What is sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)?
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 is the main use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)?
SF6 is used as a gaseous dielectric for high-voltage sulfur hexafluoride circuit breakers, switchgear and other electrical equipment in the electrical industry, often replacing oil filled circuit breakers (OCBs) that may contain harmful polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). SF6 pressurized gas is used as insulator in gas insulated switchgear (GIS) because it has much higher dielectric strength than air or dry nitrogen.
Due to its unique dielectric properties, power companies rely heavily on SF6 in the power system to achieve voltage electrical insulation, current interruption and arc extinguishing in power transmission and distribution.
When sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is sealed inside the transmission and distribution (T&D) equipment, the switchgear, circuit breaker and disconnector can be insulated by extinguishing the dangerous arc. This stable and non-toxic gas has excellent dielectric strength and is a key component of power plant safety and efficiency.
