Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a synthetic fluoride compound with extremely stable molecular structure. It is colorless, tasteless, non-toxic, non corrosive, nonflammable and non explosive gas under normal temperature and pressure. It is a liquid at low temperature and pressure, and becomes a white solid after freezing.
What are the main uses of sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6)?
Due to its unique dielectric properties, power companies rely heavily on SF6 to achieve voltage isolation, current interruption and arc extinction in power transmission and distribution.
When sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6) is sealed in the transmission and distribution system (t&d), switchgear, circuit breakers and disconnectors can be insulated by extinguishing dangerous arcs. This stable and non-toxic gas has excellent dielectric strength and is a key component of power plant safety and efficiency.
SF 6 is used as the gas dielectric of high-voltage SF 6 circuit breakers, switchgear and other electrical equipment in the electrical industry, usually replacing oil filled circuit breakers (OCBs) that may contain harmful printed circuit boards. SF6 compressed gas is used as an insulator in gas insulated switchgear (GIS) because its dielectric strength is much higher than that of air or dry nitrogen. High dielectric strength is the result of high electronegativity and gas density. This feature makes it possible to significantly reduce the size of the electronic gear. This makes gas insulated switchgear more suitable for some applications, such as indoor placement, than air insulated electrical equipment that takes up more space.
The gas insulated electrical gearbox is also more resistant to pollution and climate, and its long-term operation is more reliable due to its controlled operating environment.
Sulfur hexafluoride electrical appliances are widely used. The maintenance cycle of sulfur hexafluoride electrical equipment is long, the maintenance is convenient, and the working space is small.