Date 24.07.

2020

A Case study on impact of SF6 leakage and arrest of leakage with help of

Optical Gas Imaging Camera

Background

1. 400kV/220 Prayagaraj (erstwhile Allahabad) SS is in service since 2002. In the

substation, various 400kV & 220kV SF6 type CBs of different makes are installed.

In total, 31 nos. SF6 type 400kV CBs and 11 nos. SF6 type 220 kV CBs are

installed. In these 42 CBs, a total of 2268.4 kg SF6 gas is filled under normal

condition.

2. Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) is an excellent gaseous dielectric for high voltage

power applications. However, it is extremely potent Green-House Gas (24000 times

more potent than CO2) with severe global warming potential. Not only is it a threat

to environment but some of its toxic by-products are also dangerous for persons

working in its environment (specially disulphur decafluoride S2F10, which was used

for chemical warfare during WW-I). A very stable compound, any leaked SF6 can

last for up to 3,200 years before it is broken down by UV rays. SF6 leaks reduce

the amount of dielectric insulation and heat transfer provided to T&D SF6-insulated

equipment and can affect the equipment’s performance. Equipment that is

insufficiently insulated can lose signal, malfunction, short-circuit, and—ultimately—

fail completely, compromising operations and safety. Downtime and repairs or

replacement of damaged equipment can be extremely costly. A 10% loss of gas

decreases the dielectric strength required to handle short current faults to a point

that can permanently damage insulators, shields, arcing contacts, and main

contacts.

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 3. SF6 leakage from CBs had been one of the prime areas of concern in 400kV/220

Prayagaraj SS during last couple of years. Some CBs were identified, in which

frequent SF6 gas refilling had to be done due to unidentified leakages from the

CBs. Leakage problem was mainly found in BHEL make 400kV CBs (Bay No. 401,

405, 409) and CGL make 220kV CBs (Bay No. 204, 207 & 209).

Action taken on the issue

4. Earlier we used leakage detector and soap detection methods for these breakers,

but even after spending considerable man-hours, the leakage spots could not be

properly identified.

5. Finally, Optical Gas Imaging Camera (FLIR make) was used for detection of leaking

SF6 gas. It is pertinent to mention that even the leakage spots with miniscule SF6

leakage could be efficiently identified with the help of this Camera.

6. While using Optical Gas Imaging Camera, various points of leakages which were

identified and for which remedy action was taken to arrest the leakage were as

follows;

Bay No. Specification of CB Action Taken

401 Bay Leakage was detected in R-pole CT 02 nos. of SG-90033014 and 04

side flange area. nos. SG-90033017 O-rings were

replaced.

405 Bay Leakage was detected in flange area Following O-rings were replaced

of R-pole. SG-90033014, SG-90033017,

SG-90033015, SG-90033006,

SG-900330, SG-90033088, SG-

90033012, SG-90033013, SG-

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 90033018, SG-90033020, SG-

90033021

204 Bay Leakage was detected in column P-260, P-170, P-7 O-rings were

joints of Y-pole replaced

207 Bay Leakage was detected in gauge P-7 O-ring was replaced

area of Y-pole

209 Bay Leakage was identified at point P-260, P-170, P-7 O-rings were

below interrupter & column of R-pole replaced

Photographs during work

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Main Leakage spots identified in drawing of CB:

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Major Common Lakage Points are as follow:

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Final Result

By taking above actions we had reduced the SF6 consumption up to negligible extent.

Consumption of SF-6 FY wise is as follow:

FY 2017-18 13.3 kg SF6 Consumed

FY 2018-19 9.7 kg SF6 Consumed

FY 2019-20 0.5 kg SF6 Consumed

FY 2020-21 (Up to Q-1) 0.0 kg SF6 Consumed

Prepared By: Reviewed By:

Saurabh Mishra (Asst. Mgr) Devarshi Shukla
Ankit Bhargava (Asst Mgr) (Ch. Manager- Allahabad)

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