Safety

SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 1/13
 Safety
SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

Summary

General characteristics...................................................................................... 4

1. Présentation.......................................................................................................... 4

2. Production............................................................................................................ 4

3. Packaging and storage........................................................................................ 4

4. Physical and chemical properties...................................................................... 4

5. Electrical properties............................................................................................ 8

6. Characteristics of commercially available SF6................................................. 9

7. Pressure units and equivalence......................................................................... 9

Recommendations for SF6 use....................................................................... 10

1. General................................................................................................................ 10

2. General handling instructions.......................................................................... 10

2.1. Use of commercially available containers........................................................... 10
2.2. Use of storage containers................................................................................... 10

3. Rules governing switchgear maintenance........................................................11

3.1. Switchgear containing pure SF6......................................................................... 11
3.2. Switchgear containing decomposed SF6........................................................... 11

4. Instructions regarding possible failures.......................................................... 12

4.1. Substancial gas loss without electrical fault....................................................... 12
4.2. Substancial gas loss with electrical fault............................................................ 12

5. Recommandations for handling and treatment of materials and clothings

which come in contact with solid decomposition products................................ 13
5.1. Handling and treatment of disposable materials................................................. 13
5.2. Treatment of clothing and non-disposable materials.......................................... 13

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 3/13
Safety
SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

General characteristics

1. Présentation

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is widely used in gaseous form in the high and extra-high
voltage switchgear manufactured by GE, whether in circuit-breakers, in gas-insulated
substations or in gas-insulated connections.

2. Production

SF6 is an industrial product obtained through direct synthesis of fluor and liquefied
sulphur.
The obtained product is purified then liquefied by compression to eliminate non conden-
sable elements such as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon tetrafluoride.

3. Packaging and storage

SF6 is supplied pressurized in liquid form at ambient temperature, in steel tanks (bottles,
spherical, cylindrical containers...) which testing pressure is 70 bar and whose volume
may range from 3 to 500 dm3. The maximum filling ratio is 1.04 kg/dm3 when tank tempe-
rature remains below 50° C or 0.75 kg/dm3 when tank temperature remains below 57° C.
Tanks filled with SF6 must be stored in shady places.

4. Physical and chemical properties

Under normal pressure and temperature conditions (absolute pressure : 1013 mbar,
temperature : 20° C), SF6 is in the form of colourless gas with a volumic mass (density)
of 6.147 kg/m3.
Its main properties are as follows :
-- Molecular mass : 146.07 g/mol.
-- Critical temperature : 45.55° C.
-- Critical absolute pressure : 37.59 bar.
-- ( Once the critical temperature has been reached, SF6 may no longer be
liquefied by compression ; the critical temperature corresponds to the critical
pressure on the saturated vapour curve).
-- Volumic mass (density), (see figures 1, 2 and 3).
-- Pressure (see figures 1, 2 and 3).
-- Liquefaction temperature (see figures 1, 2 and 3).
-- Triple point : -50.8° C and 2.26 bar (absolute pressure).
-- Sound velocity : 146 m/s at 1 bar (absolute pressure) and 30° C.

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 4/13
 Safety
SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

-- SF6 is chemically very stable. At ambient temperatures, it can be considered

as a neutral gas.
-- SF6 is also thermically very stable and its dissociation is a nearly perfectly
reversible phenomenon, therefore, it is used as a breaking medium (see § 5).

bar

37.59

30

20

10

°C
0
-50 0 +45.55

Figure 1

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 5/13
Safety
SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

MPa Abs
1.025
1.000
0.975
)
0.950 a te d )
3R a te d
g /m (R
0.925 4k / m3
.0 kg
57 29 d)
0.900 ss
:
3.
a 5 a te
cm s: 3(
R
0.875 mi as /m d)
lu i cm kg ate
Vo lu m
6 ( R
0.850 Vo 9.9 /m
3 )
:4 kg te d
a ss 3 Ra
ON

m .1 (
0.825 ic s:
48 /m
3
lu m kg
R ATI

o m as 4 0
0.800 a V c 7.
Mp Pa mi :4
o lu ss
SATU

51 M V a
0.775 0 .8 01 ic
m
0 .8 o lu m
0.750 Pa V
5 6M a te d
)
0.7 P Ra
0.725 M 3 (
31 g /m
0.7 Pa 7k
0.700 M . 3 )
21 42 te d
0.7 a ss: 3 (R a
0.675 ic m g /m
o lu m . 9 6k
V 0
0.650 :4
m as s
i c
0.625 lu m
Vo
M Pa
0.600 51
0.6
0.575 M Pa )
31 te d
0.6 (R a
0.550 / m3
.9 5 kg
: 31
0.525 as s ted)
mic
m
3 (R a
Vol
u g/m
0.500 . 59 k )
as s
: 30 ate d
cm 3 (R
umi g/m
0.475 Pa Vol . 57 k
01
M : 28
0 .5 as s
0.450 cm
a Vol umi
1 MP
0.425 0. 4 8
Pa
0.400 1M
0. 4 5
0.375
0.350
0.325
0.300
0.275 °C
-30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Figure 2

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 6/13
 Safety
SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

3
kg/m

55

50

45

40

35

30

25

bar
4 5 6 7 8

Figure 3

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 7/13
Safety
SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

5. Electrical properties

SF6 is an excellent dielectric medium. Under comparable conditions, its dielectric

strength is more than twice that of air (see Fig.4). This property is essentially linked to
the electronegative nature of the SF6 molecule which seizes the free electrons and
delays the avalanche phenomenon which initiates arcing.
SF6 is also an excellent arc-quenching medium, for the three following main reasons:
-- SF6 high dissociation energy efficiently cools down the arc,
-- the fluor ions resulting from dissociation are highly electronegative and seize
quickly the free electrons,
-- the very fast recombination of dissociated SF6 molecules allows very severe
voltage recoveries.

2 mm 50 Hz

kV
(peak value)
100
SF6
80

60 AIR
40

20
bar
01 2 3 4 5 6 7

Figure 4

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 8/13
 Safety
SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

6. Characteristics of commercially available SF6

a) Impurities
Commercially available SF6 gas contains a small quantity of impurities which, within
certain limits, have no influence on its properties.
These limits are specified in publication IEC 60.376 of the International Electrotechnical
Commission which applies to commercially available SF6.
b) Smell
Pure SF6 is odourless. Some impurities (mainly acidic impurities) have an odour, but the
quantities of such impurities in gas conforming to IEC Standard are not large enough
for any smell to be detectable by human beings.
c) Toxicity
Pure gas is non toxic. Certain impurities which may develop during the process of
production of SF6 are toxic, but the concentration level of impurities permissible in new
gas is below the toxicity threshold. However, the IEC provides for a biologic test applied
to five mice : when left during 24 hours in an atmosphere composed of 79 % SF6 and
21 % oxygen, they must survive and evidence no abnormal behaviour.
d) Certificate
Upon purchaser’s request, the SF6 Manufacturer has to provide a certificate which
proves that SF6 is in conformity with IEC Standard requirements.
e) Manufacturers
SF6 is available in many countries; the representatives of the main suppliers are :
-- SOLVAY - Hanover (Germany)
-- CONCORD SPECTRAGAZ (USA)
-- HONEYWEEL (USA)
-- FLUOROCARBON (USA)
-- AVANTEC (France)
-- LIMING (China)
-- WUXI BOPU (China)
-- HONG HUA (China)
-- ASAHIGLASS (Japon)

7. Pressure units and equivalence

-- Legal international unit: Pascal: Pa

-- Practical unit: megapascal 1 MPa = 106 Pa
-- Unit used previously: bar: 1 bar = 0.1 MPa
-- Normal atmospheric pressure:
1 atmosphere = 0.1013 MPa = 1.013 bar = 760 mm of mercury
-- Rated relative pressure: PN

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 9/13
Safety
SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

Recommendations for SF6 use

1. General

In normal service conditions, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a gas.

It is colourless, odourless, tasteless. It is not toxic, yet it is not capable of sustaining life.
It is a heavy gas which spreads slowly in atmospheric air.
It is used in electrical switchgear because it is a very good insulating medium with
excellent arc extinguishing properties.

2. General handling instructions

2.1. Use of commercially available containers

SF6 is available in containers (bottles, spheres, cylindrical tanks) at a pressure of

approximately 22 bar at 20°C. Under such conditions, it is in liquid form.
The use of these containers is governed by the customary rules applicable to use
compressed air bottles.
The following rules must be observed :
-- Keep the tank apart from heat sources.
-- Fill the switchgear through a pressure reducer.

2.2. Use of storage containers

These containers shall be used under the same conditions as containers found in the
shops.
During a gas transfer operation from a component into the storage container, it is
necessary to check that the weight of SF6 gas in kilogrammes in the storage container
is (1) :
-- In temperate areas : lower than the container volume expressed in cubic deci-
metres. The maximum quantity of SF6 in a 125 dm3 container will be equal
to : 125 kilogrammes.
-- In tropical areas : lower than 0.75 time the container volume expressed in
cubic decimetres. The quantity of SF6 in a 125 dm3 container will be equal
to : 125 x 0.75 = 93 kilogrammes.
(1) See Publication 376 of International Electrotechnical Commission, first edition 1971
«Specification and acceptance of new sulfur hexafluoride».

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 10/13
 Safety
SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

3. Rules governing switchgear maintenance

3.1. Switchgear containing pure SF6

This refers to switchgear components other than those subject to electric arcs (circuit-
breakers, earthing switches).
Generally, SF6 is stored in a gas recovery cart for subsequent use.
Before entering into a tank which has contained SF6, ascertain that all the gas has
been evacuated. Prior ventilation is required.
Avoid entering into a tank with a single upper opening which has contained SF6. If this
is imperative, customary precautions must be taken : ascertain that atmospheric air
fills the tank, after forceful ventilation, and see that a flame burns normally ; provisions
must be made for the person entering the tank to receive immediate assistance in case
of need. Help should be standing by all the time outside and a rope and lifting tackle
must be available. A self-contained respirator is obviously the best solution.
Casual inhalation during a short period of time of a small quantity of pure SF6 is not
dangerous. The feeling of suffocation due to lack of oxygen ceases as soon as the
person is back in the open air.

3.2. Switchgear containing decomposed SF6

Under the action of an electric arc, SF6 becomes partially decomposed and yields
gaseous products (sulfur fluorides) and powdery solid products (metallic fluorides).
The gaseous decomposition products are highly irritating when in contact with moisture,
as in the mouth, respiratory tracts, eyes.
They have a putrid smell, like rotten eggs, with a pungent and unpleasant odour.
This distinctive odour is an excellent warning and can be easily perceived even at low
concentration levels where toxicity is practically inexistent if the time of exposure is
short.
The solid decomposition products resemble a whitish powder which, in contact with
atmospheric moisture, turns grey and denser. This powder can irritate a damp skin.
Before initiating a maintenance operation on the switchgear, the SF6 must be stored
into a gas recovery cart.
Before the switchgear component is opened, it is recommended to inject nitrogen and
empty it two or three times in succession to eliminate the gas trapped in the powdery
products.
After opening the component, vacuum-exhaust the powder rather than blowing it with
compressed air.
The operator should preferably wear a respiratory mask and tight goggles to avoid
trouble due to inadvertent action.

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 11/13
Safety
SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

If the operator inhales a minor quantity of gaseous or solid decomposition products,

any possible reactions will promptly cease in the open air.
Eyes should be washed with plenty of water to remove the irritation caused by the
projection of powder.
It is forbidden to smoke while cleaning the switchgear. Hands should be washed before
eating.

4. Instructions regarding possible failures

4.1. Substancial gas loss without electrical fault

In an outdoor substation, pure SF6 will spread in atmospheric air.

In an indoor substation, the building should be forcefully ventilated.
Low points must be watched, specially cable ducts where SF6 is apt to gather. Since
the gas is odourless, its presence will not be detected before breathing trouble occurs
as a result of lack of oxygen. As soon as the first symptoms appear, the person must
go out into the open air, and the building must be ventilated.

4.2. Substancial gas loss with electrical fault

SF6 contains decomposition products which have an easily detectable smell.

If the substation is in the open air, SF6 will mix with atmospheric air.
If an indoor installation, forceful ventilation is required. Should maintenance work
requires the presence of operators near the substation, the wearing of a gas-mask
with a reserve of air is mandatory.
THE FOLLOWING SHOULD BE KEPT IN MIND :
-- SF6 is heavier than air and apt to gather at low points.
-- SF6 is odourless. A substantial quantity in atmospheric air is only detectable
by breathing difficulty.
-- Pure SF6 is not toxic. Inhalation of a small quantity is harmless.
-- SF6 decomposed by an arc is highly irritating for the respiratory tracts.
-- SF6 decomposed by an arc has a distinctively unpleasant smell detectable at
very low concentration levels where no toxic effect is to be feared.
-- It is hazardous to enter into a concentration of decomposed SF6 without a
self-contained respiratory mask.
-- Proper ventilation of the premises is the best method to avoid trouble.

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 12/13
 Safety
SF6 the sulfur hexafluoride

5. Recommandations for handling and treatment of materials and clothings which

come in contact with solid decomposition products

The materials which come into contact with the solid decomposition products may
pick up toxic substances and consequently care must be taken in handling them. In
addition, the way in which they are disposed will be affected by the available facilities
and local legislation.

5.1. Handling and treatment of disposable materials

The dust from the cleaning operation, the absorbers, lint free rags and other disposable
material which has come into contact with the decomposition products should be placed
in double plastic bags and then :
a) Stored in clearly marked containers for disposal by specialist waste disposal firms
or
b) Neutralised by placing in a container with a solution of approximately 5 kg of sodium
carbonate (Na2 CO3) (washing soda) in about 50 litres of water. The solution has
to completely cover the material. This should then be allowed to stand for at least
48 hours. The liquid can then be poured off into a foul drain. The solid waste which
has now been neutralised can be disposed of in a landfill, in accordance with local
regulations.

5.2. Treatment of clothing and non-disposable materials

Tools (e.g. the vacuum cleaner) which have come into contact with the decomposition
products should be washed thoroughly with water.
Items of non-disposable clothing should be dealt with by placing in a large container
with a solution of approximately 5 kg of sodium carbonate (washing soda) and 50 litres
of water, ensuring that the clothing is well covered. The clothing should be allowed to
stand for at least one hour in this liquid, poking it with a rod if necessary to ensure that
the solution reaches all contaminated parts.
Following this neutralisation the clothing may then be removed from the container,
rinsed thoroughly in clean running water and then laundered in the normal way. The
neutralising solution should be poured down in a foul drain and flushed with plenty of
water.

© GE - 07-2007 NOT.200.9010_En
REV 01 13/13