Trafag Introduces 8719 Gas Density Monitor for Enhanced Power Grid Safety and Efficiency

­Trafag, a leading manufacturer of high-accuracy measurement devices, announces the launch of its 8719 Gas Density Monitor, designed to revolutionize gas-insulated switchgear monitoring within the utilities and power grid industry. This innovative device addresses the unique challenges of maintaining operational safety and efficiency in high-voltage environments.

The 8719 Gas Density Monitor sets a new standard in insulating gas monitoring with its large 75mm dial, providing easier needle position readability for utility operators. This feature enables quick and precise monitoring of gas density levels, critical for maintaining operational efficiency and safety in high-voltage environments. Additionally, the monitor offers up to five galvanically separated circuits, allowing utilities to independently monitor multiple density levels and enhanced alarm capabilities for greater safety and operational control in complex switchgear systems.

Designed with reliability in mind, the device ensures exact switching output at all temperatures, providing dependable alarm triggering regardless of ambient conditions. Its fully temperature compensated design eliminates pressure fluctuations caused by temperature changes, ensuring uninterrupted operation and higher accuracy. For utilities operating in extreme climates, the optional arctic temperature capability extends functionality down to −60°C, preventing false alarms caused by gas liquefaction or pressure drops.

The 8719 Gas Density Monitor is engineered for versatility, with IP65/IP67 protection, it is suitable for both outdoor and indoor applications. This flexibility allows utilities to install the monitor across a range of locations, from indoor substations to outdoor transmission facilities, ensuring consistent monitoring across diverse environments.  Its absolute pressure reference gas measuring system provides reliable and direct monitoring of insulating gas density, critical for maintaining the safety and efficiency of high-voltage and medium-voltage switchgear. This capability provides the highest reliability and eliminates thermal expansion effects on measurement with 1:1 compensation over full temperature range.

Durability is another hallmark of the 8719 Gas Density Monitor. Its maintenance-free design reduces operational costs and eliminates the need for recalibration, while its shock resistance up to 70g ensures reliable operation even in harsh conditions where equipment is exposed to high levels of vibration or impact. The 8719’s floating change-over contact (SPDT) output signal ensures reliable and precise monitoring of gas density in high-voltage switchgear. This reliability is critical for maintaining operational safety and efficiency in the utilities industry.

The device is also compliant with both SF6 and alternative gases, supporting utilities in transitioning to environmentally friendly insulating gases while adhering to evolving regulatory requirements. Additional features such as customizable dial scales and units allow utilities to tailor the monitor to specific operational needs, enhancing adaptability. The optional integrated test/refill valves simplify maintenance by enabling on-site checks and refilling without disassembly, reducing downtime and ensuring efficient maintenance processes.

Trafag's commitment to innovation is exemplified by the device's gas density reference chamber principle, which is the most reliable solution by directly monitoring insulating gas density—critical for safe operation in high- and medium-voltage applications.

For more information about the 8719 Gas Density Monitor, go here.