Is sulfur hexafluoride banned?

Reasons for Restricting the Use of SF6 (Sulfur Hexafluoride) Worldwide

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Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas is known for its exceptional electrical insulation characteristics and has been widely utilized in various applications. However, its high global warming potential (GWP) has brought attention to the need for environmental protection, prompting discussions regarding its impact on global greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, the restrictions surrounding the use of SF6 gas have emerged as a crucial topic globally.

Understanding SF6 Before Addressing Restrictions

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and chemically inert gas that possesses unique properties making it particularly useful in electrical equipment, especially for high-voltage applications. Its excellent insulation capability and arc-quenching performance stem from its molecular structure, which consists of one sulfur atom combined with six fluorine atoms.

The environmental concerns surrounding SF6 are primarily related to its GWP, which is estimated to be around 23,500 times that of carbon dioxide over a century. Consequently, even minor emissions of SF6 can drastically amplify global warming and climate change issues. Recognizing this growing concern, nations globally are collaborating to restrict SF6 usage and minimize related emissions.

EU Regulations Aimed at Reducing F-Gas Environmental Effects

The European Union (EU) has implemented significant regulations to manage and limit the use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). These regulations are part of the EU's commitment to combat climate change and focus on curbing emissions of fluorinated gases. The primary regulation governing SF6 in the EU is the F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/. Key aspects of this regulation include:

1. Quota System: The F-Gas Regulation establishes a quota system that restricts the quantities of HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) and other fluorinated gases, including SF6, that can be marketed within the EU. The quotas are progressively reduced, promoting a gradual downscaling of these gases.
2. Leakage Reduction Measures: The regulation mandates regular leak inspections for equipment containing fluorinated gases such as SF6. Companies are required to implement detection and repair measures to minimize emissions.
3. Bans on Specific Uses: The F-Gas Regulation prohibits the use of high GWP fluorinated gases in instances where lower-GWP alternatives are available. This includes restrictions on some new equipment that employs SF6.
4. Training and Certification: Personnel involved in managing fluorinated gases, including installation and maintenance of SF6-containing equipment, must receive appropriate training and certification for safe handling.
5. Labeling Requirements: Equipment with fluorinated gases must be clearly labeled to indicate the gas type and quantity, aiding in appropriate maintenance and disposal management.
6. Reporting Obligations: Companies must report their activities concerning fluorinated gases, including amounts utilized and emitted, to national authorities for monitoring and compliance enforcement.
7. Gradual Reduction of Quotas: The regulation outlines a schedule for reducing the quotas of fluorinated gases that can be released to the market, encouraging a transition toward lower-GWP alternatives.
8. Eco-design Guidelines: The regulation sets minimum eco-design requirements for products that employ fluorinated gases, fostering the creation of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly equipment.
9. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with F-Gas regulations can result in fines and penalties for companies.

In summary, the EU's F-Gas Regulation adopts a comprehensive approach aimed at lowering emissions of fluorinated gases, including SF6, to mitigate effects on climate change. The regulation encourages industries to transition to lower-GWP technologies progressively.

In conclusion, SF6 gas is a valuable component with distinct electrical and chemical properties. Its widespread use in various industries, particularly in electrical applications, has facilitated technological advancements. Nevertheless, mounting environmental concerns have spurred global efforts to limit its use and explore alternatives, thus reducing its contribution to climate change.

The restrictions on SF6 highlight the global commitment to environmental preservation. Via international treaties, regional regulations, and collaborative initiatives, efforts are directed towards transitioning to greener alternatives. By collectively tackling the SF6 issue, nations and industries are embarking on a transformative journey towards a more sustainable future.

AGIS: The Optimal Primary GIS Solution

AGIS is a non-toxic gas insulated switchgear that does not utilize SF6, adhering to environmental concerns. This equipment is manufactured and type-tested according to IEC-200 standards at 36 kV, A, and 31.5 kA / 3s electrical specifications.

For further information regarding AGIS, please visit our site.

Volkan ULUTAŞ

Product Manager

31.08.

References:

European Union SF6 Regulation

LinkedIn Discussion on SF6 Regulations

EPA Guidance on SF6 Emissions

Nuventura Report on SF6 Regulation

Global Transmission Analysis of SF6 Regulation

UCSF on Sulfur Hexafluoride

EU Legal Document on SF6

Forbes Article on SF6

Sulfur Hexafluoride | Environmental, Health, and Safety Considerations

With its high global warming potential, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has enacted regulations to restrict emissions of Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) gas under the California Global Warming Solutions Act. The mandate prohibits the sale, use, and release of SF6 for non-exempt processes as outlined in Title 17, section of the California Code of Regulations (17 CCR).

Exemptions to this ban that could apply to university operations include:

• Use in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber cleaning.
• Use in etching processes.
• Usage as a dielectric medium, including SF6-containing equipment.
• Use as an arc quenching medium with SF6-containing equipment.

Note: The above exemptions are exempt from record-keeping for usage or purchases.

• Usage during one-off laboratory variable air volume fume hood certifications, following 8 CCR .1(c)(2)(B).
• Medical applications of SF6, encompassing:
• Injection or introduction of SF6 into humans or animals for health improvement.
• Utilization of SF6 in diagnostics for disease identification or analysis of underlying conditions.
• Application of SF6 in treating diseases unrelated to medical conditions.
• Equipment calibration and testing to find alternatives to SF6 use.
• Research projects within research facilities.

Research facilities planning to use SF6 in non-covered applications must:

• Register with CARB via a letter to the Executive Officer before usage.
• Annually monitor and report purchases and usage.
• Submit a description of research activities.
• Implement measures to reduce SF6 emissions.

Moreover, users and buyers of SF6 must maintain records for three years documenting the annual amounts of SF6 used or purchased, starting from March 30. This requirement applies to all SF6 purchases, regardless of exemptions. For research users, records will be collected by EH&S and a yearly report sent to CARB by March 30.

If your operations involve SF6, please review the final regulation at CARB Regulations on SF6 or reach out to UCSF Environmental Programs to confirm exemption eligibility.

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Gas Insulated Switchgear Utilizing Sulfur Hexafluoride

Gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) refers to all electrical power equipment insulated using SF6 gas, regardless of its location. This includes switches, standalone gas-insulated devices, as well as various combinations of electrical disconnects, fuses, transmission lines, transformers, and circuit breakers.

If you manage a GIS, you must comply with the Regulation for Reducing Sulfur Hexafluoride Emissions from Gas Insulated Switchgear, as stated in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations.

Below are the maximum allowable SF6 emission rates for each GIS owner's active equipment for specified calendar years:

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 is due by June 1 to the CA Air Resources Board for non-hermetically sealed insulated switchgear, including:

• Weight of gas containers as of December 31 of the previous year.
• Records of SF6 gas and equipment acquisition and disbursement.
• Records relating to any SF6 addition or removal from equipment.

If your facility operates GIS, review the current regulation here: California Air Resources Board GIS Regulations and contact UCSF Environmental Programs to register your equipment.

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