Sulfur Hexafluoride

Gas Analysis

TJ|H2b has developed sampling and testing procedures Threshold Limit Values in ppm of SF6
for SF6 that can significantly reduce the cost of breaker Gaseous Decomposition Products
maintenance. The BGA™ analytical test procedures
are used to determine the composition of the gas SF6 Sulfur hexafluoride 1000
including the decomposition products of SF6, moisture SO2 Sulfur dioxide 3
and dielectric breakdown voltage. Analysis of SF6 SF4 Sulfur tetrafluoride 0.1
contaminants and breakdown products gives diagnostic SOF2 Thionyl fluoride 1
information about the operating condition of the gas- SO2F2 Sulfuryl fluoride 5
filled equipment. The use of SF6 analysis reduces the SOF4 Thionyl tetrafluoride 0.5
maintenance cost of breakers by identifying those WF6 Tungsten hexafluoride 0.1
breakers that have internal problems, safety issues or CF6 Carbon tetrafluoride 1000
special handling needs. The time required to remove
the SF6 gas from a breaker, to perform an internal Similarly, because SF6 is classified as a ‘greenhouse
inspection and replace the gas requires 10 – 20 person- effect’ gas and its release into the atmosphere is no
days. The variation in time depends upon the voltage longer acceptable, handling and processing can be
class and model of the breaker. Perhaps more better managed when the composition is well
importantly, SF6 analysis reduces maintenance costs by understood.
identifying those breakers that do not require
maintenance. Uncontaminated
SF6
Store and reuse
as needed

Slightly Contaminated
Gas analysis is useful throughout the life cycle of the Collect SF6
Sample
SF6 with breakdown
products
Filter and retest
until acceptable,
then reuse
equipment beginning with acceptance testing. This
includes verification of the quality of the gas supply as Assess SF6
Severely
Contaminated SF6
with breakdown
Reprocess SF6

well as the verification of the quality of the gas in condition products

equipment that is ready to be commissioned. This Contaminated with

Moisture
Filter and retest
until acceptable,
addresses purity and contaminant issues that can then reuse

significantly reduce life. Slightly Contaminated

with Air
Add new SF6 until
residual air is
acceptable.
Reuse as needed

Time and predictor driven testing during the life of the
equipment can provide indication and identification of
faults and failure modes. At the same time, the
analysis provides indication of the wear out of key
interrupter and contact components. This information
can be used to schedule and direct in-tank maintenance
activities as they are needed.
As maintenance is planned knowledge of the gas
condition is valuable before maintenance is begun.
Since toxic by-products will be formed in some
equipment, safety can be better managed when the
hazards are determined.
Severely
Contaminated with Air Reprocess SF6
Proper sampling of the gas is critical. TJ|H2b has
established a sampling procedure that is available on
request. The procedure utilizes a gas sample collection
unit (GSCU) that permits samples to be collected free
of interfering moisture and oxygen. The GSCU
sampling process is designed to eliminate the release
of gas into the atmosphere. The exposure to the
environment and to workers is insignificant.

Revised: 7/24/2003 Page 1

 Sulfur Hexafluoride
Gas Analysis

Listed below are the gases that can be detected and For information on gas sampling, equipment and
their source: prices, you may contact any of our laboratories.

N2 Nitrogen Headquarters: Lab Manager: Jon Riechman

Source: Air or blending gas 3123 Fite Circle, Ste 105
Sacramento, CA 95827
CF4 Carbon tetrafluoride Tel: (916) 361-7177
Source: Teflon and SF6 in an arc
Louisiana: Lab Manager: Dennis Banta
SO2F2 Sulfuryl fluoride 1000 Riverbend Blvd., Ste O
Source: Air, Water and SF6 in an arc St. Rose, LA 70087
Tel: (504) 468-8838
SOF2 Thionyl fluoride
Source: Water and SF6 in an arc Wisconsin: Lab Manager: Doreen Runge
3098 Happy Valley Road
COS Carbonyl sulfide Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Source: Carbon, Water and SF6 in an arc Tel: (608) 825-2022

SO2 Sulfur dioxide Pennsylvania: Lab Manager: Jim Gill

Source: Moisture and SF6 in an arc 204 Gale Lane
Kennett Square, PA 19348
O2 Oxygen Tel: (610) 925-0688
Source: Air
Canada: Lab Manager: Sudhir Kumar
CO2 Carbon dioxide 335-25th Street S. E.
Source: Moisture and Carbon Calgary, Alberta T2A 7H8
Canada
SOF4 Thionyl tetrafluoride Tel: (403) 282-8542
Source: Air and SF6 in an arc
Australia: Lab Manager: Leanne Laidlaw
CCl2F2 Dichlorodifluoromethane Wilson Road (PO Box 5)
Source: External Freon used for leak checking Glen Waverley, Vic 3150
and leakage from gas cart refrigeration units. Australia
Tel: +61 (3) 9574 9467
WF6 Tungsten hexafluoride
Source SF6 with Arcing Tip Erosion United Kingdom: Lab Manager: Susan Northcote
Unit 4 Capenhurst Technology Park
Capenhurst, Chester CH1 6ES UK
Tel: +44 (0) 151 339 5100

Revised: 7/24/2003 Page 2