Gas byproduct analysis as a maintenance tool for sulfurhexafloride insulated switchgear

This paper describes monitoring of SOF₂ and SO₂ F₂ in SF₆ insulated switchgear as indicators of the need to perform maintenance. The paper describes the results of routine monitoring for these byproducts in 131 sections of bus and 25 breakers over a period of three years. It describes an incident where higher than normal levels of byproducts were found in a bus section, the results of physical inspection of the bus section, and correlates the damage found with the byproduct gasses. The analysis technique utilized in the gas monitoring process is described along with the gas sampling methods that are used