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A Solution that Makes Sense
The integrity of more than 50,000 electrical substations across the U.S. has been compromised by age,weather, and other factors. As a result, highly-potent SF6 gases are escaping from electrical transmission and distribution equipment at increasing rates. This has a huge economic and environmental impact. Before FLIR Systems introduced the new GasFindIR LW, it was impossible for the utility industry to efficiently survey and find SF6 gas leaks in substation equipment. Earlier methods of SF6 detection required close or near contact using “sniffer” technology and probes. These methods can be time consuming, unsafe, or impractical for examining live high-voltage switchgear.
Save Time, Money, and the Environment
Now, with the help of the GasFindIR LW camera, utility companies and other organizations can search for SF6 leaks across a range of substation equipment at safe distances without the need to
interrupt power. Also, when utilities take advantage of the new GasFindIR LW technology, they can
show consumers and the public they are part of the solution to help reduce greenhouse gases.
Easy Documentation
Capable of scanning large areas from the ground, the GasFindIR LW camera delivers real-time, highresolution thermal images of gas leaks. Images can be recorded on the Personal Video Recorder
(PVR) included with the GasFindIR LW camera and displayed on a standard TV. This makes documenting and reporting of affected areas
easy and efficient for utility companies. As a result, professionals can scan more equipment in less time, which maximizes their investment in leak detection technology.
New and Advanced High Sensitivity Mode™ (HSM)
High Sensitivity Mode (HSM) is a new feature of the FLIR Systems GasFindIR camera. HSM uses advanced technology to enhance the presence of SF6 and other gases against stationary
backgrounds.The HSM feature makes the inspection process easier, faster, and more accurate for utility engineers and camera operators. The GasFindIR LW camera takes advantage of a spectral filter that is optimized to detect SF6 and other gases and vapors.Thermally, the camera’s sensitivity is <35mK when FLIR’s adaptive temporal filter is engaged. The GasFindIR LW weighs only 4.6 pounds and is powered by a camcorder battery. The GasFindIR LW enables thermographers to quickly and easily find SF6 gas leaks from ground level—whether the leaks are a few feet or 40 feet away.
Did You Know?
Once released, SF6 remains in the atmosphere for thousands of years and traps more heat than any
other greenhouse gas. Early detection and repair of leaks is one way electric power systems are helping to protect the environment. More than 80 electric power utilities are now part of The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SF6 Emission Reduction Partnership for Electric Power Systems. The partnership was formed by the EPA and the electric power industry to identify and implement cost-effective solutions to reduce sulfur hexafluoride SF6 emissions. For more information about the program and ways to reduce SF6 emissions, go to www.epa.gov/electricpower-sf6.
Why Detect SF6?
One pound of SF6 has the same global warming impact of 11 tons of CO2. It has 23,900 times the global warming potential of CO2 and has an atmospheric lifetime of 3,200 years. Because of its long lifespan and high potency, even a relatively small amount of SF6 can have a significant impact on global climate change. The most common use for SF6 is as an electrical insulator in equipment that transmits and distributes electricity. Since the 1950s, the U.S. electric power industry has used SF6 because of its dielectric strength and arc-quenching characteristics. SF6 is used widely in gas-insulated substations, circuit breakers, and other switchgear. |
