Product category:
Level Sensors and Leak Detectors
News Release from: Ion Science | Subject: Gas Check 3000 leak detector
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 20 July 2000
Gas leak in hydrogen cooled generator -
sorted
When Edison Mission Energy had difficulty locating a gas leak in one of its hydrogen cooled generators, it approached leak detection experts Ion Science for the solution
When Edison Mission Energy, one of the largest and most successful global power producers, had difficulty locating a gas leak in one of its hydrogen cooled generators, it approached leak detection experts Ion Science for the solution Since its creation in 1986, Edison Mission Energy has specialised in the development, acquisition, construction management and operation of global power production facilities
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 5 Aug 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Solid experience and meticulous attention to operation and maintenance have earned Edison Mission Energy an international reputation for customer service and efficient, low-cost, safe operation of plants.
However, a cause for concern came when a gas leak was discovered coming from one of Edison's hydrogen cooled generators situated in Bakersfield, California.
Not only was the leak consuming massive amounts of hydrogen at considerable financial cost, the escape of the gas was also producing a potential hazard.
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Edison Mission Energy immediately investigated the leak in an effort to determine where it was coming from, and tried a number of detectors and meters, unsuccessfully.
John Stumm, Instrument and Electrical Supervisor for Edison Mission Operations and Maintenance takes up the story, "Cheaper meters just weren't able to locate the leak due to their lack of sensitivity or response and we desperately needed something with enhanced sensitivity to do the job." Edison Mission Energy then approached Ion Science for a solution, which came in the form of the hand held Gas Check 3000 leak detector.
The GC3000 is designed specifically for search and locate and the new design is incredibly easy to use.
Although principally calibrated for helium, the unit has multiple gas selection and can be used for pure hydrogen, so was ideal for Edison's needs.
The user has total control via a tactile keypad, and a large backlit LCD shows unit setting and numerical readout even in dark confined spaces.
In addition, a loud audible tone and flashing LED makes leak finding easy and when searching for leaks the unit can be set into auto-range, giving the maximum sensitivity when required, ideal for Edison's situation.
Stumm comments, "I was amazed at the sensitivity and ease of operation of the GC3000.
In fact, it eventually took less than an hour to locate the leak, which turned out to be emanating from the highly unusual location of the field rotor." He continues, "Our purchase of the GC3000 turned out to be a very wise decision, in terms of both money, time and safety.
Had it not been for the meter, we might still be chasing the leak.".
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