Rapidox SF6 Fixed Detection System - Fixed Monitoring System

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

Description

Rapidox SF6 Fixed Detection System is a fixed continuous monitoring system for detecting sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) insulating gas leaks from Cambridge Sensotec (United Kingdom). The system is designed for installation at substations, switchgear and other power industry facilities where continuous SF6 quality control and leak detection are required.

Purpose and Applications

Rapidox SF6 Fixed Detection System is a fixed continuous monitoring system for detecting sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) insulating gas leaks from Cambridge Sensotec (United Kingdom). The system is designed for installation at substations, switchgear and other power industry facilities where continuous SF6 quality control and leak detection are required.

Purpose and Applications

Why is a fixed monitoring system needed?

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is used in high-voltage equipment as an insulating and arc-quenching medium. SF6 leaks present a serious problem:

• Environmental risk — SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas (GWP 23,500)
• Equipment safety — a pressure drop reduces dielectric strength
• Economic losses — SF6 is an expensive gas (~$100/kg)
• Regulatory compliance — regular monitoring is required

A fixed monitoring system solves these problems by providing:

• Continuous control — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Early detection — of leaks at an early stage
• Automatic alarm — immediate notification
• SCADA integration — centralized monitoring

Application in the power industry

The system is used at the following facilities:

• Substations — monitoring of bays and switchgear cells
• Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) — sealing control
• Enclosed spaces — leak detection in the atmosphere
• Transformer substations — comprehensive monitoring

Key Features

Continuous 24/7 monitoring

• Automatic mode — no operator involvement required
• Continuous control — round-the-clock monitoring
• Data logging — history of changes
• Trend analysis — identifying problems

High sensitivity

• Detection threshold — from 1 ppm SF6
• Fast response — less than 10 seconds
• Accurate measurements — minimizing false alarms
• Multi-point connection — up to 16 sensors

SCADA integration

• Modbus TCP/IP — standard protocol
• Ethernet — network connection
• Analog outputs — 4-20 mA
• Relay outputs — for alarm signaling

Alarm signaling

• Visual — indicators on the panel
• Audible — siren or buzzer
• Relay — connection of external devices
• SMS/Email — remote notification

Technical Specifications

Measurement parameters

Parameter	Value
Measurement range	0 - 1000 ppm SF6
Sensitivity	From 1 ppm
Response time	Less than 10 seconds
Accuracy	±5% of reading
Number of sensors	Up to 16 points

Connection and interface

Parameter	Value
Protocols	Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet
Analog outputs	4-20 mA
Relay outputs	4 (programmable)
USB	For configuration
Display	Graphic LCD

Physical parameters

Parameter	Value
Power supply	220V AC / 24V DC
Consumption	Max. 50W
Operating temperature	-20°C to +50°C
Protection	IP65
Dimensions	482 × 177 × 340 mm (19" rack)
Mounting	Wall-mounted or rack

Installation Procedure

Choosing the installation location

1. Identify risk zones — possible leak points
2. Install sensors — in cells and switchgear bays
3. Connect to the controller — with cable up to 100 m
4. Set thresholds — alarm and warning levels
5. Integrate with SCADA — for centralized monitoring

Configuration

• Threshold values — setting alarm levels
• Trigger delay — to exclude false alarms
• Logging — data recording frequency
• Notifications — SMS/Email setup

Benefits

Compared to periodic inspection

Parameter	Periodic inspection	Fixed system
Monitoring	Staff visits	Continuous 24/7
Leak detection	At the next visit	In real time
Gas losses	Significant	Minimal
Personnel costs	High	Minimal

Economic effect

• Reduced SF6 losses — early leak detection
• Minimized downtime — fast response
• Reduced personnel costs — automatic monitoring
• No fines — for environmental violations

Areas of Application

Types of facilities

• High-voltage substations — 110kV, 220kV, 500kV
• Medium-voltage substations — 6kV, 10kV, 35kV
• Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) — packaged substations
• Enclosed spaces — with SF6 equipment

Industries

• Power industry — grid companies
• Industry — in-house substations
• Railways — traction substations
• Oil and gas — emergency power supply

Scope of Delivery

Standard scope of delivery

• Monitoring controller
• Basic sensor set (4 pcs.)
• Mounting kit
• Connection cables
• User manual

Optional accessories

• Additional sensors — up to 16 points
• Audible siren — for alarm signaling
• SMS module — for remote notifications
• PC software — for data analysis

Calibration and Maintenance

Calibration

• Frequency — every 12 months
• Sensor lifetime — more than 5 years
• Sensor replacement — modular, by the user
• Accredited centers — worldwide

Technical support

• Warranty — from the manufacturer
• Training — for personnel
• Hotline — technical support
• Updates — via USB

Certification and Standards

Compliance with standards

• IEC 62271 — High-voltage equipment
• IEC 60480 — Guide to SF6
• ISO 9001 — Quality management system
• CE — European conformity

Safety

• IP65 — protection against dust and water
• Electrical safety — compliance with standards
• EMC — electromagnetic compatibility

Why Rapidox SF6 Fixed Detection System?

For substation safety

• Continuous monitoring
• Early leak detection
• Automatic alarm
• SCADA integration

For budget savings

• Minimizing SF6 losses
• Reduced personnel costs
• Fast payback
• No fines

For environmental responsibility

• Minimizing SF6 emissions
• Compliance with the Kyoto Protocol
• Emissions reporting
• Environmental certification

Documents and Downloads

• User Manual PDF
• Technical Specification PDF
• SCADA Integration Guide PDF