The Rapidox 3100 SF6 Gas analyzer:  High Specification SF6 analyzer with Moisture and SO2 Detection Included

New for 2009 the Rapidox 3100C SF6 analyzer.  SF6 is a man-made gas used in high-voltage switchgear because of its great arc quenching capabilities. Partial discharges and leaks over time eventually cause the SF6 to decompose into highly corrosive compounds. It is therefore essential to monitor the condition of the SF6 to protect the equipment from spark damage and corrosion.

The Rapidox 3100C is a multi-gas analyzer for the simultaneous measurement of SF6 (0-100%), SO2 (0-100ppm) and dewpoint (-65°C/+20°C). The analyzer is designed for controlling and monitoring the quality of SF6 in gas insulated sub-stations and circuit breakers. The analyzer not only measures the SF6 gas content in air or nitrogen over the full range, but also measures the moisture content of the SF6 which is essential when monitoring the dielectric strength of the gas. The decomposition products of SF6 can be identified by analysing the SO2 content of the gas; this forms from the breakdown of SOF2 and SOF4 after an electrical discharge. The analyzer incorporates an electrochemical SO2 sensor to measure ppm levels of sulfur dioxide. All three gases can be monitored and data-logged simultaneously and just a few minutes are required to get a stable reading.

Regular checking of SF6 gas insulated substations allows fault preventative maintenance programs to be implemented, and increases the life cycle of the SF6.

The analyzer has a gas output nozzle allowing all sampled gas to be recovered and recycled, ensuring that no SF6 gas is released into the atmosphere (in accordance with the Kyoto agreement).

Features

Applications

Continuous gas sampling of SF6 - SO2 - Moisture High precision catharometer for SF6 analysis over the range 0-100% Electrochemical SO2 sensor for trace analysis of contamination gas 0-100ppm Full scale ceramic dew-point sensor for moisture analysis -100°C to +20°C dp Sensor accuracy ± 1% of the full scale Input pressure 0.5 to 14 bar Gas flow rate 0.5 - 1 litre per minute controlled by flow gauge Programmable alarms (low and high condition) with outputs and visual warning. RS232 / RS485, 0-5V or 4-20mA current loop outputs (both user programmable). Windows data logging software with MS-Excel compatible graphing.

Controlling SF6 quality in switches, bus bars & and circuit breakers in Gas Insulated substations (GIS) SF6 insulated devices in power stations Checking for the build up of corrosive decomposition products such as SO2 present in the SF6 Measuring the moisture content of SF6 gas by using a dewpoint analyzer Applying a condition based maintenance program (CBM) to extend the life cycle of the SF6 Detecting the presence of leaks and SF6 discharge Indication of arcing and breakdown through the build up of corrosive by-products

Download a full R3100C SF6, Dewpoint & SO2 specification (pdf): 

For more information, please contact Technical Sales who would be delighted to discuss your needs