Power Transmission and Distribution

Disconnectors and Earthing Switches

36 kV up to 800 kV

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We manufacture high quality high-voltage disconnectors and earthing switches for outdoor and indoor substations.We provide our customers with technically and economical-ly optimised solutions with our extensive product range of high-voltage switchgear and associated service performance. The reliability of our disconnectors and earthing switches over many decades is ensured by the comprehensive testing system and a quality control system certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001.

Ruhrtal & Siemens: A strong and successful team

Our experience and performance

Most modern production technologies and investments in our production sites world wide ensure sustained product and process quality in accordance to the world renowned high standards of Siemens.

Our products are based on the highest standard, even du-ring the development stages. All switchgear are designed for high mechanical loads. Static terminal loads of at least 1500 N are our standard. 10,000 switching cycles, i.e. 20,000 switching operations have been verified in mecha-nical endurance tests.

High-voltage switchgear from Ruhrtal is operating satisfac-tionelly and proven again and again in more than 50 coun-tries world wide, in all geographic climatic zones.

Your advantage

Ruhrtal disconnectors fulfill the customer’s requirements for low life cycle costs at the highest availability and conti-nuous economic service by:

delivery of completely routine tested and pre-adjusted assembly groups,

easy erection and commissioning, maintenance free bearings and contact systems, comprehensive service available at short notice and life-time technical support.

With over 80 years of experience in high-voltage enginee-ring, Ruhrtal is one of the worldwide leading manufactur-ers of high-voltage disconnectors and earthing switches. The technology of our products set an international trend. Our extensive product range fulfils the demands of our customers` needs for highest product quality and reliability at competitive prices.

Since 2001 the Ruhrtal GmbH & Co. OHG belongs to the Siemens group. High-voltage disconnectors and circuit-breakers from a common source provide our customers throughout the world with competitive advantages which equates to greater success for their own business.

Disconnectors from Ruhrtal are successfully in operation throughout the world under the most severe environmental conditions and special technical requirements.

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Ruhrtal Product Range

All types of disconnectors and earthing switches are available for a temperature range from -50°C up to +50°C and for ice loads up to 20 mm. They also ensure reliable operation in areas subject to earthquake hazards. Special types of disconnectors can be provided for direct current transmission systems with rated voltages up to 800 kV.

Pantograph Disconnectors P RF

Ur 123 kV...420 kV

Ir

3150 A I

k 50 kA

P RL

Ur 245 kV...800 kV

Ir

3150 A...5000 A I

k 63 kA...80 kA

Earthing Switches AE / BE / ME

Built-on earthing switches Free-standing earthing switches Neutral point earthing switches

Knee-type Disconnectors G BF

Ur 123 kV, 550 kV

Ir

1250 A...4000 A I

k 31,5 kA...63 kA

Double Side Break Disconnectors Z BF

Ur 36 kV...800 kV

Ir

1250 A...5000 A I

k 31,5 kA...63 kA

Vertical Break Disconnectors H BF

Ur 123 kV...550 kV

Ir

1250 A...6300 A I

k 31,5 kA...63 kA

Centre Break Disconnectors D BF

Ur 72,5 kV...550 kV

Ir

1250 A...4000 A I

k 31,5 kA...63 kA

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Ruhrtal Centre Break Disconnectors

Centre break disconnector

4

3

5

2 1

5

3

Current path for 2500 A with copper leads in the contact head

9 7 8

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The centre break disconnector is the most frequently used disconnector type.

The switch base (1) carries the operating mechanism (2) and two rotatable seated supporting insulators (3). The current path arms (4) which are fixed to the insulators open in the centre. Each rotating unit (5) comprises two high-quality ball bearings and is desi-gned for high mechanical loads. They are lubricated and maintenance-free for the entire service life.

The current path of the centre break disconnectors from Ruhrtal consists of few components, thus the number of contact resistances is reduced to a mini-mum.

In the contact head (6) the current is transferred from the terminal palm (8) to the current path tube (9) by high-flexible copper leads (7). The bearings are not loaded by current flow. The copper leads guarantee the smooth running of the bearings at the high-voltage terminal palms. The high voltage con-ductors remain in their position during the switching 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.

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 arrange-ment or vice versa

Upgrading for higher rated continuous currents and short-circuit ratings

Later installation of earthing switches

Modification from earthing switch 1 to earthing switch 2 or vice versa

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Ruhrtal Pantograph Disconnectors

Components of the pantograph disconnector

1

2

4 3

5

The illustration on the right shows the main components of the pantograph disconnector:

Scissors arms (1) Bearing frame (2) Support insulator (3) Rotating insulator (4) Motor operating mechanism (5)

Rotary contact systems inside the joints, which have thermal and dynamic current carrying capacity, are used for current trans-fer. The geometry of the pantograph ensures optimum operational behaviour. The smooth movement during the switching operation is characteristic for Ruhrtal pantograph discon-nectors.

The specific contact force is already adjusted in the factory and remains unchanged during the entire lifetime. Ice loads up to 20 mm can be broken without difficulties.

In both end positions of the disconnector the rotary arm in the bearing frame is switched beyond the dead centre point. The switch po-sition cannot be changed by external forces. The rigidity of the scissors arms prevents opening during a short circuit.

Ruhrtal pantograph disconnectors with rated voltages from 123 kV up to 362 kV can be equipped optionally with group opera-ting mechanism or single pole operating mechanisms. For higher rated voltages all pantograph disconnectors are equipped with single pole operating mechanisms.

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Ruhrtal Vertical Break Disconnectors

The current path of the vertical break disconnector opens vertically and thus makes small phase distances possible.

The current path performs two movements:

a vertical swinging movement a rotary movement around its own longitudinal axis.

The rotary movement generates the contact force and breaks possible ice coatings.

In both end positions the rotary arm is switched beyond the dead centre point. This locks the current path short circuit proof in the CLOSED posi-tion and prevents the current path from getting out of the OPEN position under external forces.

The huge distance between supporting insulator and rotating insulator ensures dielectric strength of the parallel insulation even under severe salt fog conditions.

The movable part of the current path is one single subassembly which is pre-adjusted and individually tested in the factory. This allows easy and quick installation and commissioning on site.

Vertical break disconnector

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Ruhrtal Double Side Break Disconnectors

The double side break disconnec-tor has 3 supporting insulators. The centre supporting insulator is seated on a rotating unit and carries the current path. The two outer supporting insulators carry the fixed contacts.

The main application of the double side break disconnectors is in substations with limited phase space and where vertical opening of the current path is not possible.

For voltage levels up to 245 kV the contact fingers of the double side break disconnectors are at-tached to the current path tube, and the fixed contacts consist of contact blocks. The current path performs a swinging mo-vement, and the contact force is generated by spreading apart the fingers when sliding on the contact block.

For voltage levels higher than 245 kV contact strips are at-tached to the ends of the current path tubes. The contact fingers are part of the fixed contacts. In this design the current path performs a combined swinging and rotary movement. Only after completion of the swinging movement the contact force is generated by rotation of the cur-rent path round its own axis.

The Ruhrtal product range also comprises of load break discon-nectors for the voltage levels from 72.5 kV up to 245 kV.

They are suitable for switching low currents, for instance ma-gnetising currents of unloaded transformers.

Double side break disconnector - swinging and rotary function

Double side load break disconnector

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Ruhrtal Knee-Type Disconnectors

This disconnector type has the smallest space requirements in horizontal as well as in vertical direction. Ruhrtal 123 kV knee-type disconnectors are mainly used for indoor substations. Typical arrangements are wall or ceiling mounting. In 550 kV outdoor substa-tions Ruhrtal knee-type disconnectors are in most cases utilised as overhead line discon-nectors. The knee joint in the main current path reduces the space for vertical opening and increases the distance of the opened dis-connector to adjacent substation equipment.

Knee-type disconnector (wall mounted), CLOSED position

Knee-type disconnector

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Ruhrtal Earthing Switches

The use of Ruhrtal earthing switches ensure absolute de-energisation of high-voltage components in a circuit or switchgear.

Ruhrtal free-standing earthing switches are available for all voltage levels up to 800 kV.

Suitable built-on earthing switches are available for all disconnector types of the Ruhrtal scope of supply.

According to the requirements Ruhrtal built-on earthing switches can be arran-ged laterally or in inboard arrangement with respect to the position of the main current path of the disconnector as needed.

Optionally, all earthing switches can be designed for switching induced inducti-ve and capacitive currents according to IEC 62271-102, Class A or Class B.

Three-pole centre break disconnector with two earthing switches in inboard design Red coloured: Earthing switch 1 Blue coloured: Earthing switch 2

Free-standing earthing switch

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Ruhrtal Contact Systems

Ruhrtal Commutating Contacts

Ruhrtal commutating contacts can be delivered for all types of disconnectors.

Such busbar disconnectors are capable of switching commutating currents when changing busbars.

During the switching operation from busbar 1 to busbar 2 a potential diffe-rence appears which causes a switching arc between the contacts of the discon-nector.

Annex B of IEC 62271-102 describes the switching loads appearing during non-interrupting bus transfer. Ruhrtal commutating contact systems have been type-tested with 100 C-O cycles.

Contact system of a centre break disconnector

The Ruhrtal contact systems have proved their reliability in decades of service.

Following a summary of the most im-portant features of the Ruhrtal contact systems:

They consist of only a few parts The contact fingers are self-resilient, requiring no spring elements to genera-te the contact force The contact force is set in the factory and remains stable throughout the lifetime The contact force increases in case of a short circuit No re-adjustment is required during the service life Ice layers up to 20 mm can be broken without difficulties The AgC contact surface provides high-est conductivity and at the same time serves as dry lubrication, requiring no regular grease lubrication The contacts are maintenance-free for 20 years

Commutating contact of a centre-break disconnector

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Commutating Contacts according to IEC 62271-102 Annex B (former IEC 1128) for Ruhrtal disconnectors

Technical Data of Ruhrtal Commutating Contacts

Commutating contact of a pantograph disconnector Commutating contact of a double side break disconnector

Disconnector Pantograph Centre Break Double Side Break Vertical Break

Ruhrtal type P RF / P RL D BF Z BF H BF

Commutating contact type KK DKK ZKK HKK

Commutating current (A) 1600 1600 1600 1600

Recovery voltage (V) 300 100V (Ur <245 kV)

300V (Ur ≥245 kV)

300 300

Number of operating cycles 100 100 100 100

Rated voltage of disconnector (kV)

123-550 72.5-550 72.5-800 123-550

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Ruhrtal Motor Operating Mechanisms

Motor operating mechanism

The Ruhrtal auxiliary switches consist of creepage proof and arc-resistant moulded plastic discs. Putting one on the other they build closed interrupting chambers. The self-cleaning contacts consist of silver-plated contact knives and contact-bridges fitted with solid silver elements. They are able to car-ry and switch very small signalling currents as well as higher inductive direct currents.

More than 50,000 Ruhrtal motor operating mechanisms in world wide operation prove their reliability around the clock. Our customers appreciate their high quality for decades.

The Ruhrtal motor operating mechanisms consist of three main subassemblies:

Aluminium casted housing with door (1) (protection degree IP55) Gear unit (2) with motor Electrical equipment with auxiliary switch (3).

The motor operating mechanism can also be operated manually. For this purpose a hand crank is inserted into an opening easily accessible from the ground. The opening is secured by a swivel-mounted shutter. Opening the shutter automatically interrupts the motor and control circuit, pro-tecting the site personnel against inadvertent operation of the high-voltage switchgear by remote control. The electric motor brake makes manual operation by hand crank easier.

For maintenance work the operating mechanism can be blo-cked additionally by a mechanical interlocking device.

The Ruhrtal motor operating mechanism is protected against condensation water by a heating resistor and the air circulati-on inside the housing.

The Ruhrtal auxiliary switch is form-fit connected to the gear unit and signals the switching position with absolute reliability. This ensures safe substation opera-tion.

After motor starts the auxiliary switch moves and the switching position signal is cancelled. The disconnector operates thereafter until the end position is reached.

Only then the auxiliary switch moves again and issues the switching position signal.

This sequence ensures that the CLOSED position is indi-cated only after the disconnector is locked short-circuit proof and the rated current can be carried. The OPEN position is indicated only after the opened current path has reached the nominal dielectric strength.

Ruhrtal’s auxiliary switches are also testifying their reliability in operating mechanisms of circuit breakers and disconnectors from other manufacturers.

Further quality advantages of the Ruhrtal motor opera-ting mechanisms are:

Generously dimensioned housing with large cable connecting space The Ruhrtal motor operating mechanisms are parti-cularly easy to install and maintain The door hinge side can be changed The operating mechanism can be mounted with the door closed The first maintenance overhaul is required after 1,000 switching operations

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1 2

Auxiliary switch

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Ruhrtal disconnectors and earthing switches for most precise technical requirements

Ruhrtal 245 kV high-voltage disconnectors are in operation at the KEMA test laboratories with ratings of 400 kA

peak current and 160 kA-1 s short

time current.

Ruhrtal 150 kV disconnectors and earthing swit-ches are in operation at the independent PEHLA high power testing station of Siemens AG in Berlin. They have ratings of 400 kA

peak current and

160 kA-1 s short time current.

High voltage direct current transmission systems with rated voltages of 412 kV and 550 kV utilise Ruhrtal double side break disconnectors with the verified switch-on current of 100 A

rms.

Ruhrtal earthing switches with making capabi-lity can discharge unloaded high voltage cables for 420 and 550 kV with cable lengths of up to 300 km.

Innovative technology of Ruhrtal

Ruhrtal double side break disconnectors with inte-grated surge arrester of Siemens AG; suitable are both – arresters optionally with porce-lain or composite insulators

Ruhrtal earthing switches with rated voltages up to 550 kV for the extinction of ferro-resonance currents

Ruhrtal double side load break disconnectors with capacitive and inductive breaking capability of 10 A at 145 kV rated voltage for the Chinese State Railways

Ruhrtal earthing switches with vacuum arcing chamber for switching induced currents up to 400 A

Ruhrtal earthing switches mounted on Siemens dead-tank circuit-breakers

Simover compact switch bay

Simobreak compact switch bay

RUHRTAL GmbH & Co. OHG Hohensteinstraße 16 D-44866 Bochum-Wattenscheid Germany Tel. +49 2327 996 0 Internet: www.ruhrtal-high-voltage.de

The information in this document contains general descriptions of the technical options available, which do not always have to be present in individual cases. The required features should therefore be specifi ed in each individual case at the time of closing the contract.

Subject to change without prior notice

Order No. 927 00498 176 C Printed in Germany 05065.0

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For further information Please send this page by faxto the following number:

Fax +49 2327 996 229

or send us an E-mail to:ruhrtal-info.ptd@siemens.com