Save time and money with IRwin’s modular probe system
Gas leak survey or emergency callouts on natural gas grids is a very diverse and often challenging job. The areas to be searched have very different surfaces such as asphalt, gravel or grass. The path to walk can be dry and dusty, wet and muddy, or even blocked by cars and trash cans. Additionally, survey results are sometimes contradictory or difficult to analyze due to surrounding conditions. Wind gusts, swamp gas triggering false positives, gas leaks finding their way into other utility structures, like drains, are all examples of interferences that will inevitably affect the results and, in the worst case, lead to missed leaks.
Evaluating the equipment
When evaluating leak detectors, it is often assumed that the sensitivity and accuracy of the equipment are the only important aspects for finding leaks. But this is not entirely true. The basic capabilities of the instrument are of course extremely important. If the sensor technology is inferior and the leak detector is difficult to use, it will result in missed leaks or incorrect interpretations and decisions. But the other two equally important aspects of leak survey and pinpointing are the standard operating procedure itself and the probe systems used by the operator.
Modular probe system for comfortable use and maximum efficiency
There is a large number of probes available on the market, all designed to solve different tasks in the best possible way. The problem is that the diversity of tasks during a normal working day would require carrying 4-5 probes in order to always have the right one for each specific task. This sometimes leads to a compromise with the use of a universal probe - that solves most of the tasks but not all - or with the operator losing time on walking back to the van to pick up the suitable probe for the job.
INFICON has developed a modular probe system to its IRwin®gas leak detector that provides the operator the flexibility to switch to the most appropriate probe for the job. The system is lightweight and has quick install fittings, allowing the operator to easily carry several probes at all times.
The flexibility to switch between probes during operation also offers the possibility to change and finetune procedures to find, pinpoint and classify more leaks. Optimized probes for each task save time and money. The INFICON portfolio of probes includes the ergonomic mono-wheeler carpet probe, for leak survey of large areas, and the innovative bell probe with the unique capability to pull high concentrations of gas through most surfaces during pinpointing, reducing the need of drilling bar holes. Both probes have the potential to significantly speed up and enhance the quality of the survey or pinpointing work.
INFICON also offers kits with the most commonly used probes, packed into tailored carrying cases where each probe has its own spot to keep it in good order.
