Analysing the SF6 in high-voltage circuit breakers, switchgear and transformers without releasing gas or emptying recovery bags afterwards calls for an analyser that takes the sample, measures it and returns it to the equipment automatically. The Rapidox 6100 Pump Back accepts inlet pressures from 0.3 to 35 bar, vacuum-purges the line, measures up to eight gases at once, with SF6 purity from 0 to 100 % and ±0.5 %, in 2, 4, 6 or 8 min, and when finished pumps the dried gas back into the compartment with a battery-powered compressor of up to 10 bar, with up to 15 pump-back cycles per charge.
SF6 calculator
Check whether the measured gas meets the IEC 60376:2018 and IEC 60480:2019 acceptance criteria and convert dew point to ppmv →Rapidox 6100 Pump Back key data
- Gas return: compressor up to 10 bar with up to 15 cycles per battery charge; the internal storage bag allows up to five tests before a pump-back, and desiccant moisture traps dry the gas before it is returned.
- Sampling: automatic or manual with inlet pressure sensing from 0.3 to 35 bar (gauge), vacuum line purge, 0.5 l/min flow rate and DN8 and DN20 self-sealing couplings with a 2 m hose (4, 6, 8 or 10 m on request).
- Gases: up to eight simultaneously; SF6 purity 0-100 % with ±0.5 % (infrared), dew point from −60 to +20 °C with ±2 °C (also in µL/L or ppm), SO2 0-100 or 0-500 ppm, HF 0-10 or 0-20 ppm, H2S 0-100 ppm and CO 0-1,000 ppm with ±2 % FS.
- Mixtures: SF6 with CF4 (0-80 %, ±1 % of reading, by balance), N2 and air; display mode for SF6/N2 users and gas-cylinder testing mode.
- Automatic cycle: measurement time of 2, 4, 6 or 8 min, wizard on the 7″ touchscreen, walk-away timer, auto-abort and auto-clean; pre-loaded IEC and CIGRE configurations and custom tests.
- Climate: three SF6 calibrations, cold (−10 to 9 °C), warm (10 to 29 °C) and hot (30 to 50 °C); operation from −10 to +40 °C (+50 °C without battery charging) and from 600 to 1,100 mbar absolute.
- Data: 8 GB internal storage (approx. one year), MS Excel-compatible USB export and Unicode printer with an 11-language interface.
- In the field: wheeled IP66 Peli case, 270 × 560 × 450 mm and 20 kg, a single lithium battery for electronics and compressor (approx. 8 h, 2-4 h charge), optional in-vehicle charging and 2-year manufacturing warranty.
Advantages
Fully automatic test cycle
Once powered and connected, the analyser draws a small quantity of gas automatically or manually, governed by inlet pressure sensing that accepts up to 35 bar. The vacuum purge cycle and internal storage prevent sample contamination and any SF6 escape during the test.
High-pressure gas return
When the measurement is complete, a 10 bar compressor supplied by the lithium battery returns the gas to the electrical equipment, while several safety functions supervise the cycle. The internal storage bag allows up to five consecutive tests before a pump-back.
Guided operation from the screen
An on-screen wizard on the 7″ (18 cm) touch display leads each step of the test; the walk-away timer and the auto-abort and auto-clean functions reduce operator intervention. Results are printed with the integrated Unicode printer, with the interface available in 11 languages.
Up to eight gases in a single measurement
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. SF6 purity is measured over 0-100 % with ±0.5 % accuracy (IR/density sensor).
Maintenance without return to base
Pre-calibrated sensors are fitted on site through simplified user access, and three climate calibrations compensate drift in cold, warm and hot climates. Built-in moisture traps dry the gas with a desiccant before it is returned; the equipment carries a 2-year manufacturing warranty.
Applications
- Documented SF6 quality control in line with zero-emission obligations.
- Maintenance and commissioning of HV circuit breakers, switchgear and transformers in substations.
- Testing of SF6 gas cylinders (dedicated mode).
About the product
Current IEC and CIGRE test configurations come pre-programmed, with the option of custom tests; test locations and user names are editable, with password protection, and data is exported in MS Excel-compatible format via USB.
The equipment travels in a wheeled IP66 Peli case with handle, with a total weight of 20 kg. A single lithium battery supplies both the electronics and the pump, with up to 8 h of autonomy and a 2-4 h recharge.
Available accessories: calibration kit, gas recovery bag, self-sealing couplings and stainless-steel sampling hoses.
Technical specifications
| Measured gases | SF6, CF4, N2/air mixtures + SO2, HF, H2S, CO; H2O as dew point, µL/L or ppm |
| SF6 purity | 0-100 %, ±0.5 % |
| Emissions | Zero: the internal 10 bar compressor returns the gas |
| Max. inlet pressure | 35 bar (gauge) |
| Measurement time | 2, 4, 6 or 8 min, selectable |
| Weight and format | 20 kg, wheeled IP66 Peli case |
| Pressure range and flow | 0.3-35 bar, shown on screen; 0.5 l/min |
| Pump-back compressor | Up to 10 bar; up to 15 cycles per battery charge |
| Sensor accuracy | SO2, HF, H2S and CO ±2 % FS; H2O ±2 °C dew point |
Frequently asked questions
How does the Rapidox 6100 Pump Back differ from a portable analyser with a recovery bag?
It returns the gas to the equipment. The Rapidox 6100 Pump Back samples automatically, accepts up to 35 bar at the inlet and, after measuring, pumps the dried SF6 back into the compartment with its 10 bar compressor; the Rapidox 6100 Portable, at 8.5 kg and with an inlet up to 10 bar, captures the sampled gas in a recovery bag.
Does it stay accurate in cold or hot climates?
Yes. The Rapidox 6100 Pump Back has three SF6 calibrations, for cold (−10 to 9 °C), warm (10 to 29 °C) and hot (30 to 50 °C) climates, which compensate sensor drift. It operates from −10 to +40 °C, up to +50 °C without battery charging, and reaches full accuracy after a 15 min warm-up at 20 °C.
What does zero emissions mean for this analyser?
The vacuum purge cycle and internal storage prevent any escape during the measurement, and the compressor returns the gas to the equipment afterwards.
How many tests can be run before a pump-back?
Up to five, thanks to the internal storage bag.
Are gas mixtures supported?
Yes: mixtures of SF6, CF4, N2 and air, with inlet pressures of up to 35 bar.
Can a sensor be replaced without returning the unit to base?
Yes. Pre-calibrated sensors are fitted on site through simplified user access.
How are results documented?
On screen, with the integrated Unicode printer, and by MS Excel-compatible export via USB.
