Maintenance device for a gas chamber

Abstract

The invention relates to a maintenance device (1) for a gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), having a gas treatment apparatus (3) for treating a gas present in at least one gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), at least one sensor apparatus for monitoring at least one gas property of the gas, at least one connection (7.1 to 7.n) coupled to the gas treatment apparatus (3) and to the at least one sensor apparatus, which is configured for coupling to the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), at least one conveying apparatus (8) for conveying the gas from the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) into the gas treatment apparatus (3) and at least indirectly back from the gas treatment apparatus (3) into the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), and at least one control unit (22), which is connected at least to the sensor apparatus and monitors and controls at least the conveying apparatus (8) and / or the gas treatment apparatus (3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a maintenance device for a gas chamber. Background Technology

[0002] Devices with gas chambers, such as electrical switching devices, are commonly known in the prior art, where the gas chamber is a container for gas-insulated high-voltage operating devices. Examples of such high-voltage operating devices are power switches and measuring converters.

[0003] These high-voltage operating devices are filled with insulating and arc-quenching gases as protective gases, such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The protective gas is sealed within a designated gas chamber at a pre-defined minimum pressure (e.g., 6 bar overpressure), ensuring that any arc generated between the electrical contacts is extinguished when the contacts open. Here, the safety function is particularly dependent on the purity of the protective gas. The purity of the protective gas can be compromised, especially by moisture or air infiltration into the gas volume or by the formation of decomposition products.

[0004] Even when the operating pressure of the protective gas chamber is many times that of atmospheric pressure, structural design often prevents moisture in the form of water vapor from seeping into the chamber through diffusion. This water vapor reduces the purity of the protective gas and thus its electrical properties, particularly its dielectric constant. However, in principle, the moisture content in the protective gas should be sufficiently low so that its pressure dew point does not exceed -5°C.

[0005] To achieve this, an apparatus is known from EP 3 283 833 B1, the apparatus comprising:

[0006] -The first and second gas chambers are filled with protective gas.

[0007] - Piping system connecting the first gas chamber and the second gas chamber,

[0008] -Compressors located within the piping system,

[0009] -Gas drying assembly arranged in the piping system

[0010] - A device used to detect gas pressure within a piping system.

[0011] A valve, which can be operated to allow the compressor to selectively deliver gas from the first gas chamber to the second gas chamber and vice versa.

[0012] - Devices used to control compressors based on gas pressure within a piping system, and

[0013] - A device for controlling the valve according to the desired direction of gas delivery.

[0014] Furthermore, a method for drying a gas chamber using a protective gas atmosphere present in the gas chamber under overpressure conditions, having an operating pressure and a predetermined minimum pressure, is described, wherein the predetermined minimum pressure of the gas chamber is monitored, and the operating pressure is greater than the minimum pressure. The method includes the following steps:

[0015] - A first portion of the protective gas is removed from the gas chamber, wherein the portion corresponds to a pressure difference less than or equal to the difference between the operating pressure and the minimum pressure.

[0016] - Introduce a second portion of the dry or dehydrated protective gas into the gas chamber until the gas pressure exceeds the minimum pressure.

[0017] - Repeat the above steps after the predetermined waiting time. Summary of the Invention

[0018] The objective of this invention is to provide a novel maintenance device for a gas chamber.

[0019] According to the present invention, this task is accomplished by a maintenance device having the features described herein.

[0020] Advantageous designs of the present invention are the subject of the embodiments.

[0021] The maintenance device for a gas chamber according to the invention includes a gas handling apparatus for handling gases present in at least one gas chamber, wherein the gas handling apparatus is configured to perform cleaning and / or drying and / or temperature regulation of the gases, in particular to maintain or restore the functionality of the gases. Furthermore, the maintenance device includes a sensor device for monitoring at least one gas characteristic of the gases, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect gas pressure and / or gas density and / or gas temperature and / or gas humidity and / or the concentration of decomposition products in the gases as gas characteristics, in order to enable precise control of the gas handling apparatus, for example, for dehumidifying and / or cleaning the gases. Additionally, the maintenance device includes at least one connector coupled to the gas handling apparatus and at least one sensor device, the connector being configured to be coupled to the gas chamber and including at least one conveying device for conveying gas from the gas chamber to the gas handling apparatus and for conveying gas from the gas handling apparatus back to the gas chamber, at least indirectly. Additionally, at least one control unit is provided, which is at least connected to the sensor device and at least monitors and controls the conveying device and / or the gas handling apparatus.

[0022] This maintenance equipment enables reliable gas handling in at least one gas chamber, such as the gas chamber of an electrical switchgear.

[0023] In one possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to determine the gas volume in a connected gas chamber using a control unit by means of a known volume of the piping between the connector and the gas processing device and / or a known volume of the connecting hose and / or a known volume of the gas storage tank of the gas processing device, wherein the connector is constructed in the connecting hose. Furthermore, in this design, the maintenance equipment is configured to, when gas is withdrawn from the gas chamber, sequentially fill the connecting hose, the piping between the connector and the gas processing device, and the gas storage tank with gas in stages using the control unit, while simultaneously monitoring the gas pressure in the gas chamber; or, when gas is withdrawn sequentially from the connecting hose, fill the gas chamber with the withdrawn gas, fill the piping between the connector and the gas processing device, and the gas storage tank with the withdrawn gas, while simultaneously monitoring the gas pressure in the gas chamber, and determine the gas volume in the gas chamber based on the pressure change determined while monitoring the gas pressure in the gas chamber. To monitor the gas pressure in the gas chamber, the control device particularly uses a pressure sensor of a sensor device, which is connected to the gas chamber as directly as possible. Before gradually filling or removing gas from the known volume, a defined initial state is advantageously established, for example, by evacuating the volume or by loading it at a predetermined pressure greater than the current operating pressure of the gas chamber. Alternatively, the specific initial state can be determined by means of sensors within the maintenance equipment. Subsequently, through the described gradual filling or removal of gas from the known volume, a gradual pressure balance occurs between the known volume and the gas chamber. With the aforementioned design of the maintenance equipment, the internal free volume of the connected gas chamber can be determined particularly accurately and automatically. The internal free volume of the gas chamber is a parameter that is not typically known accurately by the operator of the gas chamber. Therefore, with this design, the maintenance equipment can determine the unknown volume and, with reference to this parameter, execute safety-related control processes more reliably and effectively. Because the volume of the gas chamber is determined, for example, the amount of gas removed from the gas chamber during the gas handling process can be precisely set and controlled without reaching or falling below a predetermined minimum pressure of the gas chamber.

[0024] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, connecting hoses of varying lengths can be used. For this purpose, different defined lengths are pre-defined and stored to determine the volume of the connecting hoses with fittings. It is also possible to manually input the length and, if necessary, the cross-section of the connecting hoses used via a user interface. This allows for the use of long connecting hoses, for example, in hard-to-reach gas chambers, and eliminates the need for hose extensions that are not subject to pressure monitoring. Simultaneously, it avoids the need for extensive use of the longest possible connecting hoses, thus preserving the efficiency of gas handling.

[0025] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to use a control unit to determine a lower first operating point and an upper second operating point based on the minimum pressure, rated pressure, and maximum pressure of the gas. Here, the lower first operating point is specifically higher than the minimum pressure, and the upper second operating point is specifically lower than the maximum pressure. Furthermore, the maintenance equipment can also be configured to automatically initiate a gas processing process using the control unit when the rated pressure is closer to the lower first operating point than the upper second operating point, by introducing fresh gas into the gas chamber until the upper second operating point is reached; when the rated pressure is closer to the upper second operating point than the lower first operating point, the gas processing process can automatically initiate a gas processing process by removing gas from the gas chamber until the lower first operating point is reached; and / or, during the gas processing process, select the gas volume to be removed from the corresponding gas chamber such that after removing that gas volume, the gas pressure in the gas chamber is higher than the minimum pressure, and particularly higher than the lower first operating point. This allows for the continuous extraction of a relatively large volume of gas from the gas chamber for gas processing, while maintaining a gas pressure within the chamber that is not lower than a minimum pressure. Processing time is minimized by maximizing the extracted gas volume and minimizing the required waiting time before the freshly filled gas mixes with the gas already present in the chamber. Furthermore, this ensures the operational capability of the gas chamber, and especially of the electrical devices arranged within it, such as power switches operating continuously, even when processing large volumes of gas simultaneously.

[0026] Here, minimum and maximum pressures are safety-related parameters of the gas chamber, typically predetermined by the manufacturer or operator and must be adhered to during continuous operation. Rated pressure, also usually predetermined, describes the pressure at which the gas chamber should be filled during normal operation. This value is also known as operating pressure or standard operating pressure. If the pressure within the gas chamber reaches the minimum or maximum pressure, this typically triggers an alarm. If the gas chamber is, for example, part of a gas-insulated switchgear or houses electrical equipment, such an alarm could lead to the shutdown of operating devices or the entire equipment, as reliable operation is no longer guaranteed. Such alarm situations often result in significant subsequent costs for the gas chamber operator. By defining two operating points, in this potentially advantageous design, the maintenance equipment can avoid triggering alarms during gas handling because it is configured to change the pressure within the gas chamber only during the interval between a first lower operating point and a second upper operating point. Therefore, reaching the minimum or maximum pressure is prevented, allowing the maintenance equipment to handle gas with high reliability and safety even within the gas chamber during continuous operation.

[0027] In principle, the operating point can also be determined through user input; however, this requires the user to know the relevant safety and regulation parameters of the gas chamber and maintenance equipment, from which a safe operating point can be derived. Automatically determining the operating point by the maintenance equipment itself or by the control unit eliminates the need for user knowledge, thus enabling simplified use of the maintenance equipment while maintaining the highest reliability and safety.

[0028] In an improved version of this design, the maintenance equipment can be configured to determine, in particular, the distance between the minimum pressure and the first operating point at the bottom, and the distance between the second operating point at the top and the maximum pressure, by means of the control unit, taking into account the maximum measurement uncertainty of the sensor device, the absolute pressure in the gas chamber, the temperature of the gas, the regulation characteristics, control characteristics or response characteristics of the control device, and / or the temperature variation in the gas chamber.

[0029] When the minimum pressure (Pmin), rated pressure (Pnom), and maximum pressure (Pmax) are sufficiently far apart from each other, the pressures are typically related in the following parametric manner when determining the first operating point (Pa1) at the bottom and the second operating point (Pa2) at the top:

[0030] Pmin <Pa1<Pnom<Pa2<Pmax。

[0031] In this configuration, very safe and reliable gas handling can be achieved. However, if the distance between the minimum pressure (Pmin), rated pressure (Pnom), and maximum pressure (Pmax) is very small, the risk of alarm triggering during gas handling may increase. Therefore, for example, it can be concluded that the two operating points determined by the control unit are either higher or lower than the rated pressure. This situation may be difficult for the user to identify and properly assess. Therefore, in another possible design, the maintenance equipment is configured such that the control unit determines whether the gas handling process can be safely and automatically executed based on the operating points: if the lower first operating point is higher than the rated pressure, the maintenance equipment can only begin the gas handling process when the user confirms that the lower first operating point is equal to the rated pressure. If the upper second operating point is lower than the rated pressure, the maintenance equipment can only begin the gas handling process when the user confirms that the upper second operating point is equal to the rated pressure. By equivaling the operating point to the rated pressure, although the distance to the nearest limiting pressure (minimum or maximum pressure) is reduced, the risk of triggering an alarm or setting a dangerous pressure state in the gas chamber is significantly lower than when the operating point is directly set to the limiting pressure. Therefore, the maintenance equipment suggests appropriate parameter adjustments to the user, who can then adopt these adjustments while considering the associated risks. If both operating points are at the same value, or if the upper second operating point is even lower than the lower first operating point, the maintenance equipment interrupts the gas handling process. This ensures that various risks are automatically alerted to the user, and that it can efficiently determine which parameters to adjust, provided that this is reasonable while considering the risks involved. Consequently, the maintenance equipment can be safely used to perform gas handling in a wide range of situations, while automatically preventing gas handling in hazardous situations. This further simplifies the operation of the maintenance equipment and achieves a high level of safety.

[0032] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the gas handling device includes at least one drying filter for absorbing moisture. This drying filter enables reliable drying of the gas and can be provided cost-effectively and is easy to use. Alternatively or additionally, the gas handling device includes at least two humidity sensors, wherein a first humidity sensor is at least indirectly coupled to the input of the at least one drying filter and a second humidity sensor is at least indirectly coupled to the output of the at least one drying filter. The humidity sensors are at least coupled to a control unit, which determines the fill level of the at least one drying filter from the humidity values ​​obtained by means of the humidity sensors. This allows for simple and reliable detection of the fill level of the at least one drying filter, thereby enabling evaluation of the moisture absorption capacity of the drying filter. From this, it can be deduced how long the gas should remain in the drying filter or how frequently the gas must be pumped through the drying filter to achieve the desired drying effect.

[0033] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the gas handling device includes at least two drying filters for absorbing moisture, wherein the drying filters can be used alternately. This allows the at least one remaining drying filter to be dried, for example, by supplying hot air, while the drying filter is in use.

[0034] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the sensor device or the control unit is technically or electrically coupled to, or capable of being coupled to, at least one gas chamber sensor disposed in or on the gas chamber to detect at least one gas characteristic, the gas chamber sensor being an integral part of the equipment including the corresponding gas chamber. Here, this coupling can be made directly with the gas chamber sensor or indirectly through a switch cabinet intermediately connected to the equipment. This significantly reduces the complexity and cost of the maintenance equipment due to the use of sensors already present in the equipment including the gas chamber. Furthermore, the monitoring of the gas chamber sensor can serve as an additional safety function, enabling reliable identification of potential hazardous conditions in the gas chamber, such as a strong pressure drop, and, if necessary, shutting down the maintenance equipment. The gas chamber sensor can be, in particular, an electronic pressure transmitter, temperature transmitter, and / or gas density transmitter. Additionally, the gas chamber sensor can be a so-called gas density monitor, which signals, via a switch output, the pressure and / or gas density reaching a predetermined limit value, such as reaching a predetermined minimum or maximum pressure in the gas chamber.

[0035] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the control unit is coupled or can be coupled to at least one gas chamber monitoring unit, wherein the gas chamber monitoring unit is coupled to the switch cabinet of the equipment or to a gas chamber sensor disposed in or on the gas chamber, and wherein the gas chamber monitoring unit is configured to shut down the maintenance equipment when the switch cabinet or the gas chamber sensor signals a dangerous state in the gas chamber. Thus, for example, a switching signal can be obtained from the gas chamber monitoring unit, which may be used for safety shutdown or to trigger an alarm based on a switching point set in at least one gas chamber sensor, such as a gas density monitor. Therefore, the maintenance equipment can also be automatically deactivated by the gas chamber monitoring unit when the equipment including the gas chamber is safely shut down.

[0036] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment includes at least two, for example up to six, connectors coupled to a gas handling device and at least one sensor device, wherein each connector is configured to be coupled to at least one gas chamber respectively. Furthermore, the control unit includes a switching device for switching at least one switching element to open and close the connectors, wherein the switching device is connected to the control unit, which is configured to automatically operate the at least one switching element, thereby improving automation and operational comfort and saving operator time. Due to the presence of multiple connectors, multiple gas chambers, such as those of electrically switched devices, can be advantageously coupled to the maintenance equipment simultaneously, and the gas handling of the gas contained within each gas chamber can be performed differently from solutions known in the prior art, without disassembling a connector from one gas chamber and then assembling it onto another gas chamber by means of a switching device switching between different connectors. This significantly reduces installation costs and time, and significantly improves the durability and operational safety of the connectors, the maintenance equipment, and the corresponding connectors of the gas chambers due to the reduced number of installation and disassembly processes. Here, the connector can be advantageously designed so that the maintenance equipment can still operate even when the gas chamber is not connected to each available connector. For this purpose, the connector can, for example, be equipped with a self-closing coupler.

[0037] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the switching device comprises multiple distributed switching elements, each coupled to a connector and configured to open and close a corresponding connector. Unlike a central switching element, these elements can be individually replaced or repaired in case of defects, resulting in very low cost and material consumption. Furthermore, the distributed switching elements allow for the individual opening and closing of each connector, enabling targeted control and execution of gas handling processes at connected gas chambers.

[0038] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the distributed switching elements of the switching device are directly arranged on their respective connectors, and the dead volume after the corresponding connector from the gas chamber is minimized.

[0039] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the individual switching elements and their corresponding connectors of the switching device are constructed within a connecting hose. This allows the maintenance equipment to be coupled to multiple gas chambers in a particularly simple, reliable, and flexible manner, while also simplifying operation. For example, the connecting hose is connected to the maintenance equipment at one end, while the switching elements and their corresponding connectors are arranged in a section at the other end of the connecting hose. Thus, the connection to the gas chamber can be advantageously cut off directly after the coupler of the gas chamber connected to the connecting hose. Therefore, for example, in the event of a fault, if a leak occurs, for example, in the connecting hose, gas can be effectively prevented from escaping from the gas chamber.

[0040] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the sensor device includes a plurality of dispersed sensors for detecting at least one gas characteristic, wherein each sensor is coupled to a connector. In this design, operation at another connector remains possible in the event of sensor failure.

[0041] In another possible design for the maintenance equipment, the distributed sensors of the sensor unit are directly arranged on their respective connectors. In this design, the gas characteristics can be detected very close to the respective connectors and thus at the corresponding gas chambers.

[0042] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the corresponding distributed sensors and their associated connectors are housed within connecting hoses. This allows the maintenance equipment to be coupled to multiple gas chambers in a particularly simple, reliable, and flexible manner, while also simplifying operation.

[0043] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, corresponding distributed sensors and corresponding distributed switching elements are arranged at their respective joints or ends of the connecting hoses, such that the sensors are in communication with the pipeline section between the gas chamber and the switching elements. Thus, even when the joint is closed by the switching element, the gas characteristics of the gas chamber can still be monitored by the sensors. Therefore, uninterrupted monitoring of the gas chamber can be achieved through the maintenance equipment, thereby improving the safety of equipment operation; furthermore, the state of the gas chamber can be detected and, in particular, processed through safety-related functions before the switching valve opens.

[0044] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the switching device includes at least one central switching element coupled to multiple terminals and configured to open and close the terminals. Such a central switching element results in minimal material and cost expenditure and allows for simple control.

[0045] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, at least one central switch element is arranged in a central switch box on the maintenance equipment, and is thus particularly easy to access, for example, for maintenance.

[0046] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the sensor device is configured as a so-called sensor array, particularly as an accessory, and may also be retrofitted onto equipment including a gas chamber, for example.

[0047] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the sensor device includes at least one central sensor for detecting at least one gas characteristic, the central sensor being coupled to multiple connectors. Since only one sensor is required for all connectors, this central sensor results in less material and cost expenditure and is simple to operate.

[0048] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, each connector includes a separate gas inlet and a separate gas outlet, and the conveying device and the gas processing device are configured to continuously perform the gas processing process, in which gas is continuously drawn from the gas chamber, processed, and subsequently returned to the gas chamber. This continuous process achieves sustained gas drying in a simple manner.

[0049] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, each connector is configured as either a gas inlet or a gas outlet, depending on the conveying direction of the conveying device and the on / off state of the switching device. In this configuration, gas processing can be performed in each gas chamber, which has at least one corresponding connector. Furthermore, gas processing is separated from the interior of the gas chamber by means of the switching device, thereby achieving very high process reliability.

[0050] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to utilize a control unit to determine the gas processing time during a continuous gas processing procedure based on continuously obtained gas characteristic values, and to dynamically set the processing time according to said values. Therefore, the processing time can be easily adapted to the corresponding gas characteristics, and the application can be further automated.

[0051] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured such that a control unit cyclically extracts gas from the gas chamber via a connector during gas processing, processes the gas, and then returns the processed gas to the gas chamber via the same connector. This cyclic gas processing is highly efficient and achieves high process reliability due to separation from the interior of the gas chamber via a switching device.

[0052] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured such that a control unit determines the number of gas processing cycles during the cyclic execution of the gas processing procedure based on continuously obtained gas characteristic values, and dynamically sets this number according to said values. Therefore, the number of cycles and the resulting gas processing time can be easily adapted to and controlled according to the corresponding gas characteristics. Furthermore, the obtained, estimated processing time can be displayed through a user interface, allowing the user to better plan the use and availability of the maintenance equipment.

[0053] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to simultaneously perform gas processing on multiple gas chambers using a control unit. Here, simultaneous gas processing of multiple or all gas chambers is possible.

[0054] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to continuously acquire at least one gas characteristic of the gas from the gas chamber using the sensor device during the gas processing process, and to provide the acquired data graphically visualized in a time-series graph via a user interface. Specifically, the control unit is configured to extrapolate the acquired data and append the extrapolated data as a predicted change curve to the time-series graph for graphical visualization via the user interface. This enables real-time graphical display of the time series for the user.

[0055] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to use a control unit to cyclically and alternately perform or control the gas processing process for each gas chamber in a fixed sequence. This execution of the gas processing process can be achieved very simply and reliably.

[0056] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to utilize a control unit to determine and control the sequence and / or frequency of gas processing procedures based on actual values ​​of at least one gas characteristic of each gas chamber. This allows for adapted gas processing, and individual gas processing for each gas chamber.

[0057] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to utilize the control unit to determine and control the sequence and / or frequency of gas processing procedures based on the corresponding gas chamber volume. In particular, for example, gas processing is performed at a higher frequency in the case of a large-volume gas chamber than in the case of a small-volume gas chamber, because gas processing is typically more time-consuming or costly due to the larger volume.

[0058] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to utilize the control unit to determine and control the sequence and / or frequency of gas processing based on the corresponding leakage rate of the gas chamber, wherein the leakage rate is determined in advance by recording the operating pressure of the gas chamber over a detection period, such as 14 days. Here, the leakage rate can be taken into account, particularly when determining the waiting time before the next processing cycle or when determining the sequence of gas chambers used for gas processing, thereby enabling more efficient processing.

[0059] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to utilize a control unit to determine and control the sequence and / or frequency of gas processing according to preselected priorities. Thus, for example, the gas chamber may be assigned a higher priority, with gas processing in the gas chamber being most important, for example, due to its frequency of use.

[0060] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to execute a gas processing procedure using a control unit until a predetermined rated value for at least one gas characteristic is reached, and after reaching the rated value, to execute a gas processing procedure for another gas chamber. Here, the gas characteristics include gas humidity, concentration of decomposition products, and / or gas purity. These gas characteristics are detected, in particular, by a sensor device, for example, by a sensor directly constructed at or within a connector at the end of a connecting hose. Thus, gas processing can be performed particularly simply and reliably automated.

[0061] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to, using a control unit, prematurely interrupt the gas handling process in one of the gas chambers when a limit value is exceeded, and initiate emergency gas handling in the other gas chamber. Therefore, gas handling can be performed according to the requirements in the respective gas chamber before the limit value is exceeded to a predetermined degree.

[0062] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to adhere to a pre-given waiting time after a gas treatment process previously performed in the same gas chamber, prior to the gas treatment process performed by the control unit in the gas chamber. This ensures complete mixing of the gases in the gas chamber and avoids the re-inhalation of a gas volume containing a majority of the previously treated gas and the re-processing of that gas volume. Therefore, uniform and efficient gas treatment is achieved.

[0063] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the control unit is configured to, together with the control unit, set the waiting time based on the volume of the gas chamber, wherein the waiting time increases with increasing volume, or based on the fill level of at least one filter of the gas handling device, or based on the leakage rate of the gas chamber, wherein the leakage rate is predetermined by recording the operating pressure of the gas chamber during a detection period. This allows the waiting time to be precisely adapted to the parameters of the gas chamber and / or the gas handling device.

[0064] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the control unit is configured to set a waiting time based on the gas characteristics of the gas inside the gas chamber. This allows the waiting time to be precisely adapted to the gas characteristics of the gas inside the gas chamber.

[0065] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to utilize the control unit to perform gas processing on another gas chamber during the waiting time for the previous gas chamber. Therefore, the waiting time can be used to perform gas processing for another gas chamber. This avoids dead time or idle time and allows for particularly rapid and efficient gas processing of multiple gas chambers.

[0066] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured such that a control unit increases the gas pressure in the gas chamber to a value higher than the standard operating pressure before performing the gas processing procedure. This allows for the removal of a larger volume of gas from the gas chamber for gas processing, while the gas pressure inside the chamber does not fall below a pre-defined minimum rated value. This ensures the operational capability of the gas chamber, and especially the electrical operating devices, such as power switches, located within it, even when a large volume of gas can be processed simultaneously during gas processing.

[0067] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the maintenance equipment is configured to use a control unit to determine and control the volume of the treated gas being returned to the corresponding gas chamber during the gas processing process, such that after the gas volume is completely returned, the gas pressure in the gas chamber is equivalent to the standard operating pressure, thereby optimizing the operating capability of the gas chamber, and in particular the operating capability of the electrical operating devices arranged in the gas chamber.

[0068] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured such that a control unit determines and controls the volume of gas extracted from the corresponding gas chamber during the gas handling process, such that the gas pressure in the gas chamber is higher than a predetermined minimum rated value after the gas volume has been completely extracted. This also ensures the operational capability of the gas chamber, and in particular the electrical operating devices arranged inside the gas chamber.

[0069] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment includes an internal sensor device for monitoring at least one gas characteristic of the gas in the gas processing unit, a recirculation unit for exchanging and, for example, preparing gas from the gas processing unit, and a conveying device for conveying gas from the gas processing unit to the recirculation unit (and vice versa). Thus, the maintenance equipment is capable of performing further gas processing processes and improving the safety and functionality of its application.

[0070] The delivery device can be the same device also configured to deliver gas between the gas chamber and the gas processing unit. This allows for a particularly compact structure. However, for this purpose, the maintenance equipment can also include a second delivery device, so that gas delivery between the relevant gas chamber and the gas processing unit, and gas delivery between the gas processing unit and the recirculation unit, are carried out by different delivery devices. In particular, the second delivery device and the recirculation unit can be housed in a separate module or device, which is fluidly connected to the maintenance equipment. This allows for a simpler structure and modular construction of the maintenance equipment.

[0071] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, at least one gas characteristic limit value for the gas in the gas processing unit can be stored or stored in the control unit. The maintenance equipment can be configured to monitor and identify, via internal sensor devices, the exceeding of said limit value of the gas characteristic in the gas processing unit during the gas processing process. If it is determined that the limit value has been exceeded, the maintenance equipment with the control unit can be configured to terminate the gas processing process and subsequently evacuate the gas processing unit, particularly by means of a conveying device, through a vacuum. The gas from the gas processing unit can then be regenerated in a recirculation unit or stored in a storage tank of the recirculation unit. Finally, the maintenance equipment with the control unit can be configured to refill the gas processing unit with regenerated gas from the recirculation unit or pure gas from the clean gas storage tank of the recirculation unit before starting the next gas processing process. Therefore, the safe operation of the maintenance equipment can be improved, and the maintenance equipment can perform gas processing persistently and effectively. If, for example, exceeding a limit could jeopardize the safety or efficiency of gas processing, then the maintenance equipment can be configured to automatically perform a complete exchange of the remaining gas in the equipment, and thus re-establish the initial state through which the safety and efficiency of gas processing are not compromised.

[0072] In this context, a pure gas is specifically understood as a single gas in which certain gas properties are not exceeded. However, gas mixtures can certainly be involved. Therefore, it is not mandatory to imply that only one type of gas exists. Which gas properties are involved and which limit value is given depends on the corresponding application.

[0073] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the recirculation unit includes a particulate filter, a chemical filter, or a compression unit for compressing and liquefying at least one component of the gas and for separating at least one liquid and gas phases. Therefore, the recirculation unit is particularly efficient at regenerating gas from the gas processing unit and removing unwanted contaminants from the system.

[0074] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, an internal sensor device is configured to monitor the concentration of decomposition products in the gas within the gas handling unit, wherein the limit value relates to the maximum permissible concentration of the decomposition products. In applications using sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as a protective gas, the concentration of decomposition products can be, for example, the volume percentage of air and / or tetrafluoromethane (CF4) in the protective gas volume. According to IEC 60480, the limit value for such contaminants is, for example, 3% by volume. In this design, the maintenance equipment can also be particularly advantageous for progressively reducing the concentration of decomposition products present in the gas chamber. With each gas handling process, the gas from the gas chamber is mixed with the gas held in the gas handling unit. During mixing, the concentration of decomposition products decreases because the gas held in the gas handling unit initially has a lower concentration than the gas from the gas chamber. After one or more gas handling processes, the concentration of remaining decomposition products enriched in the gas handling unit can be automatically reduced at specific intervals, i.e., removed from the system, by means of a conveying mechanism and a recirculation unit. Therefore, this maintenance equipment is suitable, for example, for simultaneously drying and reprocessing protective gases from the gas chamber, while the operating devices in the gas chamber can be in continuous operation.

[0075] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the control unit stores, or is capable of storing, rated values ​​and / or permissible deviations from the rated values ​​for each gas characteristic and each gas chamber. This allows for further improvement and automation of the control of the gas handling device based on at least one gas characteristic.

[0076] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the control unit is coupled or can be coupled to the storage device and is configured to read the corresponding ratings and / or permissible deviations from the ratings from the storage device and assign them to the corresponding gas chamber. Similarly, the control unit may be configured to store the ratings and / or permissible deviations from the ratings of the gas characteristics of the gas chamber in the storage device.

[0077] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the control unit is configured to detect the corresponding gas characteristics at the gas chamber initially via the sensor device and store them as rated values ​​in order to obtain the rated values, and / or the control unit is coupled to or includes an input device, wherein the input device is configured for manually inputting the corresponding rated values ​​and / or configured as a wirelessly connected mobile terminal device. By initially detecting the gas characteristics for obtaining the rated values, particularly accurate and condition-adaptive determination of the rated values ​​can be achieved. Manual input of the corresponding rated values ​​is particularly simple and characterized by particularly high reliability.

[0078] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the gas handling device includes a drying unit configured to dry the gas by cooling and condensing water vapor. This design also enables reliable gas drying and is characterized by lower maintenance and operating costs.

[0079] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the conveying device is configured to convey sulfur hexafluoride, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, air, fluoronitriles, fluoroketones, and / or mixtures formed from at least two of the aforementioned gases, and the gas processing device is configured to process sulfur hexafluoride, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, air, fluoronitriles, fluoroketones, and / or mixtures formed from at least two of the aforementioned gases. Therefore, this maintenance equipment is particularly suitable for gas processing in electrical switching equipment where protective gases are used.

[0080] In another possible design of the maintenance equipment, the equipment is configured to handle gas stored in a gas chamber under overpressure. Therefore, this maintenance equipment is particularly suitable for gas handling in electrical switching equipment where gas is stored under overpressure in the gas chamber.

[0081] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0082] It shows that:

[0083] Figure 1 The diagram schematically illustrates maintenance equipment for gas chambers and multiple gas chambers.

[0084] Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates maintenance equipment for the gas chambers and multiple gas chambers. Detailed Implementation

[0085] Corresponding components are given the same reference numerals in all the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Figure 1 A possible embodiment of maintenance equipment 1 for gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n and a plurality of gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n are schematically shown.

[0087] Gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n are, for example, components of electrical switchgear and, for example, containers for gas-insulated electrical operating devices 24, such as power switches. Gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n are filled with insulating and arc-quenching gases as protective gases, such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), nitrogen, carbon dioxide, air, fluoronitrile, fluoroketone, and / or mixtures of at least two of the aforementioned gases. These insulating and arc-quenching gases are sealed within the respective gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n at a predetermined minimum pressure (e.g., 6 bar overpressure) and cause the extinction of the arc, which is generated between the electrical contacts when the contacts open. Here, the safety function depends particularly on the purity of the protective gas and on sealing the gas at a pressure not lower than the predetermined minimum pressure and not exceeding the predetermined maximum pressure, especially on sealing the gas at a predetermined rated pressure or operating pressure.

[0088] To ensure this purity, the maintenance equipment 1 includes a gas processing device 3 configured to clean and / or dry and / or regulate the temperature of the gas. Furthermore, the maintenance equipment 1 includes at least one control unit 22 that monitors and controls at least a portion of the equipment's components.

[0089] The gas handling device 3 is coupled to the gas chamber 2.1 via a first gas line 4 and to the gas cylinder 6 via a second gas line 5, wherein the first gas line 4 includes a connector 7.1 for coupling with the gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n. The first gas line 4 may in particular be configured as a connecting hose arranged as a connection between the connector 7.1 leading to the gas chamber 2.1 and the connector 7.0 on the maintenance device 1.

[0090] The gas handling apparatus 3 includes a conveying device 8 for conveying gas from the gas chamber 2.1 into the gas handling apparatus 3 and from the gas handling apparatus 3 back to the gas chamber 2.1, at least indirectly. The conveying device 8 is configured, for example, as a compressor.

[0091] Furthermore, the gas processing device 3 includes a drying unit having multiple drying filters 9 to 11 and / or a particulate filter for absorbing moisture from the gas. Here, drying filters 10 and 11 can be used alternately, so that during the use of drying filters 10 and 11, at least one remaining drying filter 11 or 10 can be dried, for example by supplying hot air, in a manner not shown in detail.

[0092] The gas processing device 3 includes at least a pair of humidity sensors 23.1 and 23.2, wherein the first humidity sensor 23.1 is coupled at least indirectly, for example directly, to the input of the respective dryer filters 9 to 11, and the second humidity sensor 23.2 is coupled at least indirectly, for example directly, to the output of the respective dryer filters 9 to 11. The humidity sensors 23.1 and 23.2 are coupled to an evaluation unit that determines the fill level of the dryer filters 9 to 11 using the humidity values ​​obtained by means of the humidity sensors 23.1 and 23.2, and thereby determines the required residence time of the gas in the dryer filters 9 to 11 and / or the time point and duration for drying the gas.

[0093] As an alternative or additional option to using dryer filters 9 to 11, a drying unit is provided, which is configured to perform gas drying by cooling and condensing the liquid components of the gas.

[0094] Furthermore, the gas processing device 3 includes multiple switching valves and / or pressure regulating valves 25. These switching valves and / or pressure regulating valves are connected such that the aforementioned loading can be applied to the dryer filters 9 to 11, and that gas can be bidirectionally conveyed from the gas chamber 2.1 to the gas processing device 3 and back from the gas processing device 3 to the gas chamber 2.1 using the conveying device 8. For this purpose, the connector 7.1 is configured as either a gas inlet or a gas outlet depending on the conveying direction.

[0095] In order to clean, and especially dry, the gas in the gas chamber 2.1, a portion of the gas chamber, especially the gas in the gas chamber 2.1 under overpressure, is transported by means of the conveying device 8 to the gas processing device 3 and stored in the gas storage tank 12.

[0096] In order to ensure the operation of the high-pressure operating devices in the gas chamber 2.1, the gas volume taken out from the gas chamber 2.1 is selected such that the gas pressure in the gas chamber 2.1 after the gas volume is taken out is higher than a predetermined minimum rated value, especially a predetermined minimum pressure.

[0097] In one possible design, the maintenance device 1 includes a sensor array with sensors 26.0 and 26.1 for monitoring at least one gas characteristic. Sensor 26.1 may be associated with connector 7.1, for example. One or more additional sensors 26.0 may be arranged within the maintenance device 1. Using the sensors 26.0 and 26.1 of the sensor array, the maintenance device can monitor the condition of the gas chamber 2.1 and identify hazardous conditions early. Therefore, the maintenance device can also be used while the electrical operating device 24 housed in the gas chamber 2.1 is in continuous operation.

[0098] In one possible design, the control unit 22 first determines two operating points based on the minimum pressure of the gas, the rated pressure of the gas, and the maximum pressure of the gas, wherein the first operating point is between the minimum pressure and the rated pressure, and the second operating point is between the rated pressure and the maximum pressure.

[0099] To increase the amount of gas that can be processed in a cycle, in one possible design, the gas pressure in gas chamber 2.1 is increased to a value higher than the rated pressure, especially the standard operating pressure, but lower than the maximum pressure (e.g., increased to the desired second operating point) before gas is withdrawn from gas chamber 2.1. This is so that the volume of gas withdrawn is then selected such that the gas pressure in gas chamber 2.1 is above the minimum pressure (e.g., at the desired first operating point) after the gas volume is withdrawn. For example, the gas pressure is initially increased using gas stored in gas cylinder 6 or gas already stored in gas storage tank 12.

[0100] In one possible design of the maintenance device 1, the device is configured to determine the internal volume of the gas chamber 2.1 based on the volume of the connecting hose with connector 7.1, the volume of the pipeline between connector 7.0 and gas processing device 3 on the maintenance device 1, and the volume of gas storage tank 12. To this end, a defined initial state is first established within these known volumes, for example, by evacuating these volumes or by using sensor 26.0 within the maintenance device 1 to determine the current initial state. When gas is subsequently removed from the gas chamber 2.1, in one possible design, the gas pipeline 4 (connecting hose), the pipeline between connector 7.0 and gas processing device 3, and gas storage tank 12 are sequentially filled with gas. Simultaneously, the gas pressure within the gas chamber 2.1 is monitored using sensor 26.1 to identify and avoid the risk of pressure dropping below the minimum level as early as possible. Furthermore, when other volumes are known, the pressure drop during the sequential filling of the gas pipeline 4 (connecting hose), the pipeline, and gas storage tank 12 can be considered to determine the internal volume of the gas chamber 2.1.

[0101] Subsequently, the extracted gas is guided by the conveying device 8 through the drying filters 10, 11 one or more times according to at least one pre-determined gas characteristic, such as humidity, until the rated value of the gas characteristic is reached. That is, the maintenance device 1 is configured to determine and set the number of gas processing cycles during the cyclic implementation of the gas processing process using the control unit 22 based on the value of the initially determined gas characteristic.

[0102] To determine at least one gas characteristic, the maintenance device 1 includes a sensor apparatus (not shown in more detail) comprising at least one central sensor 26.0 for detecting at least one gas characteristic. The sensor apparatus may also include multiple sensors 26.0, 26.1 for detecting at least one or more gas characteristics. Here, at least one sensor 26.1 may be constructed together with its associated connector 7.1 in a gas line 4 configured as a connecting hose.

[0103] Here, the sensor device is configured to detect gas pressure and / or gas density and / or gas temperature and / or gas humidity and / or the concentration of decomposition products in the gas as gas characteristics, wherein the gas processing is performed based on one or more of these gas characteristics.

[0104] Therefore, in one possible design of the maintenance device 1, for each gas characteristic and each gas chamber 2.1 to 2.n, the rated value and / or permissible deviation from the rated value are stored or can be stored in the control unit 22.

[0105] In one possible design, the control unit 22 is configured to initially detect the corresponding gas characteristics at gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n via the sensor device in order to obtain rated values ​​and store them as rated values. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 22 is coupled to or includes an input device for manually inputting the corresponding rated values.

[0106] The control unit 22 may be coupled to or may be coupled to the storage device. Here, the control unit 22 may be configured to read the corresponding rated values ​​and / or permissible deviations from the rated values ​​from the storage device and assign them to the corresponding gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n.

[0107] Furthermore, the sensor device or control unit 22 may be digitally or electrically coupled or coupled to at least one gas chamber sensor 14.1 to 14.n arranged in or on the gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n for detecting at least one gas characteristic. The gas chamber sensor is a component of a device (here, a switching device) including the respective gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n, wherein the coupling is performed via the switch cabinet 13 of the device.

[0108] The switch cabinet 13 can be coupled to one or more gas chamber sensors 14.1 to 14.n and centrally monitor the gas chamber sensors. The gas chamber sensors 14.1 to 14.n can be configured as gas density monitors that output a switching signal when the gas density exceeds or falls below a predetermined limit value, which can be used, for example, for emergency shutdown of the entire device.

[0109] Furthermore, the control unit 22 may be coupled or can be coupled to at least one gas chamber monitoring unit 15, wherein the gas chamber monitoring unit 15 is coupled to the equipment's switch cabinet 13 or to a gas chamber sensor 14.1 disposed in or on the gas chamber 2.1, and wherein the gas chamber monitoring unit 15 is configured to shut down the maintenance equipment 1 when the switch cabinet 13 or the gas chamber sensor 14.1 signals a dangerous state in the gas chamber 2.1. The characteristics of a dangerous state may include, for example, a pressure drop below the permissible minimum pressure or exceeding or falling below other limits of the gas characteristics.

[0110] After the gas is processed, the processed gas can be returned to the gas chamber 2.1 via the same gas line 4 or via another gas line 16, wherein, for example, the volume of the processed gas returned to the gas chamber 2.1 is selected such that the gas pressure in the gas chamber 2.1 after being fully returned to the gas volume is equivalent to the standard operating pressure.

[0111] In other words, in one possible design with control unit 22, maintenance device 1 can be configured to control the delivery device 8 and the gas processing device 3 such that during the gas processing, gas is cyclically taken out from gas chamber 2.1 through connector 7.1, the gas is processed, and the processed gas is subsequently returned to gas chamber 2.1 through the same connector 7.1.

[0112] To ensure uniform gas processing and avoid directly re-feeding pre-treated gas into the gas processing unit 3 for further processing, a predetermined waiting time is followed from the gas processing process previously performed in the same gas chamber 2.1 before a new gas processing process is executed in the gas chamber 2.1. Here, the waiting time is set by the control unit 22, for example, based on the volume of the gas chamber 2.1, wherein the waiting time increases with increasing volume. Alternatively, the waiting time is set based on the filling level of at least one filter of the gas processing unit 3, such as dryer filters 9 to 11. Alternatively, the waiting time is set based on the leakage rate of the gas chamber 2.1, wherein the leakage rate is predetermined by recording the operating pressure of the gas chamber 2.1 over a detection period, for example, a period of 14 days.

[0113] In order to exchange data with at least one external data processing unit 17 and terminal devices 18, 19 coupled to the external data processing unit, the maintenance device 1 includes at least one corresponding communication interface 20.

[0114] exist Figure 2 The diagram schematically illustrates another possible embodiment of the maintenance device 1 for the gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n and a plurality of gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n.

[0115] With Figure 1 Unlike the embodiment shown, the maintenance device 1 includes a plurality of connectors 7.1 to 7.n coupled to the gas handling device 3 and at least one sensor device, wherein each connector 7.1 to 7.n is configured to be coupled to at least one gas chamber 2.1 to 2.n respectively.

[0116] Furthermore, the maintenance device 1 includes a switching device 21 for switching at least one, or in the illustrated embodiment, multiple distributed switching elements 21.1 to 21.n, for disconnecting and closing connectors 7.1 to 7.n. Alternatively, a central switching element may also be provided.

[0117] The switching device 21 is connected to the control unit 22 in terms of control technology. The control unit is configured to automatically operate the switching elements 21.1 to 21.n.

[0118] Distributed switching elements 21.1 to 21.n are coupled to connectors 7.1 to 7.n respectively and are configured to open and close the respective connectors 7.1 to 7.n. Here, the distributed switching elements 21.1 to 21.n are, for example, directly arranged on their respective connectors 7.1 to 7.n and are constructed together with their respective connectors 7.1 to 7.n in the connecting hose or at the end of the connecting hose.

[0119] In one possible design, the distributed sensors 26.1 to 26.n of the sensor device are also directly arranged on their respective connectors 7.1 to 7.n and are constructed, for example, together with their respective connectors 7.1 to 7.n and their respective switching elements 21.1 to 21.n in the connecting hose or at the end of the connecting hose.

[0120] For each individual gas chamber 2.1 to 2.n, with Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment is similarly described in its gas treatment process, wherein, however, the gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n are coupled to the maintenance device 1 simultaneously, particularly permanently, i.e., at least during the treatment time. This coupling can be achieved, in particular, by a plurality of connecting hoses, with each gas chamber 2.1 to 2.n using at least one connecting hose. For connecting these hoses, a plurality of connectors 7.0 can be provided on the maintenance device 1.

[0121] With Figure 1 Unlike the embodiment shown, the maintenance device 1 with control unit 22 is additionally configured to control the conveying device 8, the switching device 21 and the gas processing device 3 so that the gas processing process is performed cyclically and alternately for each gas chamber 2.1 to 2.n in a defined sequence.

[0122] Here, the sequence and / or frequency of the gas processing can be determined and controlled by the control unit 22 based on the actual value of at least one gas characteristic of each gas chamber 2.1 to 2.n. Alternatively or additionally, the sequence and / or frequency of the gas processing can be controlled based on the respective gas chamber volumes of gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n.

[0123] Alternatively or additionally, the control of the sequence and / or frequency of the gas handling process is also based on the corresponding leakage rate of the gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n and / or on pre-selected priorities.

[0124] In addition, gas processing is performed, particularly until at least one gas characteristic reaches a predetermined rated value, wherein after the rated value is reached, gas processing can be performed on additional gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n.

[0125] For example, during the waiting time to be followed in the previous gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n, the gas processing procedure for the other gas chambers 2.1 to 2.n is performed.

[0126] List of reference numerals

[0127] 1. Maintenance equipment

[0128] 2.1 to 2.n Gas chambers

[0129] 3. Gas processing unit

[0130] 4. Gas Piping

[0131] 5. Gas Piping

[0132] 6 gas cylinders

[0133] 7.0 to 7.n connectors

[0134] 8 Conveying device

[0135] 9 to 11 Dryer Filters

[0136] 12 Gas storage tanks

[0137] 13 Switchgear

[0138] 14.1 to 14.n Gas Chamber Sensor

[0139] 15 Gas Chamber Monitoring Unit

[0140] 16 Gas Piping

[0141] 17 Data Processing Unit

[0142] 18. Terminal equipment

[0143] 19 Terminal Equipment

[0144] 20 Communication Interfaces

[0145] 21 Switching device

[0146] Switching elements from 21.1 to 21.n

[0147] 22 Control Unit

[0148] 23.1 to 23.2 Humidity Sensor

[0149] 24 Electrical operating devices

[0150] 25 Switching valves and / or pressure regulating valves

[0151] 26.0 to 26.n sensors.

Claims

1. A maintenance device (1) for a gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), the maintenance device comprising: - A gas processing device (3) for processing a gas present in at least one gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), wherein the gas processing device (3) is configured to clean and / or dry and / or regulate the temperature of the gas. - At least one sensor device for monitoring at least one gas characteristic of the gas, wherein the sensor device is configured to detect gas pressure and / or gas density and / or gas temperature and / or gas humidity and / or the concentration of decomposition products in the gas as gas characteristics. - At least one connector (7.1 to 7.n) is coupled to the gas processing device (3) and the at least one sensor device, the connector being configured to be coupled to the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n). - At least one conveying device (8) for conveying the gas from the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) to the gas processing device (3) and from the gas processing device (3) at least indirectly back to the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), and - At least one control unit (22), which is connected to at least the sensor device and at least monitors and controls the delivery device (8) and / or the gas processing device (3). in - Each connector (7.1 to 7.n) includes a separate gas inlet and a separate gas outlet, and the conveying device (8) and the gas processing device (3) are configured to continuously perform a gas processing process in which gas is continuously drawn from the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), the gas is processed, and the processed gas is returned to the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), and / or The maintenance device (1) having the control unit (22) is configured to, during gas processing, cyclically extract gas from the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) via connectors (7.1 to 7.n), process the gas, and subsequently return the processed gas to the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) via the same connectors (7.1 to 7.n). The maintenance device (1) is configured to utilize the control unit (22). - The first operating point at the bottom and the second operating point at the top are determined by the minimum pressure of the gas, the rated pressure of the gas, and the maximum pressure of the gas. When the rated pressure is closer to the lower first operating point than the upper second operating point, the gas processing process automatically begins by introducing fresh gas into the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) until it reaches the upper second operating point. - When the rated pressure is closer to the upper second operating point than the lower first operating point, the gas processing process automatically begins as gas is drawn from the gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n) until it reaches the lower first operating point, and / or - During the gas processing procedure, the gas volume taken from the corresponding gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) is selected such that the gas pressure in the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) is higher than the minimum pressure after the gas volume is taken out.

2. The maintenance device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance device (1) is configured to use the control unit (22) to determine the gas volume in the connected gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n) according to the following aspects. - The volume of the piping between the connector (7.1 to 7.n) and the gas processing device (3), and / or - The volume of the connecting hose (4), in which a connector (7.1 to 7.n) is constructed, and / or -The volume of the gas storage tank (12) of the gas processing device (3), Furthermore - When the gas is removed from the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), the connecting hose, the pipeline between the connector (7.1 to 7.n) and the gas processing device (3), and the gas storage tank (12) are sequentially filled with gas in stages, while the gas pressure in the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) is monitored simultaneously. or - The extracted gas is used to fill the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) and the pipeline between the connector (7.1 to 7.n) and the gas processing device (3) and the gas storage tank (12) when the gas is extracted from the connecting hose, and the gas pressure in the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) is monitored at the same time. - The gas volume in the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) is determined based on the pressure change obtained when monitoring the gas pressure in the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n).

3. The maintenance device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance device (1) is configured to determine whether the gas processing process can be performed by means of the control unit (22) with reference to the operating point, by means of: When the first operating point of the lower part is greater than the rated pressure, the maintenance equipment (1) can only start the gas processing process when the user confirms that the first operating point of the lower part is equal to the rated pressure. - When the second operating point of the upper part is less than the rated pressure, the maintenance equipment (1) can only start the gas processing process when the user confirms that the second operating point of the upper part is equal to the rated pressure. - When two working points are at the same value or when the second working point of the upper part is less than the first working point of the lower part, the maintenance device (1) interrupts the gas processing process.

4. The maintenance equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein - The gas processing device (3) includes at least one drying filter (9 to 11) for absorbing moisture, and / or -The gas handling device (3) includes at least two humidity sensors (23.1 to 23.2). - The first humidity sensor (23.1) is at least indirectly coupled to the input of the at least one drying filter (9 to 11). - The second humidity sensor (23.2) is at least indirectly coupled to the output of the at least one drying filter (9 to 11), and - The humidity sensor (23.1 to 23.2) is at least coupled to the control unit (22), which determines the filling level of the at least one drying filter (9 to 11) by means of the humidity value obtained by the humidity sensor (23.1 to 23.2).

5. The maintenance equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein - The sensor device or the control unit (22) is data-technically or electrically coupled or capable of being coupled to at least one gas chamber sensor (14.1 to 14.n) arranged in or on the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) for detecting at least one gas characteristic, the gas chamber sensor being a component of a device including the corresponding gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), wherein the coupling is performed via a switch cabinet (13) of the device, and / or - The control unit (22) is coupled or can be coupled to at least one gas chamber monitoring unit (15), wherein the gas chamber monitoring unit (15) is coupled to the switch cabinet (13) of the equipment or to a gas chamber sensor (14.1 to 14.n) disposed in or on the gas chamber, and wherein the gas chamber monitoring unit (15) is configured to shut down the maintenance equipment (1) when the switch cabinet (13) or the gas chamber sensor (14.1 to 14.n) signals a dangerous state of the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n).

6. The maintenance equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising - At least two connectors (7.1 to 7.n) are coupled to the gas handling device (3) and the at least one sensor device, wherein each connector (7.1 to 7.n) is configured to be coupled to at least one gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), and - A switching device (21) for switching at least one switching element (21.1 to 21.n) to open and close the connector (7.1 to 7.n), wherein the switching device (21) is connected to the control unit (22), wherein the control unit (22) is configured to automatically operate the at least one switching element (21.1 to 21.n).

7. The maintenance device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the switching device (21) comprises a plurality of distributed switching elements (21.1 to 21.n), the distributed switching elements - Coupled to and configured to open and close the respective connectors (7.1 to 7.n), and / or - Directly disposed on the corresponding connector (7.1 to 7.n), and / or - The respective connectors (7.1 to 7.n) of the switching elements are constructed in the connecting hoses.

8. The maintenance device (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the sensor device comprises a plurality of dispersed sensors (26.0 to 26.n) for detecting the at least one gas characteristic, wherein the dispersed sensors (26.0 to 26.n) - Coupled to connectors (7.1 to 7.n) respectively, and / or - Each connector (7.1 to 7.n) is configured to detect at least one gas pressure and / or gas density as a gas characteristic, and / or - Directly disposed on the corresponding connector (7.1 to 7.n), and / or - Each of the distributed sensors is constructed in a connecting hose using its respective connector (7.1 to 7.n).

9. The maintenance equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein The maintenance device (1) is configured to utilize the control unit (22) to determine the gas treatment time during the continuous implementation of the gas treatment process based on continuously obtained gas characteristic values, and to dynamically set the treatment time based on the values, and / or The control unit (22) is configured to determine the number of gas processing cycles during the continuous implementation of the gas processing process based on continuously obtained values ​​of gas characteristics, and to dynamically set the number of cycles based on the values, and / or The maintenance device (1) having the control unit (22) is configured to continuously acquire at least one gas characteristic of the gas from the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) during the gas processing process using the sensor device and to provide the acquired data in a time series diagram with the aid of a user interface for graphical visualization, wherein the control unit (22) is configured to extrapolate the acquired data and to graphically visualize it by means of the user interface by attaching the extrapolated data as a predicted change curve to the time series diagram.

10. The maintenance equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein The control unit (22) is configured to perform the gas processing procedure cyclically and alternately in a fixed sequence for each gas chamber (2.1-2.n), and / or The maintenance device (1) is configured to use the control unit (22) to determine and control the sequence and / or frequency of the execution of the gas processing process according to the following aspects. - The actual value of at least one gas characteristic for each gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), or -The corresponding gas chamber volume of the gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n), or - The corresponding leakage rate of the gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n), wherein the leakage rate is predetermined by recording the operating pressure of the gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n) during the detection period, or -Pre-selection priority, and / or The maintenance equipment (1) is configured to perform the gas treatment process using the control unit (22) until a predetermined rated value of at least one gas characteristic is reached, and after reaching the rated value, to perform the gas treatment process for another gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), wherein the gas characteristic includes gas humidity, concentration of decomposition products and / or gas purity, and / or The maintenance device (1) is configured to, when the limit value is exceeded in other gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n), interrupt the gas processing process in the gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n) in advance by means of the control unit (22), and initiate emergency gas processing in the other gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n).

11. The maintenance device (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the maintenance device (1) is further configured to, - Before performing the gas processing procedure in the gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n), the control unit (22) follows a pre-given waiting time for a gas processing procedure previously performed in the same gas chambers (2.1-2.n). and - The control unit (22) sets the waiting time based on the volume of the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), wherein the waiting time increases with increasing volume, or - The waiting time is set by the control unit (22) according to the fill level of at least one filter of the gas processing device (3), or - The control unit (22) sets the waiting time based on the leakage rate of the gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n), wherein the leakage rate is predetermined by recording the operating pressure of the gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n) during the detection period, or - The control unit (22) sets the waiting time based on the gas characteristics of the gas in the gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n), and / or -The gas processing procedure is performed for another gas chamber (2.1-2.n) during the waiting time to be followed in the previous gas chamber (2.1-2.n).

12. The maintenance equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein -The maintenance equipment (1) is configured to increase the gas pressure in the gas chamber (2.1-2.n) to a value higher than the standard operating pressure before performing the gas processing procedure. The maintenance device (1) is configured such that, during the gas processing, the control unit (22) determines and controls the volume of the processed gas returning to the corresponding gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n), such that the gas pressure in the gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n) is equivalent to the standard operating pressure after the gas volume has been fully returned. The maintenance device (1) is configured such that, during the execution of the gas processing process, the control unit (22) determines and sets the gas volume to be taken from the corresponding gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n) such that the gas pressure in the gas chambers (2.1 to 2.n) is higher than a predetermined minimum rated value after the gas volume is taken out.

13. The maintenance equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising - An internal sensor device for monitoring at least one gas characteristic of the gas in the gas processing device (3), - A recirculation unit for exchanging gas from the gas processing unit (3), and - A conveying device (8) for conveying gas from the gas processing unit to the recirculation unit and vice versa, wherein - The control unit (22) stores or is capable of storing limit values ​​for at least one gas characteristic of the gas in the gas processing device (3). in The maintenance device (1) is configured to use the control unit (22) to identify, via the internal sensor device, that the limit value of the gas characteristics of the gas in the gas processing device (3) is exceeded during the gas processing process, and to detect when the limit value is exceeded. -After the gas treatment process is completed, the gas treatment device (3) is emptied using the conveying device (8). -The gas is either regenerated from the gas processing device (3) in the recirculation unit, or the gas is stored in a storage tank, and - Before starting the next gas processing process, the gas processing device (3) is refilled with regenerated gas from the recirculation unit or pure gas from the clean gas storage unit. in - The internal sensor device is configured to monitor the concentration of decomposition products in the gas in the gas processing device (3), and the limit value is the maximum permissible concentration of decomposition products.

14. The maintenance equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising - An internal sensor device for monitoring at least one gas characteristic of the gas in the gas processing device (3), - A recirculation unit for exchanging gas from the gas processing unit (3), and - A conveying device (8) for conveying gas from the gas processing unit to the recirculation unit and vice versa, wherein - The control unit (22) stores or is capable of storing limit values ​​for at least one gas characteristic of the gas in the gas processing device (3). in The maintenance device (1) is configured to use the control unit (22) to identify, via the internal sensor device, that the limit value of the gas characteristics of the gas in the gas processing device (3) is exceeded during the gas processing process, and to detect when the limit value is exceeded. -After the gas treatment process is completed, the gas treatment device (3) is evacuated using the conveying device (8). -The gas is either regenerated from the gas processing device (3) in the recirculation unit, or the gas is stored in a storage tank, and - Before starting the next gas processing process, the gas processing device (3) is refilled with regenerated gas from the recirculation unit or pure gas from the clean gas storage unit. in - The internal sensor device is configured to monitor the concentration of decomposition products in the gas in the gas processing device (3), and the limit value is the maximum permissible concentration of decomposition products.

15. The maintenance equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein -The control unit (22) stores or is able to store the rated values ​​and / or permissible deviations from the rated values ​​for each gas characteristic and each gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n), and / or -The control unit (22) is coupled to or can be coupled to the storage device, and - The control unit (22) is configured to read the corresponding rated value and / or permissible deviation from the rated value from the storage device and assign the rated value and / or the permissible deviation to the corresponding gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n).

16. The maintenance equipment (1) according to claim 15, wherein - The control unit (22) is configured to, in order to obtain the rated value, first detect the corresponding gas characteristics on the gas chamber (2.1 to 2.n) via the sensor device and store the gas characteristics as the rated value, and / or - Coupled with or including the input device, wherein the input device is configured for manually inputting corresponding rated values ​​and / or configured as a wirelessly connected mobile terminal device (18, 19).

17. The maintenance device (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the gas treatment device (3) includes a drying unit configured to dry the gas by cooling and condensing water vapor.

18. The maintenance equipment (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein -The conveying device (8) is configured to convey sulfur hexafluoride, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, air, fluoronitriles, fluoroketones, and / or mixtures formed from at least two of the above gases, and - The gas processing device (3) is configured to process sulfur hexafluoride, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, air, fluoronitriles, fluoroketones and / or mixtures formed from at least two of the above gases as gases.

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