Rapidox SF6 6100 MK2 Pump Back — SF6 Analyser with Gas Return

Field SF6 quality analyzer with pump-back function — minimizes gas loss during HV equipment testing.

Overview

The Rapidox SF6 6100 MK2 Pump Back is a portable SF6 analyser from the British company Cambridge Sensotec, the second generation of its gas-return model. It monitors SF6 quality in GIS, circuit breakers and transformers and is optimised for cold, warm and hot climates.

The analyser measures SF6 purity, moisture and decomposition products, then a compressor pumps the sample back into the equipment. No gas is vented or lost.

Why analyse SF6

SF6 is an excellent insulating and arc-quenching medium, but arcing and partial discharge break it down. Decomposition products (SO₂, HF, H₂S) are toxic and attack insulation, and moisture lowers dielectric strength. Regular analysis helps to:

• detect internal discharge before the apparatus fails;
• confirm that gas meets requirements after filling or reclaim;
• assess the hazard to staff before a compartment is opened.

SF6 is a very potent greenhouse gas, so samples must not be vented. The Pump Back solves this without bags or transfers.

How a measurement works

1. Connect with DN8 or DN20 self-sealing tongue-and-groove couplings and a 2 m hose (4, 6, 8 and 10 m available).
2. The instrument draws a small amount of gas under automatic pressure sensing; a vacuum purge keeps air out.
3. An on-screen wizard guides the operator. Measurement time is set to 2, 4, 6 or 8 minutes.
4. All gases are measured and logged simultaneously.
5. A 10 bar compressor returns the gas; built-in safety features ensure no loss or cross-contamination.
6. Results are shown on screen and printed in the chosen language.

Further standard features: walk-away timer, auto-abort, auto-clean and gas cylinder test mode.

Sensors and ranges

Parameter	Range	Accuracy	Sensor type	Calibration	Life span
SF6	0–100 %	±0.5 %	IR or density	12 months	over 5 years
H₂O (dew point)	-60 to +20 °Cdp (10–24,000 ppmV)	±2 °Cdp	polymer	12 months (sensor exchange)	2–3 years
SO₂	0–100 or 0–500 ppm	±2 % FS	electrochemical	12 months	up to 4 years
HF	0–10 or 0–20 ppm	±2 % FS	electrochemical	12 months	up to 4 years
CF4	0–80 %	±1 % of reading	calculated	not required	—
H₂S	0–100 ppm	±2 % FS	electrochemical	12 months	up to 4 years
CO	0–1000 ppm	±2 % FS	electrochemical	12 months	over 5 years
Air / N₂	0–100 %	FS based on oxygen	electrochemical	12 months	up to 5 years

Up to eight gases per configuration. Not every sensor combination is possible because of cross-sensitivity, so the configuration is agreed with the manufacturer. A CF4 sensor requires an air sensor as well.

Technical specifications

Parameter	Value
Measurement time	2, 4, 6 or 8 min
Warm-up	3–4 min; 15 min at 20 °C for full accuracy
Inlet pressure	0.3–35 bar
Sample flow	0.5 L/min
Pump-back compressor	up to 10 bar, up to 15 cycles per charge
Display	7" (180 mm) colour LCD touch screen
Languages	English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Turkish, Japanese
Printer	integrated, Unicode
Memory	8 GB, about one year of continuous logging
Data export	Excel-compatible files to a USB stick
Power	single battery for electronics and pump, ~8 h, 2–4 h charge, mains 90–260 V
In-vehicle charging	optional
Operating conditions	-10 to +40 °C (up to +50 °C without charging), 10–90 % RH
Housing	Peli case
Dimensions	270 × 560 × 450 mm (H × W × D)
Weight	20 kg with case
Warranty	2 years (manufacturer's terms)

A single battery for both the electronics and the pump reduces weight and eases air transport under IATA rules.

Rapidox SF6 analysers compared

Model	Sample handling	Weight	Best for
Rapidox SF6 6100 Portable	into a recovery bag	8.5 kg	Occasional testing, light instrument
Rapidox SF6 6100 Pump Back	returned to equipment	20 kg	Regular testing, zero emissions
Rapidox SF6 6100 Bench	into a bag or recovery system	6.5 kg	Laboratories, factories, 19" rack
Rapidox 6100 QU4D	returned to equipment	21 kg	SF6 and alternative gases

Supply in Kazakhstan

KEG TRK supplies Cambridge Sensotec analysers to power utilities and service companies. We help choose the sensor set, couplings and hose length for your apparatus. Price on request.