Sulfur hexafluoride gas: a double-edged sword for the power industry

    Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a colorless, odorless, and non-toxic inert gas with excellent insulating and arc-extinguishing properties.

    In power equipment, especially high-voltage switchgear, it effectively isolates live components, preventing short-circuit accidents. It also quickly extinguishes arcs when they occur, ensuring safe and stable operation of the equipment.

    Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is arguably the indispensable "golden gas" of high-voltage power systems, providing a solid foundation for power transmission and distribution.

    However, SF₆ is also a double-edged sword.

    Although pure SF₆ is non-toxic, it decomposes under the action of an electric arc to produce toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride and sulfur dioxide. Leakage of these gases poses a significant threat to the health of operators.

    Furthermore, SF₆ leaks can degrade the insulation performance of power equipment, causing equipment failures and even widespread power outages.

    Although developed countries and regions such as the European Union, the United States, and Japan have gradually introduced policies to restrict the use of SF₆, these policies focus on "emission reduction" rather than "absolute prohibition," and high-voltage power equipment will continue to rely on SF₆ in the short term.

    Thus, timely and accurate detection of SF₆ is both a lifeline for current safety and environmental protection and a data foundation for future alternative technology iterations.

NDIR infrared gas sensing technology: accurately capturing leakage risks

    Faced with the power industry's demand for high-precision and high-stability SF₆ gas detection, non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor technology has emerged as the industry's "gold standard."

    NDIR gas sensing technology operates based on the absorption characteristics of gases of specific wavelengths of infrared light.

    Sulfur hexafluoride gas has a strong absorption effect on infrared rays of a specific wavelength. When infrared rays pass through an area containing sulfur hexafluoride gas, some of them will be absorbed. The degree of absorption is proportional to the concentration of the gas. The sensor can accurately calculate the concentration of sulfur hexafluoride gas by measuring the degree of infrared absorption.

TX720-Q2 Infrared SF6 Sensor

    The NDIR infrared SF6 sensor offers many notable features:

    Non-contact detection. It does not interfere with the gas being detected, ensuring accurate and reliable detection.

    High detection accuracy. It can accurately measure sulfur hexafluoride gas concentrations as low as ppm, meeting the power industry's needs for trace leak detection.

    Fast response speed. With a T90 of less than 30 seconds, it delivers rapid test results, facilitating the timely detection of gas leaks.

    Excellent stability. It is minimally affected by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity, maintaining stable detection performance even in the complex operating environments of power equipment.

    Long lifespan. With a lifespan of over 10 years, it eliminates the need for frequent sensor replacement, reducing maintenance costs.

Multi-dimensional application scenarios of "safety barrier" in the power industry

    High-voltage switchgear is a critical component of the power system. It contains sulfur hexafluoride gas. Sensors can quickly detect leaks and sound an alarm, allowing maintenance personnel to intervene before the equipment's insulation degrades or failure occurs, avoiding major power outages and minimizing the environmental impact of leaks.

    When inspecting and maintaining power equipment, it's necessary to first test the concentration and purity of the sulfur hexafluoride gas inside the equipment to determine whether the gas meets usage standards. This provides an accurate basis for maintenance work, ensuring safety during the inspection process and the normal operation of the equipment.

    Substations are crucial hubs in the power system, housing a large number of devices filled with sulfur hexafluoride gas. Strategically placing NDIR infrared sensors within substations allows for real-time monitoring of sulfur hexafluoride gas concentrations throughout the substation's ambient air. When concentrations exceed safety thresholds, ventilation systems are activated promptly to reduce gas concentrations, safeguarding the health of substation personnel and the safe operation of equipment.

    Sulfur hexafluoride gas sensors serve as both "health guardians" for power equipment and "environmental sentinels" for ecological protection. Along with other gas, temperature, and pressure sensors, they play a vital role in monitoring the power industry.

    With the deepening development of smart grids and new power systems, sensing technology will continue to evolve, becoming a key force in safeguarding the safe and stable operation of the power grid and promoting low-carbon development in the power industry.