INFICON Protec P3000(XL) Helium Leak Detector User Manual
Page 41
Operation of the Protec P3000
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First briefly operate the ZERO button on the sniffer probe. This will ensure that the
Protec P3000 eliminates all interfering influences which may affect the ZERO level
(i.e. the detection limit of 1x10
-7
mbar l/s). Next hold the tip of the sniffer as close as
possible to the suspected leak, if required the tip may even touch the test object. If a
welded seam or alike needs to be tested, the tip should be moved at a velocity of no
more than 13 cm/s (5 inch per second) along the welded seam. The distance
between tip and test sample should be as small as possible.
If a leak is detected the bar will grow. The Protec P3000 continuously compares the
measured leak rates with the programmed trigger levels. If the trigger is exceeded
the background colour of the probe display will change from green to red. At the
same time an alarm sound will be released by the speaker in the probe handle and
the probe handle will start to slightly vibrate. As an additional indication of exceeding
the trigger value the three white LEDs in the flange of the sniffer tip will start flashing.
As soon as an acoustic alarm sounds, the tip should be removed from the spot being
tested. After displaying a constant leak rate the ZERO button should be pressed
again to repeat the test. Thus, a measurement error can be prevented and the leak
can be located.
For Protec P3000XL only:
The Protec P3000XL allows the use of the HIGH FLOW mode (requires use of
SL3000XL sniffer line). When set to HIGH FLOW mode leaks may be detected at a
larger distance from the potential leak. The high flow mode is indicated by the gas
type being displayed in inverted colors (on the probe display as well as on the main
display). When testing for joints, the sniffer tip should be no further than 10 mm (0.4
in) away from the joint. If testing a welded seam (or alike), the sniffer tip should not
be moved faster than 4 cm/s (1.6 in/s) at a maximum distance of 10 mm (0.4 in) from
the welded seam.
Fig. 3-6 Sniffer display when detecting a leak