Category: SF6

Rapidox SF6 Gas Analyser

What is it, where, how & why it is used – The science bit…

Commonly used in electrical switchgear, transformers and substations as an electrical insulation, arc quenching and cooling medium, Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) is a man-made gas comprising of one sulphur and six fluoride atoms.  It is chemically stable, non-flammable and highly electronegative, with an excellent dielectric property of approximately 2.5 times more than air.

Electrical arcs can be caused within electrical power systems such as switchgear and the high electronegativity and heat transferring properties of SF₆ means that it is able to absorb the electron energy and lower the arc temperature. Combining SF₆ gas and free electrons effectively prevents electron avalanches and flashovers.

SF₆ partially decomposes whilst under the influence of electrical discharges, and oxygen, moisture, and decomposition products such as sulphur dioxide may be created. Unlike other insulating mediums, SF₆ gas has the unique ability to ‘self-heal’ after the discharge. This is one of the reasons for its widespread use within the electrical industry.

Keep it safe, keep it green – The Safety bit…

Regular analysis of SF₆ gas is essential.  Regular periodic servicing must be carried out throughout the lifetime of the equipment. This ensures the protection of personnel and machinery.

An international agreement between nations called the Kyoto Protocol came into force in 2005. It commits its parties by mandating country-by-country reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Due to its chemical stability, SF₆ gas has the potential to remain in the atmosphere for thousands of years. So, the agreement has identified it as a greenhouse gas with a limitation as to the amount that can be released into the atmosphere.

Our SF6 gas analyser – The manufacturing bit…

Cambridge Sensotec has developed a new Mark II Rapidox SF₆ 6100 gas analyser featuring a pump back gas return function.

It extracts the SF₆ gas from equipment such as Gas Insulated Swichgear (GIS) and simultaneously analyses all measured gases. It then pumps it back at the same pressure as used within the electrical equipment by using a powerful 35 bar compressor. A vacuum purge cycle and gas storage system ensures no air is allowed to contaminate the gas sample and no SF₆ gas is permitted to escape during the testing period.

Rapidox uses high-precision infrared (IR) sensor technology for the analysis of SF₆ gas. Decomposition products sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and moisture (H₂O) can also be measured by the Rapidox. Additional sensors for gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) and hydrogen fluoride (HF) are also available.

The Rapidox SF₆ 6100 pump back gas analyser has been developed as a truly portable field instrument with features such as:

• An inbuilt microprocessor operated by a 7” colour touchscreen
• The ability to store 12 months continuous data
• An in-built printer
• Pre-loaded IEC and CIGRE test parameters
• The ability to customise test parameters
• An 8-hour lithium ion battery
• Robust IP66 Peli case
• Multi language capability
• Between 2-8 minute testing options
• Up to 8 gas bespoke build capability
• Teamviewer connection for instant service
• 35 bar gas inlet

For further information regarding this or any of our gas analysis products, please contact us on +44 (0)1480 462142, or email us at sales@cambridge-sensotec.co.uk.

 

On the 30^th May 2019, Cambridge Sensotec proudly achieved ISO 9001:2015 accreditation under the BSI (British Standards Institution). Cambridge Sensotec Ltd now joins 1.3 million companies across 112 countries worldwide that hold this prestigious certificate.

The certification shows that our quality policy, quality management and operating systems, merit the requirements of this UKAS accredited international standard. Cambridge Sensotec is delighted to be recognised for displaying such high levels of standards.

Increasingly in this global market place, organisations need to be able to demonstrate sound management that is orientated towards the customer. ISO’s 9001:2015 and its risk-based approach, provides a solid framework for meeting customer challenges and provide the foundation to long term sustainability and profitability within the organisation.

Quality Management System (QMS) enables an organisation to have confidence in the products and services it provides to its customers. QMS acts as a platform to ensure consistency, efficiency and traceability as well as promoting best practice, improving customer service and satisfaction in key areas like delivery times, quality and service.

View or download our certificate.

You may have already met Simon Langston, the Sales Executive from Cambridge Sensotec. Below are some of his thoughts on the present and future of the SF₆ industry.

What’s the best thing about working at Cambridge Sensotec?
Cambridge Sensotec is a great place to work, staffed with an intelligent and friendly team of individuals who have a loyal and dedicated attitude. They each play their part in producing and developing reliable products whilst ensuring customer satisfaction and retention as one of their top priorities. I have been given the opportunity to enhance this and apply my own skills to attract new customers. I take great pride in representing such an ethical and respectable company.

During your time at Cambridge Sensotec, how much has the SF₆ industry changed?
Within the Power Industry, the SF₆ market has changed by the growing emphasis being given to the search for a reliable SF₆ alternative gas. However, general improvements in the performance and reliability of test results for SF₆ purity have led to increased confidence within the trade. Having listened to customer feedback, the team here at Cambridge Sensotec have made modifications to our products and now Cambridge Sensotec has a product range which competes on the market. This is promoted via our wide network of distributors to become the recognised brand.

What’s the biggest challenge for a product like Rapidox SF₆ in the current market?
To keep abreast of industry standards and to meet the expectations of the end user by providing consistently reliable gas analysis.

What makes Rapidox SF₆ stand out from the competitors?
Our attention to detail and willingness to listen and respond to customer needs, as well as our before and after-sales customer service. Going that extra mile is second nature to us!

What’s been the most surprising aspect you have encountered during your time in the role?
Learning how complex it can be to achieve accurate gas analysis. There are multiple factors which can affect results; even a 0.1% variation in certain results can be the difference between a successful or a failed result.

Are there any new products or innovations on the market that have caught your eye?
One of our competitors have a machine that is presented as having been built for the ‘Novec’ gas. It’s caught my attention simply because it shows intent towards where the future of GIS may be heading.

What does the future hold for you and SF₆?
Management of an ever-increasing market share and unit sales. The Rapidox SF₆ machines will continue to be fine-tuned and will evolve as new technology, innovations and customer needs dictate.

Which tradeshows have been productive, and which tradeshows will you be attending in the future?
All trade shows that I have attended have proven to be productive in their own way. My 2019 Exhibition Plan is:

May – ICCI in Istanbul
July – IEEE in Mexico City
September – PowerGen in Kuala Lumpur
November – EP China in Shanghai & Electricx in Cairo
December – Fise in Medellin

If you would like to meet with Simon at any of the tradeshows, or have any questions, then please email simon@cambridge-sensotec.co.uk.

It’s that time again! With the holiday season in the UK upon us, we would like to inform you of the office and manufacturing closures in December and January.

This year, we are closed on the 25th & 26th of December, as well as the 1st January 2019. We will still be able to assist for most of the seasonal period, catering to the demand of all our valued customers.

For information on delivery schedules throughout this period for our Rapidox gas analysers, please contact us on +44 (0)1480 462142 or email sales@sf6.co.uk.

All of us at Cambridge Sensotec are excited for 2019 and would like to say a massive thank you for your continued business and support. We wish you a happy and successful New Year.

Our brand new SF₆ gas analysis website is now live. The new website can be found at www.sf6.co.uk.

In 2014 Cambridge Sensotec proudly manufactured the specialist Rapidox SF₆ gas analysers for the gas-insulated electrical equipment market. A team of highly skilled and experienced engineers designed the analysers with the primary function of measuring the level of sulfur hexafluoride. Cambridge Sensotec SF₆ 6100 gas analysers are designed and manufactured to ISO 9001 standards and pre-programmed with all current IEC and CIGRE test configurations, with the ability to create customised test parameters. Our customer base for the SF₆ 6100 gas analysers consists of reputable organisations within the powergen and medical industries who report the analysers to be integral and fundamental in their SF₆ gas analysis.

Available in the range is the Rapidox 6100 Pump Back, Portable and Bench gas analysers.

Rapidox SF₆ 6100 Pump Back Gas Analyser
The Rapidox SF₆ 6100 Pump Back is a fully-automatic zero-emissions SF₆ gas analyser, designed for controlling and monitoring the quality and purity of gas used in high voltage switchgear, circuit breakers and transformers. Exceptional accuracy and stability are provided when measuring the purity of SF₆ gas, through specially selected sensors. The modular configuration allows for up to eight compatible gases to be analysed, simultaneously, using one analyser. The Rapidox is fully compatible with mixtures of SF₆, CF4, N2 and air, together with toxic contamination gases such as SO2, HF, H2S and CO. Results are displayed on screen and printed using the inbuilt thermal printer.

Rapidox SF₆ 6100 Portable Gas Analyser
The Rapidox SF₆ 6100 Portable is designed for controlling and monitoring the quality of SF₆ in medium and high voltage gas insulated electrical equipment. The modular configuration allows for up to eight compatible gases to be analysed, simultaneously, with one analyser. A gas output nozzle allows for the analyser to be attached to the Rapidox Gas Recovery Bag, ensuring that all sampled SF₆ gas is recovered. Internal SF₆ gas pressure is recorded and logged by the analyser. All measured gas is analysed and data logged simultaneously with only a few minutes required to achieve a stable reading.

Rapidox SF₆ 6100 Bench Gas Analyser
The Rapidox SF₆ 6100 Bench mountable gas analyser is designed for controlling and monitoring the quality of SF₆ gas within a range of laboratory and field-based applications. These applications include medical testing, laboratory-based research and development, and the analysis of SF₆ gas present in medium and high voltage gas insulated electrical equipment. SF₆, SO2 and H2O (dew point) gases are simultaneously analysed and data logged to an exceptionally accurate standard. The Rapidox SF₆ 6100 Bench analyser is also available as a complete and portable kit, allowing users to carry all the equipment they require within a heavy-duty IP66 case. Each kit includes a set of DN8 and DN20 fittings with a stainless-steel braided hose (self-sealing couplings), a swing handle fitted to the analyser and a separate thermal printer.

For any further information please visit the new SF₆ website, email sales@sf6.co.uk or call +44 (0)1480 462142. Alternatively, please use the LiveChat functionality on the website where Cambridge Sensotec can provide real-time answers to enquiries.

Medical applications utilising gases are wide and varied and include patient care, research and the manufacture of pharmaceutical products.Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF₆) is a man-made gas comprising of one sulphur and six fluoride atoms. Key properties of the gas are that it is extremely chemically stable and has a relatively high density. Commonly used within the electrical industry as an insulating medium, the properties of the gas also make it highly suitable for use in ophthalmology.

SF₆ Gas

Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF₆) is a man-made gas comprising of one sulphur and six fluoride atoms. Key properties of the gas are that it is extremely chemically stable and has a relatively high density. Commonly used within the electrical industry as an insulating medium, the properties of the gas also make it highly suitable for use in ophthalmology.

Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is the surgical or medical care of any conditions that affect the eye or its appendages. This can include; cataracts, genetic eye disorders, trauma or disease. The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the back of the eye. Metabolic tissue works to support the retina of the eyeball. However, this tissue can pull away, resulting in a macular hole or retinal detachment. Either one of these conditions can lead to a distorted or impaired vision. Reparations can take place during a procedure called a vitrectomy.

Vitrectomies

During a vitrectomy, an ophthalmologist (medically trained eye specialists), will remove the vitreous humour, a clear gel-like substance that lies behind the iris. In doing so, they will gain access to the back of the eye, where they may repair the damaged retina.

SF₆ gas and its use within Ophthalmology

At the end of the vitrectomy surgery, the ophthalmologist is required to fill the space left by the vitreous gel. This can be achieved by injecting a small amount of SF₆ gas into the eye, in order to maintain the pressure required to allow the retina to remain in place and adequately heal. Due to the high density of the SF₆ gas the body is unable to absorb it for 3-4 weeks. In comparison, air takes only 1-3 weeks, which does not allow the eye sufficient time to repair.

Why is gas analysis essential?

In order to validate their techniques, it is important that ophthalmologists analyse the composition of the SF₆ gas prior to its use in surgery. In doing so higher precision, purity, traceability, accuracy and performance can be achieved.

Cambridge Sensotec is an established manufacturer of the Rapidox range of high precision gas analysers. The company collaborated with specialists in ophthalmology to develop a bespoke Rapidox SF₆ 6100 Bench analyser, which is capable of analysing a minimal amount of SF₆ gas.

As a privately owned company, staffed by highly skilled technologists, Cambridge Sensotec is perfectly placed to react to its customers specialised gas analysis requirements. Dynamic and flexible, the company are able to design and supply solutions to suit a variety of gas analysis applications.

For further information on SF₆ and the Rapidox range of gas analysers, please visit www.sf6.co.uk. Alternatively you can contact us on +44 (0)1480 462142 or email sales@cambridge-sensotec.co.uk.

After 17 years of establishment, Cambridge Sensotec is proud to have manufactured thousands of gas analysers for our customers worldwide.

Providing specialised gas analysis solutions to many prestigious academic and research institutes, the company has an established global distribution network and ISO 9001 accreditation.

Available in bench, portable and rack-mountable configurations with a multitude of sensor options, measurable gases include; O₂, CO₂, CO, H₂, Cl₂, N₂O, H₂O, CH₄, Cl, NO, C₂H₄, SO₂, CH₄, O₃, NH₃, SF₆ and H₂S.

Initially specialising in oxygen analysis, Cambridge Sensotec has since diversified and extended its product range into other gas analysis markets including SF₆ gas testing equipment. The company’s Rapidox SF₆ gas analyser range is designed for many applications including the testing of high voltage gas insulated electrical equipment, medical monitoring, process gas analysis and SF₆ gas purity tests.

To see our practices in work, view our video below.

Cambridge Sensotec also offers a range of Rapidox servicing in the UK and throughout the World with a network of agents and distributors. A full-service program is available using state-of-the-art automated calibration stations with certified and traceable calibration gases; all designed to calibrate your Rapidox gas analysers accurately and efficiently.

Gas detection equipment can be purchased through our shop for applications such as; confined spaces, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, diving, medical and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). A comprehensive fixed gas detection installation and commissioning service is available for Oldham and Status Scientific instruments. This service includes national coverage, consultation, maintenance and calibration schedules.

The acquisition of Dynascan in 2014 has also provided us with the ability to deliver innovative leak detection system for those within the pharmaceutical, medical devices and food manufacturing industries.

For more information on our services, please email sales@cambridge-sensotec.co.uk or call +44 (0)1480 462142.

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas is an arc quenching and cooling medium used in medium and high voltage electrical equipment as an electrical insulator. Under the Kyoto Protocol, SF₆ has been classified as a greenhouse gas and restrictions are in place to limit the amount allowed to be released into the atmosphere.

Both manufacturers and the users of their equipment are responsible for the reduction in SF₆ gas emissions. Organisations such as the International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) and the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) provide guidance and regulatory information with regards to the handling of such a gas when it comes to maintenance.

When partial arcing or a failure occurs within electrical equipment, this can cause the creation of decomposition products such as sulphur dioxide and hydrogen fluoride. Analysis of SF₆ gas is recommended as part of a regular condition maintenance schedule, this ensures that equipment and personnel are properly protected. Early identification of elevated decomposition products will help to eliminate power outages and failures, alongside unnecessary inspections.

In order to ensure that no emissions occur throughout the testing process, Cambridge Sensotec designed the Rapidox SF₆ 6100 Pump Back gas analyser. The instrument draws a sample of SF₆ gas from the electrical equipment and analyses it in accordance with current IEC and CIGRE test configurations. It then pumps it back either automatically or manually, into the electrical equipment at pressure. Alternatively, the analyser can store the gas internally for proper disposal at a later time.

For further information about gas analysis applications or the Rapidox range of gas analysers, please contact us on +44 (0)1480 462142 or email info@cambridge-sensotec.co.uk. Additional information on SF₆ gas analysis can be found at www.sf6.co.uk.