language
Contact Us

What Are the Differences and Functions of the Pressure Gauge and Relay Used in SF6 Circuit Breakers?

SF6 circuit breakers play a critical role in electrical equipment, and pressure gauges and density relays are essential components that ensure the proper operation of the equipment. In this article, we will delve into the differences and roles of these two components in SF6 circuit breakers. 


Differences and Features of Pressure Gauges and SF6 Relay


Pressure gauge


The pressure gauge is mainly used to monitor the pressure changes in the system to detect the pressure status of SF6 gas in the equipment. Compared to density relays, pressure gauges focus more on providing a visual reading of pressure changes but do not have signal contacts themselves. This means that in emergency situations, pressure gauges cannot trigger alarms or take control measures.


SF6 Relay


In addition to monitoring system pressure, density relays can also control and protect the equipment. Unlike pressure gauges, density relays have alarm contacts and self-locking contacts, allowing them to actively emit alarm signals and lock signal contacts when necessary. This feature makes density relays more comprehensive in protecting equipment from potential threats.


Roles and Functions of Pressure Gauges and SF6 Relay


Role of pressure gauge


SF6 gas pressure gauges are installed on circuit breakers mainly to monitor the pressure changes of SF6 gas. Their role is to provide real-time pressure readings, helping maintenance personnel understand the status of SF6 gas in the equipment. However, pressure gauges cannot emit alarm signals actively, and manual observation is required to determine whether the pressure is within the normal range.


Role of SF6 Relay


In circuit breakers, density relays play a more complex role. First, they monitor the density of SF6 gas in closed containers by means of temperature compensation to provide more accurate pressure indications. Secondly, density relays have alarm contacts and self-locking contacts, which can emit alarm signals when the pressure drops to a certain value, indicating that the equipment needs to be filled with gas. At the same time, when the pressure drops to the lock value, the density relay locks the signal contact to prevent misoperation of the circuit breaker and ensure the safety of the equipment.


Working Principle of SF6 Relay


SF6 relay measure pressure using Bourdon tubes. The Bourdon spring or Bourdon tube is a hollow graph point. Gas enters and pushes the lever, driving the gear lever to rotate and indicating the pressure reading. In the case of no leakage, temperature changes cause pressure changes. To eliminate the influence of temperature changes on pressure indications, density relays use devices with temperature compensation to ensure accurate indication of the equipment's status under various environmental temperatures.


In conclusion, there are significant differences in functionality and roles between pressure gauges and SF6 relay in SF6 circuit breakers. Pressure gauges are mainly used to provide visual readings of pressure changes, while density relays comprehensively protect equipment by monitoring pressure and providing alarm and locking functions. For ensuring the safe operation of SF6 circuit breakers, density relays play an irreplaceable role in density monitoring, alarm, and control.

Related Article for Reference

Circuit Breaker SF6 Density Monitoring System (Including Pipelines) Failure
In the power industry, circuit breakers in substations are important equipment used to ensure the reliable operation of the power grid.SF6 gas density monitoring system is an important component of ci...
Fri 11 2023
The Effect of Temperature on SF6 Gas Density Relays and Precautions in Operation
Ⅰ. Specific analysis of the impact of sunlight radiation on SF6 relaysDue to the strong sunlight radiation makes the density relay metal shell temperature is much higher than the ambient temperature,...
Mon 08 2022
How to Choose a Suitable SF6 Gas Laser Moisture Meter for On-site Use
In industries such as power and chemical, SF6 gas's moisture content is crucial to the safe operation of equipment. Thus, choosing an SF6 gas laser moisture meter suitable for field use becomes an...
Fri 07 2024
Lanso Instruments INC.
233 W 1st St #210, North Vancouver, Canada
info@lansoinstruments.com
233 W 1st St #210, North Vancouver, Canada
info@lansoinstruments.com