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WIKA Case Study: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) Switchgear Extends Equipment Life and Saves Facility Money

Discover how major power provider in the Midwest dealt with high humidity levels in their SF6 switchgear with WIKA’s cost-effective solution.
A major power provider in the Midwest was facing issues with high humidity levels in its SF6 switchgear, which was leading to decreased insulation and the formation of toxic decomposition compounds.
To address this problem, the company sought a cost-effective solution that would minimize downtime and extend the equipment’s lifespan. They turned to WIKA’s WEgrid Solutions division for assistance.
sf6_switchgear
WIKA proposed a two-part solution:

-Gas Monitoring Kit (GMK) with telemetry
-Gas Dehydrating (GAD) system

The GMK consists of transmitters that measure various parameters of the SF6 gas and send real-time information to the cloud. The GAD system dehydrates the SF6 gas and filters out harmful decomposition products.
Importantly, the GAD-2000 can be used while the switchgear is in service, thanks to a Safety Control System that regulates the outtake of humid gas and ensures sufficient insulation capacity.
The combination of the GMK-20 and GAD-2000 proved to be a successful solution for the power provider. It allowed them to maintain safe operational conditions in their switchgear at a fraction of the cost of other options.
The company estimates that they will save over $100,000 per year in downtime alone. By extending the lifespan of their switchgear, they can achieve significant cost savings.

To learn more about WIKA’s solution in this Case Study, read the full document.

AWC Support:

If you would like to explore WIKA’s complete pressure measurement solutions in ensuring safety and efficiency at your site, reach out to the local Automation & Controls Specialists in your area. You can find them anytime via online chat at www.awc-inc.com or by finding your local AWC office.

George Gugich is a WIKA Technical Expert and Business Development Manager for AWC, Inc. based in Baton Rouge, LA. He has over 12 years of industrial and instrumentation experience, including many years as a Technical Manager with WIKA Group. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University and holds a Process Instrumentation & Controls certification from the University of Kansas.

George Gugich

George Gugich

George Gugich is a WIKA Technical Expert and Business Development Manager for AWC, Inc. based in Baton Rouge, LA. He has over 12 years of industrial and instrumentation experience, including many years as a Technical Manager with WIKA Group. He is a graduate of Louisiana State University and holds a Process Instrumentation & Controls certification from the University of Kansas.
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