In GIS rooms, circuit breaker gas compartments, or ring main unit sites, operation and maintenance personnel often need to determine whether there is an SF6 leak at a certain joint, flange, or valve. When the pressure gauge shows that the gas compartment pressure is low but the refilling cycle has shortened, a quantitative leak detector is needed to inspect possible leak points one by one. The SF6 gas quantitative leak detector converts gas concentration into readable values, helping technicians distinguish trace seepage from obvious leak points, thereby determining the subsequent handling method.
Inspection of Indoor GIS and Switchgear
Indoor GIS equipment is relatively enclosed, and once SF6 gas leaks, it easily accumulates in low-lying areas. When using a quantitative leak detector, the probe can be slowly moved along sections such as gas compartment divisions, basin insulators, flange joint surfaces, and density relay interfaces. The instrument responds quickly and can output concentration changes when the probe approaches a leak point, making it convenient for technicians to judge whether immediate action is needed based on the value. For equipment in narrow spaces such as ring main units, probe extension accessories help reach corners that are difficult to access with normal hand movements.
Mobile Detection of Outdoor Circuit Breakers and Pipe Galleries
Outdoor SF6 circuit breakers are installed on supports or in pipe galleries, and the detection range is relatively large, which places requirements on the mobility and stability of the instrument. The portable design allows workers to carry the device and inspect point by point along circuit breaker pillars, grading ring connections, and gas pipe joints. In environments with strong wind, it is recommended to use a wind shield or measure by staying close at short distance to reduce the influence of external airflow on readings. The instrument has a certain measurement range coverage and can adapt to detection needs from trace amounts to relatively high concentrations.
Air Tightness Recheck After Maintenance
After equipment is disassembled for maintenance or sealing components are replaced, an air tightness recheck is usually required. During operation, first partially wrap the maintenance area or use plastic film enclosure, and after allowing it to stand for a period of time, measure the internal gas concentration to help judge the restoration of sealing. In such scenarios, the quantitative leak detector is used to provide relatively comparable concentration data, helping technicians confirm whether there is abnormal leakage. During measurement, attention should be paid to background concentration interference, and if necessary, the ambient background value should be measured first as a reference.
Annual Leakage Rate Estimation and Data Recording
Some operation and maintenance units need to estimate the annual leakage rate of gas compartments. On the premise of known gas compartment volume, initial pressure, and refilling records, combining the leakage concentration measured by the quantitative leak detector with parameters such as detection time can provide a rough assessment of the leakage trend. On site, the detection location, ambient temperature, instrument readings, and probe residence time should be recorded to facilitate subsequent comparative analysis. Different models of instruments differ in measurement range and minimum detection limit, so before selection, technical parameters should be checked to see whether they meet on-site requirements.
