This poster describes the development process of an electro-optical based solution for detecting and locating SF6 gas leaks at gas insulated switch gear. The principal technologies that were researched are explained with their advantages and disadvantages. The final solution is described as well as results achieved. Sulphur hexafluoride has a high dielectric strength (≈3 times that of air at atmospheric pressure) and posseses good arc-quenching properties. It is widely used by electrical utilities in switchgear. Some of this equipment shows signs of ageing in the form of deterioration of the gas quality as well as SF6 leaks from the system due to seal deterioration, cracks in welds and corrosion around blanking plugs. It is of paramount importance for the electrical utilities to detect and repair gas leaks as otherwise these could lead to switch gear failure and power outages
Reference:
Stolper, R. 2006. Sulphur hexafluoride gas detection. CSIR Research and Innovation Conference: 1st CSIR Biennial Conference, CSIR International Convention Centre Pretoria, 27-28 February 2006, pp1
Stolper, R. (2006). Sulphur hexafluoride gas detection. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/2699
Stolper, R. "Sulphur hexafluoride gas detection." (2006): http://hdl.handle.net/10204/2699
Stolper R, Sulphur hexafluoride gas detection; 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/2699 .