CIBANO 500 AppNote Operating Time Graphite Nozzle 2017 ENU

Application Note
Measure operating times on circuit breakers with

graphite nozzles
Author
Andreas Nenning | Andreas.Nenning@Omicronenergy.com
Date
Oct 25, 2017
Related OMICRON Product

CIBANO 500
Application Area
Circuit Breakers
Keywords
Operation times, Dynamic Contact Resistance, Graphite Nozzle, Self-Blast, Puffer breaker
Version
V2.0
Document ID
ANP_17008_ENU
Abstract
Determining the operation times on circuit breakers with graphite nozzle is different to conventional ones.
This application note describes how the operation times of graphite nozzle based circuit breakers are
determined manually
General information
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© OMICRON 2017. All rights reserved. This Application Note is a publication of OMICRON.
© OMICRON 2018 Page 2 of 31

Table of content
1 Safety instructions ................................................................................................................................5

2 SF6 Circuit Breaker Design ...................................................................................................................6
2.1 Graphite nozzle design applications ...............................................................................................6
2.2 Assembly ........................................................................................................................................7
2.2.1 Puffer breaker with graphite twin nozzles ......................................................................................... 7
2.2.2 Electrohydraulic operating mechanism ............................................................................................. 8
2.3 Arc extinguishing ............................................................................................................................9
2.4 Operation Times .......................................................................................................................... 10
2.4.1 Closing Sequence ........................................................................................................................... 10
2.4.2 Opening Sequence ......................................................................................................................... 11
2.4.3 Nozzle time and nozzle length definitions ....................................................................................... 12
3 Performing a measurement ............................................................................................................... 13
3.1 Connecting the measuring devices ............................................................................................. 13
3.2 Connecting the motion sensor ..................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Executing tests ............................................................................................................................ 15
4 Open Operation Assessment ............................................................................................................ 16
4.1 PTM Settings ............................................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Calculate Opening Time .............................................................................................................. 17
4.2.1 Numerical Method ........................................................................................................................... 17
4.2.2 Graphical Method............................................................................................................................ 17
4.3 Example Numerical Method......................................................................................................... 18
4.4 Example Graphical Method ......................................................................................................... 19
5 Close Operation Assessment............................................................................................................ 22
5.1 PTM Settings ............................................................................................................................... 22
5.2 Calculate Closing Time ................................................................................................................ 23
5.2.1 Numerical Method ........................................................................................................................... 23
5.2.2 Graphical Method............................................................................................................................ 23
5.3 Example Numerical Method......................................................................................................... 24
5.4 Example Graphical Method ......................................................................................................... 25
6 Appendix: CB specific data ............................................................................................................... 28
6.1 Outdoor circuit breakers series Q (3AQ) ..................................................................................... 28
6.2 Outdoor circuit breakers series T (3AT) ...................................................................................... 28
6.3 GIS Generation I and Generation II ............................................................................................. 29
6.4 GIS Generation III ........................................................................................................................ 30
6.5 GIS Generation IV ....................................................................................................................... 30

1 Safety instructions
This Application Note may only be used in conjunction with the relevant product manuals which contain all
safety instructions. The user is fully responsible for any application that makes use of OMICRON products.
Instructions are always characterized by a  symbol, even if they are included in a safety instruction.
DANGER
Death or severe injury caused by high voltage or current if the respective
protective measures are not complied with.
 Carefully read and understand the content of this Application Note as well
as the manuals of the systems involved before taking them into operation.
 Please contact OMICRON support if you have any questions or doubts
regarding the safety or operating instructions.
 Follow each instruction listed in the manuals, especially the safety
instructions, since this is the only way to avoid the danger that can occur
when working on high voltage or high current systems.
 Only use the equipment involved according to its intended purpose to
guarantee safe operation.
 Existing national safety standards for accident prevention and
environmental protection may supplement the equipment’s manual.
Only experienced and competent professionals that are trained for working in high voltage or high current
environments may implement this Application Note. Additionally, the following qualifications are required:
• Authorized to work in environments of energy generation, transmission or distribution, and familiar
with the approved operating practices in such environments.
• Familiar with the five safety rules.
• Good knowledge/proficient in working with the CIBANO 500 and its accessories

2 SF6 Circuit Breaker Design
Figure 1: Graphite nozzle contact; Graphite (1), Silver coating (2),

Copper (3)
Puffer type SF6 circuit breakers where first introduced in 1957. This design uses mainly its electrohydraulic
operating mechanism to obtain the gas pressure to a level where it is capable to blast the arc via a nozzle. A
common Siemens nozzle design consists of a silver coated copper nozzle with graphite as arcing contact.
From 1980 onwards circuit breakers with so called self-blast chambers have been developed. This newer
type uses the arc energy to produce the required pressure for extinguishing the arc. The reduction in
required operating energy allows the use of spring operated mechanism.
This application note describes in detail how to measure the operation times on puffer-type SF6 circuit
breakers with the CIBANO 500.
2.1 Graphite nozzle design applications
Following product families of Siemens are equipped with puffer breaker and graphite twin nozzle technology.
> Live-Tank SF6 circuit breakers 3AQ and 3AT
> Gas insulated switchgear (GIS) until year 2000 (Generation 2 and 3)
The advantage of this technology is a very high rated short-circuit breaking current up to 80 kA. A property
which is highly appreciated for circuit breaker placed close to generator units.

2.2 Assembly
2.2.1 Puffer breaker with graphite twin nozzles
Figure 2: Assembly of a puffer breaker with twin nozzles, Overview picture
Description
1. Terminals
2. Porcelain jacket
3. Contact tube support
4. Fixed contact tube
5. Moving contact tube
6. Yoke
7. Blast piston
8. Arc quenching nozzle (Graphite)
9. Contact finger, moving contact (Silver)
10. Contact spring
Figure 3: assembly puffer breaker, Detail view

2.2.2 Electrohydraulic operating mechanism
Figure 4: Kinematic chain
1. Hydraulic operating mechanism

2. Operating piston
3. Position indicator
4. Operating rod
5. Gear
6. Interrupter unit
The closing / opening solenoids are controlling the main valve. This valve provides the pressure (p1, p2) from
the hydraulic storage to the operating piston. This piston moves the operating rod up and down. The rod
drives via the gear the contact tube within the interrupter units.

2.3 Arc extinguishing
Figure 5 shows a puffer breaker with two graphite nozzles in closed position. The SF6 (1a) gas has nominal
pressure. As the tube starts to move during the opening operation the gas gets compressed (1b) and as
soon as the contact is separated the gas flows through the nozzles (Figure 6, 2). The intense gas flow cools
the arc (Figure 6, 3a). The forces from the gas flow and the magnetic field of the current are applied to the
plasma and results in a certain shape. The currents get reduced as the zero crossing is approached. Thus,
the forces applied to the plasma are reduced and the arc becomes longer which increases the resistance of
the current flow even further and results in an extinguished arc.
Figure 5: Circuit breaker closed, SF6 gas with nominal pressure
Figure 6: Circuit breaker with compressed SF6 gas and arc
Figure 7: Current flow decreases, arc becomes longer

2.4 Operation Times
2.4.1 Closing Sequence
Figure 8: Interrupter unit during closing operation
t0: Energize closing solenoid

t1: Moving contact is open
t2: Contact starts to move
t3: First touch of silver contact finger and graphite nozzle
t4: First touch of silver contact finger and silver coated nozzle
t5: Moving contact in its end position
Definition closing time

Time from energizing the closing solenoid (t0) until the first contact between the contact finger (silver) and
the graphite nozzle (t3).

2.4.2 Opening Sequence
Figure 9: Interrupter unit during opening operation
t0: Energize opening solenoid

t1: Closed contact starts to open
t2: Silver contact finger and silver coated nozzle gets separated
t3: Silver contact finger and graphite nozzle gets separated, contact open
t4: After separation contact keeps moving
t5: Moving contact in its end position and open
Definition opening time

Time from energizing the opening solenoid (t0) until the first separation between the contact finger (silver)
and the graphite nozzle (t3).

2.4.3 Nozzle time and nozzle length definitions
Figure 10: Nozzle time and nozzle length definition
Definition of (graphite) nozzle time

During an open or close sequence the silver contact fingers are moving over the nozzle. The time the
contact fingers are moving over the graphite part is called the nozzle time. It begins when the silver fingers
are touching the graphite nozzle and ends when the silver coated part of the nozzle is reached.
Remark: Some designs are using a graphite ring at the contact fingers. Because this detail has no influence
on our algorithm it has been neglected.
Nozzle time calculation

The nozzle time can be calculated by using
> Numerical method – uses CB specific typical velocity and nozzle length
> Graphical method – uses measured contact travel data

3 Performing a measurement
3.1 Connecting the measuring devices
Per phase a CB MC2 and optional a CB TN3 is mounted onto the circuit breaker and connected to the
CIBANO via EtherCAT cables. The opening and closing solenoids are directly connected to the CIBANO
500.
For details follow the instructions in the CIBANO 500 user manual
> “Dynamic Contact Resistance test” (chapter 17.2.6 in PTM 4.10)
> “Testing circuit breakers with CIBANO 500 and the CB TN3 modules” (chapter 17.5 in PTM 4.10
Make sure the circuit breaker is grounded during the mounting of the CB MC2 to make sure the maximum
allowed touch voltage is not exceeded.
Use the adapter cable to connect the digital linear sensors from Siemens to the CB TN3. Make sure the CB
cannot be accidently operated when mounting the sensor.
Figure 11: Mounting CB MC2 and CB TN3 (optional) onto a circuit breaker

3.2 Connecting the motion sensor
Figure 12: Linear sensor from OMICRON (prototype). Figure 13: Adapter for digital transducer of Siemens (VEHZ0947)
Made for this particular Siemens CB types. Will soon be
available as standard product. Please contact product
management if needed.
Siemens uses a dedicated digital linear sensor for graphite nozzle circuit breakers. This sensor is mounted
onto the moving rod. See Figure 14. OMICRON provides an adapter cable to connect this sensor to the CB
TN3. Soon there will be also be a dedicated OMICRON sensor. See Figure 12.
For the related PTM settings see Table 1 and Table 2.
Table 1: PTM settings for digital transducer of Siemens
Module Channel Type Supply Resolution
CB TN3 L1 Linear 5.0 V 84.6500 µm
Table 2: Known conversion factors for Siemens circuit breakers with graphite nozzle contact system
Serie Conversion factor Total travel
8DQ1 1.8620 300 mm
8dN5 2.3239 242 mm

Figure 15: View onto the mounting rod (Siemens sensor)
Figure 14: Mounted linear sensor from Siemens
3.3 Executing tests
Select “Dynamic Contact Resistance Test” from within PTM and perform an Open and a Close operation.
Performing a motion measurement is optional.
Figure 16: Close Operation Figure 17: Open Operation

4 Open Operation Assessment
Definition opening time
Time from energizing the opening solenoid until the first separation between the contact finger and the
graphite nozzle
However, it is very difficult to determine the first separation because the measuring signal is highly disturbed
because of the specific design. Therefore, it is common practice to determine the first separation between
the contact finger (silver) and the silver part of the graphite nozzle and add the so-called Nozzle Time to get
the Opening Time.
Figure 18: Characteristic values for opening time calculation
4.1 PTM Settings
Typical set-values
C-O threshold: 1 mOhm
Bounce filter: 0.5 ms
To obtain the silver-silver separation time (t2) set the C-O threshold to 1 mOhm. However, when the contact
fingers start moving (t1), the relatively high break-away resistance can exceed this threshold. Use the
bounce filter get rid of this disturbance. Typical bounce filter set value is 0.5 ms. Keep in mind that the
resistance at the silver-silver separation time is usually around 8 to 10 mOhm whereas the break-away
resistance will usually not exceed 2 mOhm

Figure 19: PTM settings for opening operation
4.2 Calculate Opening Time
The opening time is calculated as follow

𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 (𝑡𝑡3 ) = 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 (𝑡𝑡2 ) + 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇
4.2.1 Numerical Method

The numerical method used the circuit breaker specific data. See 6 for available data.
𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿ℎ [𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚]
𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 [𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚] = 𝑚𝑚
𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 [ ]
𝑠𝑠
4.2.2 Graphical Method

The graphical method needs the nozzle length from the circuit breaker specific data to determine the nozzle
time. See 6 or available data.

Figure 20: Determine Opening Time graphically
Procedure
 Set cursor 1 to Silver-Silver separation (t2)
 Set cursor 2 the nozzle length distance apart from cursor 1
 Position of cursor 2 is equal Opening Time (t3)
4.3 Example Numerical Method
Get CB specific values for Siemens 3AT 2 EE (245 kV / 3150A). See 6.2
Nozzle Length: 24 mm
Open Velocity: 7.5 m/s
Calculate Nozzle time

𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿ℎ [𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚] 24 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 [𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚] = 𝑚𝑚 = = 3.2 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 [ ] 7.5 𝑚𝑚/𝑠𝑠
𝑠𝑠
Get silver-silver separation time

Perform a DRM measurement as described above. If the C-O threshold and bounce filter have been set
correctly, the Table and Plot Window will show the silver-silver separation time.

Figure 21: Plot window with binary trace and resistance value. Figure 22: Corresponding PTM Table with silver separation
Cursor shows silver-silver separation time times
Calculate the correct opening time

For example, for phase B (yellow) as shown in Figure 21
𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 (𝑡𝑡3 ) = 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 (𝑡𝑡2 ) + 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 = 14.60 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 + 3.2 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 17.80 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
The nominal opening time for this CB is 18 ms ± 2 ms.
4.4 Example Graphical Method
Get CB specific values for Siemens 8D.5 (See 6.3 ) This is a GIS with two interrupter units.
Nozzle Length: 18.9 mm

Perform a DRM measurement as described above. For this specific GIS the two interrupters in each phase
are measured together. If the C-O threshold and bounce filter have been set correctly, the Plot Window will
show the silver-silver separation time.

Figure 23: Plot window with binary trace and resistance value. Cursor shows silver-silver separation time.

Manually measure opening time
Add travel curve to the plot window. Set cursor 1 (black) to silver-silver separation point and move second
cursor (green) until the distance between them becomes 18.9 mm (Nozzle Length).
Cursor 2 (green) becomes the opening time, which is in this case 32.05 ms.
Figure 24: Cursor & Settings view of Figure 25
Figure 25: Plot window. Black cursor shows silver-silver separation time, green cursor shows opening time. Distance between cursors is
equal nozzle length.

5 Close Operation Assessment
Definition closing time
Time from energizing the closing solenoid until the first contact between the contact finger (silver) and the
graphite nozzle.
The first contact tough is difficult to determine because bouncing behavior causes a highly-disturbed
measuring signal. Additionally, some designs are using a graphite ring which causes even more
disturbances during a DRM.
Therefore, the first contact touch between the contact finger (silver) and the silver part of the graphite nozzle
is determined and a constant value is subtracted.
Figure 26: Characteristic values for closing time calculation
5.1 PTM Settings
C-O threshold: 1 mOhm

Bounce Filter: 0.0 ms

Figure 27: PTM settings for closing operation
5.2 Calculate Closing Time
The closing time is calculated as follow

𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 (𝑡𝑡3 ) = 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇ℎ 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑡𝑡4 ) − 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇
5.2.1 Numerical Method

The numerical method used the circuit breaker specific data to calculate the nozzle time. See 6 for available
data.
𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿ℎ [𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚]
𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 [𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚] = 𝑚𝑚
𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂𝑂 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑦𝑦 [ ]
𝑠𝑠
5.2.2 Graphical Method

The graphical method needs the nozzle length from the circuit breaker specific data. See 6 for available
data.

Figure 28: Determine Closing Time graphically
Procedure
 Set cursor 1 to First Touch Silver-Silver (t4)
 Set cursor 2 the nozzle length distance apart from cursor 1
 Position of cursor 2 is equal Closing Time (t3)
5.3 Example Numerical Method
Get CB specific values for Siemens 3AT 2 EE (245 kV / 3150A).

Nozzle Length: 24 mm
Close Velocity: 4.0 m/s
Calculate Nozzle time

𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿𝐿ℎ [𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚] 24 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 [𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚] = 𝑚𝑚 = = 6.0 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 [ ] 4.0 𝑚𝑚/𝑠𝑠
𝑠𝑠

Perform a DRM measurement as described above. Set the C-O threshold and bounce filter accordingly.
Place the curser where the binary state shows no more bounces. The cursor window shows you the exact
silver-silver separation time (82.90 ms).
Remark: Resistance values where the C-O threshold is just slightly exceeded can be ignored. The silver
silver touch time is characterized by a step resistance value decrease of approx. 5 times the C-O threshold.

Figure 29: Plot window with binary trace and resistance value. Cursor shows silver-silver separation time
Figure 30: Cursor Window shows silver-silver separation time
Calculate the correct closing time

For example, for phase B (yellow) 2
𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 (𝑡𝑡3 ) = 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇ℎ 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 (𝑡𝑡4 ) − 𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁𝑁 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇 = 82.9 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 − 6.0 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 76.9 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
The nominal closing time for this CB is 80 ms ± 5 ms.
5.4 Example Graphical Method
Get CB specific values for Siemens 8D.5 See 6.3 .This is a GIS with two interrupter units.
Nozzle Length: 18.9 mm
Get first silver-silver touch time

Perform a DRM measurement as described above. For this specific GIS the two interrupters in each phase
are measured together. Set the C-O threshold as described above. The binary trace on the Plot window will
show when the measured resistance is below the C-O threshold. Because of the specific design the trace
might show a lot of bounces. Place the curser where the binary state shows no more bounces.

Remark: Resistance values where the C-O threshold is just slightly exceeded can be ignored. The silver
silver touch time is characterized by a step resistance value decrease of approx. 5 times the C-O threshold
Figure 31: Plot window with binary trace and resistance value. Cursor shows first silver-silver touch time.

Manually measure opening time
Set cursor 1 (black) to silver-silver touch point and move second cursor (green) until the distance between
them becomes 18.9 mm (Nozzle Length).
Cursor 2 (green) becomes the closing time, which is in this case 81.34 ms.
Figure 32: Cursor and Settings view of Figure 33
Figure 33: Plot window. Black cursor shows silver-silver touch time, green cursor shows closing time. Distance between cursors is equal
nozzle length.

6 Appendix: CB specific data
The data have been collected over time and OMICRON cannot guarantee their correctness. Please always
use the data provided by the circuit manufacturers first.
6.1 Outdoor circuit breakers series Q (3AQ)
Naming convention
3AQ 1 EE: Three pole outdoor CB series Q
3AQ 1 EE: Interrupter units per pole
3AQ 1 EE: (E) hydraulic / (F) spring operated mechanism
3AQ 1 EE: (E) IPO on common base, (I) IPO on 3 separated bases, (G) Ganged operated on common base
Table 3: Data for series 3AQ
Name Nozzle Length [mm] Open Velocity [m/s] Close Velocity [m/s]
3AQ 1 EE 22.0 8.1 2.9
3AQ 1 EG 22.0 8.7 2.9
3AQ 1 EI 22.0 9.0 3.0
3AQ 1 EI 22.0 8.1 2.9
3AQ 2 EE 22.0 9.2 3.3
3AQ 2 EI 22.0 9.2 3.3
6.2 Outdoor circuit breakers series T (3AT)
Naming convention
3AT 2 EI: Three pole outdoor CB series T
3AQ 2 EI: Interrupter units per pole
3AQ 2 EI: (E) hydraulic / (F) spring operated mechanism
3AQ 2 EI: (E) IPO on common base, (I) IPO on 3 separated bases, (G) Ganged operated on common base

Table 4: Data for series 3AT
3AT 2 EE 18.9 7.5 4.0
3AT 2 EE
(245 kV / 24.0 7.5 4.0
3150 A)
3AT 2 EI 18.9 7.5 4.0
3AT 2 EI
(245 kV, 18.9
4000 A)
3AT 2 EI
24.0
(420 kV)
3AT 2 EI
22.6 9.0 4.0
(550 kV)
3AT 3 EI 7.5 4.0
3AT 3 EI
22.6 9.0 4.0
(550 kV)
3AT 4 EI 18.9 7.5 3.5
3AT 5 EI 18.9 7.5 3.5
6.3 GIS Generation I and Generation II
The first GIS generation from Siemens are called 8D.1 and 8D.2. They have been built between 1968 and
1977. The interrupting technology was a dual pressure breaker with a blowing valve and a hydraulic
operated mechanism.
The second generation was named 8D.2BK, 8D.4, 8D.5, 8D.6, 8D.8-1 and was built until 1986. They used
single pressure puffer breaker and a hydraulic operated mechanism.
Table 5: Data for GIS generation I and II
8D.2 25.0
8D.5 18.9

6.4 GIS Generation III
The third GIS generation from Siemens are using an optimized puffer breaker and a hydraulic operated
mechanism.
They have been built between 1986 and 2000.
> 420 kV – 8DQ1
> 245 kV – 8DP3-Q2
> ≤ 170 kV – 8D.9-1, 8DP3-Q1 / V1
Table 6: Data for GIS generation III
8DP3 (Q1) 22.0 9.2 3.0
8DP3 (Q2) 22.0 10.5 3.2
8DP3 (V1) 7.6 3.6
8DP4 25.0 7.5 4.5
8DQ1 25.0 7.5 4.5
8DQ1-T2 24.0
8DQ1-T3 24.0
8DQ1-T4 17.0
8DQ1-T5 17.0 7.1 4.0
8DQ5 17.0 7.3 4.0
6.5 GIS Generation IV
Generation IV of Siemens GIS is using spring charged mechanism and dual motion self-blast interrupter
units. These units are produced until today and they do not need any specific considerations with respect to
timing calculations.
> 420 kV – 8DQ1
> 245 kV – 8DN9
> ≤ 170 kV – 8DN8

Support
When you are working with our products we want to provide you with the greatest possible
benefits. If you need any support, we are here to assist you.
24/7 Technical Support – Get Support

www.omicronenergy.com/en/support
At our technical support hotline, you can reach competent, well-educated technicians for all
of your questions. Around the clock and free of charge.
Make use of our 24/7 international technical support hotline:
Europe / Middle East / Africa +43 59495 4444
Americas +1 713 830-4660 +1 800-OMICRON
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Additionally, on our website you can find our Service Center or Sales Partner closest
to you.
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The Customer Portal on our website is an international knowledge exchange platform.
Download the latest software updates for all our products and share your own experiences
in our user forum.
Browse through the knowledge library and find application notes, conference papers,
articles about daily working experiences, user manuals and much more.
OMICRON Academy – Learn More

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Learn more about your product in one of the training courses offered by the OMICRON
Academy.
For more information, additional literature, and

detailed contact information of our
offices worldwide please visit our website.
© OMICRON
www.omicronenergy.com Subject to change without notice.

CIBANO 500 AppNote Operating Time Graphite Nozzle 2017 ENU

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Application Note

Measure operating times on circuit breakers with

Related OMICRON Product

© OMICRON 2018 Page 2 of 31

1 Safety instructions ................................................................................................................................5

© OMICRON 2018 Page 3 of 31

© OMICRON 2018 Page 5 of 31

Figure 1: Graphite nozzle contact; Graphite (1), Silver coating (2),

2.1 Graphite nozzle design applications

© OMICRON 2018 Page 6 of 31

2.2.1 Puffer breaker with graphite twin nozzles

Figure 2: Assembly of a puffer breaker with twin nozzles, Overview picture

Figure 3: assembly puffer breaker, Detail view

© OMICRON 2018 Page 7 of 31

Figure 4: Kinematic chain

1. Hydraulic operating mechanism

© OMICRON 2018 Page 8 of 31

Figure 5: Circuit breaker closed, SF6 gas with nominal pressure

Figure 6: Circuit breaker with compressed SF6 gas and arc

Figure 7: Current flow decreases, arc becomes longer

© OMICRON 2018 Page 9 of 31

2.4.1 Closing Sequence

Figure 8: Interrupter unit during closing operation

t0: Energize closing solenoid

Definition closing time

© OMICRON 2018 Page 10 of 31

Figure 9: Interrupter unit during opening operation

t0: Energize opening solenoid

Definition opening time

© OMICRON 2018 Page 11 of 31

Figure 10: Nozzle time and nozzle length definition

Definition of (graphite) nozzle time

Nozzle time calculation

© OMICRON 2018 Page 12 of 31

3.1 Connecting the measuring devices

© OMICRON 2018 Page 13 of 31

Table 1: PTM settings for digital transducer of Siemens

Module Channel Type Supply Resolution

CB TN3 L1 Linear 5.0 V 84.6500 µm

CB TN3 L2 Linear 5.0 V 84.6500 µm

CB TN3 L3 Linear 5.0 V 84.6500 µm

Serie Conversion factor Total travel

8DQ1 1.8620 300 mm

8dN5 2.3239 242 mm

© OMICRON 2018 Page 14 of 31

3.3 Executing tests

Figure 16: Close Operation Figure 17: Open Operation

© OMICRON 2018 Page 15 of 31

Figure 18: Characteristic values for opening time calculation

4.1 PTM Settings

© OMICRON 2018 Page 16 of 31

4.2 Calculate Opening Time

The opening time is calculated as follow

4.2.1 Numerical Method

4.2.2 Graphical Method

© OMICRON 2018 Page 17 of 31

4.3 Example Numerical Method

Calculate Nozzle time

Get silver-silver separation time

© OMICRON 2018 Page 18 of 31

Calculate the correct opening time

The nominal opening time for this CB is 18 ms ± 2 ms.

4.4 Example Graphical Method

Get silver-silver separation time