Is sulfur hexafluoride banned?

Reasons for Restricting Use of SF6 (Sulfur Hexafluoride) Worldwide

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Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas, which has remarkable electrical insulation properties, has played an important role in various applications. However, the high global warming potential (GWP) of SF6 has taken attention when considering the issue of reducing environmental impacts that it is predicted to have an impact on global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the restriction of the use of SF6 gas which is a worldwide problem becomes a talking issue.

Before Talking About Restrictions, Define What SF6 is.

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and chemically inert gas with unique properties that are commonly used in electrical equipment, particularly in high-voltage applications, due to its excellent insulating and arc-quenching properties. It is composed of one sulfur atom and six fluorine atoms.

The environmental concern around SF6 gas is rooted in its GWP which is approximately 23,500 times of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. As a result, even minor releases of SF6 into the atmosphere can significantly contribute to global warming and climate change. Recognizing this, countries and regions worldwide are taking concerted actions to limit the usage of SF6 and minimize its associated emissions.

EU&#;s Regulation For Reducing F-Gas Environmental Impacts.

The European Union (EU) has taken significant steps to regulate and restrict the usage of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The EU&#;s regulations aim to reduce emissions of fluorinated gases as part of its commitment to combating climate change. The main regulation governing SF6 in the EU is the F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/. Here are some key aspects of the regulation:

1. Quota System: The F-Gas Regulation establishes a quota system that limits the amount of HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) and other fluorinated gases, including SF6, that can be placed on the EU market. The quotas are progressively reduced over time, encouraging a phasedown of these gases.
2. Leakage Reduction Measures: The regulation requires that equipment containing fluorinated gases, such as SF6, be regularly checked for leaks. Companies that own or operate such equipment are obligated to implement leak detection and repair programs to minimize emissions.
3. Ban for Uses: The F-Gas Regulation prohibits the use of fluorinated gases with high GWP in some applications where lower-GWP alternatives are available. This includes bans on the use of SF6 in certain types of new equipment.
4. Training and Certification: The regulation mandates that personnel who work with fluorinated gases, including those who install, maintain, or service equipment containing SF6, must undergo proper training and obtain certification to handle these gases safely.
5. Labelling Requirements: Equipment containing fluorinated gases, such as SF6, must be clearly labeled to indicate the type and quantity of gas present. This labeling helps with proper management, maintenance, and disposal of the equipment.
6. Reporting Requirements: Companies are required to report their activities involving fluorinated gases, including the quantities used and emitted, to national authorities. This data helps monitor emissions and enforce compliance.
7. Phase-Down of Quotas: The F-Gas Regulation establishes a schedule for reducing the quotas of fluorinated gases that can be placed on the market. This encourages industries to transition to lower-GWP alternatives over time.
8. Eco-design Requirements: The regulation sets minimum requirements for the eco-design of products that use fluorinated gases, encouraging the development of more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly equipment.
9. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Non-compliance with the F-Gas Regulation can result in penalties and fines for companies that fail to meet the requirements.

Overall, the EU&#;s F-Gas Regulation reflects a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions of fluorinated gases, including SF6, in order to mitigate their impact on climate change. The regulation promotes the adoption of alternative technologies and a phasedown of the usage of high-GWP gases.

In conclusion, SF6 gas is a versatile and valuable substance with unique electrical and chemical properties. Its widespread use in various industries, particularly in electrical equipment, has contributed to advancements in technology. However, its environmental impact has prompted global initiatives to restrict its usage and explore alternative solutions to minimize its contribution to climate change.

The restriction on SF6 gas usage is a testament to the global community&#;s dedication to environmental preservation. As international agreements, regional regulations, and collaborative efforts drive the transition to greener alternatives, the world is moving closer to a future where responsible practices and innovative solutions prevail. By collectively addressing the challenge of SF6 usage, nations, and industries are embarking on a transformative journey toward a more sustainable and resilient plan.

Why AGIS is The Best Primary GIS Solution?

AGIS is SF6-free, non-toxic, environmentalist Dry Air gas insulated switchgear that is manufactured, and type tested LSC-2 service continuity, PM partition, AFLR internal arc classification, according to IEC -200 standard at 36 kV, A, and 31.5 kA / 3s electrical specifications.

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Volkan ULUTAŞ

Product Manager

31.08.

References

https://switchgearcontent.com//02/25//the-european-union-amends-the-regulations-related-to-sf6-gas/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/new-sf6-regulations-what-means-utilities-luke-benden

https://www.epa.gov/eps-partnership/state-and-regional-regulations-related-sf6-emissions-electric-transmission-and

https://www.nuventura.com/post/status-of-sf6-regulation-around-the-world

https://globaltransmission.info/eus-revised-f-gases-emissions-regulation-focus-on-use-of-sf6-free-technology-in-transmission/

https://ehs.ucsf.edu/sulfur-hexaflouride

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_..150.01..01.ENG

https://www.forbes.com/sites/thebakersinstitute//03/25/sf6-the-little-gas-that-could-make-global-warming-worse/?sh=1b9cbad

Sulfur Hexaflouride Possession of Purchases

Due to its extreme global warming potential, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) passed a regulation restricting Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) gas emissions, pursuant to the California Global Warning Solutions Act of . This rule places a ban on the sale, use, and release of SF6 for processes not specifically exempted in Title 17, section of the California Code of Regulations (17 CCR ).

Exemptions to this ban that may apply to UCSF operations include:

• Use in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber cleaning.
• Use in etching.
• Use as a dielectric medium including equipment containing SF6 for use as a dielectric medium.
• Use as an arc quenching medium in equipment containing SF6 for use as an arc quenching medium.

The above exemptions are not required to keep records for usage or purchases

• Use during one-time laboratory variable air volume fume hood certifications, pursuant to 8 CCR .1(c)(2)(B).
• Medical uses, which include the following applications:
• Injection or other entry of SF6 into a human or other animal body for the purpose of improving health;
• Use of SF6 in a diagnostic tool in order to either identify a disease or condition by its outward signs and symptoms or analyze the underlying physiological/biological cause(s) of a disease or condition; and
• Use of SF6 in a medical treatment process for a disease other than a medical condition.
• Use in equipment calibration and in testing to find alternatives to sulfur hexafluoride use.
• Use for research in a research facility. Research facilities planning to use SF6 for on or off-site research in a use not covered by 17 CCR (a)(1-9) must:
• Register with CARB in the form of a letter to the Executive Officer prior to use
• Monitor and report purchases and usage annually
• Submit an explanation of research activity
• Take efforts to minimize sulfur hexafluoride emissions.

Additionally, users and purchasers of SF6 are now required to keep records for 3 years showing the annual quantity of SF6 used and purchased, beginning March 30, . This requirement applies to all SF6 purchases, whether your operation is exempted or not. For research users of SF6 records will be collected by EH&S and an annual report issued to CARB by March 30.

If your research / operation currently uses SF6, review the final regulation at http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sf6nonelec/sf6nonelec.htm or contact UCSF Environmental Programs immediately to determine if you qualify for an exemption.

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Gas Insulated Switchgear Containing Sulfure Hexafluoride

&#;Gas-insulated switchgear or GIS&#; means all electrical power equipment insulated with SF6 gas regardless of location. Gas insulated switchgear or GIS includes switches, stand-alone gas-insulated equipment, and any combination of electrical disconnects, fuses, electrical transmission lines, transformers and/or circuit breakers used to isolate gas insulated electrical equipment.

If you have a GIS, you are subject to the Regulation for Reducing Sulfur Hexafluoride Emissions from Gas Insulated Switchgear sections to , title 17, California Code of Regulations.

For each calendar year specified below, the maximum annual SF6 emission rate for each GIS owner&#;s active GIS equipment shall not exceed the following:

Calendar Year

Maximum Allowable SF6 Emission rate

, and each calendar year thereafter

10.0%

9.0%

8.0%

7.0%

6.0%

5.0%

4.0%

3.0%

2.0%

1.0%

Annual reporting requirements due June 1 to the CA Air Resources Board for non-hermetically sealed insulated switchgear as follows:

• Weight of gas containers on hand ending December 31 of the previous year
• Records of SF6 gas and equipment acquisitions and disbursements
• Records for the addition or removal of SF6 from any piece of equipment

If you have a GIS, see the current regulation here: https://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/sf6elec/finalregulation.pdf and contact UCSF Environmental Programs to register your equipment.

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