SF6 Gas Vacuum and Purification System for Gas-Insulated Switchgear Maintenance

SF6 Gas Vacuum and Purification System for Gas-Insulated Switchgear Maintenance

In the modern power industry, Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) remains the gold standard for insulation and arc-quenching in high-voltage equipment. Its exceptional dielectric strength and thermal stability make it indispensable for Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS). However, the environmental impact of SF6—a potent greenhouse gas—and the technical necessity of maintaining gas purity demand rigorous handling protocols.

For utilities and industrial plants, utilizing a high-performance SF6 gas vacuum and purification system for Gas-Insulated Switchgear maintenance is no longer just an operational choice; it is a regulatory and functional imperative. Our newly developed PLC-controlled intelligent recovery unit represents the pinnacle of this technology, integrating vacuuming, recovery, purification, and refilling into a single, seamless modular platform.

1. The Critical Need for Advanced SF6 Management

The integrity of a GIS system depends entirely on the quality of the SF6 gas within its chambers. Over time, moisture ingress and the formation of decomposition products (such as SO2 and HF) caused by electrical arcing can degrade the gas’s insulating properties.

If left unmanaged, these impurities can lead to equipment failure, costly downtime, and safety hazards. A dedicated SF6 gas vacuum and purification system for Gas-Insulated Switchgear maintenance ensures that the gas is stripped of contaminants and returned to a state that meets GB/T 12022 standards, effectively extending the lifecycle of the switchgear.

2. Integrated Functionality: A Multi-Purpose Powerhouse

Our system is engineered to be an all-in-one laboratory-grade solution for field environments. It eliminates the need for multiple disparate devices by combining several critical workstreams:

A. High-Efficiency Vacuuming and Recovery

The system features a dual-stage approach to vacuuming. With a 64m3/h vacuum pump reaching a limit of 0.1mbar, it ensures that GIS chambers are completely evacuated of air and moisture before refilling. During recovery, the unit can pull gas into internal storage tanks or external cylinders, utilizing a negative pressure recovery function to maximize the extraction rate and minimize gas waste.

B. Advanced Purification and Rectification

Unlike standard recovery carts, our system employs an adjustable-height rectification tower (distillation tower). This component is crucial for deep purification, allowing for the separation of SF6 from non-condensable gases and complex decomposition products.

• Filtration: Removes solid particles down to <1μm.

• Moisture Removal: Sophisticated molecular sieves reduce water content to safe ppm levels.

C. Precision Re-filling and Bottling

Whether you need a direct fill with pressure regulation (1-10 bar) or high-pressure bottling via the 50 bar compressor, the system handles it with ease. The inclusion of a 1.5kW vaporizer ensures that liquid SF6 is converted back to gas efficiently during cold-weather operations, preventing bottlenecks in maintenance schedules.

3. Technical Specifications and Performance Data

For engineers and procurement specialists, the value of an SF6 gas vacuum and purification system for Gas-Insulated Switchgear maintenance lies in the hard data. Our system is built to meet DL/T 662 standards, ensuring compatibility with global utility requirements.

• Oil-free Water-cooled Compressor: 38m3/h

• Output Final Pressure: 50 bar

• Oil-free Booster: 5m3/h @ Liquid SF6

• Vacuum Pump: 64m3/h, Limit vacuum 0.1mbar

• Purification Tank: 300L, Stainless steel

• Filtration Particle Size: <1μm

• Liquid Filling Speed: 50kg in 5-8 minutes (40L Cylinder)

4. Key Features That Define Intelligence

PLC Control and Real-Time Monitoring

The “intelligence” of this system is driven by a robust Industrial Control System (ICS). Operators interact with a high-resolution touchscreen that provides real-time feedback on vacuum levels, tank pressures, and purification status. This reduces human error and allows for precise control during delicate maintenance phases.

Environmental Safety and Oil-Free Technology

To prevent cross-contamination, the system utilizes oil-free compressors and boosters. Additionally, the vacuum pump is equipped with an anti-return oil valve. This ensures that even in the event of a power failure, pump oil cannot migrate back into the GIS equipment or the internal gas circuit.

Rapid Filling Capabilities

Time is money during a substation outage. Our system’s liquid bottling function can fill a 40L cylinder with 50kg of SF6 in just 5 to 8 minutes. This high-speed performance makes it ideal for large-scale gas consolidation projects.

5. Applications Across Industries

While primarily designed for the power sector, the versatility of this SF6 gas vacuum and purification system for Gas-Insulated Switchgear maintenance makes it a vital asset for several industries:

1. Power Utilities: Routine maintenance of GIS substations and circuit breakers.

2. Metallurgy: Managing gas-insulated transformers and specialized smelting equipment.

3. Petrochemicals: Ensuring the reliability of power distribution in hazardous environments where GIS is preferred for its compact footprint.

4. Manufacturing: Testing and commissioning of new SF6-filled components at the factory level.

6. Ensuring Compliance and Sustainability

The design and manufacturing of this equipment strictly adhere to the DL/T 662 standard. By enabling the “Purify and Reuse” model, companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint. Instead of disposing of contaminated gas—which is both environmentally damaging and expensive—our system restores the gas to a “like-new” state.

Proper maintenance of the purification tower and filters is essential. The modular design of our system allows for quick access to filter elements, ensuring that the unit stays at peak performance with minimal downtime.

7. Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Future-Proof Maintenance

In the competitive landscape of power transmission, reliability is the only currency that matters. Investing in a high-quality SF6 gas vacuum and purification system for Gas-Insulated Switchgear maintenance ensures that your infrastructure is protected by the purest gas possible, handled by the most advanced technology available.

Our system’s combination of mechanical refrigeration, PLC automation, and deep rectification provides a level of gas quality and operational safety that standard recovery units simply cannot match. It is a compact, aesthetic, and powerful solution designed for the rigors of modern industrial use.