Rapidox SF6 Fixed Detection System — Permanent SF6 Leak Monitoring for Rooms

Permanent SF6 leak and atmosphere monitoring system for personnel safety and environmental compliance.

Overview

The Rapidox SF6 Fixed Detection System is a Cambridge Sensotec solution for continuous SF6 leak monitoring in rooms with high voltage GIS, circuit breakers and transformers. SF6 in such equipment is at high pressure, so a leak must be detected immediately, not on the next scheduled round.

The system is built from Oldham Gas components: an MX32 or MX43 wall-mount panel and OLCT-XPIR infrared SF6 detectors. Detectors sit low on the walls; the panel shows the concentration at each one and triggers alarms when thresholds are exceeded.

Why SF6 leaks need continuous monitoring

• Heavier than air. About five times. A leak flows down and collects at floor level, in pits and cable trenches, where it can displace oxygen.
• Decomposition products. If the leak comes from an apparatus that has seen arcing or discharge, toxic SO₂, HF and other compounds enter the room.
• Limits. The shift time-weighted average limit (TLV-TWA) for SF6 is 1,000 ppm; detectors cover up to 2,000 ppm.
• Environment and losses. An early alarm lets you find and fix the leak before significant gas is lost.

System components

Component	Purpose
Oldham MX32 panel	controller for 1–2 detectors, lockable toggle latch
Oldham MX43 panel	controller for 1–8 detectors, LED bars by zone
Oldham OLCT-XPIR SF6 detector	long-life IR sensor, 4–20 mA, ATEX, 0–2,000 ppm
Strobe and horn	included with the panel
Battery backup	optional, for operation during power cuts
SD card	optional data storage

Each detector has programmable INSTANT, STEL (short-term exposure) and TWA (time-weighted average) thresholds.

Alarms and integration

• five programmable alarm levels;
• strobe and horn on the panel;
• a programmable relay per channel plus a separate fault relay;
• relays drive external sirens or ventilation, or signal existing alarm equipment;
• RS485 Modbus RTU and analogue outputs for PLC, SCADA or building management;
• large backlit graphic display with multi-language menus.

Technical specifications

Parameter	Value
Detectors	MX32: 1–2; MX43: 1–8
Detector range	0–2,000 ppm SF6
Detector type	infrared, 4–20 mA, ATEX
Measurement	continuous on-line
Power	100–240 V AC or 21–28 V DC
Backup	optional battery
Operating temperature	-20 to +50 °C
Panel enclosure	wall-mount, IP55
MX32 dimensions	265 × 266 × 96 mm
MX43 dimensions	370 × 299 × 109 mm
Weight	MX32 1.8 kg; MX43 4 kg
Calibration	annually on site

Design and installation

Every room differs in layout, gas volume and ventilation, so the number and position of detectors come from a design. Cambridge Sensotec offers design and installation; KEG TRK helps collect site data, select the configuration and arrange supply to Kazakhstan.

Portable analysers to find the source

The fixed system tells you SF6 is rising in the room. To find the specific apparatus and check its gas, use the portable Rapidox SF6 6100 or Rapidox SF6 6100 Pump Back.

Supply in Kazakhstan

KEG TRK supplies Cambridge Sensotec equipment to power utilities and industrial sites. Price depends on the number of detectors and system scope and is quoted on request.