HANDLING USED SULFUR HEXAFLUORIDE
REV7 /REV2 OI 250 (EN) 129 / 146
A4 Handling Used Sulfur Hexafluoride
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF
6
) can become contaminated when used in
electrical equipment. Contamination can result from leaks, incom-
plete evacuation, partial discharges, decomposition caused by
electric arcs and mechanical erosion. Used SF
6
is a valuable recy-
clable material that must be reconditioned and re-used.
The guidelines for analyzing and reconditioning sulfur hexafluoride
after removal from electrical equipment and the specifications for its
re-use are defined in standard IEC 60480.
Standard IEC 62271-4 describes the use and handling of SF
6
in
high voltage switchgear.
Before used SF
6
is recycled, it must be analyzed and generally
reconditioned in order to meet standard specifications. The
reconditioning process removes the impurities. Reconditioning is
handled by the SF
6
manufacturer. If the SF
6
is only slightly
contaminated, it can also be treated on site using appropriate
maintenance equipment (instructions are given in standard IEC
60480).
How do you ensure that used SF
6
will be
handled correctly?
By complying with the procedures defined in
standards IEC 60480 and IEC 62271-4.
What requirements must the operator
meet?
The operator must ensure that the
procedures defined in standards IEC 60480
and IEC 62271-4 are followed and that the
personnel assigned to carry out these
procedures are qualified to handle used SF
6
.
Within the European Union, the assigned
personnel must be qualified in accordance
with EU Regulation 842/2006.
How is used SF
6
handled? Used SF
6
is analyzed, reconditioned if neces-
sary, and re-used. The relevant guidelines
and specifications are defined in standard
IEC 60480.
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