Technical collection

Cahier
technique
no. 188
SF6 properties, and use in MV
and HV switchgear
D. Koch
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n° 188
SF6 properties, and use
in MV and HV switchgear

D. KOCH

Graduate Engineer IEG Grenoble in 1979.

He joined the same year Merlin Gerin Group, in HV transmission: first
as technical manager of MV circuit breakers and, later, as product
manager.
Since 1995, within the T & D organisation, he is in charge, inside the
strategic marketing team, of standardisation, technology and
environment related with T & D offer.
He is also in charge of geographic development in Eastern Europe.

E/CT 188 updated February 2003

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.1

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.2
 SF6 properties, and use
in MV and HV switchgear

The general properties of SF6 gas and its SF6 by-products are presented.
A brief history of the use of SF6 in switchgear is given. The effects of SF6
on the environment are discussed. Guidance is given for working with SF6
gas and SF6 filled equipment under normal and abnormal conditions of
service.
The content of the present document is based on the technical report
IEC 1634, entitled « the use and handling of SF6 HV Switchgear and
controlgear ».

Contents
1 Introduction 1.1 A brief history of use of SF6 p.4
1.2 SF6 manufacture p.5
1.3 Other uses of SF6 p.5
2 Physical and chemical properties of SF6 2.1 Physical properties p.6
2.2 Chemical properties p.8
3 Overview on SF6 switchgear 3.1 MV and HV switchgear p.11
3.2 SF6 consumption and switchgear quantities p.12
3.3 EDF experience: 20 years of SF6 in MV p.13
3.4 Future trends p.13
4 Use and handling of SF6 in switchgear 4.1 Filling with new SF6 p.14
4.2 Leakage from SF6 - filled equipment p.15
4.3 Maintenance of SF6 - filled equipment p.15
4.4 End of life of SF6 - filled equipment p.16
4.5 Abnormal situations p.16
4.6 SF6 and the global environment p.19
5 Conclusions p.21
Appendix 1: bibliography p.22

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.3

1 Introduction

1.1 A brief history of use of SF6

Sulphur hexafluoride was first synthesised in the towards 1960 in the USA and in Europe,
laboratories of the Faculté de Pharmacie de coinciding with the appearance of the first SF6
Paris in 1900 by Moissan and Lebeau. Fluorine, circuit-breakers and switches at High Voltage
obtained by electrolysis, was allowed to react – HV – and Extra High Voltage – EHV.
with sulphur and a strongly exothermic reaction, At Merlin Gerin, the research work, concerning the
giving rise to a remarkably stable gas. use of SF6 gas for insulation and circuit-breaking
Gradually thereafter the physical and chemical was initiated around 1955. This coïncides with
properties of the gas were established, with the appearence of the first industrial products in
publications by Pridaux (1906), Schlumb and the U.S.
Gamble (1930), Klemm and Henkel (1932-35) The first industrial applications from Merlin Gerin
and Yest and Clausson (1933) concerning were at EHV, then in Medium Voltage – MV –
particularly the chemical and dielectric properties. applications following:
The first research into industrial applications was c 1964: the first SF6 - insulated substation,
by the General Electric Company in 1937 who ordered by EDF and put into service in the Paris
realised that the gas could be used for insulation region in 1966.
in electrical plant. In 1939 Thomson-Houston c 1967: the FA circuit-breaker was launched
patented the principle of using SF6 for insulating and progressively replaced the compressed air
cables and capacitors. equipment which had established its position in
Immediately after the 2nd world war, publications France and elsewhere during the previous
and applications began to appear in rapid 25 years.
succession:
c 1971: changes in the needs of the industry led
c towards 1947, work on transformer insulation, Merlin Gerin to launch the Fluarc SF6 MV circuit-
c development of industrial manufacture of SF6 breaker.
in the USA in 1948 by Allied Chemical c More recently, SF6 has been adopted for use
Corporation and Pennsalt, in MV switches, ring main units, contactors and
c large scale commercialisation of SF6 manu- circuit-breakers, GIS, covering all the needs of
facture for use in electrical plant construction the elecrical distribution industry.

water rincing
alcaline rincing
cracking fumace
drying towers

Q;@Q;@Q;@Q;@Q;@
fluor
incoming

yy
;;
;;
yy
;;
yy ;;
yy
;;
yy
;;
yy
combustion

;;
yy
;;
yy ;;
yy
;;
yy ;;
yy
;;
yy
;; yy
;;
yy ;;
reactor

yy
melted
suffer
compressor
flow alcaline storing storing
pump solution gazometer bottle

fig. 1 : process of SF6 production by direct combination. The purification chain is necessary to obtain high purity
gas. The quality of SF6 for delivery is defined by IEC publication 376 which specifies the admissible concentrations
of impurities.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.4

1.2 SF6 manufacture
The only industrial process currently in use is During this reaction, a certain number of other
the synthesis of sulphur hexafluoride by fluorides of sulphur are formed, such as SF4,
allowing fluorine obtained by electrolysis to SF2, S2F2, S2F10, as well as impurities due to the
react with sulphur according to the exothermic presence of moisture, air and the carbon anodes
reaction: used for the fluorine electrolysis. These by-
products are removed by various purification
S + 3F2 → SF6 + 262 kcal process (see fig. 1 ).

1.3 Other uses of SF6

The unique properties of SF6 have led to its c acoustic insulation in double glazed windows,
adoption for a number of industrial and scientific c as a tracer gas for studying airflow in
applications including, for example: ventilation systems (for instance in mines) or in
c medical applications: electrical insulation in the high atmosphere,
medical equipment (eg X-ray machines), or c as a tracer for leak detection in pressurised
surgery, systems,
c electrical insulation in scientific equipment c to provide a special atmosphere for
(electron microscopes, particle accelerators such metallurgical processing (aluminium and
as Van der Graf generators), magnesium) or for military purpose.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.5

2 Physical and chemical properties of SF6

2.1 Physical properties

SF6 is one of the heaviest known gases (see is 146.06. It is colourless and odourless. SF 6
fig. 2 ). Its density at 20°C and 0,1 Mpa (that is does not exist in a liquid state unless pressurised.
one atmosphere) is 6.139 kg/m3, almost five
Equation of state
times higher than that of air. Its molecular weight
Sulphur hexafluoride gas having an equation of
state of the Beattie-Bridgeman type, up to
temperature of about 1200 K, behaves as a
Density 6.14 kg m-3 perfect gas:
Thermal conductivity 0.0136 W m-1 K-1 pv2 = R T (v + b) - a where:
Critical point: p = pressure (Pa)
c Temperature 45.55°C v = volume (m3.mol-1)
c Density 730 kg m-3 R = ideal gas constant (8.3143 J.mol-1.K-1)
c Pressure 3.78 MPa T = absolute temperature (K)
Sound velocity 136 m s-1 a = 15.78 x 10-6 (1 - 0.1062 x 10-3 v-1)
Refractive index 1.000783 b = 0.366 x 10-3 (1 - 0.1236 x 10-3 v-1)
Formation heat -1221.66 kJ mol-1
Specific heat 96.6 J mol-1 K-1 Pressure/temperature relation
The variation of pressure with temperature is
fig. 2 : main physical characteristics of SF6 at linear and relatively small in the range of service
atmospheric pressure and a temperature of 25°C. temperatures (-25 to + 50°C), (see fig. 3 ).

Pressure in MPa Density in kg/l

0.13
2.6
0.12
2.4
0.11
2.2
0.10
2.0
0.09
1.8
0.08
1.6
0.07
1.4
0.06
1.2
0.05
1.0
0.04
0.8
0.03
0.6
0.02
0.4
0.01
0.2

0
–50 –30 –10 +10 +30 +50 +70 +90 +110 +130
Temperature in °C

fig. 3 : vapour pressure curve and lines of equivalent gas density of SF6.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.6

Specific heat
The volumetric specific heat of SF6 is 3.7 times Breakdown voltage
that of air. This has important consequences for (kV)
reducing the effects of heating within electrical
equipment.

Thermal conductivity 300

The thermal conductivity of SF6 is below that of
air but its overall heat transfer capability, in
particular when convection is taken into account, 250
is excellent, being similar to that of gases such as
hydrogen and helium and higher than that of air.
At high temperatures, the thermal conductivity 200
curve of SF6 (see fig. 4 ) reveals one of the excep-
tional qualities of the gas, which allows it to be
used for extinguishing arcs by thermal transport. 150
The peak of the thermal conductivity corresponds SF6
to the dissociation temperature of the SF6 mole-
cule at 2100 to 2500 K. The dissociation process 100
absorbs a considerable amount of heat which is N2
released when the molecules reform at the
periphery of the arc, facilitating a rapid exchange 50
of heat between the hot and cooler regions.

pd
1 2 3 4 5
Thermal conductivity
(W cm-1 K-1) pd product:
p: pressure (MPa)
d: distance between the electrodes (10-3 m)
009
fig. 5 : breakdown voltage as a function of the pd
008 product between two spheres of 5 cm diameter.
007

006 N2
Breakdown voltage
(kV)
005
004 SF6

003
200
002

001 160
SF6
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 120
Temperature 103 K

fig. 4 : thermal conductivity of SF6 and nitrogen. 80

N2
40
Electrical Properties
The excellent dielectric properties of SF6 are due
0 p
to the electronegative character of its molecule.
It has a pronounced tendency to capture free 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 (MPa)
electrons forming heavy ions with low mobility
making the development of electron avalanches fig. 6 : breakdown voltage as a function of the
very difficult. pressure for a non-uniform electrical field.
The dielectric strength of SF6 is about 2.5 times
higher than that of air under the same conditions. For non-uniform fields (see fig. 6 ) a maximum
The advantage of SF6 over nitrogen as a dielectric breakdown voltage is obtained at a pressure of
is clearly illustrated by the curve (see fig. 5 ). about 0,2 MPa.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.7

 Because of its low dissociation temperature and
high dissociation energy, SF6 is an excellent arc
quenching gas. Breakdown field relative to pressure 89 V m-1 Pa-1
When an electric arc cools in SF6, it remains Relative dielectric constant 1.00204
conductive to a relatively low temperature, thus at 25°C and 1 bar absolute
minimising current chopping before current zero, Loss factor (tan δ) < 2 x10-7
and thereby avoiding high overvoltages. at 25°C and 1 bar absolute
For more information, consult Merlin Gerin Ionisation coefficient α=A p E/(p - B)
Cahier Technique n°145. α: (m-1)
Figure 7 lists the main electrical characteristics E: (V m-1)
of SF6. p: (Pa)
A=2.8 x10-2 V2
Sonic characteristics B=89 V m-1 Pa-1
The speed of sound in SF6 is one third of that in fig.7 : main electrical characteristics of SF6.
air, making SF6 a good phonic insulator.

2.2 Chemical properties

Sulphur hexafluoride fully satisfies the valency The above explains why the solid and gaseous
requirements of the sulphur molecule. Its decomposition products contain, in addition to
molecular structure is octahedral with a fluorine fluorine and sulphur, elements such as carbon,
molecule at each apex. silicon, oxygen, hydrogen, tungsten, copper etc.
The effective collision diameter of the SF6 The principle gaseous by-products, identified by
molecule is 4.77 Å. The six bonds are covalent laboratories which have worked on this subject,
which accounts for the exceptional stability of combining gas-phase chromatography with
this compound. mass spectroscopy, are:
c SF6 can be heated without decomposition v Hydrofluoric acid HF
to 500°C in the absence of catalytic metals. v Carbon dioxide CO2
c SF6 is non-flammable. v Sulphur dioxide SO2
c Hydrogen, chlorine and oxygen have no action v Carbon tetrafluoride CF4
on it. v Silicon tetrafluoride SiF4
c SF6 is insoluble in water. v Thionyl fluoride SOF2
c It is not attacked by acids. v Sulphuryl fluoride SO2F2
In its pure state SF6 has no toxicity and this is v Sulphur tetrafluoride SF4
regularly confirmed on new gas prior to delivery, v Disulphur decafluoride S2F10.
by placing mice in an atmosphere of 80% SF6 Certain of these by-products can be toxic, but it
and 20% oxygen for a period of 24 hours is very easy to adsorb most of them using
(biological essay recommended by IEC 376). materials such as activated alumina or molecular
Arc decomposition products sieves.Certain also are formed in extremely
minute quantities (S2F10).
In an electric arc, the temperature can reach
15,000 K and a small proportion of SF6 is If the adsorbent (molecular sieve or activated
decomposed. The decomposition products are alumina) is present in the equipment in sufficient
formed in the presence of: quantity, then the level of corrosion due to SF6
decomposition products (HF in particular) is very
c an electric arc formed by the opening of
slight if not negligible. This is due to the fact that
contacts normally comprising alloys based on
the adsorbents have a very rapid and effective
tungsten, copper and nickel, containing residual
action such that the corrosive gases do not
quantities of oxygen and hydrogen,
have sufficient time to react with other materials
c impurities in the SF6 such as air, CF4 and present.
water vapour,
Nevertheless, in order to avoid any risk, Merlin
c insulating components comprising plastic Gerin has prohibited the use of certain materials
materials based on carbon, hydrogen and silica. and constituents which have shown signs of
c other metallic or non-metallic materials from degradation after long tests at high pollution
which the equipment is constructed. levels, without adsorbents present.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.8

Analysis of gas taken from equipment
Numerous aspects can be studied through
Gas No adsorbent With absorbent
analysis of the gas and its decomposition
(%) (molecular sieve)
products. Here we will consider only the influence
(%)
of adsorbents, specifically a molecular sieve.
Chromatogram a in figure 8 shows the results of Air 0.17 0.03
analysis of gas taken from a prototype pole CF4 2.83 2.80
without any adsorbent.
SiF4 2.88 0.25
Chromatogram b in figure 8 shows the results of
analysis of gas from an identical pole, subjected CO2 0.24 —
to the same electrical stresses, but with a SF6 remainder remainder
molecular sieve fitted. SO2F2 0.12 —
SOF2 3.95 trace
H2O + HF 0.20 0.05
a - Chromatogram without absorbent
SO2 2.90 trace

SF6 fig. 9 : results of analysis of SF6 from circuit-breakers

CF4 with and without molecular sieves.
CO2
SO2
air
SiF4 Whilst it is possible therefore for the inhaled
SOF2
atmosphere to contain a high proportion of SF6
without harmful effects, a maximum
Injection

SO2F2
H2O
concentration of 1,000 ppmv (6,000 mg/m3)
SOF4 has been established for places of work in
which personnel spend up to eight hours per
day, five days per week.
This TLV (Threshold Limit Value) is that
commonly used for harmless gases not normally
present in the atmosphere.
b - Chromatogram with absorbent (molecular sieve) Pure SF6 has no ecotoxic, mutagenic, or
carcinogenic (neither genotoxic nor epigenetic)
effects on health.
SF6
When handling new SF6, therefore, it is
necessary only to adopt procedures which
air
ensure that the specified maximum
CF4 CO2 concentration is not exceeded.
Owing to the manufacturing process,
commercially available SF6 is not perfectly pure.
Injection

The permitted levels of impurities are laid

down in IEC Standard 376. These are shown
SOF2 in figure 10 .
SO2

fig. 8 : analysis of gases sampled from equipment.

Impurity Maximum permitted
CF4 500 ppm weight
The table in figure 9 allows the quantities of
gaseous decomposition products in the two O 2, N 2 500 ppm weight
cases to be compared. The effectiveness of the Water 15 ppm weight
adsorbent is clearly apparent. HF 0.3 ppm weight
Health characteristics of pure SF6 Hydrolysable fluorides 1.0 ppm weight
expressed as HF
Pure SF6 is non toxic and biologically inert. Tests
performed with animals have shown that when fig. 10 : maximum permitted impurity levels in
present in a concentration of up to 80% SF6 to new SF6.
20% O2, no adverse effects are experienced.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.9

 Assessment of risk to health posed by SOF2 may further react with water, leading to
arced SF6 the generation of sulphur dioxide SO2 and
The level of risk to health due to exposure to hydrofluoric acid HF: however due to similar
used SF6 depends on a number of factors: concentration and TLV values, the overall
c the degree of decomposition of the SF6 and toxicity effect is similar, for SOF2 or the products
the types of decomposition products present, of its hydrolisis.
c the of dilution of used SF6 in the local Table of figure 11 compares the three
atmosphere, decomposition products:
c the time during which an individual is exposed c Thionyl fluoride SOF2
to the atmosphere containing used SF6.
c Sulphuryl fluoride SO2F2
Definition of TLV – Threshold Limit Value – c Disulphur decafluoride S2F10
Potentially toxic gases are assigned a value The first two are the most abundant decompo-
known as TLV, which is expressed as a concen- sition products of arcing in SF6 whereas the
tration in the air, normally in parts per million by latter is estimated to be the most toxic.
volume (ppmv). The TLV is a time-weighted
To have a toxic effect, a chemical agent must be
average concentration at which no adverse
present in sufficient quantity relative to its TLV.
health effects are expected, for exposure during
The “risk index” in the table gives an indication
8 hours per day, for up to 40 hours per week.
of the relative contributions of the three decom-
Assessment of toxicity using SOF2 position products to overall toxicity. In a typical
concentration sample of arced SF6 , the contribution to toxicity
due to SOF2 outweighs that due SO2F2 by about
Although used SF6 contains a multi-component
200 times, and that due to S2F10 by about
mixture of chemical agents, one particular
10,000 times. S2F10 can clearly be neglected, as
constituent has been shown to dominate in
can SO2F2.
determining the toxicity. This is the gaseous
decomposition product thionyl fluoride SOF2. In section 4, the quantities of SOF2 produced
The dominance of this component results from under various circumstances will be calculated
its high production rate (formed volume in l per and used to assess the levels of risk to
arc energy in kJ) relative to those of the other personnel, taking into account the degree of
decomposition products, combined with its dilution of the used SF6 in the local atmosphere
toxicity rate. The TLV for SOF2 is 1.6 ppmv. and the likely exposure time.

Thionyl Fluoride Sulphuryl Fluoride Disulphur decafluoride

SOF2 SO2F2 S2F10
Production rate (l/kJ) 3.7 x 10-3 0.06 x 10-3 2.4 x 10-9
TLV (ppmv) 1.6 5 0.01
Production rate 1 0.016 0.65 x 10-6
relative to SOF2: Pr
Toxicity 1 0.32 160
relative to SOF2: Tr
Risk index: Pr x Tr 1 5.12 x 10-3 0.104 x 10-3

fig. 11 : comparison of three SF6 decomposition products from power arcing.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.10

3 Overview on SF6 switchgear

3.1 MV and HV switchgear

As mentionned above, switchgear manufacturers
use the unique dielectric or/and breaking
properties to design their equipment. The main
use of SF6 is in MV and HV switchgear: the place
of SF6 can be globally summarized as detailed
in figure 12 .

Purpose Switchgear MV HV
(≤ 52 kV) (> 52 kV)
Insulation GIS +++ +++
RMU +++ NA
Breaking CB ++ +++
LBS ++ +++

Worldwide market share:

Low + GIS Gas Insulated Switchgear
Medium ++ RMU Ring Main Unit
High +++ CB Circuit Breaker
LBS Load Break Switch
fig. 12 : the place of SF6 in switchgear.

In HV field, SF6 will be soon, on a worldwide

basis, the single technology used for GIS
(see fig. 13 ) and CB design (see fig. 14 ) ; the
old oil or compressed air technologies are
disappearing, due to the numerous advantages
related to SF6.
fig. 14 : circuit-breaker for HV substation equipment
(SB6 circuit-breaker - Merlin Gerin).

In MV field, when compact switchgear is

required, SF6 is the single proposed solution
(GIS, RMU) (see fig. 15 and 16 ). For loose
components however, SF6 technology is sharing
the market with air for LBS – Load Break
Switches: but air market share is rapidly
decreasing to the benefit of SF6, and with
vacuum for CBs. Vacuum and SF6 CBs are
modern solutions, and will continue to expand
due to the decreasing influence of minimum oil
fig. 13 : GIS (Merlin Gerin)
technology.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.11

 fig. 15 : equipment for MV distribution for ring main
distribution system ; the output, protected by the circuit
breaker is placed in the centre (RM6 - Merlin Gerin).

To be complete in terms of application, we have

to mention SF6 insulated transformers, mainly
popular in Japan, and HV gas insulated cables, fig. 16 : SM6 (Merlin Gerin)
which are quite similar to HV GIS technology.

3.2 SF6 consumption and switchgear quantities

Worldwide SF6 consumption is shared between In order to understand the relative proportion
switchgear and non electrical applications: of SF6 in MV and HV field, it is usefull to
IEC estimates a total annual consumption of estimate the worldwide total installed parc and
5-8000 tons, divided into 2 more or less the quantities annually put into service (see table
equivalent parts between these two applications. of figure 17 ).

a - MV switchgear

SF6 mass Total installed parc Annual additional

per unit installed switchgear
(kg) quantity SF6 mass quantity SF6 mass
(tons) (tons)
RMU/ 0.6 3,000,000 1,850 240,000 RMU 140
switches + 70,000 switches 8
GIS 6 50,000 300 7,000 42
CB 0.3 500,000 150 40,000 17
Total — — 2,000 - 2,500 — ≈ 200

b - HV switchgear

SF6 mass Total installed parc Annual additional

per unit installed switchgear
(kg) quantity SF6 mass quantity SF6 mass
(tons) (tons)
GIS 500 20,000 10,000 3,000 1,500
Open type CBs 50 100,000 5,000 8,000 400
Gas insulated 30,000 m 1,000 3,000 m 100
cables
Total — — 2,0000 — ≈ 2,000

fig. 17 : size of MV and HV SF6 markets.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.12

 It clearly shown in these tables that the use of and only 10 % for MV. In MV, SF6 consumption
SF6 is predominant in HV: 90 % of the concerns mainly RMU/switches and GIS, the
total SF6 volume in switchgear is for HV use, part of MV CBs being almost negligeable.

3.3 EDF experience: 20 years of SF6 in MV

EDF is probably the only electricity distribution precisely concerning CB wear estimation, contact
company having such an experience: wear measurements showed a maximum value
20 years of SF6 experience in MV CBs and of 25%; gas analysis has been used in order to
switches, with a Merlin Gerin installed parc of evaluate the potential toxicity in two different
more than 20,000 CBs and 200,000 switches cases: standard leakage and abnormal sudden
(of modular or compact type) in 1995. release due to a fault:
EDF has recently carried out a complete check c In case of a standard leakage, concentration of
up of some of the oldest apparatus, having the by-products in the switchgear are extremely low
highest number of operations: tests such as short (of the order of 10,000 times lower than the TLV).
circuit tests, dielectric tests, temperature rise c In the the second case, which occurs excep-
tests, tightness measurements and mechanical tionnaly rarely, the by-products concentrations
endurance, contact wear mesurements, gas remain far below any danger limit.
analysis… have been made, in order to estimate As a consequence, it has been demonstrated,
the probable remaining life. through actual service conditions on site,
The results of these tests have been published that the prospective life duration of SF6
in IEE 1994 and CIREC 1995 conference. More switchgear is at least 30 years.

3.4 Future trends

SF6 switchgear fully complies with customer
requirements, in terms of compactness, reliability,
reduced maintenance, personnel safety, life
duration… We may expect that in the future, the
mechanical energy will continue to decrease due
to the mastering of new breaking principles – such
as combination of rotating arc and self expansion
(see fig. 18 ) – leading to higher reliability (see
Cahier Technique n°171). Filling pressures will
also decrease, contributing to optimum
personnel safety. Concerning maintenance, we
can foresee diagnostic features, being able to
monitor, in real time, the status of the apparatus
and being able to give the information to the
user, when maintenance has to be provided.
As far as tightness is concerned, a probable
development of HV switchgear can be expected
with lower leakage rates such as 0,1 to 0,5% per
year. CIGRE WG 23.10 is working on a SF6
recycling guide, covering purity definition for SF6
to be rensed in power equipment. By this way,
we are considering the use of SF6 in a closed
cycle, which will contribute to minimise its fig. 18 : Merlin Gerin LF circuit breaker.
emission in the atmosphere.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.13

4 Use and handling of SF6 in switchgear

This section has been included to respond products to personnel safety or environment.
to user’s concerns regarding the possible For more details, please refer to the IEC 1634
effect with SF6 gas and its decomposition technical report.

4.1 Filling with new SF6

New SF6 is supplied in cylinders as a liquid. naked flames, welding (except in a neutral
The pressure of SF6 above the liquid is about atmosphere) or other sources of heat that may
22 bar gauge. New SF6 should comply with approach these temperatures, in areas where
IEC 376 which defines limits for impurity SF6 may be present in the atmosphere.
concentrations. c The normal precautions associated with pres-
New SF6 may be handled outdoors without any surised cylinders of gas should be exercised. For
special provisions. When working indoors with example, a sudden release of compressed gas
new SF6, the following should be considered: will give rise to low temperatures which can cause
c The TLV for new SF6 is 1,000 ppmv which rapid freezing. Workers manipulating equipment
means that workers may be exposed to where this could occur should wear thermally
concentrations up to this level during eight hours insulating gloves.
per day for five days a week. The TLV is not c When equipment is to be filled with new SF6 ,
based on potential toxicity, rather it is a value manufacturers’ instructions should be followed in
which is assigned to gases which are not already order:
present in the atmosphere. v to be sure that the quality of the SF6 inside the
c Temperatures above 500°C, or the presence equipment is adequate,
of certain metals above 200°C, provoke the v to eliminate any risk of over-pressurising the
decomposition of SF6. At threshold temperatures enclosure which is being filled.
this decomposition can be extremely slow. It is Furthermore spillage of SF6 to the atmosphere
therefore advised that there be no smoking, during filling should be avoided.

HV case studied, conditions and calculations

A Volume of room (m3) 700

B Volume of CB enclosure (m3) 0.5
C Filing pressure (Mpa) 0.5
D Volume of SF6/CB (m3) BxC 0.25
E No of CB’s 7
F CB fault rating (kA) 31.5
G Arc voltage (V) 500
H Arc duration (s) 0.015
I Arc energy (1 break/1 pole) (kJ) FxGxH 236.25
J Arc energy (3 breaks/3 poles) (kJ) 9xI 2,126
K SOF2 production rate (I/kJ) 3.7 x 10-3
L Quantity of SOF2 produced in CB (I) KxJ 7.87
M Total quantity of SOF2 (I) ExL 55.07
N Typical leak rage (% year) 1
P Volume of SOF2 released in 1 year (I) M x N/100 0.55
Q Concentration after 1 year (ppmv) P/A x 103 0.79

fig. 19 : leakage of SF6 in a high voltage (145 kV) indoor substation.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.14

4.2 Leakage from SF6 - filled equipment
This section examines the implications of c the circuit-breakers (CBs) have each interrupted
leakage of SF6 gas and gaseous decomposition their rated fault current three times,
products into an indoor environment. The c SOF2 is produced at a rate of 3.7x10-3 litres
potential toxicity of the atmosphere is per kJ of arc energy, (value most frequently
calculated using the concentration of thionyl cited by the scientific press).
fluoride SOF2.
Tables of figures 19 and 20 summarise the data
Two case studies (one high voltage and one and the calculations in each case.
medium voltage) are presented. In both cases,
The results show that in both cases, the TLV for
the following worst case assumptions are made:
SOF2 (1.6 ppmv) is not exceeded after 1 year of
c the switchgear room is sealed from the leakage at the maximum leak rates into a sealed
external atmosphere, ie there is no ventilation, volume. In reality, normal ventilation would further
c the switchgear room contains dilute the SOF2 leading to a negligible SOF2
respectively 7 and 15 circuit breakers, concentration.
c the effects of adsorbents in switching There is hence no health risk associated with
enclosures are neglected, normal leakage of used SF6 from switchgear.

4.3 Maintenance of SF6 - filled equipment

Sealed-for-life MV equipment requires no c Care should be taken when removing SF6
maintenance to parts inside SF6 enclosures: which may contain decomposition products. It
they are hence not concerned by this section. should not be released in an indoor environment
Certains designs of MV GIS may require main- and should be collected in a storage vessel. Care
tenance and most types of HV circuit breakers should be taken not to breathe SF6 removed from
are designed to be be maintained periodically. an item of equipment. If this possibility cannot be
Extending a GIS switchboard, both MV and HV, avoided, a respirator should be worn. This should
may require the removal of the SF6. be fitted with a filter capable of removing the gases
Many local codes of practice and manufacturer’s described in § “arc decomposition products”.
recommendations exist to advise safe working c Enclosures should be evacuated such as to
practises under these circumstances. The fol- remove as much as possible of the residual SF6.
lowing guidelines are common to many of these: In some cases, flushing enclosures with dry air

MV case studied, conditions and calculations

A Volume of room (m3) 120

B Volume of CB enclosure (m3) 45 x 10-3
C Filing pressure (Mpa) 0.3
D Volume of SF6/CB (m3) BxC 13.5 x 10-3
E No of CB’s 15
F CB fault rating (kA) 31.5
G Arc voltage (V) 200
H Arc duration (s) 0.015
I Arc energy (1 break/1 pole) (kJ) FxGxH 94.5
J Arc energy (3 breaks/3 poles) (kJ) 9xI 850.5
K SOF2 production rate (I/kJ) 3.7 x 10-3
L Quantity of SOF2 produced in CB (I) KxJ 3.147
M Total quantity of SOF2 (I) ExL 47.2
N Typical leak rage (% year) 0.1
P Volume of SOF2 released in 1 year (I) M x N/100 0.0472
Q Concentration after 1 year (ppmv) P/A x 103 0.39

fig. 20 : leakage of SF6 in a medium voltage (12 kV) indoor substation.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.15

 or nitrogen is recommended prior to opening prior to and during their removal. Fine powders
them. In any case, workers should be aware of can remain suspended in the air for long periods
the presence of residual SF6 when enclosures of time ; where powders are present respirators
are first opened and should wear respirators at fitted with sub-micron range powder filters
that time. Ventilation of the work area should be should be used. Particular attention should be
adequate to remove rapidly any gas released paid to protecting the eyes.
into it. c Components, metal fluoride powders and
c Metal fluoride powders are more chemically adsorbents removed from equipment in service
active in the presence of moisture so efforts should be packed in sealed containers for
should be made to keep these in a dry condition subsequent neutralisation.

4.4 End of life of SF6 - filled equipment

SF6 - filled equipment which has been removed Low decomposition:
from service may require treatment to neutralise No special action is required.
any decomposition products remaining after the
SF6 has been removed. For environment Medium and high decomposition:
reasons. SF6 has to be removed and not
released to the atmosphere, (see § SF6 and the The internal surfaces of gas enclosures should be
global environment). The need for neutralisation neutralised using a solution of lime (calcium
is dependent on the level of decomposition ; hydroxide) prepared by diluting 1 kg of lime
expected decomposition levels are shown in the in 100 litres of water. The enclosure to be treated
table of figure 21 . should, if possible, be filled with the lime solution
Prior to treatment, the SF6 should be removed for a period of 8 hours before emptying. If it is
and stored for recycling. The equipment should subsequently necessary to work on the enclosure,
then be treated according to the expected it should first be rinsed with clean water.
decomposition level. After treatment, the For larger enclosures where filling is impractical,
equipment can be disposed of as normal waste powders should be removed, using a vacuum
(respecting local regulations), for example in a cleaner equipped with a suitable filter, for
landfill site, or subjected to reclamation neutralisation separately. The internal surfaces
processes to recover the metals. Solutions used should then be washed with the lime solution
in the neutralisation process can be disposed of which should be left in place for at least one hour
as normal waste. followed by rinsing with clean water.

Application Expected degree of SF6 decomposition

GIS disconnector Medium voltage load-break switch c from zero to a few tenths of a percent
and ring-main unit c no visible powder deposit
Medium voltage and high voltage circuit-breaker medium:
c up to a few percent
c light powder deposits
Any enclosure in which abnormal arcing has occured high:
c could exceed 10%
c medium to heavy powder deposits

fig. 21 : expected levels of SF6 decomposition for various equipment types.

4.5 Abnormal situations

This section deals with the assessment of risk to c internal fault, resulting from uncontrolled arcing
personnel in the case of an abnormal situation inside the SF6 enclosure,
leading to an uncontrolled release of SF6 gas c external fire, giving rise to abnormal leakage.
into the atmosphere. Such situations, which
occur only very infrequently, are: Abnormal leakage
c abnormal leakage, due to a failure of the The method of risk assessment is similar to that
SF6 enclosure seals to contain the gas, used in section “leakage from SF6 - filled

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.16

equipment” which deals with normal leakage. to the CBs. These normally operate around 80%
The same case study data will be used for high of normal filling pressure, and at this point in time,
and medium voltage situations. In the calculations only 20% of the available SF6 would be in the
that follow it is assumed that all of the SF6 in one atmosphere, leading to an SOF2 concentration
circuit-breaker escapes suddenly and it is again of 1,8 ppmv.
assumed that the switchroom is sealed and that In the case of abnormal leakage of SF6 in a
ventilation is inoperative. (see fig. 22 ). medium voltage indoor substation (see fig. 23 ),
Thus if all of the SF6 were to escape into the the SOF2 related to complete escape of SF6 from
switchroom, the concentration of SOF2 would one CB would reach 17,5 ppmv.
reach 9.0 ppmv, or about 6 times the TLV. The concentration of SOF2 in the switchroom at
In practice, attention would be drawn to an 20% relative pressure loss (commonly the alarm
abnormal leak by underpressure detectors fitted level) would be 3.5 ppmv.

HV Case studied, conditions and calculations

A Volume of room (m3) 700

B Volume of CB enclosure (m3) 0.5
C Filing pressure (Mpa) 0.5
D Volume of SF6/CB (m3) BxC 0.25
E No of CB’s 7
F CB fault rating (kA) 31.5
G Arc voltage (V) 500
H Arc duration (s) 0.015
I Arc energy (1 break/1 pole) (kJ) FxGxH 236.2
J Arc energy (3 breaks/3 poles) (kJ) 9xI 2,126
K SOF2 production rate (I/kJ) 3.7 x 10-3
L Quantity of SOF2 produced in CB (I) KxJ 7.87
M Filling pressure relative to atmospheric (Mpa) C - 0,1 0.4
N Amount of SOF2 which could leak (I) L x M/C 6.3
P Switchroom SOF2 concentration (ppmv) N/A 9.0

fig. 22 : abnormal leakage of SF6 in a high voltage (145 kV) indoor substation.

MV Case studied, conditions and calculations

A Volume of room (m3) 120

B Volume of CB enclosure (m3) 45 x 10-3
C Filing pressure (Mpa) 0.3
D Volume of SF6/CB (m3) BxC 13.5 x 10-3
E No of CB’s 15
F CB fault rating (kA) 31.5
G Arc voltage (V) 200
H Arc duration (s) 0.015
I Arc energy (1 break/1 pole) (kJ) FxGxH 94.5
J Arc energy (3 breaks/3 poles) (kJ) 9xI 850.5
K SOF2 production rate (I/kJ) 3.7 x 10-3
L Quantity of SOF2 produced in CB (I) KxJ 3.147
M Filling pressure relative to atmospheric (Mpa) C - 0,1 0.2
N Amount of SOF2 which could leak (I) L x M/C 2,098
P Switchroom SOF2 concentration (ppmv) N/A 17.5

fig. 23 : abnormal leakage of SF6 in a medium voltage (12 kV) indoor substation.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.17

 In both cases above, the TLV for SOF2 (1.6 ppmv) The risks to personnel associated with faults of
may be exceeded, but by a relatively small types 2 and 3 will be considered here. The risks
factor. Under these circumstances exposure for associated with the use of SF6 are evaluated
a short period would present negligible risk. The based on the quantity of SOF2 released into the
pungent, unpleasant odour of SOF2 is noticeable atmoshere. The potentially harmful effects of
from concentrations of around 1 ppmv and this other toxic vapours not related to the use of SF6
would mean that, for most people, attention are also considered ; it will be seen that these
would be drawn immediately to concentrations other by-products, which are also present during
approaching the TLV. Smell is however not an internal fault in any type of equipment, can be
recommended as a detection method. the dominant contributors to toxicity.

Internal fault The following assumptions are made:

An internal fault can develop when an arc is c For medium-voltage equipment containing small
formed abnormally between the main conductors volumes of SF6, it is assumed that the majority of
of an item of switchgear, or between a main the gas is expelled from the enclosure within 50
conductor and an earthed conducting part. Such ms. This assumption is supported by pressure
faults occur very rarely. Abnormal arcing gives measurements made during internal fault tests.
rise to a rapid increase in pressure which can The quantity of SOF2 formed is therefore
cause hot gases and other materials to be calculated using a 50 ms production period.
expelled. Whilst an internal fault could develop in c For high-voltage equipment a SOF2 production
any high-voltage enclosure, this section is period of 100 ms will be used, because fault-
concerned with internal faults within enclosures times in high-voltage systems are usually limited
filled with SF6. There are three possibilities for to around 100 ms.
such faults: c It is assumed that the switchroom is closed to
1 - Internal fault which does not lead to an the external environment.
abnormal release of SF6. This can occur when c The effects of adsorbents are likely to be
the energy delivered to the fault is insufficient to negligible within the time period of interest.
lead to burn-through or pressure relief of the
enclosure. c All of the SOF2 generated during the fault is
released into the switchroom. (see fig. 24 & 25 ).
2 - Internal fault where heat from the arc causes
the enclosure wall (usually metallic and forming The results indicate that significant concentrations
one arc electrode) to melt or vapourise such that of SOF2 can be generated within a switchroom.
a hole is formed. This type of fault is associated Detailed toxicological data for SOF2 are
mainly with high-voltage GIS equipment. unfortunately not available but it is known that
3 - Internal fault where the pressure-rise within larger mammals (rabbits) can withstand exposure
the enclosure is sufficient to lead to operation of for one hour at concentrations of up to 500 ppmv
pressure relief devices. This is controlled by a (see section 4.2.2. of IEC 1634 -1995).
pressure-relief valve or by a well-defined, stress Other potentially toxic substances are produced
releasing zone of the enclosure, allowing hot during an internal fault including metal and plastic
exhaust to be directed. vapours and it can be shown that these inevitable

HV Case studied, conditions and calculations

A Volume of room (m3) 700

B CB fault rating (kA) 31.5
C Arc voltage (V) 1,000
D Arc duration (s) 0.1
E Arc energy (2 arcs, phase-phase) (kJ) BxCxD 6,300
F SOF2 Production rate (AI electrodes) (I/kJ) 10 x 15-3
G Quantity of SOF2 produced in CB (l) ExF 94.5
H Switchroom SOF2 concentration (ppmv) G/A 135

fig. 24 : internal fault in a high voltage (145 kV) indoor GIS substation.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.18

 products, which are not related to the use of SF6, view that the use of SF6 in switchgear does
can dominate when the overall toxicity of the not significantly add to the risks associated
atmosphere is considered. This applies to any with an internal fault.
type of switchgear, SF6 filled or otherwise (see
section C 4.7.2. and C 4.7.3 of IEC 1634 -1995). External fire
If, for example during a busbar fault, only Fires in outdoor installations rarely cause
10 grammes of copper were evapourated into problems because of the relative absence of
the example medium voltage switchroom flammable material in the vicinity of the
atmosphere, the concentration (neglecting the switchgear. In indoor installations, particularly in
effects of oxidation) would be (mass of Cu / room the case of medium voltage consumer
volume) = 83 mg/m3. The TLV for copper vapour substations, there is a greater risk of fire in the
is 0.2 mg/m3. This means that the copper vapour proximity of the switchgear.
concentration could reach 400 times the TLV. Research has shown that fire temperatures
Similarly, the full vaporisation of only 32 grammes rarely exceed 800°C and the temperatures in the
of PVC (equivalent to the insulation from 1.2 m region of SF6 enclosures which are protected by
of standard 1 mm2 wire) could give rise to an metal cladding, are likely to be much lower than
atmospheric concentration of 100 times the TLV this. A release of SF6 is very unlikely to be
(2.6 mg/m3) of vinyl chloride. provoked by a fire; if it should occur, average
temperatures are likely to be too low (because
It can be therefore concluded that in any SF6 will be rapidly dissipated by convection to
internal fault situation, corrosive and/or toxic lower temperature regions) to lead to significant
fumes are produced whether or not SF6 is decomposition, which requires at least 500°C.
present. In cases where these fumes enter SF6 is non-flammable and will have an
the switchroom atmosphere, it has been extinguishing effect.
shown that non SF6 related products are Personnel engaged in fighting a fire will be
likely to be the dominant contributors to adequately protected by precautions normally
overall toxicity. This further strengthens the used against vapours from burning plastics.

MV Case studied, conditions and calculations

A Volume of room (m3) 120

B CB fault rating (kA) 31.5
C Arc voltage (V) 1,000
D Arc duration (s) 0.5
E Arc energy (2 arcs, phase-phase) (kJ) BxCxD 1,575
F SOF2 Production rate (Cu electrodes) (I/kJ) 3.7 x 10-3
G Quantity of SOF2 produced in CB (l) ExF 5.83
H Switchroom SOF2 concentration (ppmv) G/A 48.6

fig. 25 : internal fault in a medium voltage (12 kV) indoor substation.

4.6 SF6 and the global environment

Atmospheric pollutants produced by human chlorine which is the main agent in ozone
activity are divided into two major categories catalysis, or to the greenhouse effect because
according to their effects: quantities present in the atmosphere are very
c stratospheric ozone depletion (hole in the small (see annexe D of IEC 1634 (1995) and
ozone layer), Electra n° 164 (2), 1996).
c global warming (greenhouse effect). Schneider Group Policy
SF6 does not contribute significantly to strato- Schneider group has set up an environmental
spheric ozone depletion because it contains no policy in order to provide systems and products to

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.19

 help people use electricity safely: actions are reacts with free oxygen, liberating the chlorine
taken in order to protect the environment and atom which can go once more through reaction
promote its care, not only inside the group, but 2. This is termed the catalytic cycle. A single
also outside, by providing appropriate information atom of chlorine can participate in this cycle ten
to our customers, suppliers and partners. thousand times before it is neutralised by a
As far as SF6 handling is concerned, regulations reaction not involving ozone.
and qualified procedures have been set up for SF6 however is not photo-decomposed at ozone
internal and customer purpose: layer altitudes (32-44 km), so very little atomic
c Internal procedures specify the quality of SF6 fluorine is released. Any free fluorine which is
necessary to guarantee the switchgear released has a strong tendency to combine with
performances, either for dielectric or breaking free hydrogen rather than with ozone. Moreover,
application. the concentration of SF6 is 1,000 times less of
Criteria here are based on IEC 376 standards for that of the CFC’s.
personnel and environment safety, adequate
Greenhouse effect
procedures and qualified equipment (coupling,
pumping) have been chosen to minimize SF6 The temperature at the surface of the earth rises
release at each stage (production, site, during the day due to solar radiation and falls
maintenance, end of life). during the night as heat is lost due to infra-red
c For the user (customer) relevant information is radiation. Some of the infra-red radiation,
displayed in the switchgear leaflet, for different particularly in the range of wavelengths between
situations (normal use, maintenance…). 7 and 13 µm, is reflected back to the surface of
However, for personnel safety and environmental the earth and does not escape. The reflectivity of
care reasons, maintenance specifically heavy the atmosphere at these wavelengths is
maintenance, can be carried out by Schneider enhanced by the presence of “greenhouse”
group or under his supervision, in our facilities or gases such as CO2, H2O and O3 and is particu-
specially designed workshops. larly increased by man-made gases such as CO2
from the burning of fossil fuels, N2O from intensive
In these procedures, special operations are agriculture, CFC’s from spray propellants and
described, in terms of gas treatment ; A gas which refrigerators and CH4 from intensive cattle farming.
is not in accordance with the specified values SF6 has infra-red absorbtion characteristics and
can be locally on site treated, by using adequate is considered as a minuscule greenhouse gas,
gas cart equipment ; Gas treatment for arc having a very long life duration in the atmosphere ;
decomposed gas may also be carried out by however, its contribution to global warming is
Schneider, a patented procedure using lime very small, due to the extremely low
solution for neutralisation purpose has been concentration of SF6 in the atmosphere (see
developped in order to answer to customers fig. 26 ).
requirements, for instance for end of life disposal.
This service is supported by Schneider Services. The contribution of SF6 is less than one part in
ten thousand of the total contribution of the other
The existing procedures are applied: agents and is thus negligible. However, very
v in our facilities (filling, recyling), long term environmental considerations make it
v during maintenance (rincing, refilling), advisable to SF6 reclaim,during maintenance or
v for end of life disposal. end of life treatment, in order to minimize its
accumulation in the atmosphere.
Ozone depletion
The international community has recognised the
risks, due to destruction of the ozone layer, to
health and the environment.
The ozone (O3) destruction mechanism in the Gas Concentration Contribution
case of CFC’s (chlorinated fluorocarbons) requires (ppbv)
the presence of free chlorine atoms which are
CO2 353 x 103 60
released when CFC molecules are exposed to
ultraviolet radiation. The reactions are: CH4 1.7 x 103 15

UV
N2O 310 5
CFC → Cl + CFC remainder (reaction 1)
O3 10-50 8
Cl + O3 UV
→ ClO + O2 (reaction 2) CFC-11 0.28 4

ClO + O UV CFC-12 0.48 8

→ Cl + O2… (reaction 3)
SF6 0.002 10-2
O + O3 UV
→ 2O2… (reaction 4)

CFC molecular bonds are broken by UV irradiation fig. 26 : estimated contribution of various gases to the
and free chlorine atoms are released (1). These greenhouse effect.
react with ozone to producing ClO, which in turn

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.20

5 Conclusions

The adoption of SF6 in switchgear for all operating Many years of service experience have
conditions has brought advantages in performan- substantiated the assertions made in this
ce, size, weight, global cost and reliability. The document that the use of SF6 does not
cost of ownership, which includes maintenance constitute any threat to personnel or to the
costs, can be much lower than for older types of environment, as long as elementary working
switchgear: for instance, in the case of MV CBs, practices are employed.
EDF has reduced the total cumulated mainte-
nance time per CB from 350 hours to 30 hours.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.21

Appendix 1: bibliography

Standards
c IEC TR 1634: High-Voltage Switchgear and
Controlgear-Use and Handling of Sulphur
Hexafluoride (SF6) in High-Voltage Switchgear
and Controlgear First Edition.
c IEC 376: Specification and Acceptance of New
Sulphur Hexafluoride First Edition ; (Supplement
A-1973) (Supplement B-1974).

Cahiers Techniques Merlin Gerin

c Etude thermique des tableaux électriques BT,
Cahier Technique N°145, january 1990 -
C. KILINDJIAN
c Breaking by auto-expansion,
Cahier Technique N°171, december 1993 -
G. BERNARD

Other publications
c CIGRE WG 23-01 Task force 01 (08.96):
SF6 recycling guide.
c CIRED (1995):
Developpement et suivi du palier technique EDF
utilisant de l’appareillage moyenne tension SF6 -
B. JOYEUX, G. PERRISSIN, M. REBOUL
c ELECTRA N°164 (02.96):
SF6 and the global atmosphere (Task force 01 of
WG 23.10).
c IEE (1994):
MV switchgear breaking in SF6: the situation
after 20 years in service.

Cahier Technique Schneider Electric nO. 188 / p.22

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