RPM Test Equipment Solutions Inc. has introduced the DILO 3-033-R002, a sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) leak detector drawing on more than 30 years of DILO gas-detection manufacturing experience. The instrument uses negative corona technology and is positioned for industrial users that require high stability and sensitivity when tracing leaks.
Core technology and performance
The detector is built around an advanced microprocessor architecture that applies digital signal processing to manage signals from the circuit and the sensing probe. Compared with earlier models, the circuit layout has been simplified by close to 40 percent, a change the company says improves stability while lifting overall performance.
The microprocessor monitors the sensing probe and battery voltage 2,000 times per second, compensating for signal fluctuation in real time so that readings remain dependable in demanding environments.
Features and operation
The instrument carries several functions intended for differing industrial conditions:
- Multi-level sensitivity: seven sensitivity settings, with level 7 delivering up to 64 times the sensitivity of level 1.
- Indication system: a three-colour LED display showing leak size, sensitivity level and battery charge.
- Automatic ambient compensation: an integrated automatic circuit and reset key that suppress background SF6 concentration so that the actual leak is isolated.
- Alarm mechanism: 18 alarm levels that progress through green, orange and red to guide the user toward high-concentration sources.
Industrial applications
Beyond SF6 detection, the negative corona technology supports the detection of a range of other gases and chemicals:
| Application area | Detectable gas or substance |
|---|---|
| Power equipment maintenance | SF6 gas |
| Medical sterilisation equipment | Ethylene oxide |
| Fire suppression systems | Halon gas |
| Industrial cleaning | Perchloroethylene and other dry-cleaning solvents |
| General industry | Halogen gases containing chlorine, fluorine or bromine |
Design and ergonomics
The 3-033-R002 uses a new housing design intended to improve grip and handling. The layout has been revised so that all visual indicators remain directly visible while the unit is in operation.
Tactile buttons are intended to raise operating efficiency and reduce the risk of incorrect input during inspections.