Switzerland, Bubikon: Trafag has introduced its 87×9 gas density monitoring platform, designed for use with SF₆ and emerging alternative insulation gas mixtures in modern gas-insulated equipment.
The platform responds to growing technical and regulatory pressure on gas-insulated switchgear and related equipment, including stricter leakage requirements, increased documentation needs and the move towards condition-based maintenance.
At the core of the 87×9 platform is Trafag’s density-based measuring principle with a sealed reference chamber. This enables mechanical temperature compensation, so switching behaviour reflects the actual dielectric condition of the gas compartment rather than short-term pressure changes or local temperature variations.
The platform includes the 8719 mechanical gas density monitor and hybrid variants with an independent continuous measurement path. Mechanical switching remains available for defined safety thresholds, while continuous density measurement can provide analogue or digital data for trend monitoring, leak detection, remote supervision and maintenance planning.
Each variant is selected and calibrated according to the gas type, mixture ratio, nominal density and operating pressure range. This makes the platform suitable for both established SF₆ applications and alternative gas concepts.
The dual-path design is intended to support operators moving towards digital asset management. Mechanical switching provides protection independent of digital systems, while continuous monitoring enables longer-term data analysis and regulatory documentation.
Depending on the application, optional service functions for testing, gas sampling, evacuation and filling can be integrated into the device, helping reduce gas handling and leakage risk during maintenance.
The 87×9 platform will be presented at CIGRE 2026 in Paris.
Source: Trafag AG
