Lumasense Technologies has announced the availability of its SF6 Leak Detector for the power utility and industrial markets.

LumaSense SF6 Leak Detector is able to measure the total concentration of the Sulfur Hexafluoride gas in a monitored enclosure where the switchgear (or other SF6-filled equipment) is tested. It is critical to detect leaks and improve "gas-tightness" during the testing period to ensure the equipment will perform in the field. The LumaSense SF6 Leak Detector is based on the company's Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) technology, which offers an unmatched combination of performance and convenience with highly accurate, reliable, and stable analysis and detection.

For the past 30 years, the amount of Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) used in the power utility and industrial markets has been increasing. The gas is used mainly as an insulator for electrical switch-gear and control-gear rated for voltages greater than 1 kV, but is also used in cables, tubular transmission lines, electrostatic generators and transformers (in preference to insulating oils because of their flammability problems).

In order to meet final test standards and uphold new regulations that may be enforced to enable the continued use of SF6, a manufacturer of SF6-filled equipment must perform quality assurance testing. These growing environmental requirements and pressures regarding use of SF6 make the LumaSense SF6 detector a key tool that is designed for everyday use. The LumaSense system's accuracy and low detection limits enable manufacturers to complete tests more accurately and more efficiently.

Safety monitoring applications in the field require low detection limits, ease-of-use and stability over long periods of time. LumaSense SF6 Leak Detector addresses these critical requirements and has the option to be fitted with a Multipoint Sampler 1309 system (multiplexer) that enables broad area coverage and long-term unattended operation releasing valuable manpower to focus on other tasks.