Q:
How does the Prowler sensor compare to heated sensor leak detec-
tors?
A:
Besides having superior sensitivity especially to the newer HFC re-
frigerants, the Prowler sensor also operates at a lower temperature than
heated sensors. This is an advantage because it draws less current so it
does not require the use of rechargeable batteries. Another advantage is
that it can be used safely in combustible atmospheres.
Q:
What happens when the Prowler detects that a leak is present?
A:
When refrigerant gas enters the sensor, the Prowler detection circuit
initiates three indicators that show a leak is present. The user hears an au-
dio alarm (when not manually muted), feels a vibration in the handle, and
sees the bar graph line(s) appearing on the LCD screen. Both the audio
and vibration alarm are constant no matter how large the concentration of
the gas. The LCD bar graph changes depending on the concentration of
the gas in the sensor. The bar graph is also independent from the sensitiv-
ity level selected.
Q:
How does the Prowler work so that the source of the leak can be lo-
cated?
A:
Unlike other leak detectors, the Prowler incorporates several innovative
high technology features that allow the user to
fi
nd the source of the leak
without requiring any manual adjustments. Advanced computer software
constantly monitors the surroundings for the presence of refrigerant gas.
The detector then automatically calibrates itself so that it alarms only when
it senses an increase in the level of refrigerant as the source of the leak is
approached. The proprietary software then “
fi
lters” out and virtually elimi-
nates any unwanted (false) alarm signals that occur away from the leak
source.
Q:
Will the Prowler detect large leaks without any manual adjustments?
A:
Yes. However, if the Prowler alarms initially close to a large leak and
then stops alarming before the source of the leak can be pin pointed, it
means that the concentration of refrigerant in the area near the leak is
similar to the concentration at the leak source. In this situation, it is im-
portant to move the sensor away from the leak source (usually above the
suspected leak source) for 5 to 10 seconds to allow the sensor to self cali-
brate to a lower concentration before searching the area a second time.
The detector will then alarm again closer to (or at) the source of the leak.
Holding the probe away in this manner will also give a more accurate indi-
cation of the leak size on the bar graph.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
