Gas Detection

Leak detection using a hydrogen “tracer” gas

This leak detection system uses a non-toxic, water insoluble, lighter-than-air gas, hydrogen. The hydrogen is injected into a section of water pipe which has been leaking. The gas escapes at a leak opening and, being lighter than air, permeates to the surface through the soil and/or pavement.

The leak is located by scanning the ground surface directly above the pipe with a highly sensitive gas detector. As hydrogen is a very light gas it permeates concrete, tarmac and asphalt easily to make the system extremely effective on most surface finishes.

It is also possible to use the system to test the integrity of pipe work by monitoring for a pressure drop in the gas introduced in to the pipe work under test.