Helium: 5×10-6 cc/s. Hydrogen: 3.8×10-6 cc/s
Sampling
Internal piezo pump
Sensitivity levels
3 selectable: high, medium and low
Display
Colour LCD, easy to view in all lighting conditions
Alarms
Flashing LEDs (low and high alarms), audible sounder at least 90 dB at 10 cm, vibration
Bluetooth
Panther PRO only
Datalogging
Panther PRO only: 10 days continuous. Export to Excel, CSV or PNG
PC software
Panther PRO only: ION PC (Windows 10 and 11) for custom calibrations, gas table selection, settings and data download
Response time
T90: 1 second
Units
cc/s, mg/m3, g/yr, ppm, % Vol
Factory calibration
5,000 ppm helium and 0.0005 cc/s helium leak (±5% at calibration point, 50% RH, room temperature)
Humidity
0 to 99% RH
Torch
Integrated (both versions)
Battery
Rechargeable lithium ion, up to 20 hours (both versions)
Charging
USB-C (both versions)
Operating temperature
0°C to 50°C
Dimensions
320 x 80 x 55 mm
Weight
447 g
IP rating
IP44 splash-proof
EMF immunity
Relative immunity in high electromagnetic field environments
Warranty
Standard warranty, extendable to up to 2 years by registering online within one month of purchase
Propane
C3H8
Methane
CH4
Hydrogen
H2
Ammonia
NH3
Sulphur Hexafluoride
SF6
- Aviation & Transportation
- Carpark & HVAC
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Energy (Oil & Gas)
- Food & Beverage
- Medical & Healthcare
- Mining & Minerals
- Power Generation & BESS
- Technology & Semiconductor
- Water & Wastewater
The Panther Standard is the straightforward option, without Bluetooth or datalogging. The Panther PRO adds Bluetooth, ION PC software for custom calibrations and settings, and 10 days of continuous datalogging with export to Excel, CSV or PNG. Both share the same sensor, pump, battery, torch and display.
The Panther uses a thermal conductivity sensor sensitive to any gas with a thermal conductivity different to air. The most common applications are helium, hydrogen, ammonia, refrigerants, argon, butane, methane, propane and SF6. The internal gas table covers a broad range of additional gases selectable through ION PC software.
Hydrogen has approximately one third higher sensitivity to the thermal conductivity detection technology than helium, meaning the Panther detects hydrogen leaks at even lower concentrations than helium despite helium being the reference gas used to specify the instrument's sensitivity.
Yes. The Panther has shown relative immunity in high electromagnetic field environments, which makes it suitable for leak detection near MRI scanners. Talk to our Technical Consultants about your application.
The Panther is factory calibrated against a 0.0005 cc/s helium leak and 5,000 ppm helium. Calibration checks can be done with the ION Science CalCheck accessory. If the reading is outside limits during a CalCheck test, the instrument needs recalibration by a qualified service technician. Panther PRO users can also create and load custom calibrations through ION PC.
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 20 hours of runtime from a full charge via USB C.
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