SF6 Gas System

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 INDEX
1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Sulphur Hexafluoride ....................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Properties........................................................................................................................ 3
1.3 Decomposition Products.................................................................................................. 4
1.4 Safety Information ........................................................................................................... 4
1.5 Evacuation of the Gas Compartments ............................................................................. 5
1.6 Packing ........................................................................................................................... 6
1.7 Control of gas’ quality ...................................................................................................... 6
1.8 Control of the dielectric strength ...................................................................................... 6
1.9 Air Content ...................................................................................................................... 6
1.10 Filling pressure of SF6..................................................................................................... 6
1.11 Filling of SF6 gas (Fig.1).................................................................................................. 8
1.12 Instruction for molecular bags........................................................................................ 11
2. MAINTENANCE..................................................................................................................... 11
2.1 Control of gas pressure ................................................................................................. 11
2.2 Control of humidity contained in gas .............................................................................. 11
3. OPERATION.......................................................................................................................... 19
Copyright................................................................................................................................... 19

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1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

1.1 Sulphur Hexafluoride

This document contains a description of the general properties of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and the safety
measures to be taken when handling SF6 in quality as new and its decomposition products.
Sulphur hexafluoride gas (SF6) is used in the complete installation of PASS for insulation and to suppress
electrical arcing.
Commercially available SF6 gas is non-hazardous, and is therefore not subject to the Ordinance for
Hazardous Materials, including the technical regulations for hazardous materials (TRGS). New SF6 gas
complies with Regulation IEC 376. Regulation IEC 480 applies for used SF6 gas from the installation. The
local regulations and safety regulations, as well as those of the gas supplier and the manufacturer of the
service units must be observed.
Chemically pure SF6 gas cannot be detected with the sensory organs, whereas decomposed SF6 gas has a
pungent smell, even in small concentrations. It can cause irritation of the eyes, mucous membrane, the
respiratory system and other unprotected skin surfaces.
Under the influence of electrical discharge (switching operations, arcing), SF6 gas will become more or less
decomposed, depending on the amount of energy released. As a result, gaseous and solid decomposition
products will arise together with evaporated contact material, such as:

- Metal fluorides, metal sulphides and metal oxides

- Sulphur fluorides, such as SF4
- Sulphur oxy-fluorides, such as SOF2, SO2F2, SOF4.

SF6 decomposition products that arise from normal switching operations will be absorbed by the built-in
absorber (filter) and thereby present no health risk.
If it can be shown that SF6 decomposition products are present, it is essential that the following protective
equipment is worn:
- disposable protective clothing
- Fully-protective breathing mask or breathing equipment (does not protect from a shortage of
oxygen!), combined with close-fitting industrial goggles.
- Disposable protective gloves.

The protective equipment must be stored in an accessible location in rooms away from the installation.
Sulphur hexafluoride gas (SF6) is denser than air. It can collect in containers or low-lying rooms and
displaces the oxygen there. The maximum permissible concentration of SF6 gas in the work room is 1000
ppm (by volume). There is a danger of asphyxiation if the ventilation is inadequate!
When working with SF6 gas, ensure that the working room is kept clean and is well ventilated (extractor,
blower). NO SMOKING, EATHING OR DRINKING!!

Every treatment of the gas must take place in a closed circulation. SF6 gas from the installation must not be
released into the atmosphere. In this way you will ensure that the contribution to the greenhouse effect
remains negligible. By means of the corresponding service units, used SF6 gas can be processed locally.

1.2 Properties
During normal operation the gas compartments are filled with SF6 gas. SF6 is an unreactive and nearly inert
gas with a dielectric strength of approximately three times the one of air.
At identical pressures, SF6 has three to four times the arc quenching capability of air.
In the meantime more than 30 years of operational experience with SF6-gas insulated switchgear have been
gathered worldwide.
SF6 is (Table 1.4-1):
_ un reactive
_ un poisonous
_ non flammable
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_ colourless
_ odourless
_ nearly inert

SF6 in the atmosphere contributes to global warming, thus the release of SF6 into the atmosphere must be
avoided whenever possible. The commercially available gas service and filtering devices allow full recycling
of SF6.
Do not release any SF6 into the atmosphere. SF6 shall be handled in a closed cycle with suitable SF6
service devices and by trained personnel only.
The specific weight of SF6 is approximately five times higher than the one of air.
Therefore it tends to displace oxygen in non ventilated rooms.
Concentrations of SF6 in the air in excess of 35 Vol.-% lead to oxygen starvation and possible
suffocation. Such high concentrations may occur in open, non ventilated SF6 gas compartments, and
occasionally at low points of a building (e. g. in basements and cable ducts).
New SF6 will be delivered as liquefied gas in steel bottles. For testing and gas analysis of SF6 please refer to
IEC recommendation 376 „ Specification and acceptance of new Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) “.
The return of SF6 gas is contractually regulated with the original suppliers. If requested by the customer,
ABB will guarantee the return of the SF6 in strict accordance with the respective regulations.

Technical Data of commercial SF6

SF6
3
Gas density at 20 °C Kg/m 6,07
Specific weight 20 °C g/ltr 6,07
Melting point °C - 63,7
Boiling point °C -51
3 3
Water solubility per cm H2O cm 0,0054
Colour - Colourless
Odour - Odourless

1.3 Decomposition Products

The switching of rated and short circuit currents and internal arcing faults partially decomposes the SF6 into
gaseous and/or solid decomposition products.
Gaseous decomposition products produce already in low concentrations the following warning signs that are
apparent within seconds and before causing any hazardous impact:
Unpleasant pungent odour
Irritation of the nostrils, the mouth and the eyes
These signs leave sufficient time for any personnel to leave the area before danger to health can arise.
Decomposition products of SF6 can cause irritation of the skin, the eyes and the mucous membranes
(“Safety Information”)!
Paying attention to the following safety information eliminates the potential risks associated with handling
SF6 and its decomposition products.

1.4 Safety Information

The handling of SF6 and its decomposition products is without risk if the following safety measures are being
taken:
Good Ventilation. Ventilate the room during maintenance works on the gas compartments (e. g. evacuating,
filling, opening and cleaning). For maximum safety, it is advisable to have a second person present during all
works.

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Avoid Contact with Decomposition Products. Avoid contact, swallowing or inhaling of decomposition
products when working on open gas compartments. Wear special protective clothing while working, such as
plastic gloves, safety goggles and filtering mask, and properly dispose of them after completion of the works.
Thorough Cleaning of Eyes and Skin. After contact with decomposition products immediately rinse with
soap and plenty of water. Thoroughly clean face, neck, arms and hands with soap and plenty of water before
any interruptions and after completion of the works. In case the eyes have been exposed to decomposition
products, immediately rinse them with an aseptic solution (e. g. commercial NaCl solution). Consult a doctor
in any case.
Avoid disturbing of dust deposits. Remove persistent solid decomposition products with a clean, dry cloth.
Remove loose dust with a suitable vacuum cleaner with paper filters. The vacuum cleaner should work on
the cyclone principle.
Used materials, single use suits, moisture filters of the gas compartments, filters of the vacuum cleaner, the
masks and the service devices and all decomposition products and cleansers have to be disposed of in such
a way, that decomposition products and the water soluble fluorides contained therein will not be released
into the environment.
Do not open the filter bags. If the waste can not disposed of by a specialist, neutralize it in a soda lime
solution (natrium hydroxide and calcium oxide).
Wear Protective Clothing. When entering gas compartments that may contain toxic decomposition
products (“Decomposition Products”), wear a dust-tight overall, protective gloves and boots, cover your head
and use a suitable respirator (separator, e. g. Auer 3S with combination filter 89 ABEK 2Hg/St. or, if a
sufficient oxygen concentration has been measured, a filtering device).
Do not Eat, Drink or Smoke. Do not drink, eat, smoke or store food in any room with open GIS
compartments that may contain decomposition products.
Leave Contaminated Rooms. If an unpleasant pungent odour (similar to hydrogen sulphide) indicates the
presence of gaseous decomposition products, leave the room immediately. Do not enter the room before
having thoroughly ventilated it, or without wearing a suitable respirator.
Check Oxygen Concentration. After faults, when potentially hazardous SF6 concentrations are to be
expected, do not enter the switchgear room and all rooms at a lower level before thoroughly ventilating them
and measuring the present oxygen contents (minimum 17 Vol.-%), or without wearing a suitable respirator.
Your local ABB Service will be happy to assist you with any problems related to reusing, cleaning or
disposing of SF6.

1.5 Evacuation of the Gas Compartments

The enclosure of the inductive voltage transformers must not be opened or evacuated without the
prior consent of the manufacturer!
If a gas compartment is evacuated after long years of operation, the SF6 has to be thoroughly filtered
(“Cleaning of contaminated SF6”).
Gas Compartments:
PASS consists of several individual gas compartments that are separated by means of gastight barrier
insulators. Depending on their individual function, some gas compartments might be further sectionalized.
Each gas compartment is equipped with its own gas density relay and a gas fitting of Malmkvist-type for
works on the gas compartment. Both, the gas and the density relay fittings, have a non-return valve to
prevent unintentional gas losses.
Prior to filling it with SF6, a gas compartment has to be evacuated. The pressure in the gas compartment is
to be measured with a sensitive pressure gauge.

Delivery:
All gas compartments will be delivered ex works filled with SF6 at reduced pressure of approximately 0.03
MPa.

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1.6 Packing
The SF6 is delivered under pressure, in the liquid state at room temperature and is steel vessels (bottles,
spheres, cylinders, etc.). The gas mass held in a vessel range from 3 to 500 kg; the maximum filling density
3
is 1.04 kg/dm .

1.7 Control of gas’ quality

The quality of the gas SF6 can be tested using chemical and physical measurements stated by the IEC
Recommendation. These measurements generally require sampling and laboratory instruments that
guarantee a high accuracy in the measurement. However, it is possible to carry out some quality tests both
on the gas available on the market and on the operating gas using simple instruments that can be generally
used in a building site.
1.8 Control of the dielectric strength
The dielectric strength is considered a fundamental characteristic of the SF6. The control of this strength
makes the identification of the gas possible and allows one to know if the gas can guarantee its function as
an insulator. The dielectric strength can be measured simply by using a cell equipped with a spark gap that
is fed by a high voltage generator.
1.9 Air Content
Only a considerable amount of air mixed in with SF6 will impair the dielectric strength of the SF6. The small
content of air allowed in the pure SF6 has no effect on the dielectric strength.
Besides that, the treatments preceding the filling of SF6, when putting the material into service, leave a small
residual amount of that air has no influence on the characteristics of the gas. However, it is possible to check
whether all the air has been removed before filling the enclosures with SF6, or whether, after a maintenance
process in which the SF6 has been recovered, a casual intake of air (for instance in pipes) has allowed a
penetration of air in the SF6.
It is possible to carry out different control procedures:
- IEC method:
• chromatography in the gaseous state;
• analyser that measures the paramagnetic susceptivity of oxygen;

- Quick method:
• measurement of the dielectric strength of gas with a suitable test cell.

1.10 Filling pressure of SF6

Determination of the filling pressure with SF6
The rated filling pressure of the SF6 has been established at a Pn value, given a 20°C temperature value and
an atmospheric pressure, it is necessary to adjust the pressure as a function of temperature nad/or adjust
the pressure P2 as a function of altitude.

Filling pressure adjusted in function of temperature

The filling pressure at 20°C for each compartment is shown on a single line diagram. If the room temperature
differs from 20°C see table 1.

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Tab. 1. Filling pressure adjusted in function of temperature

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Use of table 1:
1) First read the rated filling pressure of compartment on single line diagram, then choose the relevant
column and define the line at 20°C.
2) Vertically move up to line relevant to the room temperature measured.
3) The corresponding value on table 1 refers to that of the filling pressure of the compartment.

The gas temperature may differ from the room temperature, in particular in the following cases:
a) If the operational current passes through the equipment, the gas temperature will be higher than the
room temperature. Use the enclosure temperature as reference temperature.
b) During the filling operations, the gas cools down at the storage tank’s outlet, as a consequence of its
increase in volume, and is heated as it is compressed in the container to be filled. Therefore, the
pressure must be adjusted a few hours after the operation, when the gas has reached the room
temperature. This precaution can be omitted when a mere topping-up is involved.

The valve of pressure described should be corrected by the increase of P2 value in function of the altitude of
the equipment approximately increase of 0,01 MPa rel every 1000 m on the sea level

The PASS is shipped with SF6 at 0.02 - 0.03 MPa rel. at 20°C.
Every time you need to move PASS the SF6 must be at 0.02 – 0.03 MPa rel. at 20°C.

For warning and lock out SF6 threshold please refer to the specific project
documentation.

1.11 Filling of SF6 gas (Fig.1)

Fill with gas until the correct pressure is reached considering the temperature and the atmospheric
pressure conditions at the time of filling. The filling must be carried out in all the compartments prepared
according to “Preparation of the compartments” (page 10), in the compartments of the station shipped
with SF6.

Unscrew the cap (1) from the valve (2);

Insert the pressure gauge (3) in this valve and secure it in position with the nut (4)
Read the pressure value;
Unscrew the cap (5) from the valve(6);
Completely unscrew the regulator knob(7);
Open the cylinder valve (8) on the bottle (9) and read the pressure inside the bottle on the High-
Pressure gauge (10);
Tighten the regulator knob (7) until the low pressure gauge (11) indicates the rated pressure required
for filling the compartment;
Wash the hose (12) of the topping up device, opening the hose valve (13) of the panel slightly and
press the non return valve (14) on the valve (15) for a few seconds, so that the gas may flow out, then
release the non return valve so that pressure is applied to the hose(12);
Insert the hose coupling (15) in the valve (6) and tighten it in position using the nut (16);
Fill with gas, checking the pressure value on the pressure gauge (3), until the pressure returns to the
specified rated value.

Check contacts of density switch as per schematic. When filling ensure pressure is set according to
ambient temperature.

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Ambient Temperature
-30 -20 -10 0 +10 +20 +30 +40
°C
Filling Pressure in MPa
0,472 0,486 0,510 0,533 0,556 0,580 0,603 0,626
rel.
Tab. 2

Warning: COMPARTMENT ONLY, NOT FOR VT FILLING

At the end of the filling operation:

close the cylinder valve (8) on the bottle (9);

remove the hose (12) from the valve (6) and place the cap (5), on the latter;
remove the pressure gauge (3) from the valve (2) and close with the cap (1), on the latter;
check the seal of the valves (2 & 6) with the leak detector.

Fig. 2 Legend:
1. cap
2. valve
3. pressure gauge
4. nut
5. cap
6. filling device DILO DN8
7. regulation valve
8. cylinder valve
9. bottle
10. H.P. gauge
11. L.P. gauge
12. hose
13. hose valve
14. non-return valve
15. hose coupling
16. nut
17. instrument case

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Fig. 2. Filling of SF6 gas

Stabilization
Wait for one week after filling.

The refilling procedure is a repetition of the above steps.

The filling devices (see from pos. 7 to pos. 17 in figure….) and the pressure gauge
(pos. 3) are not included in the supply.

Measuring of humidity
Measure the humidity rate according to the instructions of the humidity analyzer device.

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Should the humidity rate be higher than 500 ppm/vol for the station and 250 ppm/vol for CB, the result will
be considered UNSATISFACTORY. In this case, recover the SF6 and repeat the treatment with dry
nitrogen, i.e. according “Filling with dry nitrogen” (page 10).
If the humidity rate proves lower that 500 ppm/vol for the station and 250 ppm-V for the circuit breaker, the
result will be considered SATISFACTORY.

1.12 Instruction for molecular bags

The molecular bags can absorb and keep humidity present in SF6 gas.
It’s therefore necessary to avoid leaving this material in contact with the environment. Leaving the molecular
bags for 5 hours long under normal environmental humidity and temperature, they waste more than 50% of
their absorbent capacity.
2. MAINTENANCE
2.1 Control of gas pressure
The periodical control of gas pressure must be carried out.
2.2 Control of humidity contained in gas
The periodical check of gas humidity must be carried out.

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Fig. 3. Saturated Steam’s pressure of SF6

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Fig. 4. Pressure Diagram-Temperature with constant Specific Weight

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Fig. 5. Disruptive voltage of SF6 of air and of carbon dioxide as a function of pressure.

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Fig. 6. Disruptive voltage of SF6 and air mixture according to different absolute pressure values

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Fig. 7. Adjustment of filling pressure as function of altitude

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Fig. 8. Absorption capacity of molecular bags

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Fig. 9. Diagram of the treatment to be carried out on each compartment

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Fig. 10. Maintenance

3. OPERATION

WARNING: Do not operate the circuit breaker at low pressure of 0.02-0.03 MPa at 20°C.
Only operate when the pressure is 0.5 MPa relative (20°C)

Copyright
We reserve all rights concerning this document and the components described therein. It must not be reproduced or disclosed to third
parties and the contents must not be made use of neither in part or in whole without our prior written permission.
© ABB Italy S.p.A., Division High Voltage Product
The information in this document is subject to alteration without prior notice and should not be regarded as an undertaking from ABB
Power Technologies S.p.A..
ABB Power Technologies S.p.A. takes no responsibility for errors that can occur in the documentation.
ABB Power Technologies S.p.A. is not responsible for damage incurred due to the misuse of this document.

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NOTES
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