SULFUR

HEXAFLUORIDE (SF6)
GAS HANDLING
 Description

• Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in its pure state is inert, nontoxic, odorless,

nonflammable and colorless.
• It has excellent arc quenching properties and exhibits exceptional thermal stability.
• SF6 has exceptionally good insulating properties and at atmospheric pressure has
2.5 times the dielectric strength of air.
• SF6 gas at 289.6 KPa (42 psig) has the same dielectric strength as transformer oil.
• Sulfur hexafluoride remains a gas without liquefying down to -34.4°C (-30°F) at the
gas pressure normally used in the puffer type breaker.
• The density of SF6 is about five times that of air (molecular weight equal to 146).
• Heat transfer by free convection is 1.6 times that of air at atmospheric pressure
and 2.5 times the value of air at 206.8 KPa (30 psig).
• Arcing, which will occur during the normal operation of
the circuit breaker, does not materially affect the
insulating properties of the gas.
• The solid arc decomposition products, observed as a
fine gray powder, have equally good dielectric
properties, however, the powder will absorb moisture
and become conducting if exposed to high humidity.
• Under normal conditions the arced by-products are not
sufficient to require any restriction in operation.
However, if the compartment is opened for any long
period of time for maintenance, the powder should be
removed with a vacuum cleaner.
 Precautions Handling Arced SF6
• A chemical breakdown of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
occurs when it is exposed to a very high temperature
or electrical arc as in the circuit breaker.
• The decomposition products, gas and fine powder
may be toxic, strong irritants and attack the
respiratory system.

CAUTION
• Arced SF6 gas is accompanied by a strong and irritating odor indicating
toxic decomposition products.
• The arc products may be injurious and exposure to them should be avoided.
• The arc powders are reactive with moisture and if inhaled could cause
irritation in the nose, throat and lungs. Contact with body perspiration could
cause skin irritation.
• A strong irritating odor is sufficient warning of the presence of the
decomposition products. This would normally be present only after
several major fault interruptions or an unusual arcing condition within
the gas enclosure. If this condition occurs, the area should be
thoroughly ventilated.
• If work is necessary within this environment prior to the area being
adequately ventilated, a self-contained breathing mask should be used.
• Gas which has been subjected to heavy arcing and containing
considerable decomposition products can be cleaned and reused.
• The gas should be circulated through molecular sieve filters to remove
the active products.
• Most gas service trailers are equipped with molecular sieve filters and
with provisions for circulating and cleaning the gas.
 CAUTION
All freshly activated absorbents should be
cooled to ambient temperature before
introducing SF6 to avoid exothermic reaction.

Large accumulations of powder (solid

decomposition products), resulting from abnormal
arcing conditions, can be neutralized by mixing the
powder in a bucket containing a solution of water
and bicarbonate of soda and safely disposed.
Handling of Sulfur Hexafluoride
WARNING
• Pure SF6 gas without oxygen (20%) will not support life. Do
not enter any tank previously containing SF6 without
thorough ventilation.
• SF6 gas is heavier than air and will accumulate in or be
trapped in low “pockets.” Precautions should be observed in
nearby “trenches” and “depressions” where the SF6 gas can
accumulate for short periods of time before dispersing into the
atmosphere.

• Sulfur hexafluoride is furnished in standard industrial type cylinders

color which are usually coded green at the top end and the balance
silver for easy identification.
• The gas is stored in the cylinders at its vaporization pressure which at
24°C (75°F) is 2241 kPa (325 psig).
 CAUTION
• Any connection made to the cylinders must be suitable
for 4137 kPa (600 psig).
• A pressure regulator is required when connecting a
cylinder to a gas compartment fitting.

• The gas compartment may be filled with gas directly from the
cylinders or from a gas service trailer.
• When transferring the gas from the cylinders the process can be
accelerated by keeping the cylinders warm to increase the rate of
vaporization of the liquid SF6 stored in the cylinders. This can be
done by setting the cylinder in a tank of warm water maintained
at a maximum temperature of 51.7°C (125°F).
 WARNING
• Do not allow the temperature of the SF6 cylinders either in
processing as above or in storage to exceed 51.7°C (125°F).
• Excessive temperature can result in overpressure and
potential failure of the cylinder.
Greenhouse Gas
• SF6 gas has been identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
as a "greenhouse gas“ with the potential to contribute to global warming.
Therefore, SF6 gas should not be deliberately released to the atmosphere.
• The gas handling and leak detection procedures described in this instruction
book should be carefully followed to limit the amount of SF6 gas released over
the life of the circuit breaker.
• Used SF6 gas, even after internal arcing, can be effectively filtered for recycling.
• Mitsubishi Electric Power Products' circuit breakers are designed, manufactured,
and factory tested to be free of leaks.
• If leaks develop while in service, appropriate action to locate and eliminate the
leaks should be taken.
Greenhouse Gas
• SF6 gas has been identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as a "greenhouse gas“
with the potential to contribute to global warming. Therefore, SF6 gas should not be deliberately
released to the atmosphere.
• The gas handling and leak detection procedures described in this instruction book should be carefully
followed to limit the amount of SF6 gas released over the life of the circuit breaker.
• Used SF6 gas, even after internal arcing, can be effectively filtered for recycling.
• Mitsubishi Electric Power Products' circuit breakers are designed, manufactured, and factory tested to
be free of leaks.
• If leaks develop while in service, appropriate action to locate and eliminate the leaks should be taken.
 Material Safety Data Sheet
For additional information concerning the composition and
characteristics of sulfur hexafluoride gas, review the product
safety sheet supplied by the manufacturer of the SF6 gas.

Pole Unit
• Each pole unit consists of a SF6 gas filled enclosure (Main Enclosure) which
contains the interrupter assembly supported by insulators at each end of the
interrupter.
• Two porcelain bushing assemblies extend from the top of the main enclosure.
Conductors inside the bushings connect the interrupter assembly inside the metal
main enclosures to the overhead line.
• The SF6 gas in the pole unit is common to the metal main
enclosure and the porcelain bushings.
• An inspection cover is located at the end of the main
enclosure to inspect and maintain the interrupters.
• An absorbent assembly is located on the inside of the
inspection cover to maintain the dry atmosphere required
inside the SF6 gas equipment.
• The rupture disc (*) is provided only when specified.
• The SF6 gas is sealed in the main enclosure by O-rings at
each end of the enclosure, O-rings in the slide seal assembly
through which the operating rod passes, and O-rings in the
bushing assemblies.