What is sulfur hexafluoride SF6 and why do we need to recycle SF6?

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a synthetic fluorinated compound with an extremely stable molecular structure. It is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic, non corrosive, non flammable, and non explosive gas at room temperature and pressure. It is a liquid at low temperature and low pressure, and turns into a white solid after freezing.

What are the main uses of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)?

SF6 is used in the electrical industry as a gaseous dielectric for high-voltage sulfur hexafluoride circuit breakers, switchgear, and other electrical equipment, typically replacing oil filled circuit breakers (OCBs) that may contain harmful polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). SF6 pressurized gas is used as an insulator in gas insulated switchgear (GIS) because it has a much higher dielectric strength than air or dry nitrogen.

Due to its unique dielectric properties, power companies heavily rely on SF6 in the power system to achieve voltage electrical insulation, current interruption, and arc extinguishing in power transmission and distribution. When sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is sealed inside transmission and distribution (T&D) equipment, it can insulate switchgear, circuit breakers, and isolating switches by extinguishing dangerous arcs. This stable and non-toxic gas has excellent dielectric strength and is a key component of power plant safety and efficiency.

Why do we need to recycle SF6?

SF6 is very expensive;

SF6 is a major greenhouse gas listed in the Kyoto Protocol with high global warming potential, with a global warming potential 22800 times that of CO2;

When SF6 gas contains moisture, it can cause the following hazards to electrical equipment:

① In the presence of water, the hydrolysis reaction of SF6 decomposition products hinders the recombination of SF6 decomposition products, reduces the recovery strength of SF6 medium, and thus lowers the insulation characteristics of equipment;

② Enhanced hydrolysis of low fluoride and decomposition of metal fluoride. The produced sulfurous fluoride and hydrofluoric acid are highly toxic and pose a great threat to human health. They can also corrode electrodes and insulation materials;

③ This will cause condensation inside the equipment. Due to the presence of moisture in gases in the form of water vapor, when the temperature drops, it may condense inside the equipment and adhere to the surface of the equipment, such as electrodes, insulators, etc., which can easily cause surface discharge (flashover) and lead to accidents;

④ Fluorinated sulfites and hydrofluoric acid can pollute the environment if they enter the atmosphere.

Leakage in gas insulated equipment means a reduction in the amount of gas that protects it from arc effects. The result is signal loss, short circuit, malfunction, ultimately leading to equipment failure that endangers safety and operation. Even if the gas loss is 10%, it will cause permanent damage to insulators, shields, arc contacts, and main contacts.

Equipment failure brings maintenance and replacement, which is very expensive in terms of time and money. There may also be property damage, such as fires, and long-term power outages caused by poor insulation of equipment.

ZC-316B SF6 gas leak detector is a new-generation product for detection of gas leak. Due to its imported sensor which guarantees its high sensitivity, great stability, quick response, smooth operation and large successive range, it’s capable of accurate detection of the leak points and annual leakage rage of SF6 Breaker and GIS in both quantitative and qualitative measures.

This device is very suitable for the power supply department for MP30 High-precision SF6 Gas Leak Detector, the installation and testing division and experimental institute of power supply. It can also serve as a supporting device for SF6 electrical devices and export products by SF6 high pressure switch manufacturers while improve the whole level of the product. 

Kvtester Electronics Technology Co.,Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in power testing, testing, research and development, production, and sales of testing equipment. It has been engaged in the electrical testing industry for many years, and its products are of high quality. We welcome customers to come and purchase. Service hotline: 0086-27-81778799, to learn more, visit the official website: www.kvtester.com