What Is SF₆ Gas and Where it is Used?

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.

Properties of SF₆ Gas 

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:

Manufacturing SF₆ Gas

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.

Applications of SF₆ Gas 

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:

• Circuit breakers 
• Switchgear 
• Disconnectors and ground switches  
• Gas-insulated lines and substations 
• Capacitors 

Outside the electrical utility sector, SF6 gas has many creative uses, from healthcare to household products. These applications include:

Ophthalmology 

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. 

Windows – Noise Reduction 

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. 

Magnesium Production 

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. 

Etching Gas 

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 

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.

SF₆ as a Dielectric 

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. 

Safety and Environmental Impact of SF₆ Gas 

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.

Find Quality SF₆ Gas Handling Equipment at DILO

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.

ONE VISION. ZERO EMISSIONS. 

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.