NIA SSEN 0059 CageCapture™ SF₆ Paint Detection

Key Activities

CageCapture™ ‘Detection’ solution will improve the speed of response to reduce sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) emissions by enabling early detection and location of SF₆ leakage points in assets. The project will deliver a leak detection coating that can be applied to switchgear pipework and flanges for the detection of SF₆ leaks, indicated by exhibiting an Ultraviolet fluorescence or colour change. Stage 1 will validate the proof of concept in a suitable test environment; Stage 2 will evaluate the function of the product after application to switchgear on the distribution networks.

Expected Benefits

The project has the potential to deliver up to £11m in financial benefits to GB distribution customers based on early detection of leaked SF₆ gas.

Progress

There is no planned implementation as the project was closed early due to inadequate performance of the original material. Some research into possible alternatives was undertaken, from this it was found that TDAE (Tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene) has shown quick obvious colour change with SF₆ in solution. It is recommended that further research in this area would be targeted at TDAE to determine if it could be incorporated into a porous cage and if loaded would still show a colour change to SF₆.