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Caution Don't be a Gashole!™

ONE VISION. ZERO EMISSIONS.

Understanding the SF₆ emissions challenge

RESPONSIBLE SF₆ HANDLING STARTS HERE.

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) keeps power systems safe and reliable—but it is also one of the most potent greenhouse gases, with thousands of times the warming impact of CO₂. When proven emission-free handling solutions exist, releasing SF₆ is preventable.

80%

of global SF₆ is used by the electrical industry. That makes responsible SF6 gas handling essential.

That means responsible SF₆ gas handling matters.

https://19january2021snapshot.epa.gov/f-gas-partnership-programs/electric-power-systems-partnership_.html

THE TRADE-OFF

WHY IS SF₆ USED?

SF₆ has been used in electrical equipment for decades—and for good reason. Its exceptional insulating and arc-quenching properties help make high-voltage equipment compact, reliable, and safe.

  • Excellent dielectric strength
  • Superior arc-quenching capability
  • Non-toxic in its pure state
  • Non-flammable and chemically stable
  • Enables compact high-voltage equipment design

These characteristics made SF₆ the standard choice for circuit breakers, switchgear, and gas-insulated substations (GIS) worldwide. But those same strengths come with a critical environmental drawback.

Today, SF₆ remains widely used in:

  • High Voltage Circuit Breakers

    High-voltage circuit breakers

  • Gas Insulated Switchgear

    Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS)

  • Gas Insulated Transmission Lines

    Gas-insulated transmission lines (GIL)

  • Medium Voltage Switchgear

    Medium-voltage switchgear

  • Transformers (1)

    Transformers

  • Particle Accelerators

    Particle accelerators & scientific research

THE CHALLENGE

UNDERSTANDING THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE

Greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, contributing to climate change and rising global temperatures.

While carbon dioxide often gets the most attention, SF₆ has an exceptionally high global warming potential and a very long atmospheric lifetime. Even small emissions can have a significant environmental impact.

That is why electrical utilities, manufacturers, and service providers across the industry continue working to reduce emissions through:

  1. Improved leak detection
  2. Gas recovery & recycling
  3. Proper maintenance procedures
  4. Technician training
  5. Emissions tracking & reporting
  6. Evaluation of alternative technologies

Thanks to better education, improved handling practices, and advances in gas recovery technology, SF₆ emissions have steadily decreased since the 1990s.

But there is still work to do.

OUR APPROACH

THE BOTH/AND SOLUTION

At DILO, we believe in the BOTH/AND approach.

BOTH

WE SUPPORT

We support the development and adoption of alternative insulating gases and technologies where technically and economically feasible.

AND

WE PROVIDE

We provide emission-free SF₆ gas handling equipment, accredited training, and expert support for the extensive installed base of SF₆ equipment that remains in operation today.

The transition away from SF₆ will take time. Until then, responsible handling remains essential—and it depends on reliable equipment, proven processes, and properly trained personnel.

HOW WE HELP

HOW DILO HELPS REDUCE SF₆ EMISSIONS

DILO provides equipment, training, and technical solutions that help utilities and industrial users recover, handle, store, analyze, and monitor SF₆ safely while minimizing emissions.

Our equipment helps organizations:

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Improve environmental compliance
  • Prevent avoidable gas loss
  • Support regulatory reporting
  • Reduce downtime & operational risk
  • Improve workplace safety
  • Maintain reliable system performance

Whether the application involves gas-insulated switchgear, circuit breakers, or broader fleet maintenance, DILO helps customers reduce SF₆ gas emissions through proven equipment and better handling practices.

TAKE A STAND

TAKE A STAND FOR RESPONSIBLE SF₆ HANDLING

Protecting the environment starts with accountability. With the right tools, training, and processes, industry leaders can reduce emissions, support sustainability goals, maintain compliance, and help protect future generations — without compromising reliability or performance.

DILO COMPANY, INC.

DON'T BE A GASHOLE!™

ONE VISION. ZERO EMISSIONS.