SF₆ Leak Detection in Enclosed GIS Substations

High-voltage SF₆-insulated switchgears require specific monitoring and operation & maintenance procedures to prevent and limit the emissions of the insulating gas (SF₆ – sulfur hexafluoride), which is a very potent greenhouse gas.

New regulatory frames like the F-Gas Directive (EC 517/2014) are mandating the use of leak detection systems in the vast majority of high-voltage SF₆-GIS installation in order to better mitigate the risk of SF₆ emissions.

Our Gas Monitors based on Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) are field-proven in several applications and they were perfected for SF₆ leak detection. Our SF₆ Leak Detection System – 3731 – benefits from this expertise.

Ultra-high Sensitivity:

With its very low detection limit (6 ppb SF₆ in ambient), our 3731 system is a direct leak detection solution capable of integral monitoring of large switchgear rooms. It verifies that your SF₆-GIS equipment operates below the industrial target of 0.5% yearly leakage rate or better.

Multi-Point Sampling:

With up to 24 different channels, the 3731 system enables an extensive distribution of sampling points over the whole monitored substation in order to maximize the coverage area and minimize the detection response time. Each sampling line (nylon tubing) can be extended up to 75 m.

Reliability:

The detection system has extended self-test routines which maintain the reliability of the results. Besides, our stable PAS design only requires calibration once per year.

Detection trending - Automatic Alarms:

Analog output is available for detection trending over time. Measurements are also stored in the internal memory and can be exported to a remote LAN computer. Finally, configurable zone alarms can be relayed to a local RTU.