SF6 is a synthetic, odourless gas that’s used in the electricity industry to keep networks running safely and reliably. It’s highly stable, non-toxic, non-flammable and electronegative, which means it will not form other compounds that will alter its state and effectiveness.
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SF6 has historically been used in a variety of applications, from metal smelting to filling double-glazing panels, but the electricity industry is one of the few places where it’s still used today; due to the technical challenges in replacing it. And it’s used on such a scale that it’s become a serious contributing factor to global warming.
Why is SF6 harmful to the atmosphere?
SF6 is one of the most potent greenhouse gases we know. Its high atmospheric stability and ability to trap infrared radiation means it’s far more potent at warming the earth’s atmosphere than CO2 over longer periods of time.
In fact, it’s estimated that, over a 100-year period, SF6 is 23,500 times more effective at trapping infrared radiation than CO21, meaning that 1 kg of SF6 has the same impact as 23,500 kg of CO2. Once in the atmosphere, it has an atmospheric lifetime of 3,200 years, which means it can accumulate without degrading for millennia to come.
What is SF6 used for?
Around 80% of the SF6 used globally is in electricity transmission and distribution.2 Medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment contains SF6 to insulate the live electrical parts and to switch the flow of electrical current on and off. This same equipment is also used to connect the generation and storage of renewable energy.
Renewable technology also uses the gas – for example, switchgear for wind turbines use it to prevent overloads.
In electronics, SF6 is used in semiconductor devices found in computers, smartphones, consoles and batteries for electric vehicles.
Electrical equipment is designed to avoid the release of this gas into the atmosphere, but leaks can occur over its lifecycle. SF6 can also be released during the equipment’s manufacture, installation, maintenance or decommissioning.
How will removing SF6 help to fight climate change?
The potency of SF6 released into the earth’s atmosphere can have a significant effect on global warming. The annual emissions of SF6 rose 24% between 2008 and 2018, largely spurred on by the growing use of switchgear that uses the gas in developing countries.
In 2008 an estimated 7,300 tonnes were emitted globally, which rose to 9,040 tonnes in 2018. To put it in context, 9,000 tonnes of SF6 equates to the greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 44 million passenger vehicles driven for one year, or 103 million tonnes of coal being burned.3
It’s also believed the level of SF6 released into the earth’s atmosphere is being vastly underestimated, as tracking its release in developing countries is difficult.
How can SF6 production be reduced?
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To prevent more harmful SF6 being released into our atmosphere, solutions to replace SF6 with greener alternatives are being developed.
We’re currently partnering with Hitachi Energy in the UK to develop and deploy the world’s first SF6 replacement product for installed high-voltage, gas-insulated switchgear. Using this new solution means that we can avoid the cost of replacing equipment and reduce its carbon footprint.
Last updated: 23 May 2022
The information in this article is intended as a factual explainer and does not necessarily reflect National Grid's strategic direction or current business activities.
The global market for SF6 is growing. According to Grand View Research, its value is expected to reach $309.8 million by 2025, increasing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.0%. What is SF6 gas? Sulfur hexafluoride gas comprises properties that make it ideal for many applications including the electrical utility sector and more. Learn more about the various uses for SF6 gas, as well as other important characteristics.
From a chemically stable composition to its ability to withstand extreme conditions, SF6 gas is highly sought after for insulating uses and more. SF6 gas is colorless, odorless gas with a vapor density five times that of air. It is able to stay in vapor form (at normal operating temperatures) up to about 250 PSI. Some additional properties of SF6 which make it very desirable to the electrical utility sector are:
During the Kyoto Protocol, a global convention where world leaders discussed strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, SF6 was named one of the six gases with the most potential to contribute to global warming.
Given this concern, SF6 gas is not manufactured in the United States. Instead, all virgin gas must be imported from other countries, which have fewer environmental regulations. It’s during the manufacturing process that significant SF6 emissions are created causing a negative impact on the environment.
It is estimated that approximately 80% of global SF6 gas usage occurs within the electrical industry. One of its main uses is as dielectric insulator in medium and high-voltage equipment . Some specific examples of Gas Insulated Equipment (GIE) s that utilize SF6 gas include:
Outside the electrical utility sector, SF6 gas has many creative uses, from healthcare to household products. These applications include:
Ophthalmologists perform a surgery called a vitrectomy to treat issues affecting the retina and vitreous (the gel-like fluid filling the space between the lens and retina). During the procedure, surgeons can use SF6 to fill the void left after the vitreous gel is removed. It ensures the retina stays stable during recovery, and its high density can accelerate healing.
In some double-pane windows, a combination of SF6 and argon gas is used to fill spaces between the two panes of glass. This mixture can absorb sound waves, lowering the volume of outside noise.
While less often used for magnesium production in the U.S., SF6 gas can still be seen as a cover gas for this application in China and other countries. It can help keep magnesium from reacting with oxygen during production.
Manufacturers may leverage SF6 as an etching gas because of its high density and large molecular size. Applications include producing semiconductor devices, among other components. Semiconductors are found in many common items, such as cell phones, televisions, and refrigerators.
Particle accelerators drive beams of charged particles at high speeds using electric fields. They have many applications, from radiation therapy to national security. SF6 gas is often used as insulation in the accelerator tanks of this technology.
As mentioned, SF6 is primarily employed for electrical utility purposes. The gas has high dielectric strength and superior insulating capabilities for medium and high-voltage equipment . SF6 gas is also very effective in quenching arcs that form when electrical currents switch on and off. It features high conductivity for thermal transfer — especially at high temperatures — making it better at dissipating heat when compared to air, nitrogen, and other dielectrics.
For example, when applied to circuit breakers, SF6 gas absorbs the energy generated by the arc, forming resistance across the arcing contacts and ultimately extinguishing the arc. This process allows SF6 to regernerate quickly. SF6 can also be beneficial for switchgear production because it enables manufacturers to develop more compact designs and achieve better switching capacity and plant security.
For all the benefits the properties of SF6 gas provide the electrical utility sector and other industries, its composition makes it a potent greenhouse gas.
While carbon dioxide (CO2) is often at the center of discussions about greenhouse gas and climate change, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states SF6 gas is 23,500 times better at trapping infrared radiation than a similar amount of CO2. Chemically stable, SF6 also has an atmospheric lifetime of 3,200 years. This means SF6 emissions can linger in the atmosphere for centuries without degrading.
What these values boil down to is that even a small amount of SF6 can translate into a large impact on the global climate. As such, continual development has gone into alternative gases, and many companies have already eliminated its use in production. However, it will likely take some time for SF6 gas to phase out of use altogether.
There are steps businesses can take to mitigate the effect of SF6 emissions. For instance, organizations in the electrical utility industry can devise strategies to operate more eco-friendly, such as refurbishing old equipment instead of manufacturing new equipment. Organizations that utilize SF6 can also invest in accredited training to properly handle the gas and limit their environmental impact.
Whether you are a chief financial officer for a private electrical utility business, a government official operating in the energy sector, or an individual concerned about climate change, DILO has solutions to help reduce SF6 gas emissions. We offer a range of SF6 gas products that bridge state-of-the-art technology with the latest market requirements and customer demands. This equipment allows you to achieve safer, more convenient, and more cost-effective SF6 handling and maintenance.
In addition to zero-emission SF6 gas handling equipment, DILO offers accredited SF6 gas safety and handling trainings to help you stay knowledgeable about new developments. Contact us today for more information about SF6 gas and its properties.
Unfortunately, the same properties that make SF6 an excellent insulating gas for GIE also make it a potent greenhouse gas. Quality gas handling products and well-trained technicians greatly reduce the risk of SF6 emissions. In addition to zero-emission SF6 gas handling equipment, DILO offers accredited SF6 gas safety and handling trainings.
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