Disconnectors and Earthing Switches
36 kV  800 kV
RUHRTAL Product Range
     Disconnectors and Earthing Switches
     from 36 kV to 800 kV
Rated Voltages   Currents         Centre Break     Pantograph       Knee-Type      Vertical Break    Double Side
                                  Disconnectors   Disconnectors   Disconnectors    Disconnectors        Break
                                                                                                    Disconnectors
                 In        [A]          -               -                -               -             £ 4000
    36 kV        Is        [kA]         -               -                -               -             £ 10 0
                 Ith(1s)   [kA]         -               -                -               -             £ 50
                 Ith(3s)   [kA]         -               -                -               -             £ 31.5
                 In        [A]       £ 3150             -                -               -             £ 2500
   72.5 kV       Is        [kA]      £ 10 0             -                -               -             £ 10 0
                 Ith(1s)   [kA]      £ 50               -                -               -             £ 50
                 Ith(3s)   [kA]      £ 31.5             -                -               -             £ 31.5
                 In        [A]       £ 4000          £ 3150          £ 3150           £ 2500           £ 2500
   123 kV        Is        [kA]      £ 160           £ 125           £ 125            £ 100            £ 10 0
                 Ith(1s)   [kA]      £ 10 0          £ 50            £ 50             £ 50             £ 50
                 Ith(3s)   [kA]      £ 63            £ 31.5          £ 31.5           £ 31.5           £ 31.5
                 In        [A]       £ 4000          £ 3150              -            £ 3150           £ 2500
 145 - 170 kV    Is        [kA]      £ 160           £ 125               -            £ 135            £ 10 0
                 Ith(1s)   [kA]      £ 10 0          £ 50                -            £ 63             £ 50
                 Ith(3s)   [kA]      £ 63            £ 31.5              -            £ 31.5           £ 31.5
                 In        [A]       £ 4000          £ 4000              -            £ 4000           £ 3150
 245 - 300 kV    Is        [kA]      £ 160           £ 160               -            £ 160            £ 125
                 Ith(1s)   [kA]      £ 10 0          £ 100               -            £ 100            £ 10 0
                 Ith(3s)   [kA]      £ 63            £ 63                -            £ 63             £ 63
                 In        [A]       £ 4000          £ 4000              -            £ 4000           £ 4000
 362 - 550 kV    Is        [kA]      £ 20 0          £ 200               -            £ 200            £ 160
                 Ith(1s)   [kA]      £ 10 0          £ 100               -            £ 100            £ 10 0
                 Ith(3s)   [kA]      £ 63            £ 63                -            £ 63             £ 63
                 In        [A]          -               -                -            £ 4000           £ 4000
   800 kV        Is        [kA]         -               -                -            £ 160            £ 20 0
                 Ith(1s)   [kA]         -               -                -            £ 80             £ 10 0
                 Ith(3s)   [kA]         -               -                -            £ 50             £ 63
                                                            Earthing switches for all voltage ranges, see page 8
                                                            Switch disconnectors for special purposes from
                                                            72.5 kV to 245 kV, see page 8
                                                            Operating mechanisms for all types of
                                                            disconnectors and earthing switches, see page 9
                                                            Commutating contacts for bus-transfer current
                                                            switching according to IEC 61128 are available for all
                                                            types of disconnectors.
                                                            Subsequent installation is possible, for RUHRTAL
                                                            switches as well as for disconnectors from other
                                                            manufacturers, see page 10.
       2
RUHRTAL
Partner of Energy Suppliers since 1922
RUHRTAL is a company with decades of experience in                The use of components with high mechanical
the field of high voltage switchgear. A large number              strength leads to a high seismic withstand capability
of innovations is the basis for RUHRTAL's world-wide              of the disconnectors and earthing switches.
reputation.
                                                                  Our experience and service
With our large production range of high voltage
switchgear and the corresponding services, we offer               Your economic advantage
our customers technologically and economically                     Delivery of the high voltage switchgear in pre-
optimal solutions for their requirements.                          assembled and pre-adjusted main components
The extensive testing system and the quality system
certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001have                   Easy installation and commissioning
guaranteed the reliability of our disconnectors and                Low maintenance effort
earthing switches for many decades.
RUHRTAL high voltage switchgear meet all require-                  Availability of spare parts for at least 25 years
ments regarding an economic operation and a long
                                                                   Life expectancy of more than 40 years
lifetime. RUHRTAL disconnectors and earthing switches
have proved to be successful in areas with                         Availability of complete services at short notice
unfavourable climatic conditions. They are used in
industrial and in coastal areas as well as in regions               Technical support for the whole lifetime
with extreme variations in temperature and with
heavy ice loads.
Certified quality management in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001
                                                                                                                 3
RUHRTAL
       Centre Break Disconnectors
The centre break disconnector is the most frequently                  The current path of the RUHRTAL centre break
used disconnector type.                                               disconnectors consists of only a few components;
The switch base (1) carries the operating mechanism                   thus the number of contact resistances is reduced to
(2) and two rotatable supporting insulators (3).                      a minimum.
The current path arms (4) which are fixed to the
insulators open in the middle.                                        In the contact head (6) the current is transferred from
                                                                      the terminal palm (8) to the current path tube (9) by
Each rotating unit (5) comprises two high-quality ball                high-flexible copper leads (7). The bearing is not load-
bearings and is designed for high mechanical loads.                   ed by the current flow. The copper leads guarantee
It is greased for life and therefore maintenance-free.                the smooth running of the bearings at the high
                                                                      voltage terminal palms. The high voltage conductors
                                                                      remain in their position during the switching
                                  4                                   operation.
                                                                      The main contact system consists of block contacts
                                                                      and spread contact fingers. RUHRTAL contact systems
                                                                      guarantee a steady contact force even after years of
                                                                      operation. This is the reason why we intentionally
 3                                                             3      avoid the use of any type of springs for the contact
                                                                      system.
                                                                      The modular design of the RUHRTAL centre break
                                                                      disconnectors offers various possibilities to adapt the
                                                                      switchgear to changed requirements in substations,
                                                                      even while the units are in service :
                                                                       Modification from side-by-side into in-line
  5
                                                                       arrangement or vice versa
                                                               5
                                                                       Refurbishment to higher rated currents and short-
                                                                       circuit capabilities
  1
                                                                       Later installation of earthing switches
                                            2                          Modification from earthing switch no. 1 to earthing
                                                                       switch no. 2 or vice versa
      Centre break disconnector
                                                                                     9   7   8
      Current path for 2500 A with copper leads in the contact head
          4
Pantograph Disconnectors
The photo on the right illustrates the most important
components of the pantograph disconnector:
1   Scissors arms
2   Bearing frame
3   Support insulator
4   Rotating insulator
5   Motor operating mechanism
In the joints rotary contact systems with high thermal
and dynamic current carrying capacity, are used for
current transfer. The geometry of the pantograph
ensures an optimal operating behaviour. The rigidity of
the scissors arms prevents an opening during a short-
circuit. Ice loads of up to 20 mm can be broken
                                                                                                      1
without difficulty.
The position of the fixed contact can change,
depending on weather conditions (solar radiation or
ice load) and substation design. RUHRTAL pantograph
                                                                                                 2
disconnectors provide a large catch range in which
the scissors arms are short-circuit-proof in all
positions.
The smooth movement during the switching
operation is typical for the RUHRTAL pantograph
disconnectors. The specific contact force is pre-
adjusted at our factory and remains unchanged during
the entire lifetime.
                                                                                             4   3
In both end positions of the disconnector the lever
gear unit in the bearing frame is switched beyond the
dead-centre position. A change of the switching
position caused by external forces is thus not
possible.
The RUHRTAL production programme for pantograph
disconnectors covers the voltage ranges from 123 kV
up to 300 kV, alternatively with a common operating                                          5
mechanism or with one operating mechanism per
phase. For voltages above 300 kV disconnectors with
single pole operating mechanisms are used.
                                                          Components of the pantograph disconnector
                                                                                                          5
RUHRTAL
        Vertical Break Disconnectors
                                                       In both end positions the lever gear unit is switched
                                                       beyond the dead-centre position. As a result, in the
                                                       closed position (switching position ON) the current
                                                       path is locked, even in the case of a short-circuit. In
                                                       the switching position OFF the current path always
                                                       remains open.
                                                       The great distance between supporting and rotating
                                                       insulator guarantees the dielectric strength of the
                                                       parallel insulation, even in the case of high loads
                                                       under saline fog conditions.
                                                       The moving part of the current path is one single
                                                       subassembly which is assembled and pre-adjusted at
                                                       our factory.
Vertical break disconnector, ON position
The current path of the vertical break disconnector
opens in the vertical direction and thus makes small
phase distances possible.
The current path of the RUHRTAL vertical break
disconnector carries out two movements:
  A vertical swinging movement
  A rotary movement around its own longitudinal axis
The rotary movement produces the contact force and
breaks possible ice coatings.
                                                       Vertical break disconnector, OFF position
           6
Double Side                                                 Knee-Type
Break Disconnectors                                         Disconnectors
                                                            This disconnector type requires small space, in the
                                                            horizontal as well as in the vertical direction.
                                                            RUHRTAL knee-type disconnectors are mainly used in
                                                            123 kV indoor substations. Typical arrangements are
                                                            wall or underslung mountings.
                                                            Due to the middle joint of the main current path, the
                                                            distance of the opened disconnector to adjacent
                                                            substation components is extended.
Double side break disconnector, special design for 800 kV
This disconnector type consists of three supporting
columns, the middle one is rotatable and carries the
main current path.
Double side break disconnectors are mainly used in
substations where small phase distances must be
kept and a vertical opening of the current path is not
possible. In the same way as for the other types of
disconnectors the contact force is produced by the
spread type contact fingers.
                                                            Wall-mounted knee-type disconnector, ON position
                                                                                                               7
RUHRTAL
              Switch
              Disconnectors                           Earthing Switches
                                                      The use of earthing switches ensures that the
                                                      switchgear or other parts of the electric circuit
                                                      are de-energised and grounded.
                                                      RUHRTAL free-standing earthing switches can be
                                                      offered for all voltage levels up to 800 kV.
                                                      If necessary, RUHRTAL disconnectors can be equipped
                                                      with one or two built-on earthing switches.
                                                      Additionally, it is possible to design the earthing
                                                      switches for switching of induced inductive and
                                                      capacitve currents in accordance with IEC 61129.
                                                      Top view of a centre break disconnector with two earthing switches
                                                      (first earthing switch red, second earthing switch blue)
Switch disconnector
The RUHRTAL product range comprises also double
side switch disconnectors from 72.5 kV up to
245 kV for special purposes. They are suitable for
switching low currents, for instance magnetising
currents of transformers operating at no-load.
We can advise you on the decision whether our
switch disconnectors are suitable for your specific
requirements.
          8
Motor Operating Mechanisms
The reliability of our high voltage switchgear is mainly   The opening is secured by a swivel-mounted shutter.
determined by the high quality of the RURHTAL motor        Opening the shutter automatically interrupts the
operating mechanisms.                                      motor and control circuit, protecting the site
                                                           personnel against inadvertent operation of the high-
The RURHTAL motor operating mechanisms consist of          voltage switchgear by remote control.
three main subassemblies:                                  For maintenance work the operating mechanism can
  Aluminium casting housing with door (1), degree of       be blocked additionally by an interlocking device.
  protection IP55                                          The RUHRTAL auxiliary switch is form-fit connected to
  Gear unit (2) with motor                                 the gear and indicates the switching position
  Electrical equipment with auxiliary switch (3)           absolutely reliably, thereby guaranteeing the safe
                                                           operation of the substation.
                                                                                                Sequence chart
                                                                                      OFF                   Travel                ON
                                                           Main contact
                                                           Aux. contacts
                                                             NO contact
                                                             NC contact
                                                                           90°         45°              0°           0°         45°          90°
                                                                           OFF   Aux. switch runs       Aux. switch in    Aux. switch runs   ON
                                                                                                         mid position
           1                2
                                                           The auxiliary switch moves and the position indication
                                                           is cancelled. Then the disconnector operates until the
                                      3                    end position is reached. Only after the main contacts
                                                           have reached the end position, does the auxiliary
                                                           switch move again to indicate the switching position.
                                                           This process guarantees that the ON position is only
                                                           indicated, when the switchgear can carry rated
                                                           currents safely and withstand short circuit currents.
                                                           Further advantages of the RUHRTAL motor operating
                                                           mechanisms:
                                                             The complete electrical equipment is fixed on a
                                                             mounting plate. In case of replacement of the
                                                             motor, this plate can be swung out of the housing
                                                             by loosening three bolts without removing the
                                                             wiring.
Motor operating mechanism                                    The RUHRTAL motor operating mechanisms are
                                                             equipped with a diagnostic interface for measuring
The motor operating mechanism can also be operated           motor current and motor voltage. This measuring
manually. For this a hand crank is inserted into an          device can be procured from RUHRTAL on request.
opening easily accessible from the ground.
                                                                                                                                      9
RUHRTAL
              Contact Systems
                                                          Commutating Contacts
The RUHRTAL contact systems have proved their
reliability during decades of operation.
The most important characteristic features are:
  The contact systems consist of only a few parts
  They are self-cleaning
  The contact fingers are of highly welding-resistant
  material
  The contact fingers are self-resilient
  The contact force remains stable throughout its
  lifetime
  No adjustment is ever necessary
  The contact system can withstand heavy ice
  conditions
  In case of short-circuits the contact force increases
  automatically
On request we offer dry-lubricated contact systems,
which allow 20 years of maintenance-free operation.
2500 operating cycles have been verified. Re-greasing
which is admissible according to IEC 60129 after 1000
operating cycles is not necessary. Thus the
maintenance costs for all RUHRTAL centre break
disconnectors, double side break disconnectors,
vertical break disconnectors, knee-type disconnectors
and earthing switches are reduced considerably.
The optimised geometry of the current paths and the
contacts guarantees their efficiency and a maximum
lifetime.
                                                          Contact system of a pantograph disconnector with commutating contacts
                                                          Commutating contacts are available for all types of
                                                          disconnectors. They are also suitable for later
                                                          installation.
                                                          They are capable of transferring load currents from
                                                          one busbar to another without interruption in
                                                          accordance with the requirements of IEC 61128.
                                                          RUHRTAL commutating contacts for non-destructive
                                                          load transfer as per IEC 61128 can also be used for
                                                          switchgear of other manufacturers.
Opening main contacts of a centre break disconnector
         10
Innovative Technology of RUHRTAL
  Since 1971 RUHRTAL 245 kV disconnectors for
  400 kA peak current and 160 kA-1s short- time
  current have been used in the KEMA test
  laboratories.
  RUHRTAL 150 kV disconnectors with earthing
  switches for 400 kA peak current and 160 kA-1s
  short-time current are in use at the PEHLA high-
  power testing station of Siemens AG in Berlin
  420 kV RUHRTAL disconnector with integrated surge
  arrester of Siemens AG
  300 kV and 420 kV RUHRTAL earthing switches for
  quenching ferroresonance currents
  245 kV RUHRTAL five-columns switch disconnector
  with four isolating distances in series and one
  common operating mechanism. This type of
  disconnector is used for switching cable-charging
  currents.
                                                      Centre break disconnector with integrated surge arrester
Five-columns switch disconnector
                                                                                                                 11
 For further
   Information
 please fax this page to
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 the following number:
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 Fax +49 2327 996 229
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                                Postcode/City/Country
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                                Please send more detailed information to the following subjects:
                                       RUHRTAL Centre Break Disconnector
                                       RUHRTAL Pantograph Disconnector
                                       RUHRTAL Vertical Break Disconnector
                                       RUHRTAL Double Side Break Disconnector
                                       RUHRTAL Knee-Type Disconnector
                                       RUHRTAL Earthing Switches
                                       RUHRTAL Switch Disconnectors
                                       RUHRTAL Motor Operating Mechanisms
                                       RUHRTAL Contact Systems
RUHRTAL GmbH & Co. OHG
Hohensteinstraße 16
D-44866 Bochum-Wattenscheid
Germany
Tel. +49 2327 996 0
E-mail: info@ruhrtal-high-voltage.de
http://www.ruhrtal-high-voltage.de
RUHRTAL is a company of the SIEMENS Group               Subject to alterations                     Order No. 927 00498 176 A
                                                                                                   Printed in Germany
                                                                                                   By 09012.0