high voltage, low wear
It is essential to prevent the formation of the electric arc in the high voltage circuit-breakers operating in the transformer substations. For this purpose, a lubricating grease can play a key role, always if formulated starting from the actual characteristics and operating conditions of the circuit-breaker.
How high voltage switches work
To reduce the size of the containment chambers between the contacts in the switching chamber, it is a consolidated practice to immerse the contact in a special gas called sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) which allows, compared to switches immersed in air, to bring the contacts closer together, preventing tripping. of the electric arc with the aim of reducing the costs of the switching chamber.
The design of high voltage electrical switches must therefore consider some aspects of fundamental importance that directly involve the lubrication aspect:
- the reduction of friction during the assembly of gaskets and o-rings, responsible for the sealing of the switching chamber saturated with SF6
- the protection of the seals from premature aging to limit the risk of gas leaks from the chambers
- effective lubrication of the kinematic mechanisms involved in switching, subjected to lightning-fast sliding and sliding friction, in order to limit the destructive formation of the electric arc
For this reason, specific lubricants are increasingly used according to the functions and future conditions and situations of use of the high voltage switches: depending on the reference electrical substation or the types of transformer substations, the lubricant must have specific and diversified characteristics, which guarantee the correct sliding of the switches and the duration of operation over time.
How to properly lubricate high voltage switches
High voltage switches have different fields of application, depending on the reference electrical substation and the context in which it is located.
In most cases, the containment of their dimensions is necessary, and the only way for this to be achieved is to create a conditioned atmosphere capable of inhibiting the formation of the electric arc.
For this purpose, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a gas that lends itself in a truly optimal way, but in order for it to guarantee correct interruption of the contact over time without malfunctions, it is necessary to prevent its escape from the switching chamber.
For this reason it is essential to always remember, when talking about high voltage switches, that the lubrication and assembly of mechanical drives in the switching chamber are operations at risk of contamination of the SF6 gas, which require compatible and correctly designed lubricating greases according to of the use and of the electrical substation of destination.
Fluorogrease 909 Z: the lubricant for high voltage switches
Fluorogrease 909 Z is a lubricating grease formulated with fluorinated oil, PTFE thickener and additives for the inhibition of corrosion phenomena, perfect for the lubrication of high voltage switches and the reduction of wear and friction of mechanical components operating in saturated atmosphere. of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
It guarantees optimal lubrication both in the assembly phase of the sealing gaskets and in the kinematics operating inside the switching chamber, ensuring the optimal operating conditions so that your high voltage switches constantly operate in a correct and more efficient way.
This is because Fluorogrease 909 Z does not "create obstacles", leaving solid and carbon residues in the presence of an arc, it is not flammable and does not change the contact resistances, as well as being 100% compatible with all elastomeric compounds such as NBR, EPDM, FKM and Silicone , which make it a virtually universal lubricating grease in the high voltage switch sector.
