In refinery processes, SF₆ gas plays a crucial role, particularly in electrical switchgear and gas flare systems. SF₆, or sulfur hexafluoride, is a colorless, odorless, and non-flammable gas known for its excellent insulating and arc-quenching properties. These characteristics make it ideal for use in high-voltage switchgear, which is widely used in refineries.
Advantages of Using SF₆ Gas
- Insulation: SF₆ provides excellent electrical insulation, helping to prevent short circuits and other electrical malfunctions.
- Arc Quenching: It has the ability to extinguish electric arcs, increasing the safety and efficiency of switchgear.
- Stability: SF₆ is chemically stable and does not easily react with other substances, making it ideal for use in demanding industrial environments.
Challenges and Environmental Protection
Despite its advantages, there are challenges in handling SF₆ gas. SF₆ is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential thousands of times higher than CO2. Therefore, it is crucial to minimize emissions and ensure proper handling and disposal of the gas.
Best Practices for Handling SF₆
- Regular Maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance of switchgear help prevent leaks and ensure system integrity.
- Leak Testing: Conducting regular leak tests to ensure no SF₆ emissions are released into the atmosphere.
- Personnel Training: Ensuring all employees working with SF₆ gas are well-trained in best practices for handling and disposal.
- Recycling: Implementing recycling processes to recover and purify the gas after use instead of releasing it.
Alternative to SF₆ Gas
One of the most promising alternatives to SF₆ gas is a mixture of nitrogen (N2) and oxygen (O2) or the so-called g³ gas (Green Gas for Grid), which consists of Novec 4710 (a fluorinated ketone) and CO2. These alternatives offer similar insulating and arc-quenching properties as SF₆, but with a lower environmental impact.
Comparison of SF₆ Gas and g³ Gas
| Criterion | SF₆ Gas | g³ Gas (Alternative) |
|---|---|---|
| Insulating Ability | Excellent | Very Good |
| Arc Quenching Ability | Excellent | Very Good |
| Chemical Stability | Very Stable | Stable |
| Environmental Friendliness | Poor Greenhouse Potential | Low Greenhouse Potential |
| Availability | Widely Used | Increasingly Available |
| Cost | Relatively Low | Slightly Higher |
| Handling and Disposal | Complex due to Environmental Regulations | Easier, Less Stringent Regulations |
| Applications | Widely Used in Switchgear and Gas Flare Systems | Increasingly Used in New Switchgear and Modern Applications |
Future Perspectives
The industry is continuously seeking more environmentally friendly alternatives to SF₆. Research and development focus on discovering new materials and technologies that offer the same benefits but are less harmful to the environment.
Conclusion
Handling SF₆ gas in refinery processes requires careful planning and implementation to ensure safety and efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. By using modern technologies and best practices, refineries can take advantage of SF₆ benefits while acting responsibly towards the environment.
Through continuous education and innovation, the refinery industry remains capable of optimizing its processes while reducing its ecological footprint.
- Retrofitting for leakage detection systems
- Functional check or recalibration possible without dismounting, in accordance with EU regulation No. 517/2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases
- Test connection from stainless steel
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- The valves can be isolated or coupled under pressure or vacuum
- Vacuum and pressure-tight (-1 ... +64 bar)
- Working temperature -40 ... +80 °C
- Leak rate:
GCV, GCA, measuring chambers: ≤ 1 · 10-8 mbar · l / s
GCG: ≤ 1 · 10-5 mbar · l / s - Tested helium tightness of 100 %
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- Optional customer adaptions
- Designed for repeated opening and closing
- Helium leak tested to a level of 1 · 10-8 mbar · l / sec to ensure a leak-tight system
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- The valves can be isolated or coupled under pressure or vacuum
- Vacuum and pressure-tight (-1 ... +64 bar)
- Working temperature -40 ... +80 °C
- Leak rate:
GCV, GCA, measuring chambers: ≤ 1 · 10-8 mbar · l / s
GCG: ≤ 1 · 10-5 mbar · l / s - Tested helium tightness of 100 %
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- The valves can be disconnected or coupled underpressure or vacuum
- Vacuum and pressure-tight (-1 ... +64 bar)
- Working temperature -40 ... +80 °C
- Leak rate:
GCV, GCA, measuring chambers: ≤ 1 · 10-8 mbar · l / s
GCG: ≤ 1 · 10-5 mbar · l / s - Tested helium tightness of 100 %
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- Pressure generation via a hand pump
- Precision digital gas density indicator with accuracy 0.6 %
- Variable connection concept of the test items
- Precise pressure setting by means of the fine adjustment valve
- Low weight and compact design
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- Compact and in a robust transport case
- 100 % tested for leak tightness
- Working temperature -40 ... +80 °C
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- Two sensitivity levels, settable via a double click of the On/Off button
- Automatic switch-off function in order to prevent unnecessary battery usage
- Prevents the reading of erroneous measured values by means of a visible and audible signal notifying of a low battery level
- Replacement measuring tip in the instrument
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- High-precision and reproducible measurements in the ppb range
- Fast response time
- Simple operation and long service intervals
- No consumables, e.g. flush gas, are required
- Expendable by multiplexer for up to 24 measuring points
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- Responds only to SF6 gas and is not sensitive to humidity and the usual volatile organic compounds (VOC)
- Fast response time
- Continuous measurement
- Easy integration into distributed control system thanks to 4 ... 20 mA output
- Settings protected by password
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- Smallest concentrations of up to 0.6 ppmv can be detected
- Responds only to SF6 gas and is therefore not sensitive to humidity and common volatile organic compounds (VOC)
- Easy to use
- Fast response time
- Calibration in the factory using certified test gases
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- Mobile by means of battery operation
- Usable on all WIKA analysis instruments for SF6 gas
- Operation in closed SF6 gas circuit
- Simple operation
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- Low weight and easily transportable
- Cost-effective version to prevent SF6 gas emissions
- Compatible with all WIKA gas analysis instruments
- With overpressure valve as burst protection
- Resistant to decomposition products
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- Identification and precise quantification of the main decomposition products from SF6 gas
- Resistant against highly-corrosive gases
- Non-destructive method of measurement
- Factory calibrated, high long-term stability of the system
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- Provides measured values for humidity, gas composition (purity) and decomposition products (optional)
- Low transport weight of 25 kg
- Three methods for emission-free treatment of the measurement gas: - Direct pumping back into the tested compartment - Pumping into an external gas cylinder - Collecting in an external gas bag
- Battery power for min. 5 measurements or mains supply
- Not compromised by transport restrictions (IATA)
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- Oil-less compressor
- Oil-less vacuum compressor
- Dual cleaning of particles, humidity and decomposition products
- Low maintenance effort
- Operation via 10" touchscreen
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- Ensuring system safety through a double safety system
- Efficient reduction of maintenance costs on SF6 gas-filled equipment (gas dehydration during operation)
- Use of two parallel filters (model GPF-10) for high water absorption capacities
- Low maintenance effort
- Easy and intuitive operation via 7" touchscreen
| Datasheet |
- Ensuring system safety through a double safety system
- Efficient reduction of maintenance costs on SF6 gas-filled equipment (gas dehydration during operation)
- Use of two parallel filters (model GPF-10) for high water absorption capacities
- Low maintenance effort
- Easy and intuitive operation via 7" touchscreen
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- Ergonomic design and robust design enables easy transportation
- Precise refilling thanks to the high-accuracy scales with large digital display (option)
- Large selection of vacuum pumps for every application (option)
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- 3-in-1 filter insert for filtering out particles, reactive decomposition products and humidity
- Easily replaceable filter insert
- High gas flow rate through flow optimisation
- Robust and reliable sealing construction
- Corrosion protection through anodised filter case
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- High accuracy of ±30 g
- Ingress protection IP 65
- Ergonomic design, compact lightweight design
- Folding weigh frame made of high-quality galvanised steel
- Easy handling due to low platform height
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- High compressor performance
- Compact dimensions
- Robust version for the service
- Clear display of the working pressure
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- Extraction up to residual pressure < 5 mbar abs.
- Free from oil and lubricants
- High leak tightness
- Vibration resistant and quiet
- Cool running in continuous operation
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- Suction capacity up to 10 m³/h
- Final pressure ≤ 0.02 mbar abs. achievable
- Low weight and compact design
- Built-in oil back flow prevention and oil mist return
- Precision vacuum measuring instrument (optional)
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- Oil-less compressor and vacuum compressor
- Option for on-site gas filtration to the desired humidity
- Low maintenance effort
- SIL2 safety control to reduce the emission of SF6 gas to the absolute minimum.
- Fast recovery of SF6 gas for large gas compartments thanks to high-performance components
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- Oil-less compressor and vacuum compressor
- Option for on-site gas filtration to the desired humidity
- Low maintenance effort
- Fast recovery of SF6 gas for large gas compartments thanks to high-performance components
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- Retrofitting for leakage detection systems
- Functional check or recalibration possible without dismounting, in accordance with EU regulation No. 517/2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases
- Test connection from stainless steel
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- Temperature-compensated pressure gauge with Bourdon tube
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Wetted parts from stainless steel
- Local readout with alarm contacts
- Hermetically leak-tight, therefore no negative impact by atmospheric pressure fluctuations and differences in altitude
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- On-site display with switch contact
- Temperature-compensated and hermetically sealed, therefore no influence of temperature fluctuations, differences in level and atmospheric pressure fluctuations
- Compensation possible for gas mixtures
- Functional check or recalibration possible without dismounting, in accordance with EU regulation no. 517/2014 on fluorinated greenhouse gases
- Test connection is welded to prevent leakage
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- Accurate isochore, temperature-compensated switching and display over the entire temperature range
- Complete local display of the density and vacuum range on a 100-mm dial
- Increased plant safety through self-diagnostics
- Prepared for any alternative gases
- Very high long-term stability through welded reference gas volume
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- On-site display with switch contact
- Remote readout (output 4 … 20 mA, 2-wire), measuring ranges from 0 ... 10 g/litre to 0 ... 80 g/litre
- High electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
- Hermetically sealed, therefore no influence from atmospheric pressure fluctuation and differences in mounting heights
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| User Manual |
- Measuring ranges from 0 ... 10 to 0 ... 80 g/litre
- Output signal 4 ... 20 mA, 2-wire
- Wetted parts and case made of stainless steel, fully welded
- Ingress protection IP 54 up to 68, depending on the electrical wiring
- Excellent long-term stability, high EMI performance
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| User Manual |
- Measuring ranges from 0 ... 10 to 0 ... 80 g/litre
- Output signal 4 ... 20 mA, 2-wire
- Wetted parts and case made of stainless steel, fully welded
- Ingress protection IP 54 up to 68, depending on the electrical wiring
- Excellent long-term stability, high EMI performance
| Datasheet |
| User Manual |
- Measuring ranges from 0 ... 10 to 0 ... 80 g/litre
- Output signal 4 ... 20 mA, 2-wire
- Temperature compensated and hermetically sealed, therefore no influence temperature, by atmospheric pressure fluctuation or differences in altitude
- Wetted parts and case made of stainless steel, fully welded
- Ingress protection IP 67, field case, excellent long-term stability, high EMI performance
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- Ideally suited for Smart Grid or modernisation projects
- On-site display with switch contacts and Modbus® output
- Modbus® delivers measured values for pressure, temperature and gas density
- Compact design with only one process connection
- Precision sensors enable high-accuracy gas density determination
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- High-accuracy sensor technology
- Modbus® output protocol via RS-485 interface
- Ingress protection IP65
- Very good long-term stability and EMC characteristics
- Compact dimensions
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- High-accuracy sensor technology
- Digital MODBUS® RTU or analogue 4 … 20 mA output signal
- IP67 ingress protection, optionally with IP6k9k field case
- Very good long-term stability and EMC characteristics
- Compact design
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- High-accuracy sensor technology
- Modbus® output protocol via RS-485 interface
- Ingress protection IP65
- Very good long-term stability and EMC characteristics
- Compact dimensions
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User Manual
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- Accurate isochore, temperature-compensated switching over the entire temperature range
- Increased plant safety through self-diagnostics
- Prepared for any alternative gases
- Very high long-term stability through welded reference gas volume
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- Case and wetted parts from stainless steel
- On-site display of the pressure standardised to 20 °C [68 °F]
- Temperature-compensated and hermetically sealed, therefore no influence of temperature fluctuations, differences in level and atmospheric pressure fluctuations
- Compensation possible for gas mixtures
- Traceability by serial number
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- Case and wetted parts from stainless steel
- On-site display of the pressure standardised to 20 °C [68 °F]
- Temperature-compensated and hermetically sealed, therefore no influence of temperature fluctuations, differences in level and atmospheric pressure fluctuations
- Traceability by serial number
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- High-precision on-site display
- Logger function with up to 3 measured values per second
- Communication and data exchange via WIKA-Wireless
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