Gas Sniffer Detection for Tracer Gas
Electronic gas detection instruments used to locate tracer gas escaping from leaks, providing sensitive detection of hydrogen-nitrogen mixtures.
How Gas Sniffer Detection for Tracer Gas Works
Gas sniffer detection is the sensing component of tracer gas leak detection. After a hydrogen-nitrogen gas mixture is injected into an isolated pipe section, sensitive electronic gas detectors are used to find where the gas emerges at the surface. The gas sniffer draws air through a probe and measures the concentration of hydrogen gas using a thermal conductivity sensor or semiconductor sensor. The technician walks systematic grid patterns over the pipe route while watching the meter reading. As the probe approaches the leak location, the gas concentration increases. The point of maximum concentration is directly above the leak. Modern gas sniffers can detect hydrogen concentrations as low as 5 parts per million (ppm) — far below the 5% hydrogen concentration in the tracer gas mixture, ensuring even microscopic leaks are detected.
Applications in BC
- Tracer gas leak detection for underground pipes
- Plastic pipe leak confirmation
- Geothermal loop leak location
- Fire suppression line leak detection
- Hydronic heating system leak detection in concrete slabs
Advantages
- Extremely sensitive — detects pinhole leaks
- Real-time concentration readings for fast location
- Portable and battery-operated for field use
- Selective detection of tracer gas without false positives
- GPS-integrated logging for documentation
Limitations
- Dependent on tracer gas reaching surface
- Can be affected by wind conditions outdoors
- Gas migration path may not be directly above leak
- Requires trained operator for accurate interpretation
Equipment Used
- • Sewerin GasTracer 2 hydrogen detector
- • Gutermann Hydrogen H2 sniffer
- • Sensistor Sentrac hydrogen leak detector
- • Inficon GasCheck G3
- • PCE Instruments hydrogen detector
Professional Gas Sniffer Detection for Tracer Gas in BC
LeakInspections.ca — a division of Anyleak.ca and Leak.ca. Call 604-239-9934.