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In today’s utility industry, an “SF6 Analyzer” or “SF6 Tester” can be a blanket term for many different devices. Ultimately, an SF6 Analyzer is a device that measures the impurities found within a sample of SF6 gas that’s pulled from gas-insulated equipment or gas cylinder. Scheduled measurements are vital to understanding the condition of gas insulated equipment (GIE).
At a minimum, most “SF6 Gas Analyzers” will measure 3 main values: Moisture, SF6 purity, and SO2. Impurities that may also need to be monitored include (but are not limited to):
In order to determine which of these gases you are required to measure, you need to look to 3 places:
Each of these sources can have different requirements for which measurements you need to record, and the maximum allowable contaminant levels that can be found in each. For example, the GIE manufacturer may not list HF as a contaminant that needs to measured, but your utility requires you to.
Let’s assume you need a car to get from point A to point B. You could go buy a Honda for 20k, or a Cadillac for 100k. Both cars will get you there, but one is much higher quality than the other.
Most of the sensors on SF6 analyzers have similar performance, except for the humidity sensor. Many devices use a polymer or ceramic humidity sensors that have an accuracy of ±2 °C. These devices would fall under the “Honda” category. The devices that fall into the “Cadillac” category use a chilled mirror sensor that has an accuracy of ± 0.5 °C. Although much more expensive, chilled mirror sensors are not prone to drift out of specification like others.
Selection of the right sensor comes down to use. If your need is to perform a pass-fail test on switchgear, the “Honda” analyzer is most cost effective. Should your application be testing a critical asset that requires the utmost in precision and accuracy, consider the “Cadillac” to be the better choice.
Ironically, the most important factors in this equation are following proper testing and handling procedures, combined with routine maintenance. Test results are only as good as the sample provided to a properly functioning analyzer. Also, just remember, if you buy a Honda, don’t be disappointed when it doesn’t drive like a Cadillac.
This question is important for two reasons –
If you plan on having your analyzer for more than a few years, then the total cost of ownership becomes very important. Most devices require sensor calibration every 1-3 years. The following need to be taken into consideration:
Using a modular device eliminates shipping and downtime costs associated with standard analyzers. When calibration is needed, calibrated modules are sent to be swapped out, which can be done by anyone.
Inevitably, questions or issues will arise about your device. Does the manufacturer have responsive support that will help you quickly solve your problem? Or is contacting that company the bane of your existence? Definitely something to consider. If you’re like me, I expect great customer service. I also expect there to be plenty of videos & reference material readily available so I can figure it out on my own.
Besides just taking a sample and measuring the gas, most analyzers have a slew of other features that may or may not be important to you. The following features are standard on most analyzers:
Non-standard features that might be important to you:
Normally, additional accessories will be needed to use your device. Are these readily available from your vendor?
Check out our new SF6 Gas Analyzer that is currently under development
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