Lightweight, rugged cart to evacuate and refill SF6 equipment in the field
Before a switchgear or circuit-breaker compartment is filled with SF6, air and moisture must be removed by vacuum, and the gas must then be admitted from the cylinder at regulated pressure. The ARFU-2 performs both operations from a 31 kg cart: its permanently mounted 17 m³/h (10 CFM) vacuum pump reaches a sealed pressure below 0.03 mbar, and the same 3-way ball valve then connects the standard SF6 cylinder through an adjustable pressure regulator, with an integral vacuum gauge to follow the process.
ARFU-2 key data
- Function: the ARFU-2 evacuates air and moisture from switchgear and circuit-breaker compartments and regulates their subsequent filling from standard SF6 cylinders.
- Vacuum: the ARFU-2's high-capacity, permanently mounted vacuum pump displaces 17 m³/h (10 CFM) and reaches a sealed pressure below 0.03 mbar.
- Operation: the ARFU-2 switches from evacuation to filling with a single 3-way ball valve, without changing hoses.
- Filling: the user sets the ARFU-2's filling pressure with a pressure regulator and follows the process on the integral vacuum gauge.
- Transport: the ARFU-2 weighs 31 kg, measures 1500 × 600 × 400 mm and rides on large tires for moving over substation gravel.
- Power and supply: the ARFU-2 runs on 120 V, 60 Hz or 220 V, 50/60 Hz, single-phase (other voltages on request), and ships with 3 m hoses and a power cable.
Advantages
Two operations, one cart
The ARFU-2 brings together prior evacuation of air and moisture and subsequent regulated refilling in a single unit, avoiding the need to bring two separate units to site.
Single-valve operation
A 3-way ball valve switches between evacuation and refilling without rewiring hoses, simplifying operation in the field.
High-capacity vacuum pump
The permanently mounted vacuum pump reaches a sealed pressure below 0.03 mbar, leaving the compartment ready for refilling.
Regulated, controlled refilling
Refilling is user-adjustable through a pressure regulator, with an integral vacuum gauge to track every stage of the process.
Built for substation work
The lightweight yet rugged frame rides on large tires that make it easy to move over gravel yards or uneven ground.
Applications
- Evacuation of air and moisture prior to filling SF6 equipment.
- Regulated filling of switchgear and circuit-breaker compartments with SF6.
- Field commissioning and maintenance of gas-insulated equipment.
- Monitoring of vacuum and filling pressure through integral gauges.
About the product
The process runs in two stages linked by the same 3-way valve: the compartment is first evacuated with the vacuum pump until free of air and moisture, down to a sealed pressure below 0.03 mbar; the same valve then connects the SF6 cylinder to the equipment through the pressure regulator, which controls the filling pressure while the vacuum gauge is used to follow the process.
The cart runs on 120 V or 220 V single-phase power and ships with 3 m hoses and a power cable. Available accessories: special supply voltages on request and longer hoses for hard-to-reach installations.
Technical specifications
| Vacuum pump | 10 CFM (17 m³/h) |
| Sealed vacuum | Below 0.03 mbar |
| Valve | 3-way ball valve, evacuation/filling |
| Filling | User-regulated through pressure regulator |
| Power supply | 120 V AC, 60 Hz / 220 V AC, 50/60 Hz, single-phase |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 1500 × 600 × 400 mm |
| Weight | 31 kg |
| Hoses | 3 m, supplied with power cable |
| Indication | Integral vacuum gauge |
| Frame | Lightweight and rugged, with large-diameter tires for gravel |
Frequently asked questions
Does the ARFU-2 recover SF6 from the equipment?
No. The ARFU-2 is designed for two functions: evacuating the compartment, with its 17 m³/h pump down to below 0.03 mbar, and regulating filling from standard SF6 cylinders. Gas recovery is done with an SF6 recovery unit.
How heavy and how large is the ARFU-2?
The ARFU-2 weighs 31 kg and measures 1500 × 600 × 400 mm (H × W × D); it runs on 120 V or 220 V single-phase and moves on large-diameter tires.
What two operations does the ARFU-2 perform?
It evacuates air and moisture from the compartment before filling, then regulates the filling of SF6 from standard cylinders.
How do you switch between evacuation and filling?
With a single 3-way ball valve, with no need to rewire hoses.
What vacuum level does it reach before filling?
The vacuum pump reaches a sealed pressure below 0.03 mbar.
Is it suited to substation work on uneven ground?
Yes. Its lightweight, rugged frame rides on large tires designed for gravel and uneven surfaces.
Who regulates the filling pressure?
The user, through a pressure regulator, using the integral vacuum gauge as a reference.
