Hazard Sheet 28 Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)

Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)

SF6 Characteristics

Sulphur hexafluoride is a gas that has been used since around 1960 in electric power transmission and distribution equipment with
voltages exceeding 1000 V. Its special physical characteristics make it ideal for use in various switching and insulation applications.

In its pure form, SF6 gas is colourless, odourless, tasteless and non toxic. The only danger in breathing pure SF6 gas is that is
displaces oxygen and therefore, can, cause suffocation. SF6 gas is chemically inert and non-flammable. The gas has a high dielectric
strength and thermal properties conducive for insulating high voltages and quenching electrical arcs.

By weight SF6 gas is approximately five times heavier than air and tends to diffuse towards the pull of gravity and pools in low places.
As a result of this pooling, the gas displaces oxygen and can cause suffocation without warning if the oxygen content of air is reduced
from the normal 20 percent to less than 13 percent.
SF6 Molecule

But SF6 is also a high potential Greenhouse gas. For explanation: 1kg SF 6 released into the atmosphere makes the same contribution
to the anthropogenic greenhouse effect as a petrol-driven mid-class car with a total mileage of around 120,000km (emitting around
185g CO2 per km). Means, the Global-Warming-Potential (GWP) of 1kg SF6 is equal to 22,000kg CO2. That’s the reason why SF6-
emmissions must be prevented.

If SF6 gas is subjected to an electric arc, heat causes the gas to decompose into potentially toxic by-products. (This gas also
decomposes when exposed to other high temperature conditions such as heater filaments, smoking, welding, etc.) Fluorides of sulphur
are the most toxic decomposition products and are in gaseous form. Some of these gaseous decomposition products are recombining
to SF6 again. The additional use of molecular sieves can eliminate most of the rest gaseous decomposition products. The less toxic
metal fluorides are in the form of white, tan or grey powder. The amount of decomposition of the gas is a function of the intensity and
duration of the arc.

The following table lists some of the physical and chemical properties of important by-products:

By-products Stability in air End products MAK toxicity Odor

(ppmv)
SF4 Rapid decomposition HF, SO2 3.6 Strongly acidic
sulphur tetrafluoride
S2F10 Stable SF4, SF6 0.26 Strongly acidic
disulphur decafluoride
SOF2 Slow decomposition HF, SO2 2.5 Rotten eggs
thionylfluoride
SOF4 Rapid decomposition SO2F2 0.5 Acidic
silicon tetrafluoride
SO2F2 Stable 2.4 None
sulphurylfluoride
SO2 Stable 0.5 Sharp
sulphur dioxide
HF Stable 1.0 Acidic
hydrofluoride
SiF4 Rapid decomposition SiO2, HF 0.8 Acidic
tetrafluorosilane

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Hazard Sheet 28 Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)

Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) Cont…

Some of the SF6 decomposition products form corrosive and conductive compounds when exposed to moisture. These compounds,
which can be harmful to human beings, are also aggressive towards materials within the application, especially insulating surfaces if
subjected to prolonged exposure. That’s why it’s preferable to perform switchgear / breaker maintenance under dry environmental
conditions.

Sample Pictures: Conductive failure Corrosive failure

General Safety Precautions

Storage

1. Pressurised cylinders, that contain SF6 gas, must be stored upright in a defined, dry, clean and ventilated area, away from
sources of heat (including direct sunlight), naked flames or vehicle traffic routes. This storage area must not be enclosed.
2. Where the cylinders provided are liable to falling or being knocked over, individual cylinders must be secured in an upright
position.
3. A sign must be erected designating the storage area ‘SF6 gas storage area’.
4. Signage must be erected designating the storage area as a ‘No Smoking’, ‘No Naked Flames’ ‘No Eating or Drinking’.
5. A barrier must be placed around the storage area to prevent / discourage operatives from working in close proximity to the
cylinders.

Gas Leaks

1. SF6 must not be released into the atmosphere. SF6 must be handled in a closed cycle with a suitable SF6 service device.
2. Mass balance techniques must be used to ensure all SF6 gas is correctly transferred between the pressurized cylinders
and the gas insulated equipment, and to aid identification of any significant leaks.
3. Oxygen content meters must be used by operatives and contractors working in low-lying areas (including basements and
cable trenches). The oxygen content meters must be set to give an audible alarm where the oxygen content of the air in
the low-lying area falls below 19%. On hearing the audible alarm, the concerned area must be evacuated immediately,
and information has to be given to the responsible ABB Site Manager or Site Safety Officer.
4. Re-entry into low-lying areas following loss of oxygen content must be restricted until declared free from danger by a
specialist. Alternatively, in exceptional or emergency situations, the persons entering must do so under a permit to work
and wear appropriate breathing apparatus and be supported by two persons outside the area, one of whom should have
an appropriate breathing apparatus immediately available.

Personal Protection

The employer is responsible for providing the appropriate personal safety equipment to all employees involved in opening SF 6 gas
compartments and working on or in open, contaminated SF6 gas compartments and for maintaining this safety equipment in a fit
state. The employees must wear the personal safety equipment provided.

The following personal safety equipment may be required:

Protective gloves
Safety goggles
Protective overalls
Overshoes
Respiratory protective equipment
Skin protection

Before taking a break and after finishing work, employees must wash their face, neck, arms and hands thoroughly with plenty of
water. Any dust that comes into contact with the skin or eyes must be removed immediately by rinsing with plenty of water.

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