**4/14/03**

WESTERN AREA POWER ADMINISTRATION --SF6 ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR 2002

**Introduction and Background**

In 2000, the EPA invited Western to join a new voluntary partnership
aimed at reducing SF~6~ emissions from the electric power industry. The
partnership is an opportunity for the electric power industry to work
toward protection of the environment in a non-regulatory situation,
where the participants use mainly their own flexibility and methods to
ensure reduction of SF~6~ releases. The partnership is formalized
between EPA and each participating utility through a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) entitled "SF~6~ Emissions Reduction Partnership for
Electric Power Systems".

Western had to decide to sign or not sign the MOU. Because SF~6~ is a
potent greenhouse gas and a serious threat to the global environment,
Western and the utility industry must take the issue of SF~6~ reduction
seriously. If the issue of SF~6~ reduction is ignored, the likelihood of
SF~6~ control and regulation is more certain. The options available to
Western were:

1.  Sign the MOU and begin the program prescribed by EPA to control
    SF~6~ emissions.

2.  Not sign the MOU, and take no action to reduce SF~6~ emissions.

3.  Not sign the MOU, but formulate an alternative SF~6~ emission
    control program.

Western chose alternative 3 and enacted a plan for reduction of SF~6~
emissions in 2000. The plan focuses on providing cost-effective and
reliable service for our customers while protecting the environment from
greenhouse gas. In 2000, Western focused on scanning over 200 known
leakers and making repairs. In 2001, Western focused on remaining
leaking equipment of lesser priority from the previous year. For 2002,
only 7 pieces of equipment were leak-scanned using the laser-vue camera
developed by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI). The leaks,
mostly small, were quickly detected and repaired, requiring few outages.
As was mentioned in last year's report for 2001, Western foresaw in 2002
of having fewer pieces of equipment to scan and repair for SF~6~
emissions due to the effectiveness of the program.

Currently, Western is nearing completion of developing a pilot tracking
system at two of its regional offices to determine the amount of SF~6~
released to the atmosphere. If successful, the tracking system will be
implemented throughout Western. The tracking system will record how much
SF~6~ is purchased and added to new and existing equipment. It will also
track the amount of SF~6~ gas in cylinders immediately after purchase
and prior to return of cylinders to supplier.

Western considers SF~6~ leakage prevention a higher priority than
developing a tracking and recording system. Money and resources will be
allocated gradually over time to develop a cost-effective tracking and
recording system.

The next section gives [updated]{.underline} specific details on
Western's SF~6~ Emissions Reduction Program.

## Western's SF~6~ Emissions Reduction Program 2002 update

Western has enacted an emissions reduction program that includes
planning, setting baselines, tracking, and reporting in a cost-effective
manner. The plan emphasizes immediate reduction of SF~6~ emissions. Key
items in this plan are:

-   **[Goal:]{.underline}** Developing a Western-wide SF~6~ Emissions
    Reduction Policy. **[Achievement:]{.underline}** All Western
    regional offices have committed to participating in having equipment
    scanned and repaired.

-   **[Goal:]{.underline}** Designing a basic SF~6~ gas use and
    emissions tracking procedure. **[Achievement:]{.underline}**
    Currently nearing completion in RMR (Rocky Mountain Region) and some
    of UGPR (Upper Great Plains Region) divisions. Figures for emissions
    are included with this report.

-   **[Goal:]{.underline}** Incorporating SF~6~ emissions reduction
    training, programs, and policies for proper handling into other
    routine training, such as at annual employee meeting/training
    sessions, tailgate meetings. **[Achievement:]{.underline}** All
    regions are currently training maintenance employees on the
    importance of reducing SF~6~ emissions based on procedures written
    in Western's Power System Maintenance Manual -- Chapter 4.

-   **[Goal:]{.underline}** Using leakage detection equipment such as
    the EPRI laser-vue camera to locate leakage.
    **[Achievement:]{.underline}** Nearly 200 scans have been performed
    since 2000, with over 100 in 2000, nearly 90 in 2001 and less than
    10 in 2002. Many more are planned for 2003.

-   **[Goal:]{.underline}** Characterizing SF~6~ filled equipment by
    age, leakage history, and "reputation".
    **[Achievement:]{.underline}** In 2001, focus was on scan and repair
    of leaking equipment. In 2002, focus was on scan and repair of
    remaining less leaking equipment. In 2003, more equipment will be
    scanned and characterized. Another contractor (EIS) will perform
    scans in 2003.

-   **[Goal:]{.underline}** Seal equipment on a priority basis from the
    characterization information. **[Achievement:]{.underline}** In
    2001, leaking equipment was repaired including some minor leaking
    equipment. In 2002, remaining leaking equipment was repaired.

-   **[Goal:]{.underline}** Prepare an annual report on estimated SF~6~
    use. **[Achievement:]{.underline}** Annual report prepared for 2001,
    but did not include estimated SF~6~ usage. The annual report for
    2002 includes estimated figures for SF6 emissions. Two regions have
    submitted data for this report.

[]{.mark}

-   **[Goal:]{.underline}** Prepare an annual report on maintenance
    activities conducted to reduce emissions.
    **[Achievement:]{.underline}** Annual report prepared for 2002
    includes maintenance activities performed to reduce SF~6~ emissions.

-   **[Goal:]{.underline}** Submit an informal report to EPA annually.
    **[Achievement:]{.underline}** Annual report is being submitted to
    EPA for 2002.

## 

## Analysis

Western's program has quickly begun to reduce SF~6~ emissions and
demonstrated a commitment to the EPA effort at minimal cost to our
customers. Information will be submitted annually to EPA and other
interested parties. A solid baseline and the ongoing status of actual
SF~6~ emissions will be available in more detail in subsequent years.
Western's program offers the immediate benefits of:

-   Immediate reduction in SF~6~ gas released to the environment.

-   Improvement in operation of SF~6~-filled equipment

-   Improved scheduling for replacement of SF~6~-filled equipment

-   Reduction of possible equipment failures

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-   Adherence to Western's guidelines provided in chapter 4 of PSMM to
    enhance maintenance of SF~6~ filled equipment, improve handling of
    SF~6~ gas and address the mitigation of SF~6~ gas health hazards

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-   Reduction in SF~6~-gas costs

-   Improvement in power system reliability (SF~6~ filled breakers can
    be scanned for SF~6~ leakage while in-service)

-   Commitment to efforts in complying with EPA's current Voluntary
    SF~6~ regulations

-   Preparation for complying with EPA's possible future mandatory SF~6~
    regulations

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-   Addressing emission issues in a time frame built around Western's
    budget and adaptability

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```
-   Responsiveness to health, safety and environmental issues while
    being prudent in the use of funds and staffing.

**[2002 update on additional facts and information]{.underline}**

[Nameplate capacity of SF]{.underline}~6~: Western has approximately 750
pieces of SF~6~ filled equipment averaging approximately 300 pounds per
piece of equipment. The total amount of SF~6~ is approximately 225,000
pounds. To date, an exact figure has not been obtained. A computer based
tracking program for maintenance activities in Western does not have all
of the SF6 filled equipment entered into the database. Over the next few
years Western hopes to have this accomplished. This will provide a more
accurate figure for emission leakage rate from SF6 gas filled equipment.

[Inventory based emissions of SF]{.underline}~6~: Some of the regions
within Western have completed or are nearing completion of developing an
inventory system to track procurement of SF~6~, track how much is added
to existing and new equipment, and returns, etc, as well as leakage
rates. The system follows closely the tracking protocol in EPA's MOU.

[Western's policy for proper handling of SF]{.underline}~6~: Western
regularly trains its maintenance employees on proper handling of SF~6~
gas. This training is part of our apprenticeship program and Foreman
training programs as well as our periodic environmental training and
updates.

[Handling procedures for SF]{.underline}~6~: Western's maintenance
personnel have developed specific handling procedures for SF~6~; these
include adding gas to breakers, recycling gas, filtering gas, etc. These
are detailed in chapter 4 of our Power System Maintenance Manual. In
addition, Western has been an active participant in helping EPRI develop
their manual on Proper maintenance and handling procedures for SF~6~
gas.

Summary of Western Area Power's accomplishments in SF6 emission
reduction for 2002:

I.  [Leak testing accomplished]{.underline}:

Desert Southwest Regional Office (DSWR): No equipment scans performed in
2002.

Rocky Mountain Regional Office (RMR): No equipment scans performed in
2002.

Sierra Nevada Regional Office (SNR): No equipment scans performed in
2002.

Upper Great Plains Regional office (UGPR): 7 pieces of equipment were
scanned in UGPR region by EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) at
Tyndall, Flandreau and Watertown substations in the South Dakota
Maintenance Division (SDMD). The EPRI report for scans of those pieces
of equipment has been included with this report.

II: [Leak repairs accomplished]{.underline}:

DSWR: 345Kv circuit breaker (# 194) leaking at Flagstaff; performed
manufacturer rebuild, which greatly reduced leakage but did not
eliminate leakage entirely.

RMR: No repairs were needed.

SNR: No repairs were needed.

UGPR: Repaired leaks at Tyndall, Watertown, and Summit Substations in
the SDMD. The breakers at Watertown which were repaired are old and are
scheduled for replacement in the near future.

III: [Tracking System development]{.underline}

:

DSWR: Nothing to report.

RMR: The SF6 work group has been having informal telephone conversations
on simplifying year-end activities and tracking methods. We believe the
annual summary can be completed by reviewing maintenance records for the
year and reporting actual SF6 gas usage. This will substantially reduce
costs by eliminating the need to go out and weigh each bottle of SF6 in
the inventory. Property has made substantial progress in identifying
which cylinders belong to Western and returning those which do not
belong to us to the owner. CSO Construction Engineering revised contract
language to clarify that unused gas and cylinders left over after
equipment installation will be returned to the supplier. This will
ensure that RMR adds only the SF6 contained in the equipment to our
inventory, making it easier track gas usage. Work is continuing on
refining this process. More accurate data will be available in future
years.

SNR: Nothing to report.

UGPR: Last year, Western's Upper Great Plains North Dakota Maintenance
Division (NDMD) began developed a tracking system and uses excel
spreadsheet to enter beginning and end of year inventories. This year,
figures for SF6 emissions have been determined for Upper Great Plains
North Dakota Maintenance Division (NDMD) and Upper Great Plains Montana
Maintenance Division (MMD). However, total nameplate capacity of SF6 for
all equipment in these divisions is not yet available. Based on
estimated nameplate capacity, an emission rate has been determined for
NDMD. SDMD has nothing to report.

IV: SF6 emission figures:

DSWR: Nothing to report.

RMR: Based on data received from maintenance records, the 2002 emission
rate for SF6 filled equipment is 3.2 %. Next year, with more development
of the tracking system, the figure will be more accurate.

SNR: Nothing to report.

UGPR: Based on inventory and estimated nameplate capacity, the 2002
emission rate for NDMD was 1.6 %. The MMD had no emission rate to
report; estimated nameplate capacity has not yet been determined. Next
year, with a more accurate nameplate capacity, the figure will be more
accurate. The SDMD has nothing to report.

V. EPRI's work in helping Western reduce SF~6~ emissions.

A major part of Western's successful program is immediately detecting
and reducing SF~6~ emissions to the environment. This has been
accomplished with EPRI laser-vue camera scanning of Western's SF~6~
filled equipment. The camera operators have proven to be thorough and
skilled in detecting large leaks in obvious places such as rupture discs
and small pinhole leaks in less obvious places such as fittings and
tubing in control cabinets. As seen in the following photos, the camera
operators have done outstanding precise work. Having a highly skilled
camera operator is absolutely essential to the success of emission
reduction of SF~6~ gas. Attached are reports of SF~6~ leakage detection
activities at Western facilities in 2002.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image1.png){width="1.8125in" height="0.4375in"}
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

SF6 Leak Inspection Results for Western Area Power Administration
Company

Summary Report, May 2002

EPRIsolutions Inspector Mark Messana

Co-sponsor\
Western Area Power Administration Company

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITIES

THIS REPORT WAS PREPARED BY THE ORGANIZATION(S) NAMED BELOW AS AN
ACCOUNT OF WORK SPONSORED OR COSPONSORED BY EPRISOLUTIONS, INC. NEITHER
EPRISOLUTIONS, THE ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE, INC. (EPRI), ANY
MEMBER OF EPRI, ANY COSPONSOR, THE ORGANIZATION(S) NAMED BELOW, NOR ANY
PERSON ACTING ON BEHALF OF ANY OF THEM:

\(A\) MAKES ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION WHATSOEVER, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, (I) WITH RESPECT TO THE USE OF ANY INFORMATION, APPARATUS,
METHOD, PROCESS, OR SIMILAR ITEM DISCLOSED IN THIS REPORT, INCLUDING
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR (II) THAT SUCH
USE DOES NOT INFRINGE ON OR INTERFERE WITH PRIVATELY OWNED RIGHTS,
INCLUDING ANY PARTY'S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, OR (III) THAT THIS REPORT
IS SUITABLE TO ANY PARTICULAR USER'S CIRCUMSTANCE; OR

\(B\) ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY
WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF EPRISOLUTIONS
OR ANY EPRISOLUTIONS REPRESENTATIVE HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGES) RESULTING FROM YOUR SELECTION OR USE OF THIS REPORT OR
ANY INFORMATION, APPARATUS, METHOD, PROCESS, OR SIMILAR ITEM DISCLOSED
IN THIS REPORT.

ORGANIZATION(S) THAT PREPARED THIS REPORT

EPRIsolutions

Citations

This report was prepared by

Mark Messana

Senior Technical Specialist

EPRIsolutions

115 East New Lenox Rd.

Lenox MA 01240

Tel: 413 499 5056

Fax: 413 499 5718

E-mail: <mmessana@epri.com>

Principal Investigator\
\
Mark Messana\
Senior Technical Specialist\
EPRIsolutions

The report is a corporate document that should be cited in the
literature in the following manner:

***SF6 Inspection for Western Area Power Administration Company***

personnel

EPRIsolutions Inspector:

Mark Messana

Senior Technical Specialist

EPRIsolutions

115 East New Lenox Rd.

Lenox MA 01240

Tel: 413 499 5056

Fax: 413 499 5718

E-mail: <mmessana@epri.com>

Western Area Power Administration:

Bill Timmons

Electrical Engineer

Corporate Service Office

12155 W. Alameda Pkwy.

P.O. Box 281213

Lakewood, CO.

E-mail: timmons@wapa.gov

Contents

*1* introduction [1](#introduction)

*2* background [1](#background)

*3* inspections [3](#inspections)

Watertown Substation Inspection results [4](#__RefHeading___Toc6196379)

Summit Substation Inspection results [5](#__RefHeading___Toc6196380)

Tyndall Substation Inspection results 3.4

List of Figures

Figure 2‑1 Video capture of SF~6~ image DILO DN 8
[1](#__RefHeading___Toc6196427)

Figure 2‑2 Video capture of SF~6~ image DILO DN 8
[1](#__RefHeading___Toc6196428)

Figure 2‑3 A calibrated 1-kg/yr. SF6 leak (left) and as viewed through
the TG -- 20 Gas Imaging System (right) at 1 m with no zoom. The yellow
circle surrounds a dark cloud of gas emanating from the nozzle.
[2](#__RefHeading___Toc6196429)

#  introduction

On May 6, 2002, Mark Messana of EPRIsolutions performed sulfur
hexafluoride (SF~6~) inspections on various equipment at the following
substations in South Dakota.

1.  Watertown Substation:

2.  Summit Substation:

3.  Tyndall Substation:

The inspections, which were performed using EPRI's TG -- 20 Gas Imaging
System, identified 2 SF~6~ leaks, which are detailed in this report.

#  background

The TG -- 20 Gas Imaging System makes it possible to "see" SF~6~ leaks,
which look like smoke emanating from the equipment (see examples below).
Note the black cloud around the DILO ND8 high-pressure tube union. The
cloud moves with the air currents, which makes it easier to identify
against a motionless background. Also note how the cloud has moved from
one image to the other.

  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.9194444444444443in"   ![](media/image3.jpeg){width="2.9194444444444443in"
  height="2.189583333333333in"}                         height="2.189583333333333in"}

  []{#__RefHeading___Toc6196427 .anchor}Figure 0‑1\     []{#__RefHeading___Toc6196428 .anchor}Figure 0‑2\
  Video capture of SF~6~ image DILO DN 8                Video capture of SF~6~ image DILO DN 8
  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------

The magnitude of a leak can be difficult to judge. For instance, the
photo below shows a 1-kg/yr. leak viewed from a distance of 1 m. The
leak, which was on the bottom end of what the camera can detect, would
be classified as minor. The test was done indoors with only a small
amount of air movement. In addition, the background was a aluminum
surface painted with flat paint, and the zoom was turned off. The leak
was identifiable out to 7 m; much beyond that and it is unlikely that
the leak would have been detectable under these conditions.

  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
  ![](media/image4.jpeg){width="2.7930555555555556in"   ![](media/image5.png){width="3.60625in"
  height="3.1444444444444444in"}                        height="3.104861111111111in"}

  []{#__RefHeading___Toc6196429 .anchor}Figure 0‑3\     
  A calibrated 1-kg/yr. SF6 leak (left) and as viewed   
  through the TG -- 20 Gas Imaging System (right) at 1  
  m with no zoom. The yellow circle surrounds a dark    
  cloud of gas emanating from the nozzle.               
  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------

The laser emitted by the TG -- 20 Gas Imaging System also produces a
"photo-acoustic" effect -- a buzzing sound -- as it hits the SF~6~ gas.
This further helps to identify leaks. Many of the leaks identified in
this report were also checked with snoop (a soap and water mixture)
and/or an audible leak detector.

SF~6~ is widely used in the electric power industry as an insulator for
high-voltage circuit breakers, switchgear, and other substation
equipment. Although pure SF~6~ is chemically inert, it is a potent
greenhouse gas, with a per-molecule global warming potential far
exceeding that of carbon dioxide. As such, detecting SF~6~ leaks gas has
become more important as environmental regulators forge ahead with
programs aimed at curbing emissions of SF~6~ and other greenhouse gases.
SF~6~ leakage isn't just an environmental concern, it's also an economic
one -- the gas is expensive and its replacement cost is high, which
makes leak detection a high priority.

The traditional method of detecting SF~6~ leaks involves applying a soap
solution that bubbles at the site of escaping gas. This approach is both
time-consuming and costly, especially because it requires de-energizing
equipment during inspection. The soap solution often temporarily blocks
the leak, and hence the leak goes undetected. To meet the industry's
need for improved SF~6~ detection, EPRI participated in the development
of the GasVue laser camera, which can locate even pinhole leaks quickly
and precisely -- without having to de-energize equipment.

#  inspections

The inspection of equipment at was done on May 6 thru May 9, 2002. A
description and photos of the findings follow.

Watertown Substation Inspection Results

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image6.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"   ![](media/image7.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"
  height="2.191666666666667in"}                        height="2.191666666666667in"}

  Breaker #WT1762\                                     Leak was located on the bottom side of the CT
  Watertown No.2 Line                                  housing. Under the Aluminum shield.

  Watertown Substation                                 Leak 1, Major leak

  Mitsubishi 115kV Breaker\                            Tape Time: 16:15:32 to 16:16:38
  SN-960950101                                         
  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc6196379 .anchor}Watertown Substation Inspection
results

  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image8.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"   ![](media/image9.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"
  height="2.191666666666667in"}                        height="2.191666666666667in"}

  Breaker #7296,\                                      Leak is located at value #1, under the orange nut.
  Groton-White Tie Line                                Found packing nut leaking.\
                                                       Note: Tighten packing nut and the leak was repaired.

  Watertown Substation                                 Leak 2, Major leak

  Westinghouse 345kV Breaker\                          Tape Time: 8:31:04 to 8:32:16
  SN-1-62Y5306                                         
  ---------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc6196380 .anchor}Watertown Substation Inspection
results

  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image10.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"   ![](media/image11.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"
  height="2.191666666666667in"}                         height="2.191666666666667in"}

  Breaker #7296,\                                       Leak was found inside of cabinet at the SF6
  Groton-White Tie Line                                 compressor. The location of the leak was at the
                                                        compressor shaft seal.

  Watertown Substation                                  Leak 3, Major leak

  Westinghouse 345kV Breaker\                           Tape Time: 8:45:57 to 8:47:09
  SN-1-62Y5306                                          
  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------

Watertown Substation Inspection Results

  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image12.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"   ![](media/image13.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"
  height="2.191666666666667in"}                         height="2.191666666666667in"}

  Breaker #7292,\                                       Leak was found inside of the cabinet at the top of
  White Line                                            the dryer! This was at the plumping connection coming
                                                        from the SF6 compressor.

  Watertown Substation                                  Leak 4, Miner Leak

  Westinghouse 345kV Breaker\                           Tape Time: 9:13:45 to 9:14:48
  SN-2-62Y5306                                          
  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------

Summit Substation Inspection Results

  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image14.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"   ![](media/image15.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"
  height="2.191666666666667in"}                         height="2.191666666666667in"}

  Breaker #1152,\                                       Leak is located on the outer housing of breaker.
  Center Phase                                          Found the casting leaking SF6 gas.

  Summit Substation                                     Leak 4, Miner Leak

  Westinghouse 69kV Breaker\                            Tape Time: 10:55:25 to 10:56:27
  SN-1-67Y1639                                          
  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------

Summit Substation Inspection Results

  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image16.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"   ![](media/image17.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"
  height="2.191666666666667in"}                         height="2.191666666666667in"}

  Breaker #1252,\                                       Leak was located on the outside Tee connection! This
  Center Phase                                          is at a weld joint on the Tee to pipe connection.

  Summit Substation                                     Leak 5, Major Leak

  Westinghouse 69kV Breaker\                            Tape Time: 11:14:30 to 11:15:30
  SN-2-67Y1686                                          
  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------

Tyndall Substation Inspection Results

  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------
  ![](media/image18.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"   ![](media/image19.jpeg){width="2.922222222222222in"
  height="2.191666666666667in"}                         height="2.191666666666667in"}

  Breaker #162                                          Leak was located under the center phase at the Tee
                                                        location on the plumping. This is the eastside of the
                                                        Tee.

  Tyndall Substation                                    Leak 6, Major Leak

  Siemens 115kV Breaker                                 Tape Time: 08:04:10 to 08:05:10
  ----------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------------