Why Monitor SF6?
SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) gas is commonly used as an insulating medium in high-voltage circuit breakers and other electrical equipment. It offers excellent electrical insulation properties and high thermal stability, making it suitable for use in these applications.
Monitoring SF6 gas on a circuit breaker is important for several reasons:
Safety
SF6 gas is a potent greenhouse gas and has a high global warming potential. Monitoring its levels helps prevent leaks, minimize emissions, and reduce the environmental impact. By monitoring SF6 gas regularly, any leaks can be detected promptly, and appropriate actions can be taken to prevent potential hazards.Equipment Performance
SF6 gas is critical for the proper functioning of high-voltage circuit breakers. Monitoring SF6 pressure helps ensure the integrity of the insulation and the overall performance of the equipment. A decrease in SF6 pressure may indicate a leak, which can affect the interruption capability of the circuit breaker. Timely detection and resolution of such issues are crucial to maintaining the reliability and safety of the electrical system.Maintenance Planning
Monitoring SF6 gas levels allows for proactive maintenance planning. By tracking the gas levels over time, it is possible to identify trends and patterns that can help predict potential failures or maintenance requirements. Scheduled maintenance activities can be optimized based on the gas condition, which can reduce downtime and minimize the risk of unexpected failures.Regulatory Compliance
Many countries and regions have regulations in place to control and reduce SF6 emissions due to its environmental impact. Monitoring SF6 gas levels ensures compliance with these regulations and facilitates the reporting of accurate data.SF6 Monitoring and Diagnostic Solutions
Breaker Performance Monitor
The Breaker Performance Monitor is ideally suited for implementing predictive maintenance, maintenance deferral, condition based maintenance and increased environmental protection from SF6 gas leaks.
Serial Gateway
This flexible wireless solution for data retrieval allows for integration of third party devices and asset monitors without native ConnectGrid™ connectivity. Once data is available on the ConnectGrid™ platform, the data can be utilized by several applications for visualization and analytics to improve distributed energy management (DERMS) and other advanced distribution management system (ADMS) applications.
DynamicMetrix®
DynamicMetrix® is a dashboard visualization tool to manage data from transformers, circuit breakers, switchgear and more. This software helps utilities collect and use condition monitoring information from their high voltage electrical equipment to improve business performance.