Rapidox 6100 Portable
Portable SF6 gas analyser
RAPIDOX 6100
SF6 purity, moisture and by-products, on site
Field analyser for verifying the condition of SF6 in mediumand high-voltage gas-insulated equipment.
How it works
The Rapidox 6100 Portable checks the condition of SF6 on site in mediumand high-voltage gas-insulated switchgear and cells. Purity readings rely on specially selected sensors that combine outstanding accuracy with long-term stability, and the modular architecture lets one instrument analyse up to eight compatible gases at the same time: SF6, H2O (dew point), SO2, HF, CF4, H2S, CO and O2/N2 (air), depending on configuration.
Every selected gas is measured and logged simultaneously, and a stable result is reached within a few minutes; the internal pressure of the SF6 sample is registered alongside the readings. Through the gas outlet nozzle the analyser couples to a gas recovery bag, so all the sampled SF6 is captured instead of being released. Units fitted with an H2O sensor add the Rapidri drying system, which shortens the wait between successive dew-point readings; a dedicated valve isolates the sensor while the unit is idle.
All current IEC and CIGRE test configurations come pre-installed, custom test parameters can be defined by the user, and bespoke sensor combinations are available on request.
Features and advantages
- Simple to operate and configure, with sensor packages tailored to each order.
- 7″ (18 cm) full-colour touch screen, soft menu keys and alphanumeric keypad.
- Lithium battery for up to 8 h of field work; charges on any worldwide mains voltage.
- Heavy-duty IP66 case; complete weight of only 8.5 kg.
- Continuous data logging, viewable in real time; MS Excel-compatible download via USB memory stick.
- Editable test locations and user names, with password protection.
- Integrated thermal printer and multi-language user interface.
Regular SF6 analysis protects personnel, equipment and the environment.
SF6 gas and applications
A stable gas under watch
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) combines exceptional dielectric strength with chemical stability: it is non-flammable, strongly electronegative and works as insulating, arc-quenching and cooling medium, which is why it fills much of today's mediumand high-voltage equipment.
At the same time SF6 is classified as a greenhouse gas, so it must remain inside a closed circuit and never be vented deliberately; international agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol commit member states to reducing these emissions.
Because SF6 technology remains essential to power transmission and distribution, routine gas analysis belongs in every maintenance schedule: identifying moisture or decomposition products early protects personnel, equipment and the environment, avoids unnecessary shutdowns, outages and failures, and reduces maintenance expenditure.
Applications
- Quality and purity checks of SF6 in MV and HV gas-insulated switchgear, cells and circuit breakers.
- Gas verification against IEC and CIGRE criteria during commissioning and routine maintenance.
- Zero-loss sampling wherever the analysed gas must be recovered (recovery-bag connection).
Accessories
- Calibration kit and service.
- Gas recovery bag.
- Tongue-and-groove self-sealing couplings.
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION | |
|---|---|
| Ambient operating conditions | −10 °C to +40 °C, 10-90 % RH, 800-1,100 mbar (absolute) |
| Warm-up time | 3-4 min at 20 °C |
| Voltage (charging) | 90-260 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Battery life | Over 8 h; 4-6 h charge |
| Sample connections | Special tongue-and-groove self-sealing couplings (compatible with leading brands) |
| Data outputs | MS Excel-compatible data via USB memory stick |
| Data storage | 4 GB internal memory, approximately 1 year of continuous monitoring |
| Gas flow range | 100-1,000 mL/min |
| Max. inlet pressure | 10 bar (gauge) |
| Optional pump | 0-1 L/min |
| Display | 7″ (180 mm) full-colour LCD touch screen with soft menu keys |
| Printer | Integrated thermal printer, results printed on demand |
| Analyser dimensions | 180 mm (H) × 480 mm (W) × 360 mm (D) |
| Weight | 8.5 kg (total instrument and case) |
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) |
| 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 ppm or 0-500 ppm | ±2 % full-scale | Every 12 months | 2-3 years | Electrochemical |
| HF (hydrogen fluoride) | 0-10 ppm or 0-30 ppm | ±2 % full-scale | Every 12 months (using HCl gas) | 2-3 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 | 2-3 years | Electrochemical |
| CO (carbon monoxide) | 0-1,000 ppm | ±2 % full-scale | Every 12 months | 2-3 years | Electrochemical |
| O2 / N2 (air / nitrogen) | 0-100 % | Full-scale, based on the oxygen component | Every 12 months | 2-3 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.