Gas Detection with Thermal Imaging Camera GF306 by FLIR

APPLICATION STORY

FLIR GF306 helps improve environmental performance
at Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution

SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride) gas is used in energy networks as an insulator in substations. Although SF6 is an excellent insulator, used all over the world, it is also a potent greenhouse gas. That's why the careful management of SF6 assets is a key priority for Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution. The company regularly inspects equipment containing SF6 to prevent leaks, and act quickly when a leak is identified. SSEPD have found a tool that can help with its SF6 maintenance program: thermal imaging cameras from FLIR.

Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution (SSEPD) is responsible for maintaining the electricity networks supplying over 3.7 million homes and businesses across central southern England and north of the Central Belt of Scotland. The company owns one electricity transmission network and two electricity distribution networks, comprising 106,000 substations and 130,000 km of overhead lines and underground cables across one third of the UK. Its first priority is to provide a safe and reliable supply of electricity to the communities it serves in Scotland and England.

As in many electricity distribution networks across Europe, SSEPD uses SF6 gas as an insulator in its substations. Across its two distribution networks and its transmission network, SSE Power Distribution has a total of 11,475 items of switchgear using SF6 gas. Switchgear is often insulated with SF6, which works by extinguishing sparks caused by operation of the switchgear. The possibility of leaks generally increases as equipment ages. Fugitive emissions can escape through valve fittings and at joints between flanges and porcelain bushings.

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