Power generation facilities, chemical plants and similar facilities require a leak detector to sample gas that is primarily water vapor (steam) and/or contains chemicals that would damage the detector. To prevent this damage from happening, Agilent has developed a specialized probe and leak detector configuration tailored to the demanding requirements of these applications. The VS Harsh Environment (HE) Probe is designed to withstand the wet environment and high temperatures inside condenser piping without the need for dryers, chillers, a secondary vacuum pump, or throttling valves. The probe can either be held or installed in the exhaust of a pump on the condenser system, or can be flange-mounted directly into the piping of the system under test. The probe is connected to the flange via an adjustable compression fitting so the probe tip can be positioned in the center of the pipe. This guarantees the probe tip is in the maximum helium flow for the best sensitivity.

Equipment damage due to corrosion or water in the leak detector or roughing pump is eliminated. The Agilent HE Probe is able to withstand water, amines (ammonia derivatives), and operate at temperatures up to 95 °C (200 °F). The probe is connected directly to a VS Leak Detector with no additional water trapping or auxiliary pumping required. The probe consists of a 5 meter long corrosion resistant 316L stainless steel tube with a composite permeable membrane at its tip. The membrane readily permeates helium tracer gas while protecting the leak detector from water vapor and chemicals that would destroy the pumps, valves, and spectrometer. When the HE Probe is used in conjunction with an Agilent VS Leak Detector equipped with a wireless remote, the manpower needed for a leak test can be cut in half. A single operator can spray helium remotely from the location where the detector is sampling gas, yet can still monitor the instrument’s response. Works with all Agilent Varian 936, 959, 979, 990 and VS PR02, VS MR15, VS MD30, VS BR15, VS BD30 Series Leak Detectors. Agilent Varian Part Number G8600-68002.