SF6 gas analysis, leak detection & handling
SF6 gas management equipment keeps the sulphur hexafluoride that insulates and quenches arcs inside gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and breakers within specification — measuring its quality, finding leaks and recovering it safely. The Amperis range for the electrical sector includes SF6 analysers, leak detectors and handling units, because SF6 combines excellent dielectric performance with a very high global warming potential (around 23,500× CO₂) and is now tightly regulated.
What SF6 work involves
Sound SF6 asset management covers three tasks: confirming gas quality (purity, moisture and decomposition by-products), detecting leaks before density drops or gas escapes, and handling and recovery during maintenance so no gas is vented. Each addresses both reliability — SF6 must stay dry and pure to insulate — and compliance with the EU F-gas Regulation.
Which tool do you need?
- Gas analysers — verify purity, moisture and SO₂ by-products against reuse limits.
- Leak detectors — locate and quantify leaks by sniffing or optical gas imaging.
- Handling and recovery units — evacuate, filter, store and refill gas without emissions.
Unsure where to start? Do not hesitate to contact us.
Applications
- Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS)
- SF6 dead-tank and live-tank circuit breakers
- Ring main units and MV switchgear
- Substation commissioning and periodic maintenance
Applicable standards
Amperis tools support the IEC/EN framework for SF6 (not national PN/PL designations):
- IEC 60376 — quality of new (technical-grade) SF6
- IEC 60480 — checking and treatment of SF6 recovered for reuse
- IEC 62271-4 — handling procedures for SF6 in switchgear
- IEC 62271-1 / 62271-203 — permissible leakage rate and GIS
- Regulation (EU) 2024/573 — F-gas obligations (leak checks, recovery)
Frequently asked questions
Why monitor SF6 at all?
Two reasons. Technically, moisture and arcing by-products degrade the gas’s dielectric strength; commercially and legally, SF6 has a very high global warming potential and the EU F-gas Regulation requires leak checks, prompt repair and recovery.
Is SF6 being phased out?
New SF6 equipment faces restrictions, but the large installed base must be maintained for decades. From 2035 the EU allows only reclaimed or recycled SF6 for servicing — so quality measurement, leak detection and recovery become more important, not less.
What equipment do I need to manage SF6?
Typically three: a gas analyser for quality, a leak detector for tightness, and a recovery/handling unit for maintenance. They cover the full lifecycle from commissioning to end-of-life.
Technical resources
Explore the family — SF6 gas analysers, SF6 leak detectors and handling and recovery equipment — or combine with circuit-breaker testing. Request a quote.