The specialist for leak detection with tracer gas and hydrogen


Using tracer gas is a tried and tested method of pinpointing leaks. It can be used in gas and water distribution networks, pipelines in buildings, heating systems, pressurised communication cables, gas-filled high voltage power lines and landfill sites sealed with double membrane layers. It can also be used to test for leaks in industrial products such as pipes, pumps, engine blocks and airfoils. Detecting gas leaks by tracer gas involves feeding a mixture of 95% nitrogen (carrier gas) and 5% hydrogen into the pipelines or other equipment/products being tested. The hydrogen escapes through the leak and is detected by the highly sensitive, specialised sensor. The low amount of hydrogen (just 5%) means that this method is safe: the gas is incombustible as per ISO 10156 thanks to the use of nitrogen as the carrier gas. It is non-toxic, and therefore also permitted for use in drinking water networks, as well as non-corrosive. Tracer gas is cheap and easy to obtain from technical gas or welding gas dealers. It is also environmentally-neutral and permeates all cover layers such as asphalt, concrete and other seal coats. Tracer gas always looks for the shortest route from the leak to the surface.