New Intrinsically Safe Leak Detector (EX) for Hazardous Environments

Adixen Sensistor (Sweden), hydrogen detector manufacturer, has developed a new, intrinsically safe leak detector. The equipment meets the ATEX directive and may be used for leak testing in explosive environments, such as aircraft fuel systems.

The new leak detector Extrima® is intended for leak detection with diluted hydrogen as tracer gas in explosive environments, where the safety requirements are extremely high. The detector is intrinsically safe which means that it under no circumstances can ignite the explosive gas. Extrima has EEx ia IIC T3 classification according to European and IEC standards, which means that it meets the requirements for use in zone 0 according to ATEX directive (ATmosphere EXplosible) of the European Commission. This detector can therefore be applied in the chemical and petrochemical industry as well as in the aviation and oil processing industries. A typical application is leak detection during maintenance of aircraft fuel systems. Since there is always some fuel left in the system the equipment must meet specific requirements, says Mikael Ekström, Marketing Director at Sensistor.

Extrima quickly detects and locates the smallest possible fluid fuel leaks thereby ensuring 100% integrity of the test object. The Extrima has a unique AutoRanging function, which automatically tunes the instrument’s sensitivity for precise leak location.

After a leak is located and the search for additional leaks continues, the sensitivity automatically readjusts to the highest level. With a full seven hour continuous operation from rechargeable batteries and an IP67 waterproof rating the Extrima meets all the requirements of the aviation, chemical, petrochemical and oil process industries for leak detection. Extrima will be ready for delivery in September 2007.