SF6 GAS MONITORING

High & Medium ­Voltage

Gas density ­monitor

Hybrid gas density monitor
Gas density ­sensor
Trafag — Swiss solutions for maximum accuracy
The Swiss-based Trafag stands for precise, reliable and maintenance-free instruments developed for the mon-
itoring of SF6 and other gases in the field of high- and medium-voltage switchgear. Trafag guarantees out-
standing accuracy and operation in the widest temperature range on the market.

Superior SF6 gas density monitoring for maximum safety

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is used in gas insulated switchgear be- the installation has to be checked and controlled constantly as a leak-
cause of its outstanding insulation and spark extinguishing (arc- age would result in a decrease in the insulation properties. Because
quenching) properties. It thus makes it possible to set-up complex SF6 is a strong greenhouse gas, strict regulations regarding the SF6
and safe p­ ower distribution systems even in large cities. The insula- consumption have to be met by the switchgear operators in an in-
tion strength depends basically on the gas density. creasing number of countries. These regulations stipulate a perma-
The safety of the facility is guaranteed when the correct level of gas nent monitoring of gas leakage which is done with gas density moni-
density is maintained within the enclosed systems. The tightness of tors or gas sensors.

Gas density is often indirectly determined by the gas pressure using 50

manometers or pressure sensors. As the pressure in the hermetically
800 40
closed volume varies enormously with temperature, such devices
need temperature compensation, which are a source of errors. Trafag
600 30
gas monitoring devices measure the gas density directly with the
Density (kg/m3)
Pressure (kPa)

unique gas density reference principle or the patented quartz tun- 400 20
ing fork technology. They thus offer the most reliable solution on the
market by directly measuring the SF6 gas density. 200 10

0
–40 –20 20 40 60 80

Temperature (°C)

Lines representing constant SF6 gas density (isochores): Changes in ­pressure and
­temperature with constant volume.
Trafag’s gas density monitoring devices
Trafag’s product range of gas density measuring devices splits into three different product groups:
The ­mechanically working Gas Density Monitor, the electronic Gas Density Sensor and the Hybrid Gas Density
Monitor, monitoring both mechanically and electronically.

Trafag Gas Density Monitor

Unique SF6 monitoring with r­ eference gas comparison
The Gas Density Monitor functions on the principle of reference gas comparison and therefore no
temperature compensation is necessary. It works electromechanically and is thus independent
of electrical energy supply. Since no recalibration of switchpoints is needed, it operates mainte-
nance-free. The operating temperature ranges are from –60 °C up to +80 °C.

Trafag Gas Density Sensor

Electronic SF6 gas density monitoring with patented quarz tuning fork
The Gas Density Sensor uses a quarz tuning fork to sense gas density directly – a unique technol-
ogy patented by Trafag. With the delivery of continuous output signals (analogue or digital) from
this electronically operating sensor, Trafag opens new paths for the energy distribution industry.
Comprehensive SF6 gas monitoring or SF6 gas trend analysis of switchgear components is imple-
mented easily.

Trafag Hybrid Gas Density Monitor

Unique SF6 monitoring: Combined mechanical AND electronic monitoring
The Hybrid Gas Density Monitor combines the advantages of both the mechnical gas density mon-
itor and the electronic gas density sensor in a compact all-in-one apparatus: With its analogue
output it is the ideal gas density monitor for SF6 gas management trending systems but it also
has a local gas pressure indication and alarm contacts.
Trafag Gas Density Monitor 87X6
Unique SF6 monitoring with reference gas comparison

The mechanical, self-acting device is based on the superior reference gas principle which does not need tem-
perature compensation. It therefore not only covers all standard applications but also maintains highest ac-
curacy over a very wide temperature range. It allows use of different gas mixtures or the application in mon-
tane altitudes or arctic temperatures down to minus 60 °C. It is equipped with high-performance micro
switches and does not need any electrical energy supply. This precise and maintenance-free device is suited to
demanding applications and is reliable over decades.

Advantages
No temperature compensation required due to superior
reference chamber principle
High resistance against vibration and shock
No bouncing of electrical contacts
Galvanically separated circuits
No false alarms at low temperatures
Maintenance-free, no recalibration of switchpoints
Monitoring of other gases (e.g. CF4) possible

Operating principle of the reference chamber

The gas density of SF6 compartments is compared via a bellows reference chamber. No false alarm is triggered due to temperature-
s­ ystem with the gas density in a reference gas chamber in the moni- induced pressure changes. Up to four galvanically isolated micro
tor. If the density of the gas alters, the bellows system actuates one switches actuate different alarm signals. An optional SF6 indicator
or more micro switches. If the gas temperature and therefore its provides visual inspection of the SF6 gas density as gas pressure at
pressure changes, the same pressure difference occurs also in the 20°C.

44
1 SF6 tank side 6 41 4
2 metal bellow 42
3 reference gas 34
4 switching rod 5 31 3
5 micro switch 32
6 display 23
4 21 2
22
3
14

2
11 1
12

P/T = 0
1

The density monitors are filled at works to Up to four galvanically isolated micro
the customer’s gas density ­specification switches actuate different alarm signals.
­(variant with three micro switches is shown).
 Technical data Gas Density Monitor 87X6
Principle Reference gas measurement
Material measurement system Sensor: 1.4435, 1.4404, 1.4571, (AISI316L, AISI316)
Material pressure connection 1.4435, 1.4404, 1.4571 (AISI316L, AISI316)
Material housing AlSi10Mg
Ambient temperature —40 ... +80 °C (optional: –60 ... +80 °C)
Measuring range 0 ...1.1 MPa
Display SF6 indicator dial (optional)
Hysteresis < 15 kPa
Accuracy micro switch ±10 kPa at –30...+50 °C (for first switchpoint pressure: <650 kPa @ 20 °C)
Accuracy of indicator Within numeralised range ±10 kPa @ 20 °C
Electrical connection Plugable terminal screw connector 0.2...2.5 mm2
Ratings of micro switches AC 250V 10 (1.5) A
DC 250V 0.1 (0.05) A
DC 220V 0.25 (0.2) A
DC 110V 0.5 (0.3) A
DC 24V 2 (1) A
Degree of protection IP65
Service Check micro switch setpoint after 5 years
Weight ~800 g

For other available pressure connections: See data sheet www.trafag.com/H72502

130
100
56

77
135

Ø 40
79

0
Ø6

Data sheet
www.trafag.com/H72511
Trafag Gas Density Sensor 8774
Unique electronic SF6 gas density monitoring with quarz tuning fork

The Trafag gas density sensor type 8774 was specifically designed for monitoring insulation gases. This unique
patented sensor technology opens new paths for the energy distributing industry to realize comprehensive
trend analysis and monitoring. It measures directly and continuously the gas density providing an analogue
or digital output signal. The version with digital output signal also provides the signal of the gas temperature.

Advantages
Continuous digital or analogue output signal usable for SF6
trend analysis
Wide density range
Additional output of sensor temperature (digital version only)
Extremely drift-free signal
Outdoor application without additional protection
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) according to EN/IEC 61000-4
Density measurement of all gases possible
Facilitates compliance with greenhouse gas regulations

Operating principle of the electronic gas density sensor

The constant resonant frequency of a quartz oscillator under vacuum cessed into an analogue or digital output signal. With the digital vari-
is compared with the resonant frequency of an identical quartz situ- ant the temperature can be measured using the pulse width of the
ated in the sample gas. The difference in the resonant frequency is frequency signal.
proportional to the density of the sample gas. This difference is pro-

SF6 gas density: analogue output signal SF6 gas density: digital output signal
60 60 SF6 Density / kg/m3
SF6 Density / kg/m3

50 50

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 0 50 100 150 200 250 300

Current output / mA Frequency / Hz

Functional diagram Current pulses (typical height 12—14 mA) Finit element stress analysis
of an oscillating tuning fork
Quartz in vacuum I/mA
density temperature
Fr ~ pulse sequence ~ pulse width
Oscillator
16±1
Mixer

Oscillator SF6
Fm
2±0,5
Quartz in SF6
t/msec.
 Technical data Gas Density Sensor 8774
Principle Oscillating quartz measurement Digital output signal Current pulses
Material pressure connection 1.4435 (AISI316L) Digital density signal Pulse frequency
Material tube 1.4301 Digital temperature signal Pulse width
Operating & Media temperature –40 ... +70 °C Analogue output signal 6.5 ... 20 mA
Measuring range 0 ... 0.85 MPa / 0...60 kg SF6/m3 Analogue density signal Current loop
Accuracy of sensor ±1.0% FS typ., ±1.8% FS max. Degree of protection IP65
Sensor supply analogue ouput 2-wire, 10 ... 32 VDC Vibration 15 g (max. 6 mm), 5 ... 2000 Hz
Sensor supply digital output 2-wire, 10 ... 20 VDC Shock 100 g / 6 ms
Sensor supply digital output 3-wire, 14 ... 28 VDC Weight ~200–400 g

3 (5) 2-wire blue: –

2
1 2 4 brown: +
Ø 27

3 Ø 6.5
1
PIN 1: + 3-wire blue: –
PIN 1: + PIN 2: – brown: +
PIN 2: – PIN 3: out* black: out*
82.3 93.8 Ø 5.5
PIN 3: out* 75.3 9
PIN 4: –
PIN 5: –

* for digital 3-wire version 8774.XX.XXX3... * for digital 3-wire version 8774.XX.XXX3... * for digital 3-wire version 8774.XX.XXX3...

0
5.5 –1 28.5

57
19.6
35.5
G3/8˝

Ø 24

Ø 18.3 x 2.4
O-Ring/joint torique/o-ring

12 2 1)
M3

26.5
1) Torque moment 50...60 Ncm

Various pressure connections available

Data sheet
www.trafag.com/H72507
Trafag Hybrid Gas Density Monitor 878X
Unique SF6 monitoring: Combined mechanical AND electronic monitoring

The Hybrid Gas Density Monitor combines the advantages of the proven mechanical monitor based on the
superior reference chamber with the unique electronic gas density sensor. The combined technology has local
switches / read-out and allows remote surveillance and trend analysis. The compact all-in-one-device with a
single pressure port operates reliably and maintenance-free under harsh conditions indoors and outdoors. It
is accurate over a wide range of temperatures and altitudes.

Advantages
Mechanical switches AND continuous output signal usable
for trend analysis (analogue output signal)
High resistance against vibration and shock
No bouncing of electrical contacts
Very high electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) compatible
with EN/IEC 61850
No false alarms at low temperatures
Maintenance-free, no recalibration of switchpoints
Facilitates compliance with greenhouse gas regulations
mandated by EPA (USA), SGCC (China) or F-Gas Regulation
(Europe)

Operating principle of the reference chamber ...

The gas density of SF6 compartments is compared via a bellows reference chamber. No false alarm is triggered due to temperature-
s­ ystem with the gas density in a reference gas chamber in the moni- induced pressure changes. Up to three galvanically isolated micro
tor. If the density of the gas alters, the bellows system actuates one switches actuate different alarm signals. An optional SF6 indicator
or more micro switches. If the gas temperature and therefore its provides visual inspection of the SF6 gas density as gas pressure at
pressure changes, the same pressure difference occurs also in the 20°C.

1 SF6 tank side 6

2 metal bellow
3 reference gas

4 switching rod
5
5 micro switch

6 display

The density monitors are filled at works to

the customer’s gas density ­specification
­(variant with three micro switches is shown).
... and the electronic gas density sensor
The constant resonant frequency of a quartz oscillator under vacuum proportional to the density of the sample gas. This difference is pro-
is compared with the resonant frequency of an identical quartz situ- cessed into an analogue output signal.
ated in the sample gas. The difference in the resonant frequency is

SF6 gas density SF6 gas pressure at 20 °C

60 10

SF6 Density / kg/m3

SF6 Pressure absolute 20°/ bar

9
50
8

7
40
6

30 5

4
20
3

2
10
1

0 0
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Current output / mA Current output / mA

Functional diagram: Analogue signal output Finit element stress analysis of an oscillation tuning fork

Quartz in vacuum
Fr
Oscillator

Mixer

Oscillator SF6
Fm
Quartz in SF6

Electrical connections and wiring diagram

Δp (SF6)

connecting
shield terminal

11
switch 1 14 1

12

31
3
switch 3 34
32

earth/housing

21
2
switch 2 24
22

earth/housing 6.5...20 mA

+ I
Us = 10...30 VDC
– ρ Up to three galvanically isolated micro
switches actuate different alarm signals.
shield
Trafag Hybrid Gas Density Monitor 878X
Technical data Gas Density Monitor 878X
Principle Reference gas measurement and ­oscillating quartz measurement
Material measurement system Sensor: 1.4435, 1.4404, 1.4471, (AISI316L, AISI316)
Sensor housing: 1.4435, 1.4404
Material pressure 1.4435, 1.4404, 1.4471 (AISI316L, AISI316)
Housing AlSi10Mg
Ambient temperature –40 ... +80 °C
Measuring range 0 ... 1.1 MPa (mechanical monitoring); 0 ... 0.85 MPa (electronic monitoring)
Display SF6 indicator dial (optional)
Hysteresis < 15 kPa
Accuracy micro switch ±10 kPa (filling pressure: < 650 kPa) / ±12 kPa (filling pressure: > 1 MPa) at –30 ... +50 °C
Accuracy of indicator Within numeralised range ±10 kPa @ 20 °C
Accuracy of sensor ±1.0 % FS typ., ±1.8 % FS max
Electrical connection Plugable terminal screw connector 0.2 ... 2.5 mm2
Ratings of micro switches AC 250V 10 (1.5) A
DC 250V 0.1 (0.05) A
DC 220V 0.25 (0.2) A
DC 110V 0.5 (0.3) A
DC 24V 2 (1) A
Sensor supply 10 ... 32 VDC
Degree of protection IP65
Service Check micro switch setpoint after 5 years
Weight ~1.05 kg

For other available pressure connections: See data sheet www.trafag.com/H72502

56

130
100
28.5
187

Ø 40
77
131

0
Ø6

Data sheet
www.trafag.com/H72515
Options and Accessories
Rain cover with separate Foam cover with window
­thermal ­insulation

Low pressure indicator Intank pressure connection

Radial pressure connection

Leading companies trust in
Trafag’s superior ­know-how

Subject to change H70643b Trafag AG 10/2011

... and many more­

Trafag AG Industriestrasse 11 Tel. +41 44 922 32 32 www.trafag.com

Sensors & Controls CH-8608 Bubikon Fax +41 44 922 32 33 [email protected]