Rapidox 6100 Pump Back
Zero-emissions SF6 gas analyser
RAPIDOX 6100
Fully automatic SF6 analysis with gas return
Fully automatic, zero-emissions analyser: it tests the SF6 and pumps it back into the equipment.
Zero-emissions SF6 analysis
The Rapidox 6100 Pump Back monitors the quality and purity of the SF6 used in high-voltage switchgear, circuit breakers and transformers without releasing any gas. Specially selected sensors deliver exceptional accuracy and stability, and the modular layout allows up to eight compatible gases to be analysed at once: the instrument accepts mixtures of SF6, CF4, N2 and air, detects toxic contaminants such as SO2, HF, H2S and CO, and reports the water content as dew point, µL/L or ppm to confirm acceptable dryness.
Features and advantages
- Fully automatic testing and data logging, with walk-away timer, auto-abort and auto-clean functions.
- Gas-cylinder testing mode and special N2 display mode for SF6/N2 users.
- Modular sensor choice; the large storage bag allows up to five tests before a pump-back is required.
- 7″ (18 cm) full-colour touchscreen with soft menu keys and alphanumeric keypad.
- One lithium battery for electronics and pump: ~8 h of use, 2-4 h recharge, greater IATA compliance.
- Heavy-duty IP66 Peli case with wheels and handle; vacuum line purge; optional in-vehicle charging.
- Real-time display; MS Excel-compatible data download via USB memory stick.
- Integrated Unicode printer: on-site printing in the language of choice.
- Editable test locations and user names, with password protection.
- 2-year manufacturing warranty (terms and conditions apply).
A vacuum purge cycle and internal storage ensure no contamination and no SF6 loss.
Operating cycle
Automatic sampling and gas return
The analyser travels in a tough Peli case fitted with special tongue-and-groove self-sealing couplings (DN8 and DN20, compatible with leading brands) and a 2 m sampling hose (4, 6, 8 or 10 m on request). Once powered and connected, it draws a small quantity of gas automatically or manually, governed by an inlet auto pressure-sensing function that accepts up to 35 bar. A vacuum purge cycle combined with an internal gas storage system prevents air from contaminating the sample and stops any SF6 escaping during the test.
All measured gases are analysed and data-logged simultaneously, with a stable reading available in minutes; an intuitive on-screen wizard guides the operator step by step. When the test is complete, a powerful 10 bar compressor supplied by the lithium battery returns the gas to the equipment at high pressure, while multiple safety features supervise the cycle to rule out gas loss or cross-contamination.
Built-in dew-point moisture traps dry the gas with a desiccant before it is pumped back to source. Three SF6 calibrations — cold (−10 °C to 9 °C), warm (10 °C to 29 °C) and hot climate (30 °C to 50 °C) — compensate sensor drift anywhere in the world, and pre-calibrated sensors can be fitted locally through simplified user access, with no return to base. All current IEC and CIGRE test configurations are pre-programmed, and customised tests can be created.
Applications
- Quality and purity control of SF6 in HV switchgear, circuit breakers and transformers, with zero emissions.
- Gas verification against IEC and CIGRE criteria during commissioning and routine maintenance.
- Testing of SF6 gas cylinders (dedicated cylinder testing mode).
Regular SF6 analysis protects personnel, equipment and the environment.
SF6 gas and accessories
A gas that must stay contained
SF6 is an extremely stable, non-flammable and highly electronegative gas with excellent dielectric properties, widely used in mediumand high-voltage equipment as insulating, arc-quenching and cooling medium.
Since it is classified as a greenhouse gas, it must be kept within a closed circuit and never vented into the atmosphere; the international Kyoto agreement mandates emission reductions among its member states.
SF6 technology remains essential for the power transmission and distribution network, so regular gas analysis should form part of the maintenance schedule: the early identification of decomposition products and moisture helps avoid unnecessary shutdowns, outages and failures, and reduces maintenance costs.
Accessories
- Calibration kit and service.
- Gas recovery bag.
- Tongue-and-groove self-sealing couplings.
- Stainless-steel braided sampling hoses.
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION | |
|---|---|
| Sample connections | Special tongue-and-groove self-sealing couplings (compatible with leading brands) with 2 m connection hose (4, 6, 8 and 10 m lengths available) |
| Measurement time | User-specified: 2, 4, 6 or 8 min |
| Gas flow rate | 0.5 L/min |
| Pressure range | 0.3-35 bar, displayed on screen |
| Max. inlet pressure | 35 bar (gauge) |
| Compressor | Up to 10 bar, with up to 15 cycles per battery charge |
| Display | 7″ (180 mm) full-colour LCD touch screen with soft menu keys and on-screen wizard |
| Languages | English (default), Italian, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Chinese (simplified and traditional), Korean, Turkish, Japanese |
| Printer | Integrated Unicode printer, results printed on demand |
| Data storage | 8 GB internal memory, approximately 1 year of continuous monitoring |
| Data outputs | MS Excel-compatible data via USB memory stick |
| Ambient operating conditions | −10 °C to +40 °C (up to +50 °C without battery charging), 10-90 % RH, 600-1,100 mbar (absolute) |
| Warm-up time | 3-4 min initial warm-up; 15 min at 20 °C for full accuracy |
| Voltage (charging) | 90-260 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Battery life | Up to 8 h; 2-4 h charge |
| In-vehicle charging | Optional accessory |
| Analyser dimensions | 270 mm (H) × 560 mm (W) × 450 mm (D) |
| Weight | 20 kg (total instrument and case) |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturing warranty (terms and conditions apply) |
SENSOR SPECIFICATION
The modular configuration allows up to eight compatible gases to be analysed simultaneously with one analyser.
| Sensor | Measuring range | Accuracy | Calibration | Life span | Sensor type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride) | 0-100 % | ±0.5 % | Every 12 months | > 5 years | Infrared (IR) / density |
| H2O (dew point) | −60 °C to +20 °C dp at P(atm) (10-24,000 ppmV); reading corrected to RT or 20 °C | ±2 °C dp of reading | Every 12 months, by sensor exchange | 2-3 years | Polymer |
| SO2 (sulphur dioxide) | 0-100, 150, 200, 500 or 0-2,000 ppm | ±2 % full-scale | Every 12 months | Up to 4 years | Electrochemical |
| HF (hydrogen fluoride) | 0-10 ppm or 0-20 ppm | ±2 % full-scale | Every 12 months (using HCl gas) | Up to 4 years | Electrochemical |
| CF4* (tetrafluoromethane) | 0-80 % | ±1 % of reading | n/a | n/a | Balance of SF6 + air reading |
| H2S (hydrogen sulphide) | 0-100 ppm | ±2 % full-scale | Every 12 months | Up to 4 years | Electrochemical |
| CO (carbon monoxide) | 0-1,000 ppm | ±2 % full-scale | Every 12 months | > 5 years | Electrochemical |
| Air / N2 (nitrogen) | 0-100 % | Full-scale, based on the oxygen component | Every 12 months | Up to 5 years | Electrochemical O2 scaled to read as air or nitrogen |
* For analysers containing a CF4 sensor, the measurement of air is also required. All sensor replacements must be carried out by Amperis or approved repair agents.