21, rue dArtois, F-75008 PARIS

http : //www.cigre.org

C3-209

CIGRE 2012

Limiting SF6 Gas Emissions by Optimization of Design and Testing of Gaskets

in High Voltage Gas-Insulated Substations
A. FICHEUX, D. DEPRES, E. LARUELLE, Y. KIEFFEL
Alstom Grid
France

P. PRIEUR
RTE
France

SUMMARY
Thanks to its excellent dielectric properties and arc switching characteristics, SF6 gas has been now
used in the high voltage gas-insulated switchgears for more than 4 decades. Nevertheless it is a
greenhouse gas (GWP of the SF6 gas is listed 22,800) and its release in the atmosphere needs to be
limited. In order to limit the releases of SF6, manufacturers of gas-insulated substations pay a lot of
attention to the design of the tightness whereas users adapt their maintenance policy over the lifetime.
Alstom Grid, as GIS manufacturer, and RTE, as GIS user, have adapted their internal policies over the
years to integrate this specific environmental issue. As an example, Alstom Grid has up-dated its ecodesign policy within the GIS R&D department in order to reduce the quantities and the lengths of the
gaskets. RTE is also managing a huge asset of GIS with high quantities of SF6. It is therefore involved
in reducing its environmental impact.
Understanding gasket ageing phenomena is a key issue to mitigate their effects on the tightness of the
GIS. To ensure long term ageing, it is also extremely important that manufacturers follow severe test
protocols when selecting new gasket shapes and materials. Based on this knowledge, the design of the
Alstom Grid gaskets has evolved over the years from single O-ring gaskets, to double O-ring gaskets
and also most modern technology with three-in-one sealing systems.
The return of experience is also essential to confirm the choices made by the manufacturers. Alstom
Grid is taking benefit of the return of experience of RTE when performing any maintenance activity
on their installed GIS bays. Some gaskets collected during this site activity are identified and analysed.
Thanks to the long return of experience that both RTE and Alstom Grid have with their GIS, the
phenomena to ensure correct long term tightness of GIS are mastered and technical solutions
implemented on latest generation of GIS have been proven over the last decades. This paper details
each of the above aspects of tightness in GIS.

KEYWORDS
GIS, SF6, Tightness, Gaskets, Corrosion, Eco-design

arnaud.ficheux@alstom.com

1- INTRODUCTION
SF6 emissions may occur when the switchgear is filled, tested and maintained. This is considered as
handling losses. Another potential source of emissions during the GIS service life is leakages due to
ageing of the gaskets. Long-term performance of the tightness of the gaskets is influenced by different
phenomena like corrosion, loss of resilience due to compression (ageing effect), chemical attacks due
to SF6 by-products presence, etc. It is therefore essential that both manufacturers and users have a
deep concern regarding the management of SF6 during the lifetime of the product. The SF6 emissions
have an increasing impact on the activity of users and manufacturers must have internal rules to design
and implement technical solution limiting the release of SF6 into the atmosphere.
Good knowledge of phenomena described above is a pre-requisite to implement severe test protocols
for the selection of technical solutions. The return of experience is also essential to confirm the
technical choices that have been implemented over the last decades.
The following chapters will review how RTE and Alstom Grid have integrated the impact of SF6
losses in their daily activity with GIS.
2- REDUCING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
GIS manufacturers today have the heavy responsibility of limiting the use and emissions of SF6
during the design, manufacturing and installation phases, while GIS users have a greater responsibility
for reducing SF6 emissions during the use and maintenance phases, as well as at the end of life phase.
Examples of the different responsibilities are given in the following chapters.
2-1 Problematic from GIS manufacturer perspective
Through the deployment of an eco-design approach, the objective of Alstom Grid is to reduce the
global environmental impact of the GIS, over its whole life cycle, while considering all environmental
indicators [1] and [2].
SF6 is as a matter of course, one of these environmental aspects. Having a high global warming
potential (about 22,800 times greater than CO2), Life Cycle Assessment shows its impact during the
manufacturing phase at the factory, and especially during the 40 years of use. However, as shown on
the following Figure 1, SF6 has only an impact on the global warming indicator. For the 17 others
indicators, main environmental aspects are materials used and power losses during the use phase.

Figure 1: Life Cycle Assessment results for T155 420kV

Eco-design approach aims at working on all these environmental aspects identified. Thus, for SF6,
design rules are for example: optimise SF6 pressure, select and validate gasket material, reduce SF6
mass and gasket length, avoid dead volume to facilitate SF6 recovery, respect of greasing rules, etc.
In order to assess the progress made during development of our GIS solutions, six eco-design
indicators have been created, among them two are related to SF6: SF6 mass and gasket length. At the
beginning of a product development, reduction targets are set up for each indicator, and the design
team has to present their results during the project design reviews. The following Figure 2 illustrates
improvement on these two indicators on the latest generation of GIS:

Figure 2: SF6 indicators used during GIS design

2-2 Problematic from GIS user perspective

RTE operates more than 110 GIS ranging from 72,5 kV to 420 kV, mainly outdoor substations. These
substations account for around 12 000 gas compartments. The SF6 mass installed reaches 364 tons.
They are in average 24 years old, but some of them are more than 40 years old.
Since 2002, RTE has launched sustainable development policies that aim at reducing the effect of its
transmission infrastructures on the environment, in particular concerning greenhouse gas effect due to
SF6 emissions [3]. In order to measure their efficiency, some sustainable development performance
indicators proposed by CIGRE Brochure 383 [4], are applied and contribute to the annual publication
of RTEs carbon footprint.
In 2010, RTEs carbon footprint considering its annual activities was assessed at 503 000 teq CO2.
SF6 emissions, which reach 7.2 tons in 2010, represent up to 32 % of greenhouse gas emissions linked
to RTEs activities (see Figure 3). About 80 % of SF6 emissions are due to high voltage equipment
leakage, GIS and live-tank SF6 circuit-breaker. Regarding the SF6 mass installed, SF6 emissions
account to almost 1.5 %.

Figure 3: RTE carbon report 2010 % share of RTE activities in GHG emissions
More information on: www.rte-france.com

The carbon footprint provides a global overview of the environmental impact of the existing
infrastructures. More specific performance indicators may be used considering requirements or even
guidelines for the tightness of HV switchgear included in the IEC standards, for instance the leakage
rate and the SF6 total loss on the service life [5], [6]. Those points are developed in chapter 7.

Finally, following choices have been made by RTE to improve SF6 management for future GIS, and
also for future live-tank SF6 circuit breaker:
- Requirements on tightness was completed in 2009 with criteria on SF6 mass installed and
gasket length
- New GIS are installed indoor
- Manufacturers are responsible for the SF6 emissions occurring during the installation and
must report amount of SF6 released during installation.
3- TIGHTNESS DEGRADATION MECHANISMS
This chapter aims at introducing the three main mechanisms that lead to degradation of the tightness
and by extension SF6 leakage of GIS:
- Rubber ageing leading to a loss of compression of the gasket and gas leakage (Figure 4a)
- Metallic flange corrosion due to environmental stress. In this case corrosion (moisture) enters
from outside at the flange to flange connection and goes under the gasket leading to a
roughness modification and by extension gas leakage (Figure 4b)
- Galvanic corrosion originated in a difference of potential between two materials in contact, i.e.
metal/metal but also rubber to flange material (metal) leading to a local corrosion under the
gasket and by extension to the flange roughness modification and leakage (Figure 4c).

Figure 4a: Effect of the

ageing on a gasket (the
section shape was initially
round)

Figure 4b: Example of

corrosion from outside

Figure 4c: Example of galvanic

corrosion

The degradation of the gaskets is also linked to the type of gasket material.
3-1 Gasket materials
The two main rubber materials used in GIS are discussed in this paper said NBR and EPDM.
-

NBR, Butadiene acryloNitrile Rubber, well-known under the name nitrile, is widely used in
contact with oils and mineral greases. However due to the high number of double bonds in the
macromolecule, this material is sensitive to thermo-oxidative, ozone and UV ageing.

EPDM, Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, is not stable in contact with oil but, thanks to the
low content of unsaturated bonds (the main chain is fully saturated) is less sensitive to
temperature, moisture, oxygen, ozone and UV radiation and then to ageing. Moreover, by
selecting organic peroxide as vulcanization agent the ageing resistance of the final rubber is
still improved by respect to sulfur vulcanized EPDM.

3-2 Ageing mechanism

In case of GIS seals, O-rings are used under compression in a groove to ensure gas tightness. In this
case, gasket materials are subject to physical, chemical and thermal ageing in addition to a constant
static compression load. The combination of all these stresses will lead to chain scission increasing the
molecular mobility already accentuated by the static load and then further cross-linking leading to a

plastic deformation of the gasket. By the end, all these phenomena result in a loss of the function since
gas tightness is achieved by the elastic properties of the rubber and is characterized by the
compression set. Elastomer compression set is the measurement of the ratio of elastic to viscous
components of an elastomers response to a static compression. Longer polymer chains tend to give
better set resistance because of the improved ability to store energy (elasticity). The compression set
can be summarized by the formula in Figure 5. Without ageing and creep, the rubber will be totally
elastic and hf will be equal to h0 and C will be equal to 0%. In case of harsh ageing and creep, the
rubber will be totally plastic and hf will be equal hc and C will reach 100%. By extension, the
compression set of the rubber gasket must be as low as possible to ensure tightness.
New O-ring

h0

Under
compression

After release

hc

hf

h0 h f
h0 hc

*100

Figure 5: Compression set determination.

Regarding all these possible ageing mechanisms, EPDM presents a better overall ageing resistance by
respect to NBR.
3-3 Atmospheric corrosion
By reaction with oxygen, aluminum is self protected again corrosion by a thin layer of alumina.
However, alumina is not stable against acid (pH < 4) or alkaline (pH > 9) aggression. In this case,
alumina is degraded and not regenerated and aluminum is attacked i.e. corroded. This type of
corrosion can be experienced in case of application nearby the sea (NaCl) or in industrial area (SO2,
H2S, etc). Another root of corrosion is the water ingress from the flange or from the bolts leading to
water migration at the flange interface. By lack of oxygen, water is going more and more acid until
degrading the alumina layer and attacking aluminum.
3-4 Galvanic corrosion
Galvanic corrosion is assigned to the presence of a potential difference between two materials in
contact. This phenomenon is well-known in case of different metals in contact under moist atmosphere
and the less noble metal is corroded. This corrosion cause can be solved by a proper selection of
metals or by surface treatment. What is less known is that galvanic corrosion can also occur between
rubber and metals as aluminum. This phenomenon depends on the potential difference between both
materials. Generally, aluminum being less noble than rubber would corrode.
Ageing mechanism and atmospheric corrosion are now well known. Next chapter details how Alstom
has mastered the third tightness degradation mechanism: the galvanic corrosion.
4- GALVANIC CORROSION DEVELOPMENT PROCESS AND MITIGATION
SF6 leakage due to aluminum corrosion in contact with NBR gaskets is now well established. The
origin of this corrosion is assigned to the presence of a potential difference between aluminum and
NBR when they are in contact with moisture. As aluminum is more electronegative (-794 mV) than
NBR (-467 mV), aluminum is less noble than NBR and would corrode. It is generally accepted that by
opposition to NBR, EPDM present a lower potential difference by respect to aluminum (roughly
below 50 mV) what would not lead to aluminum corrosion.

However, galvanic corrosion matter is more complicate and cannot be reduced only to potential
difference, at least when we have to ensure that no corrosion will develop over a long period, but has
to be regarded by respect to both potential versus time and current as a function of the potential. This
is basically the way Alstom Grid followed to select the gasket material in order to solve the galvanic
corrosion created by NBR gaskets in GIS.
More specifically the galvanic corrosion is determined by two factors: the potential and the intensity.
Alstom Grid deeply investigated this topic and gaskets and aluminum samples were studied regarding
two types of measure:
-

The potential regarding the time (E=f(t)): the potential that takes all conductive materials
when they are submitted to an electrolyte solution has been followed according to the
operating diagram of the apparatus used for these measures presented in Figure 6. The
potential is the measure currently followed to control the conductivity of the material.

Figure 6: Potential measurement.

The intensity as a function of the potential (I=f(E)): a potential is applied to the interface
material/solution and the evolution of the intensity is measured according to the operating
diagram of the apparatus presented in Figure 7a.

Then the curve with two fields corresponding to two behaviors of the conductive material is obtained:
the cathodic field when the material is used as the cathode in the galvanic cell and the anodic field
when the material is used as the anode, see Figure 7b.
The galvanic risk is determined by the exploitation of this curve plotted for each conductive material
and transferred on the same graph as seen in Figure 7c. There is a risk of galvanic corrosion between
the materials 1 and 2 if the anodic curve of the anodic material (1) crosses the cathodic curve of the
cathodic material (2). The current at which the curves crossed is the current of coupling. A higher
current of coupling leads to a higher speed of corrosion.

Figure 7a Intensity
measurement

Figure 7b Curve intensity versus

field

Figure 7c Curves intensity versus field

curves for different material

The risk of galvanic corrosion has been then assessed for EPDM by respect to NBR. As shown in
Figure 8 presenting the curve I=f(E) for aluminum, NBR and EPDM, there is a risk of galvanic
corrosion between aluminum and NBR as curves crosses but there is no risk of galvanic corrosion
between aluminum and EPDM as curves do not cross.

1.E+00
EPDM

1.E-01
1.E-02

NBR

1.E-03

Cast
aluminum

I (A/cm)

1.E-04
1.E-05
1.E-06
1.E-07
1.E-08
1.E-09
1.E-10
1.E-11
1.E-12
-0.5

-0.3

-0.1

0.1

0.3

0.5

0.7

0.9

1.1

E (V/ECS)

Figure 8 Galvanic corrosion

This clearly demonstrates that galvanic corrosion is determined by two factors: the potential and the
intensity. These two types of electrochemical measures were realized on NBR and EPDM:
- the potential as a function of the time,
- the intensity as a function of the potential.
The measure of the intensity as a function of the potential is able to assess the corrosivity of gasket
and aluminum couple and pointed out that there is no risk of galvanic corrosion between the EPDM
and the aluminum whereas galvanic corrosion is clearly proved for the NBR and aluminum couple.
5- GASKET QUALIFICATION
The choice of the gasket and in particular its material is fundamental to have the sufficient tightness at
each interface to ensure the reliability of the GIS during all its lifetime and to meet the maximum
leakage rate of 0.5% per compartment per year as specified in IEC 62271-203 [5].
During its use in a GIS substation, the gaskets are submitted to many phenomena: environmental one
such as heat, humidity and phenomena due to the GIS itself.
During the homologation of gasket material, the first step is to check basics parameters: chemical
composition, mechanical properties, compatibility with grease, solvent and also its suitability to
withstand tightness at low temperature regarding the minimum operating temperature of the GIS i.e.
the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the 10% elasticity recovery temperature (TR10). A second
step is to estimate the evolution of the gasket during its use in the GIS thanks to test such as thermal
ageing test, salt fog test, moist heat ageing one, withstand of the chemical attacks due to SF6
decomposition products, loss of resilience.
5-1 Loss of resilience
The tightness of the interface is strongly linked to the compression of the gasket during all the life of
the GIS product. When a rubber material is compressed during a long time, it may be deformed
permanently and no longer provide sufficient compression to ensure the tightness.
To measure the possible loss of resilience of the gasket, a compressive test is realized at a given
temperature (see Figure 9). The test procedure is defined in the norm ISO815-1.

Figure 9: Compression set test device

After the test, the thickness of the samples is measured and the compression set value is calculated and
compared to the criteria set by Alstom Grid. The gasket materials are selected to have a compression
set below 30%, resulting in a compression loss of less than 7.5%. With Alstom Grid GIS design, the
compression applied on the gaskets is above this 7.5% permanent set.
5-2 Thermal ageing test
During all its lifetime, the substations are submitted to various temperatures. Moreover, the GIS
enclosures are asked to have a temperature lower than 80C. So the gaskets used to ensure the
tightness between the two enclosures, need to resist to these temperatures. To estimate the behavior of
the gaskets due to these temperatures variations, thermal ageing tests are performed according to
ISO188 and the mass, the volume and the hardness are followed over the ageing duration at 150C
into an oven for a duration of 72 hours. The results are within the criteria of +/- 5% variation as
defined by Alstom Grid and ISO 188.
5-3 Compatibility with SF6 and its by-products
The by-products of SF6 (partial decomposition of the pure SF6) due to short circuit interruptions could
be present in GIS substations after several years of use. The chemical attack of these by-products
could deeply damage the gasket.
The withstand of the material gasket is tested thanks to an in house test. The gasket is placed in an
enclosure filled with polluted SF6 having a high acidity level during 1000h at room temperature. The
mass, the volume and the hardness are measured before and after the tests. The results are compared
with the criteria defined by Alstom Grid.
5-4 Salt Fog test
The salt fog test is a standardized test used to assess the resistance to corrosion. Assemblies with the
gasket are placed in an enclosure. Salt in solution is sprayed in the enclosure during several hours. At
the beginning and at the end of the test, a tightness measurement is done to compare the evolution of
the tightness during the test. To evaluate the impact of the flange material, the assemblies are made up
of flanges with the different materials used by the manufacturer.
The values are compared to the criteria established by Alstom Grid and after opening, the flanges and
the gasket are observed (see Figures 10a and 10b).

Figure 10a: Assembly after 6000h in salt fog

atmosphere

Figure 10b: Flange assembly after 6000h in salt fog

atmosphere

Moreover, Alstom Grid evaluated the influence of some assembling procedure such as greasing of the
flanges. In this goal, assemblies were tested with/without grease according to Alstom Grid internal
greasing procedure.
When the flange was greased, whatever the flange materials are, there was no loss of tightness and no
corrosion after 6000h in salt fog atmosphere (see Figure 11a).We can still observe some greasing leftover on the flange and in the groove.

When the flange was not greased, whatever the flange materials are, corrosion coming from outside
was observed and it progressed gradually towards the groove (see Figure 11b).

Figure 11a: Flange greased, no corrosion after

6000h in salt fog atmosphere

Figure 11b: Flange not greased, corrosion after

6000h in salt fog atmosphere

5-5 Moist heat ageing test

Moist air is known to be a factor which could accelerate corrosion of material when it is combined
with some others parameters as heat for instance. A test was developed to check the behavior of the
gasket material in moist heat atmosphere. At the beginning and at the end of the test, a tightness
measurement is done to compare the evolution of the tightness during the test. The values are
compared to the criteria established by Alstom Grid . Moreover, after opening, the flanges and the
gasket are observed.
To reinforce the pertinence of this test, a control sample, which is known to be sensitive to the
corrosion, is tested in parallel. At the end of the test, this control sample test presents galvanic
corrosion (see Figure 12a).
After 2000h in moist heat atmosphere (60C, 100%HR), the gaskets material used in the manufacturer
assemblies performed the test with neither corrosion nor loss of tightness (see Figure 12b).

Figure 12a: Flange tested with the control sample

known to generate corrosion: galvanic corrosion
could observed on the flange

Figure 12b: Flange tested with the manufacturer

material: no corrosion is observed

All these tests give relevant results to evaluate the behavior of the material gasket during the lifetime
of the GIS and to choice the best material, the best assembling procedure to ensure the reliability of
Alstom Grid GIS products.
6- HISTORY OF GASKET TECHNOLOGY OF ALSTOM GRID GIS
As detailed previously, sealing technology must consider the risk of corrosion coming from the
external side of the GIS flanges when in contact with the air. This is shown on the schematic of Figure
13a. To limit the corrosion effect typically for outdoor installations, application of grease is needed on
the flange and the seal in contact with the air, as shown on Figure 13b.

Figure 13a: Risk of corrosion on sealing

Figure 13b: Risk mitigation using grease

Early designs of ALSTOM GIS, in the late 1950's and in the 1960's, used this single O-ring type
gaskets sealed with grease (see Figure 14a).
In the late 1970's, this single O-ring technology was improved with the addition of a second sealing
system to improve tightness and limit corrosion. This is now so called the double O-ring design (see
Figure 14b). This solution has proven to be efficient over the long-term and has been implemented on
many GIS substations. It is still used in specific cases like the sealing of accessories (filling valves,
rupture disks etc.).
After more research and testing in the 1980s, gasket material changed from NBR to EPDM and an
innovative type of gasket for flange-to-flange connection emerged. It has three-gaskets-in-one with a
particular shape (see Figure 14c). Two outer lip gaskets protect the long inner sealing surface from
corrosive disturbances caused by the atmosphere or by SF6 decomposition products. This means that
the inner sealing surface is well protected over the lifetime of the GIS.
The gasket is located in a groove designed to avoid any risk of scratching when the equipment is
assembled and the main gasket has a large sealing surface to limit the risk of leakage in case the metal
gets caught in the sealing assembly). This solution is implemented on all the flange-to-flange
connections of the latest generation of Alstom Grid GIS.

Figure 14a: Single O-ring gasket

Figure 14b: Double O-ring gaskets

Figure 14c: Three-in-one gasket

7- RETURN ON EXPERIENCE OF RTE

The environmental impact of GIS during the use phase is dependant on the SF6 emissions (as shown
on figure 1). These emissions also have an impact on the operation on the GIS as they require some refilling. Per year, about 7 to 9% of the compartments require some re-filling actions.
RTEs return of experience aims at anticipating the long-term behavior of the equipment and at
checking the efficiency of the maintenance policies. From a statistical analysis of the complete assets,
an average behavior emerged. The analysis of the SF6 tightness required some additional actions, in
order to improve the knowledge of failure modes, especially the ageing phenomena of the gasket
materials. This statistical approach and the additional actions are detailed in the following chapters.

10

7-1 Statistical approach: estimation of the leakage rate

Since 1995, a statistical approach has been pursued in order to evaluate the SF6 leakage rate on the
existing GIS. This approach is only possible because each re-filling is reported and registered in
RTEs Information System. The last estimation of the leakage rate shows a drastic increase after 20
years of service, as it is illustrated on Figure 15a for GIS. This estimation is made considering all the
existing GIS, without distinction of installation (indoor/outdoor), design and manufacturer.
The leakage rate is also estimated for live-tank SF6 circuit-breakers on Figure 15b.

Figure 15a: Leakage rate of GIS

Figure 15b: Leakage rate of live-tank SF6 circuit-breaker

The leakage rate reaches 0.5 % per year after 20 years of service, for both GIS and live-tank SF6
circuit-breakers. These results should be compared to the requirements concerning gas tightness in the
IEC standards (see chapter 5).
7-2 Collection of SF6 gaskets
RTE completed the survey on the SF6 leakage rate with a collection of SF6 gaskets, which focuses on
the causes of gaskets degradation, and then contributes to assess the residual life of the GIS tightness
[7], [8], [9].

The collection of gaskets was managed during the maintenance activities performed on GIS
substations from 2009 to 2011. These maintenance operations are mainly, 90%, repair of SF6
leakages. More than 400 gaskets were collected in 19 GIS substations, including two indoor
GIS.
Because of the collection method, the analysis on the behavior of gaskets is limited to two-Oring design, to the sealing material NBR or EPDM. Figure 16 shows the distribution of the
sample from Alstom. The EPDM gaskets (NBR) account for approximately 40% (resp. 60%)
of gaskets collected. They are between 6 and 23 (respectively 23 and 32 years). The effect of
ageing is evaluated qualitatively by considering the deformation of the gasket as a function of
age. However, it is not possible to determine a deformation limit beyond which the tightness
cannot be guaranteed.

Figure 16: Distribution of gaskets collected on some Alstom Grid GIS

11

On the collected sample, degradation modes have been identified: flange corrosion and deformation on
the gaskets.
The flange corrosion may cause leakage, when expanding to the bottom groove (figure 4b), without
deformation of the gaskets but deterioration of the surface roughness. The air gasket is well exposed to
corrosion (figures 17a and 17b).

Figure 17a: Air gasket on pressure relief device

attacked by corrosion (EPDM)

Figure 17b: Inner SF6 gasket in good condition and

outer Air gasket in bad condition (NBR)

The deformation of the gaskets is evaluated by the measure of the eccentricity; the mean and standard
deviation of the eccentricity measured on each gasket are calculated for a given maintenance work.
This method is an alternative to the measurement of the compression set as detailed in chapter 3.2. The
deformation of the gaskets is clearly an effect of the ageing. The figures 18 and 19 show dispersion of
eccentricity of collected gaskets around their average value, considering the sealing material NBR or
EPDM.

Figure 18: Number of collected gaskets and corresponding eccentricity for NBR gaskets

Figure 19: number of collected gaskets and corresponding eccentricity for EPDM gaskets

The NBR gaskets are older than EPDM gaskets but in average they show a higher deformation. This
deformation is more severe for air gaskets, as they are more exposed to external constraints. On a
same GIS, deformations can vary quite significantly, without any correlation with their respective
position on the interfaces. This can be explained through a non homogeneous assembly on the GIS,
especially in terms of greasing.
The EPDM gasket collection does not highlight any significant deformations and there is no ageing.

12

The deformations observed on the joints collected from Alstom GIS do not explain the increase in the
leakage rate above 20 years (see 7.1). To find an explanation, estimates of leakage rates presented in
7.1 should be restricted to GIS with similar sealing design and / or comparable operating conditions,
then, compared to other collects of gaskets observed on similar perimeter.
By this approach, we found that the section of the gaskets and the size of the grooves could accelerate
the ageing of the gaskets.
The collection of gaskets, as presented before, does not draw any conclusions about:
- the long-term performance tightness of the new generations of equipment (three-in-one
gaskets)
- the effect of indoor installation on ageing of gaskets,
- the galvanic corrosion.
However, it suggests that the ageing of EPDM is delayed compared to that of NBR, the deformation
being less significant and variable depending on the interfaces.
The approach will be pursued with deeper analysis on the correlation between leaking interface and
ageing of associated gaskets.
8- CONCLUSION
To limit the impact of SF6 on the environment, users and manufacturer have the clear responsibility to
find technical solutions and to adapt their maintenance and design policies and engineering practices
on the subject.
Thanks to the long term experience of GIS solutions installed on the French network, RTE has been in
position to perform a detailed analysis on ageing of gaskets for different technologies of Alstom GIS.
It is clearly observed that the evolution of gaskets materials has improved the tightness of GIS gaskets
over the years.
These results are in correlation with the design policies Alstom Grid has adopted over the years. By
focusing on critical phenomena of ageing of gaskets (like corrosion), by selecting severe test protocols
and by adopting suitable assembly methods (like greasing of outdoor flanges), Alstom Grid has been
in position to select the optimum materials and shape of gaskets to ensure a long term tightness of the
GIS.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1]

E. Laruelle, A. Ficheux and all, "Benefits of eco-design practices to latest generation of

GIS/GIL, MATPOST 2011

[2]

E. Laruelle, O. Chuniaud, A. Ficheux, "Deployment of the eco-design approach within a

research and development department of Areva T&D", IREED 2008

[3]

M. Dallet, P. Prieur, B. Ansoud, "Limitation des rejets SF6 RTE : objectifs et ressources mises
en uvre", " SF6 emission limitation at RTE, perspectives and ressources", MATPOST 2011.

[4]

Working Group C3.02 CIGRE. Sustainable development performance indicators for

transmission system operators (CIGRE Brochure 383 June 2009).

[5]

IEC 62271-203, Gas-Insulated metal-enclosed switchgear for rated voltage above 52kV.

13

[6]

IEC TR 62271-303, High voltage switchgear and controgear Part 303: Use and handling of
SF6, currently being revised to become IEC 62271-4.

[7]

Working Group B3.18 CIGRE. SF6 Tightness guide (CIGRE Brochure 430 October 2010).

[8]

CIGRE SC B3 Berlin 2007.SF6 gas seal technology and experience for GIS in Japan
(Publication 202).

[9]

CIGRE 2008.Decisions of maintenance and replacement based on life assessment of switching

equipment. (Publication A3-108).

14