Ion Science Panther — Handheld SF6 & Helium Gas Leak Detector
The Ion Science Panther is a handheld gas leak detector built to locate and pinpoint leaks quickly, using a micro thermal conductivity detector (MTCD). It is sensitive across a wide range of gases including helium, refrigerants and hydrogen, and holds an internal gas table so readings are interpreted against the gas you are actually working with.
An internal piezo pump delivers a stable sample flow, which is what makes the instrument usable in drafty conditions where a passive detector simply loses the plume. It is also resistant to interference from high electromagnetic fields — relevant around energized switchgear. Draw the probe along the area under inspection and the Panther both locates the leak and quantifies the leak rate in your chosen measurement units.
The Panther PRO adds datalogging with Bluetooth connectivity. Standard units can be field-upgraded to PRO specification.
Note: the Panther is not intrinsically safe. It must not be used in classified hazardous areas where an intrinsically safe instrument is required.
Probes, calibration and accessories
Flexible and capillary probes, probe sleeves, USB cables, power supplies, the PRO communication dongle and carry cases are stocked in Panther Spares & Accessories. Traceable on-site response verification uses the CalCheck units and calibrated leaks.
Note: CalCheck units and their gas canisters ship as Dangerous Goods under UN1950. The PRO interface dongle and flexible probe are ordered separately.
Browse all Ion Science Parts and Accessories, or see the full instrument range in Ion Science.
- Pinpoints leaks, not just detects them — draw the probe along the line and locate the source rather than confirming one exists somewhere
- Quantifies leak rate — reports in multiple measurement units, so findings can be compared against a specification
- Works in a draft — an internal piezo pump holds a stable 2 cc/s sample flow where passive detectors lose the plume
- One-second response — T90 of 1 second keeps survey pace up across long pipe runs
- Around 20 hours per charge — on the rechargeable Li-ion pack, with an integrated torch for poorly lit areas
- PRO adds Bluetooth datalogging — 10 days of continuous logging, and standard units can be upgraded in the field
- Helium tracer leak testing — pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pipework and manufactured assemblies
- Refrigerant leak detection — locating losses in HVAC and process refrigeration systems
- Hydrogen leak detection — including 5% hydrogen / 95% nitrogen forming gas tracer work
- Factory acceptance and QA testing — verifying new equipment against tight leak-rate specifications
- Utility and substation maintenance — scheduled survey work and post-repair verification
- Greenhouse gas emission control — finding and quantifying losses so they can be repaired and reported