SF6 LeakMate
Portable SF6 Leak Detector
The SF6 LeakMate by ION Science is an easy to use, cost effective SF6 leak detector for mobile use. Based on the proven Negative Corona Discharge principle, it detects SF6 leaks down to about 1×10-6 mbar l/s with a response time of about 1 second. It zeros itself to the surrounding air, so background SF6 is suppressed and leaks can be found even in seriously contaminated areas. An audible alarm and a tricolour LED bar graph show whether a leak is small, medium or large.
KEY BENEFITS
- Cost-effective entry-level SF6 leak detector for routine switchgear maintenance programs
- Zeros itself to the surrounding air, so leaks can be found even in seriously contaminated areas
- Audible alarm pitch and frequency progressively follow leak rate for immediate indication of leak severity
- 7 position tricolour LED bar graph shows whether a leak is small, medium or large
- Selectable sensitivity for adjustment to suit the application and ambient conditions
+ more in the Description tab below
The Cost Effective SF6 Leak Detector
Not all SF6 leak detection needs the highest possible sensitivity. For routine switchgear maintenance, periodic leak surveys and first checks before a detailed investigation, the SF6 LeakMate gives fast, reliable SF6 leak detection at a lower cost than the SF6 LeakCheck P1 XTL.
The LeakMate uses the proven Negative Corona Discharge principle, with a detection threshold of about 1×10-6 mbar l/s. That makes it well suited to practical leak detection on SF6 switchgear.
Finding Leaks in Contaminated Areas
A common challenge in SF6 leak detection is working where SF6 has already escaped into the air. With most instruments, that background gas would mask the leak and set off continuous alarms.
The LeakMate is built for relative detection. When switched on, it zeros itself to the surrounding air and then looks for higher SF6 concentrations, which only occur as you approach a leak. That suppresses background contamination, so leaks can be pinpointed even in seriously contaminated areas. If conditions change during a search, the RESET button re-zeros the detector.
It also compensates automatically for ambient influences like temperature changes and air movement in the room.
Simple Operation, Clear Indication
The processor controlled LeakMate is easy to operate, even for untrained personnel. At start up, the first LED shows the battery status: green for good, orange for low, red for insufficient power.
The 7 position tricolour LED bar graph shows whether a leak is small, medium or large. The audible alarm pitch follows the leak rate, so the operator can home in on the source without watching the display. The sensitivity can be adjusted to suit the leak size, and the 355 mm flexible sniffing probe reaches tight spots around switchgear components.
Where It’s Used
The LeakMate suits leak detection on SF6 switchgear, service and maintenance in switchgear production, and mobile leak detection on test equipment for differential pressure and mass flow.
LeakMate or P1 XTL?
The LeakMate is the right choice for routine maintenance, periodic leak surveys and first condition checks on SF6 switchgear. For the highest sensitivity, testing to strict leak rate standards, or detection of C4-FN gas mixtures, the SF6 LeakCheck P1 XTL is the better fit. Many sites use both: the LeakMate for routine surveys, and the P1 XTL for detailed verification.
Benefits
- Cost-effective entry-level SF6 leak detector for routine switchgear maintenance programs
- Zeros itself to the surrounding air, so leaks can be found even in seriously contaminated areas
- Audible alarm pitch and frequency progressively follow leak rate for immediate indication of leak severity
- 7 position tricolour LED bar graph shows whether a leak is small, medium or large
- Selectable sensitivity for adjustment to suit the application and ambient conditions
- Automatic compensation for temperature changes and air movement in the room
- RESET button re-zeros the detector if conditions change during a search
- Intelligent control sets up the instrument for current ambient conditions automatically
- 355 mm flexible sniffing probe reaches tight spots around switchgear
- Easy to operate, even for untrained personnel, with a battery status check at start up
Detection principle
High voltage ionisation (Negative Corona Discharge)
Sensitivity
About 1×10-6 mbar l/s for SF6
Response time
Approximately 1 second
Display
7 position tricolour LED bar graph
Alarms
Audible, with pitch following leak rate
Sensitivity
Selectable
Relative detection
Zeros to ambient air at start up, suppressing background SF6. RESET button to re-zero
Sniffing probe
355 mm flexible pipe
Automatic zero
Yes
Sniffing probe
385 mm flexible pipe
Size (including carry case)
330 x 280 x 125 mm
Weight (including accessories)
2,100 g, including case and accessories
Operating temperature
-20°C to 50°C
EMC
CE Declaration of Conformity
Sulphur Hexafluoride
SF6
- Aviation & Transportation
- Mining & Minerals
- Power Generation & BESS
- Technology & Semiconductor
The SF6 LeakMate is the cost-effective entry-level option for routine SF6 switchgear inspection using Negative Corona Discharge technology with a sensitivity of 1×10-6 mbar l/s. The SF6 LeakCheck P1 XTL is the advanced high-sensitivity instrument using NIC technology with sensitivity of 1×10-7 ml/s (Standard) or 1×10-8 ml/s (HIGHSense), and additionally detects C4-FN. The LeakMate is suited to routine surveys and initial condition assessment. The P1 XTL is suited to compliance testing, high-sensitivity verification and the most demanding inspection requirements.
The LeakMate is built for relative detection. At start up, it zeros itself to the surrounding air, then responds only to higher SF6 concentrations, which occur as you approach a leak. Background contamination is suppressed, so leaks can be found even in seriously contaminated areas. The RESET button re-zeros the detector if conditions change.
No. The LeakMate is designed specifically for SF6 detection. For C4-FN detection alongside SF6, the SF6 LeakCheck P1 XTL is the appropriate instrument.
The audible alarm pitch follows the detected leak rate. As the probe gets closer to the leak, the tone changes, giving the operator a clear sense of leak size and direction without watching the display.
The LeakMate comes with a 355 mm flexible sniffing probe, for reaching tight spots around switchgear components.
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