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The quality monitoring of SF6 – sulphur hexafluoride – in gas-insulated switchgear, the location of SF6 leakages, monitoring of odorants and the detection of volatile organic compounds and toxic industrial gases are application areas for analytical measuring and/or sensor systems. Best results are obtained where, in designing flexible instrumentation systems, attention is paid not only to their functionality but also to the modularity of the hardware. Correspondingly high demands are made on the cases employed for the purpose.
Sulphur hexafluoride is highly inert and is therefore used as an insulation gas in medium and high-voltage systems, for example in high-voltage switches, in switchgear installations and also in completely sealed switchgear. Here it is also acts as an extinguishing gas to break the arc. The G.A.S. Gesellschaft für analytische Sensorsysteme mbH in Dortmund, Germany, a manufacturer of gas analysers (Fig. 1) for trace analysis, develops devices for the detection of substances such as SF6 or contaminations. These devices are based on ion-mobility spectrometry (IMS) and excel for their extreme sensitivity and speed of analysis. The devices contain up-to-date computer technology in embedded systems. These controller units allow both data recording and storage and also data analysis, visualisation and interpretation. A further G.A.S. product line comprises devices for the detection of odorants, based likewise on IMS. Odorants make naturally odourless gases detectable by smell. They are mixed into local domestic gas supplies as soon as the gas is received from the transmission network. Consequently the gas takes on a perceptible smell even at levels far below an explosive concentration, giving an early warning of any leakage.
Sulphur hexafluoride is highly inert and is therefore used as an insulation gas in medium and high-voltage systems, for example in high-voltage switches, in switchgear installations and also in completely sealed switchgear. Here it is also acts as an extinguishing gas to break the arc. The G.A.S. Gesellschaft für analytische Sensorsysteme mbH in Dortmund, Germany, a manufacturer of gas analysers (Fig. 1) for trace analysis, develops devices for the detection of substances such as SF6 or contaminations. These devices are based on ion-mobility spectrometry (IMS) and excel for their extreme sensitivity and speed of analysis. The devices contain up-to-date computer technology in embedded systems. These controller units allow both data recording and storage and also data analysis, visualisation and interpretation. A further G.A.S. product line comprises devices for the detection of odorants, based likewise on IMS. Odorants make naturally odourless gases detectable by smell. They are mixed into local domestic gas supplies as soon as the gas is received from the transmission network. Consequently the gas takes on a perceptible smell even at levels far below an explosive concentration, giving an early warning of any leakage.
Various measuring and analysis devices – a single look
"Sensor kit" with a unified appearance
G.A.S. measuring and analysis devices can be used in stationary or mobile situations, depending on whether only spot checks are to be made at individual points or the device is permanently installed and constantly reports data to a master display via an appropriate connection. As concerns the enclosures for such purposes, the decision was taken by the Dortmund-based company to use Schroff's ratiopacPRO family. The first measuring device to be constructed with this case was the SF6 analyser. Since it is desirable that future product developments also have a unified product image, the variable enclosure design of the ratiopacPRO series is highly suitable, in that it can be flexibly adapted to many different requirements. The flexibility of this case design is not confined to the wide range of dimensions available as standard, but also applies to its internal configuration (Fig. 2).
G.A.S. measuring and analysis devices can be used in stationary or mobile situations, depending on whether only spot checks are to be made at individual points or the device is permanently installed and constantly reports data to a master display via an appropriate connection. As concerns the enclosures for such purposes, the decision was taken by the Dortmund-based company to use Schroff's ratiopacPRO family. The first measuring device to be constructed with this case was the SF6 analyser. Since it is desirable that future product developments also have a unified product image, the variable enclosure design of the ratiopacPRO series is highly suitable, in that it can be flexibly adapted to many different requirements. The flexibility of this case design is not confined to the wide range of dimensions available as standard, but also applies to its internal configuration (Fig. 2).
The flexibility of this enclosure design is not confined to the wide range of dimensions, but also applies to its internal configuration
The G.A.S. devices also have a modular construction. Individual sensors are assembled to form the required analysis system in a kind of building-block manner. In turn the sensors are housed in specially sealed units (Fig. 3) supplied by Schroff. The modularity of the enclosure was therefore highly necessary.
The various sensors are housed in special, completely sealed units
Variable everything: height, width, depth and internal configuration
As a universal high-end case, ratiopacPRO is particularly suited to demanding applications in the area of instrumentation and control technology. The sturdy metal enclosure, EMC shielded from the basic version up, meets the requirements of today's 19" standard and the US standard IEEE1101.10/.11 for insertion/extractor handles. Components may be inserted either from in front (e.g. display elements) or from behind (e.g. power supply units) without the need to remove cover plates. The same basic case may be used to realise desktop or 19" subrack enclosures or tower versions. Customers may choose between two models: ratiopacPRO, a space-saving version available in heights 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 U, or ratiopacPRO-air, which is 1 U larger in each instance. In the latter model, ½ U of extra space is allowed both beneath and above the installed components to allow the feeding of cool air and removal of warm air. This clever ventilation design enables the user to stack multiples of these 1 U taller cases directly one above the other, without loss of space and without build-ups of hot air, either in a cabinet or on the desk.
Special case sizes (up to 12 U) in ratiopacPRO are easy to create on request. The side panels are adapted to the height and the standard bezels combined to suit the desired height. Specific widths are formed by varying, for example, the lengths of the horizontal rails. The depth of the case can similarly be varied by means of appropriately-sized side panels. Despite these alterations to the dimensions, however, the same assembly and accessory parts may always be used.
The need for EMC shielding is generally secondary in G.A.S. measurement and analysis equipment since the sensors and sensitive analysis equipment are housed in sealed units. Should this for any reason not be sufficient, or if additional EMC protection is required for small devices without special sealed units, the ratiopacPRO case can simply be retrofitted as required with standard EMC components.
As G.A.S. measurement and analysis systems are largely used in a mobile context, the cases are fitted with a tip-up carrying handle. This can also be retrofitted without physical alteration of the enclosure. The handle is adjustable through 30° and will bear a load of 30 kg. Additional handles situated on the rear are also used in practical situations as feet, allowing the unit to be placed securely on the ground.
Following initial deliveries of individual items, G.A.S. has begun to make use of Schroff's assembly service, a module of its ServicePLUS programme. G.A.S. thus receives a fully-assembled case including all installation and accessory parts. The company thus saves a lot of time and can commence installation of its components into the enclosures immediately.
As a universal high-end case, ratiopacPRO is particularly suited to demanding applications in the area of instrumentation and control technology. The sturdy metal enclosure, EMC shielded from the basic version up, meets the requirements of today's 19" standard and the US standard IEEE1101.10/.11 for insertion/extractor handles. Components may be inserted either from in front (e.g. display elements) or from behind (e.g. power supply units) without the need to remove cover plates. The same basic case may be used to realise desktop or 19" subrack enclosures or tower versions. Customers may choose between two models: ratiopacPRO, a space-saving version available in heights 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 U, or ratiopacPRO-air, which is 1 U larger in each instance. In the latter model, ½ U of extra space is allowed both beneath and above the installed components to allow the feeding of cool air and removal of warm air. This clever ventilation design enables the user to stack multiples of these 1 U taller cases directly one above the other, without loss of space and without build-ups of hot air, either in a cabinet or on the desk.
Special case sizes (up to 12 U) in ratiopacPRO are easy to create on request. The side panels are adapted to the height and the standard bezels combined to suit the desired height. Specific widths are formed by varying, for example, the lengths of the horizontal rails. The depth of the case can similarly be varied by means of appropriately-sized side panels. Despite these alterations to the dimensions, however, the same assembly and accessory parts may always be used.
The need for EMC shielding is generally secondary in G.A.S. measurement and analysis equipment since the sensors and sensitive analysis equipment are housed in sealed units. Should this for any reason not be sufficient, or if additional EMC protection is required for small devices without special sealed units, the ratiopacPRO case can simply be retrofitted as required with standard EMC components.
As G.A.S. measurement and analysis systems are largely used in a mobile context, the cases are fitted with a tip-up carrying handle. This can also be retrofitted without physical alteration of the enclosure. The handle is adjustable through 30° and will bear a load of 30 kg. Additional handles situated on the rear are also used in practical situations as feet, allowing the unit to be placed securely on the ground.
Following initial deliveries of individual items, G.A.S. has begun to make use of Schroff's assembly service, a module of its ServicePLUS programme. G.A.S. thus receives a fully-assembled case including all installation and accessory parts. The company thus saves a lot of time and can commence installation of its components into the enclosures immediately.
