SF6 gas is widely used in industrial scenarios such as power and chemical industries due to its excellent insulation and arc extinguishing performance. However, it is also a strong greenhouse gas and can pose a threat to human health if leaked. As a key equipment for monitoring gas leaks, the installation quality of SF6 gas transmitters directly determines the accuracy of monitoring data and the stability of equipment operation. If there are omissions in the installation process, it may not only lead to monitoring failure, but also cause safety accidents or environmental issues. The following 5 installation points must be highly valued.
1、 Accurately select installation location to avoid monitoring blind spots
SF6 gas has a higher density than air and is prone to accumulate in low-lying areas after leakage. Therefore, the installation position of the transmitter should follow the principle of "low position, near the source". Priority should be given to installing equipment below or within a 1-3 meter radius of SF6 equipment (such as circuit breakers, GIS switchgear), with a height of no more than 1.5 meters above the ground, to ensure timely capture of sinking leaked gases. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid ventilation blind spots and areas with severe airflow disturbances, such as air conditioning vents, directly below fans, etc. These areas can cause uneven distribution of gas concentration, resulting in fluctuations or false alarms in monitoring data. In addition, it is strictly prohibited to install the transmitter in outdoor areas that are directly exposed to rainwater or sunlight. It should be equipped with a rain proof and sun proof cover to avoid environmental factors affecting the sensitivity of the equipment.
2、 Strictly control the surrounding environmental conditions and eliminate interfering factors
The complex environmental factors in industrial scenarios can directly affect the operational accuracy of transmitters, and a comprehensive assessment of the surrounding environment is required before installation. Firstly, the temperature should be controlled within the operating range indicated on the equipment (usually -20 ℃ -60 ℃), and kept away from high-temperature equipment (such as heaters and transformers). If it cannot be avoided, insulation boards should be installed to reduce heat conduction. Secondly, the humidity should be maintained at ≤ 95% RH (non condensing). A humid environment can easily cause the sensor to become damp and fail. When installing in high humidity areas, additional dehumidification devices or transmitter models with moisture-proof functions should be equipped. In addition, there should be no strong electromagnetic interference sources in the surrounding area, such as high-voltage cables, frequency converters, etc. If the distance to the interference source is close, shielded cables should be used and grounding treatment should be done to prevent electromagnetic signals from affecting equipment data transmission.
3、 Standardize wiring operations to ensure circuit safety
The wiring process is the foundation for the stable operation of the transmitter and must be strictly followed according to the equipment manual. Firstly, confirm that the power supply voltage is consistent with the rated voltage of the transmitter (commonly DC24V or AC220V) to avoid equipment burnout caused by voltage mismatch. When wiring, it is necessary to distinguish between signal lines and power lines, use cables of different colors for easy identification, and ensure that the cable cross-sectional area meets the equipment requirements (usually signal lines ≥ 0.75mm ², power lines ≥ 1.0mm ²) to prevent excessive current from causing cable heating. At the same time, all wiring terminals must be securely fastened to prevent data interruption due to poor contact. After wiring is completed, insulation tape should be used to wrap the terminals to prevent dust and oil from entering the industrial environment and causing circuit short circuits. In addition, if RS485 communication is used, 120 Ω terminal resistors need to be installed at both ends of the bus to reduce signal reflection and ensure stable data transmission.
4、 Ensure firm fixation and respond to industrial vibrations
In industrial scenarios, equipment operation is often accompanied by vibration (such as motor and pump body operation). If the transmitter is not firmly fixed, it can cause the sensor to loosen and the wiring to fall off, affecting the monitoring effect. When installing, a sturdy installation bracket should be selected, with stainless steel being the preferred material to avoid rust and corrosion. Expansion bolts should be used to connect the bracket to the wall or equipment to ensure that the load-bearing capacity meets the weight requirements of the equipment. The fixing of the transmitter and bracket requires the use of anti slip nuts. After tightening, the tightness should be checked again to prevent the nuts from loosening due to long-term vibration. For areas with severe vibration, shock absorbers can be installed between the transmitter and the bracket to reduce vibration transmission and ensure stable operation of internal components of the equipment.
5、 Timely calibration after installation to ensure accurate data
The installation of the transmitter is not a one-time solution, and it needs to be calibrated in a timely manner to ensure the accuracy of the monitoring data. Before calibration, standard SF6 gas (with a known concentration, such as 500 μ L/L) should be prepared. The standard gas should be introduced into the transmitter through the calibration interface. After the data is stable, the displayed value of the transmitter should be compared with the concentration value of the standard gas. If the error exceeds the allowable range of the equipment (usually ≤± 5% FS), it needs to be adjusted through the equipment's built-in calibration button or software. After calibration is completed, it is necessary to record the calibration data and time, establish an equipment calibration file, and conduct regular calibration according to the equipment manual requirements (usually once every 6-12 months). In addition, in industrial scenarios, if there are other corrosive gases in the surrounding area, the calibration cycle needs to be shortened to prevent gas damage to the sensor and affect monitoring accuracy.