Recovering the SF6 of small-volume circuit breakers and switchgear without releasing it to the atmosphere takes a unit that extracts the gas, cleans it and liquefies it for storage until refilling. The AGRU-4 performs the whole cycle from a 103 kg cart: its 1000:1 oil-less compressor, rated up to 34 bar, transfers up to 2 m³/h and liquefies the SF6 into a 22.7 kg on-board tank; it recovers down to 100 mbar (below 1 mbar with the optional XDS stage, 99.9 % of the gas with the 3.3 m³/h vacuum compressor) and filters the gas to 0.1 µm on equipment up to 69 kV.
SF6 calculator
Estimate how long the AGRU-4X takes to recover the gas and evacuate your compartment, and how much gas is left inside →AGRU-4 key data
- Application: the AGRU-4 is designed for metal-clad switchgear, bus ducts and circuit breakers up to 69 kV, that is, small-volume SF6 equipment.
- Recovery: the AGRU-4 recovers SF6 down to 100 mbar as standard and below 1 mbar with the optional XDS vacuum stage; with the optional 3.3 m³/h vacuum compressor, recovery reaches 99.9 %.
- Compressor: oil-less and direct-drive, with a 1000:1 compression ratio, up to 34 bar discharge and an SF6 transfer rate of up to 2 m³/h on the AGRU-4.
- Storage: the AGRU-4 holds SF6 as liquid in a 22.7 kg on-board tank, and the auxiliary connection expands storage without limit with external cylinders.
- Evacuation: the AGRU-4's 17 m³/h vacuum pump removes air and moisture from the equipment below 1 mbar before filling.
- Purification: the AGRU-4 dries, purifies and filters the gas to 0.1 µm during recovery and refilling, with a colour-change moisture indicator and filters replaced without disconnecting tubing.
- Operation and transport: the AGRU-4 switches modes with two valves and rides on a two-wheel cart with 250 mm tires; it measures 1170 × 560 × 610 mm, weighs 103 kg and runs on 120 V, 60 Hz or 220 V, 50-60 Hz, single-phase.
Advantages
Liquefaction in any climate
The high-pressure, direct-drive oil-less compressor delivers a 1000:1 compression ratio and up to 34 bar, enough to store SF6 as a liquid even in warm climates.
The whole service cycle on one cart
Recovery, evacuation of air and moisture, purification and regulated refilling are all performed from the same two-wheel cart, switching between modes with just two valves.
Cleaning while it recovers
During recovery and refilling the gas is dried, purified and filtered to 0.1 µm, removing particles, moisture and SF6 decomposition products.
Storage without limits
The recovered gas fills the on-board 22.7 kg tank, and an auxiliary connection extends storage to external cylinders; partially used bottles can be consolidated into one.
Low-maintenance construction
Filters are replaced without disconnecting tubing or special tools, a colour-change indicator shows gas moisture at a glance and the fittings are stainless steel.
Applications
- Recovery and purification of SF6 in metal-clad switchgear, bus ducts and individual circuit breakers.
- Evacuation of air and moisture from equipment before filling.
- Consolidation of partially used SF6 cylinders.
- Regulated refilling of SF6 equipment from the storage tank.
About the product
The AGRU-4 mounts on a reinforced hand cart with 250 mm tires and is supplied complete with power cable; options include a storage tank heater, an insulating blanket, 3 m or 6 m hoses in rubber or stainless braid, an XDS vacuum stage below 1 mbar and a vacuum compressor of 3.3 m³/h that raises SF6 recovery to 99.9 %.
Technical specifications
| Designed for | Breakers and switchgear up to 69 kV |
| SF6 transfer rate | Up to 2 m³/h |
| Recovery | Down to 100 mbar; below 1 mbar with optional XDS stage |
| Compression | Oil-less compressor, 1000:1, up to 34 bar |
| Vacuum pump | 17 m³/h; below 1 mbar |
| Filtration | 0.1 µm; removes moisture and decomposition products |
| Storage | On-board 22.7 kg tank; connection for external cylinders |
| Supply voltage | 120 V, 1-phase, 60 Hz / 220 V, 1-phase, 50-60 Hz |
| Dimensions and weight | 1170 × 560 × 610 mm; 103 kg |
| Recovery with optional vacuum compressor | 99.9 % of the SF6 (3.3 m³/h vacuum compressor) |
| Mobility and operation | Two-wheel cart with 250 mm tires; two valves to switch modes |
Frequently asked questions
Which vacuum pump does the AGRU-4 use to dry equipment before filling?
The AGRU-4 includes a 17 m³/h vacuum pump that evacuates air and moisture from the circuit breaker or switchgear below 1 mbar; the regulated inlet then refills the equipment with SF6 from the 22.7 kg on-board tank.
What supply, size and weight does the AGRU-4 have for field work?
The AGRU-4 runs on 120 V, 60 Hz or 220 V, 50-60 Hz, single-phase; it measures 1170 × 560 × 610 mm, weighs 103 kg and moves on a two-wheel cart with 250 mm tires.
Does it store the gas as liquid or as vapour?
As liquid: the 34 bar compressor liquefies the SF6 into the on-board 22.7 kg tank or into external cylinders through the auxiliary connection.
What vacuum does it reach when recovering?
Standard recovery goes down to 100 mbar; the optional XDS vacuum stage takes it below 1 mbar, equivalent to recovering 99.9 % of the gas with the optional vacuum compressor.
Is the gas cleaned during recovery?
Yes. The gas is dried, purified and filtered to 0.1 µm both while recovering and while refilling, so it returns to the equipment in serviceable condition.
Can it top up equipment from bottles?
Yes. The regulated inlet refills equipment from the storage tank, and the unit also consolidates several partially used bottles into a single cylinder.
