Solar and wind power are constantly being expanded with the aim of producing electricity independently and at the same time protecting the environment. In order to produce electricity, these energy generators need SF6 gas. This SF6 gas is considered to be the strongest known greenhouse gas. The use of the gas can thus promote global warming in the short term in technologies that are intended to have the opposite effect. But what exactly is SF6 gas and how do I handle it?
What is SF6 gas?
SF6 gas (sulphur hexafluoride) is a special gas used as an insulating gas in electrical equipment such as substations. It prevents fires by preventing short circuits and arcing. The gas also offers the opportunity to build smaller switchgear, such as those used in wind generators.
How does SF6 gas affect the climate?
It is non-toxic, non-flammable, harmless to humans and animals (WARNING! SF6 gas is 5 times heavier than air, which causes it to deposit in the lungs when inhaled. This prevents re-breathing. To get the gas out of the lungs to get it, stand on your head.), SF6 gas is also not ozone-depleting. The concentration of the gas (SF6: 10 parts per million air particles) is very low compared to CO2 (407 parts per million air particles).
The dangerous thing about SF6 gas is its climate impact. It contributes the equivalent of 23,500 kg of CO2 to the greenhouse effect over 100 years. One kg of SF6 gas is therefore comparable to the emission of two dozen air travelers on a return flight across the Atlantic.
Only 8,000 tons of SF6 gas are produced worldwide, 80% of which is used in the electronics industry. According to the European Environment Agency, emissions in Europe alone amounted to 6.73 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, 8.1% more than in the previous year.
It is also critical that the molecule, once in the atmosphere, needs 3200 years to decay there. There are no natural sinks and no organism on this planet that could break down SF6 gas.
How does the gas get into the atmosphere?
Leaks and improper maintenance release SF6 gas into the atmosphere. In this way, around 15% of the amount used, the reusable gas, is released.
How do I prevent SF6 gas from escaping and how can I reuse it?
Through professional monitoring, analysis and handling of the SF6 gas. A sensible strategy is condition-based maintenance with digitized SF6 gas processes. The online monitoring should be developed on a customer-specific basis.
Through professional monitoring, analysis and handling of the SF6 gas. A sensible strategy is condition-based maintenance with digitized SF6 gas processes. The online monitoring should be developed on a customer-specific basis.
It is also possible to recover SF6 gas. The process flow is as follows:
- The gas to be evacuated is connected to the maintenance device (compressor, diaphragm compressor, suction pump, vacuum pump) via a pre-filter.
- The maintenance device compresses and fills it into an SF6 gas container (bottle, transport container, storage container).
What products does ICS-Schneider offer you?
Depending on your industrial sector, we can offer you measuring transducers, gas density monitors, as well as analysis devices and SF6 gas handling. On-site practical training rounds off our range of services on this complex topic.