Belzona Elastomers Seal Sf6 Gas Leak

Industry:

Power (POWR)

Application:

Valves, Pipes and Fittings (VPF)

Customer Location:

Electricity Substation, UK

Application Date:

October 2012

Application Situation:

Six capacitor current transformers leaking SF6 gas to Low Voltage side  between bus bar and flange. The operating pressure was 45psi.

Problem:

Each joint/flange was suffering from leaks requiring sealing as opposed to fully stripping back each joint and replacing with new gaskets which degrade quickly. A solution was required to minimise the uncontrolled release of SF6 gas into atmosphere. The solution must be flexible, and provide in excess of 3kV insulation properties under 0.5bar pressure.

Products:

Belzona® 2111 (D&A Hi-Build Elastomer)

Belzona® 2311 (SR Elastomer)

Substrate:

Steel and Rubber

Application Method:

The application was cvarried out in accordance with modified versions of Belzona Know-How System Leaflets VPF-5 & VPF-11. after preparing the substrate and conditioning with Belzona® 2911, a fillet was created using Belzona® 2311 to the circumference of the bus bar, flange and rubber gasket joint. After allowing to cure, a gas test was undertaken to establish that the initial leak sealing system was successful. A coat of Belzona® 2111 was then applied to all of the areas of substrate incorporating Belzona® 9341 (Reinforcing Tape). A second coat was then applied to an approximate thickness of 5mm encapsulating the bus bar, all flange surfaces and the branch joint behind the flange.

Belzona Facts:

Upon completion of each of the six applications, gas testing proved zero emission and in turn, the competency of the repairs with a six month review scheduled.

Photographs Description

1. Visual view of equipment – horizontal bus bar 
2. Substrate preparation completed
3. Conditioned and first Elastomer coat/joint sealing
4. Completed application with full encapsulation