RESPECT DE LENVIrONNEMENT RDUIrE LES MISSIONS DE SF6 POUrQUOI, COMMENT ?

REDUCINg SF6 EMISSIONS WHY, HOW?

GRID

Lgende 1
Lgende 2
Lgende 3
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION
Sustainable development and managing environmental impacts are key items in the electrical grid industry. Alstom Grid, equipment manufacturer and high voltage solutions provider, is committed to making permanent efforts to reduce global CO2 emissions. This is made possible on the one hand, by developing diversified and small solutions integrating renewable energy sources, and on the other by minimizing the environmental impact of its activities. This is possible on the one part thanks to the conception of diversified and smart solutions integrating energy, as renewable ones and on the other by minimizing the environmental impacts of its activities. The use of SF6 is essential to the Grid business, due to its particular dielectric properties. However, it presents a high global warming risk, 23 900 times more than CO2. Alstom Grid actively aims to reduce emissions, in products, processes, production & testing equipment and commissioning techniques. Nevertheless, the more important factor in our continuing progress is ensuring that all those involved in the gas cycle are following best practices throughout their day-to-day business. This guide is aimed at everyone who works with SF6. It should provide a better understanding of the environmental impacts of SF6 gas, but, above all, it is designed to share the simple management rules and good engineering practices already being successfully implemented throughout a number of our units. We are counting on you to put them into practice effectively, working towards our emission-free future! Frdric Camuset Alstom Grid - VP EHS & Sustainable Development

1 2 3

SF6: Its imPact and use

PAGE 04
SF6: Best PRactices

PAGE 14
SF6: RemindeR of health & safetY PRinciPles

PAGE 28

HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT

Information, explanation or illustration concerning the topic Applies to all ALSTOM group sites Good and/or best practice aimed at achieving excellence

Shared best practices  for a permanent reduction in SF6 emissions

2 | Reducing SF6 emissions Why? How? | 3

| LE SF6: SES IMPaCTS, SON UTILISaTION |

SF6: its iMPact and use

ContRibutions tO GREENhOUsE EffEcts................................ 05 PhYsIcAL AND chEMIcAL PRoPeRties........................................ 06 DiffeRent tYpEs Of SF6 .............................................................. 07 Regulations .................................................................................. 08 The fouR KeY PRocesses UsING SF6......................................... 09

Contributions to GreenHouse effects

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon trapping some of the sun's infra-red radiation, which would normally be reflected off the earth's surface back into space. This effect gives the earth its mean temperature of +15C. The commonest atmospheric components contributing to this effect are water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane. However, since the industrial revolution, man has been discharging gases into the atmosphere, artificially increasing this greenhouse effect.

Even if the physical quantity of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) in the atmosphere is very small, its importance as a greenhouse gas is critical as it has the ability to absorb 23,900 times more infra-red radiation than carbon dioxide. Discharging 1 kg of SF6 into the atmosphere is the equivalent of discharging 23,900 kg of CO2, the equivalent of the greenhouse gases created by a petrol-powered car being driven some 120,000 km.

Assembly of a new piece of equipment in the workshop ............... 09 Assembly of a new piece of equipment on-site ............................. 10 Maintenance of customer's equipment in the workshop and/or on-site .............................................................................. 11 Dismantling equipment at the end of its operational life ............... 12

REcOMMENDED linKs................................................................... 13

SF6 gas is used in high and medium voltage switchgear for its breaking and insulation characteristics.

SF6 emissions come from the manufacturing, use, maintenance and dismantling of this equipment. The losses are either accidental (equipment breakages) or structural (dependant on the level of recovery and the integrity of the equipment seal). The implementation of best practices by all involved is essential in reducing these emissions.

4 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 5

| SF6: ITS IMPaCT aND USE |

PHYsical and cHeMical ProPerties

At normal pressures and temperatures (20C and 100kPa) SF6 exists in gaseous form with a density of 6.07 kg/m3 (approximately five times the density of air). It can be transformed into a liquid state either by compression or by lowering its temperature. SF6 is an odorless, colorless and non-toxic gas. However, the gas is heavier than air and low lying sections such as gutters or trenches may contain a high concentration.

Different tYPes of SF6

SF6 TECHNICAL GRADE The gas is delivered, with a Material Data Sheet (MDS) provided by the supplier, at the specified quality for the use envisaged (for example: International Standard IEC 60376, Internal technical standard ALSTOM GRID 312 420).
Its hazardous characteristics are given in the MDS. Taking into account its density as being five times that of air, personnel should be made aware of the dangers of asphyxiation in zones liable to contain higher concentrations of the gas.

PhYsical PRoPeRties
This gas has a particular combination of physical properties:

SF6 READY FOR USE

The gas as used in the workshop and/or on-site, at the quality specified for the use envisaged for products and trials (for example: International Standard IEC 60 480, Internal technical standard ALSTOM GRID 312 421). The composition of the gas must be known to determine its toxicity. Even though ready for use, it may contain toxic substances (e.g. SO2, HF).

High dielectric rigidity: thanks to its electro-negative character it captures free electrons, forming heavy, relatively immobile, ions, making the development of an electric arc less likely. High thermal transfer capacity (around twice that of air).

High arc breaking capacity (around ten times that of air).

Chemical PRoPeRties
The highly stable nature of SF6 can be explained by its six covalent bonds:
SF6 can be heated to a temperature of 500C without chemical decomposition unless metallic catalysts are present,

SF6 NOT READY FOR USE

This gas is not suitable for use. Depending on whether hazardous substances are present it is classified as impure (e.g. presence of air) or polluted (e.g. products of the chemical breakdown of SF6 as SO2, SOF2 or SO2F2). The composition of the gas must be known to determine its toxicity.

Hydrogen, chlorine and oxygen have no effect on the compound, SF6 is insoluble in water, It is unaffected by acids.

6 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 7

| SF6: ITS IMPaCT aND USE |

ReGulations
European Regulation 842/2006 dealing with certain fluorine-based greenhouse gases, including sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), has laid down the rules for the confinement and recovery of this gas, used in high voltage connector equipment (circuit breakers, disconnectors, SF6 insulated sub-stations, gas-insulated cables, etc.). This regulation became law on July 4, 2007. The objective of the regulatory requirements is to avoid any discharges of SF6 into the atmosphere by fixing rules at three major levels:

THe four KeY Processes usinG SF6

AsseMblY of a neW Piece of eQuiPMent in tHe WorKsHoP:
Assembly of the equipment

0
SF6 Procurement + SF6 Storage + SF6 Distribution Property of Alstom

C/D

Filling with SF6 gas

Identification, by means of labels based on international reference standards: - The presence and quantity of SF6 incorporated into high voltage connector equipment, - The recovery and/or transportation characteristic of the SF6 in any container.

Inspection/Test

Satisfactory control?
Yes

No (non-conforming equipment)

The obligation to recover the SF6 during all interventions, for maintenance or for the disassembly of a device with the aim of recycling it, regenerating it or incinerating it.

Certified training for all personnel required to work on the SF6 contents of switchgear, at all stages in its use & maintenance cycle as well as during its elimination. The minimum requirements in terms of the content of this training is fixed in terms of the requirements of specific standards.

Equipment to undergo transfer at Ps?

Yes

No (transfer at Pt)

C/D

SF6 recovery at Pt

SF6 recovery

C/D

Transfer of the equipment

SF6 structural emissions

Opening of the equipment Connection/disconnection Leaks connected with the presence of seals

Ps : Service pressure Pt : Transfer pressure

C/D operations

8 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 9

| SF6: ITS IMPaCT aND USE |

AsseMblY of a neW Piece of eQuiPMent on-site:

Maintenance of custoMers eQuiPMent in tHe WorKsHoP and/or on-site:

Transport of the equipment SF6 Procurement + SF6 Storage + SF6 Distribution Property of Alstom

Customer request for equipment maintenance Transport of equipment possible at Ps?

Equipment No at Ps? (equipment at Pt)

No

C/D

Filling with SF6 gas

Recovery of SF6 at Pt with material suitable for the SF6 quality

C/D

Yes

Inspection/Test Maintenance sur site client Transfert appareil l'atelier

SF6 storage, with a view to: - either recycling - or destruction Property of Customer

L
Satisfactory control?
Yes No (non-conforming equipment)

C/D C/D

Rcupration SF6 Pt avec matriel adapt la qualit du SF6 Equipment maintenance

SF6 recovery

Intervention on equipment

SF6 storage, with a view to: - either recycling - or destruction Property of Customer

Commissioning of equipment

Integration into the process "New equipment in the workshop as from the SF6 Filling operation

SF6 structural emissions:

SF6 structural emissions: Ps : Service pressure Pt : Transfer pressure

Opening of the equipment Connection/disconnection Leaks connected with the presence of seals

Opening of the equipment Connection/disconnection Leaks connected with the presence of seals

Ps : Service pressure Pt : Transfer pressure

C/D operations

C/D operations

10 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 11

| SF6: ITS IMPaCT aND USE |

DisMantlinG eQuiPMent at tHe end of its oPerational life:

WEBSITES
Conseil International des Grands Rseaux lectriques (International Council on Large Electrical Systems) www.cigre.org

Customer request for equipment dismantling

Transport of equipment possible at Ps?

No

The European Association of the Electricity Transmission and Distribution Equipment and Services Industry www.tdeurope.eu

Recovery of SF6 at Pt with material suitable for the SF6 quality

C/D

SF6 storage, with a view to: - either recycling - or destruction Property of Customer

Transfer of the equipment to the workshop

Groupement des Industries de lquipement lectrique, du contrle commande et des services associs (Industrial Group for Electrical Equipment, Command & Control and Associated Services) www.gimelec.fr

C/D

Recovery of SF6 with material suitable for the SF6 quality

Dismantling of the equipment

SF6 storage, with a view to: - either recycling - or destruction Property of Customer

ZVEI: Zentralverband Elektrotechnikund Elektronikindustrie e.V. www.zvei.de

NEMA: National Electrical Manufacturers Association www.nema.org

BEAMA: British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers' Association www.beama.org.uk

SF6 structural emissions:

SERCOBE: Spanish National Association of Manufacturers of Capital Goods. www.sercobe.es ANIE: Federazione Nazionale imprese electtrotecniche ed elettroniche www.anie.it

Opening of the equipment Connection/disconnection Leaks connected with the presence of seals

Ps : Service pressure Pt : Transfer pressure

C/D operations

12 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 13

| SF6: bEST PraCTICES |

sf6: best Practices

TRaining IN thE UsE Of SF6 ....................................................... 15 PRocuRement Of SF6 .................................................................. 16 StoRage Of SF6 ............................................................................. 17 Use Of BOttLEs AND cONtAINERs............................................... 18 Re-use, REGENERAtION AND DEstRUctION Of SF6 ................. 19 Accounting fOR SF6 QUANtItIEs .............................................. 20 Filling EQUIpMENt ....................................................................... 21 LEAK testing................................................................................... 22 RecoVeRY Of SF6 .......................................................................... 23 NEtWORK maintenance ............................................................. 24 Maintenance Of REcOVERY UNIts............................................. 25 Maintenance AND cALIBRAtION Of MEAsURING EQUIpMENt ..................................................................................... 26

TraininG in tHe use of SF6

In addition to European regulatory trainings dealing with SF6 recovery certification, Alstom Grid is also applying a global training policy to ensure that employees are consistently recording and implementing best practices in their daily operations.
The training must include work on the various handling operations involving SF6 (recovery units, manometers, pressure reduction, valves, etc.). The theoretical knowledge required includes the physical principles used (liquid state, gaseous state, absolute pressure, relative pressure, units, measurement accuracy, etc.), the characteristics of the SF6 and the health & safety requirements to be met.

The training should detail the various themes touched upon by this guide. It is provided to those persons involved in the key operating procedures using SF6.

Alstom Grid has been accredited to evaluate and certify workers involved in recovering SF6 gas from high and medium voltage switchgear and to delivered certifications as mentioned in article 4 of the European Regulation 305/2008.

The training is given to both operational personnel and workshop management.

14 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 15

| SF6: bEST PraCTICES |

ProcureMent of SF6
There are two types of storage vessel, depending on the requirements of the individual department: Bottles or containers.

StoraGe of SF6
Full containers are pressurized tanks. They must be handled as such and notably, respect the relevant regulations. The containers must be stored in a well ventilated area, dry and away from direct sunlight. Bottles and containers must be physically secured (specifically - fixed or chained in place).

Procurement of SF6 must meet the following minimum requirements:

- The product must be accompanied by a Conformity Certificate. - The supply contract will state the tolerances in terms of the mass of the product delivered. The procurement of SF6 is dependant on requirements. Each individual delivery is systematically subjected to weighing and a leak-test. In the event a leak is detected from a container, the SF6 must be recovered as quickly as possible. A report form must be completed. The supplier is informed and must propose corrective actions.

Leak tests must be carried out periodically throughout the storage area. In the event a leak is detected, the SF6 must be recovered as quickly as possible. An incident form is then completed.

16 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 17

| SF6: bEST PraCTICES |

Use of bottles and containers

The regulations for pressurized storage vessels are applicable to bottles and containers being used. Depending on the orientation of the containers, the SF6 is either drawn out as a liquid or a gas.

Re-use, reGeneration and destruction of SF6

Gas can be reused as long as it conforms to the specifications for use. The regeneration or destruction of substandard quality gas must be carried out by an authorized supplier.

Bottles in use must be stored vertically and secured with straps. Horizontal containers must be in racks, vertical containers on strengthened pallets. The valves of the bottles and containers must be closed after use. 1/4-turn valves are fitted as close to the containers as possible, giving a visual indication that they are closed after use.

Once started all containers must be emptied to their maximum wherever possible. All containers must be covered by an administrative process after use (traceability).

Production units with centralized storage and metallic piping for distribution to the work stations.

An SF6 recovery and re-use service is available to customers.

18 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 19

| SF6: bEST PraCTICES |

AccountinG for SF6 Quantities

Inventories are carried out in accordance with the ALSTOM standard GRID EHS 03, based on the CAPIEL inventory method. The inventory can either be by complete workshop or by individual zones that use SF6.

FillinG eQuiPMent

Filling is carried out during commissioning of equipment or component parts, dielectric rigidity and mechanical resistance tests and to ensure there are no leak.

The accuracy classification of measuring equipment must be suitable for the readings to be taken. Workshop deliveries, stock and returns must be controlled by weight. Quantities injected into new equipment and quantities delivered with the equipment must also be known. A computerised, quality assurance, monitoring system must be set up to oversee all SF6 flow.

Prior to filling, a vacuum is created within the equipment to a level corresponding to predefined criteria. All filling operations must be carried out by authorized personnel in accordance with the instructions displayed at the place of work. The instructions are quality-controlled documents.

The filling station must be regularly monitored to identify any leakage risk as quickly as possible.

20 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 21

| SF6: bEST PraCTICES |

LeaK testinG
Equipment may leak. It is therefore necessary, as part of the verification of the quality of the product, to check its leaktightness.

RecoverY of SF6
This phase is essential in reducing SF6 emissions. Currently, any unrecovered SF6 is discharged into the atmosphere when the equipment is opened.

The operation is based upon the monitoring of leaks using a cumulative process. This validates the rate of leakage. The operation must be carried out by authorized personnel in accordance with the instructions displayed at the place of work. The instructions are quality-controlled documents. If a leak is detected, the source must be located as soon as possible and the gas contained within the device recovered. Monitoring and analysis of leaks is carried out in order to eliminate the causes. The means used to test the integrity of the products seal (upstream - without SF6, monitoring the vacuum production phase, etc.) are to be studied by the entity.

Impure SF6 is a toxic, corrosive gas. It can be found in equipment owned by the customer and renovated by ALSTOM during maintenance or dismantling at the end of its service life, as well as in equipment used for tests.

All recovery operations must be carried out by authorized personnel in accordance with the instructions displayed at the worksite, using suitable equipment and the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) defined in Section 3 of this document. The instructions are qualitycontrolled documents.

Specific equipment is required for the recovery of impure SF6 (for example: Pre-filters). The best available technology must be used by each entity in order to reduce, as far as is reasonably possible, environmental impact. For the higher impacts, the best available technology should be used. A specialized group is dedicated to working on impure SF6 recovery operations. A recovery threshold of less than 20 mbar is recommended.

22 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 23

| SF6: bEST PraCTICES |

NetWorK Maintenance
Centralized networks or independent filling stations are the first link in the SF6 distribution chain. The maintenance of the networks is aimed at guaranteeing integrity of the products seal. i.e: no leak.

Maintenance of recoverY units

The recovery units are a part of the process but they may leak. The maintenance of these units is designed to ensure both their availability and correct functioning. The maintenance of SF6 recovery units is formalized, carried out periodically and must be recorded at all stages. It is based upon leak detection. The maintenance frequencies are determined in terms of the quality of the SF6 recovered. In reality, impure, used SF6 is more corrosive.

The maintenance of SF6 networks, including flexible hoses, is formalised, carried out periodically and must be recorded at all stages. It is based upon a process of leak detection and elimination. The equipment used throughout the distribution chain is specifically designed for gases. A preventive maintenance plan has been drawn up. It does, notably, include the replacement of flexible hoses and connectors at regular intervals, as well as frequent equipment checks.

A preventive maintenance plan has been drawn up. It is based upon supplier's recommendations and taking into account the conditions of use.

24 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 25

| SF6: bEST PraCTICES |

Maintenance and calibration of MeasurinG eQuiPMent

The maintenance and calibration of measuring equipment (scales, manometers, SF6 detectors, SF6 analyzers, etc.) is carried out to guarantee the accuracy of test information.

DOCUMENTATION AVAILABLE
INTErNaTIONaL STaNDarDS:
IEC 60 376: specification of technical grade sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) for use in electrical equipment IEC 60 480: guidelines for the checking and treatment of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) taken from electrical equipment and specification for its re use IEC 62 271-303: high-voltage switchgear and controlgear use and handling of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in high-voltage switchgear and controlgear

A maintenance schedule for measuring equipment, conforming to supplier recommendations (for example: Filter and consumable change periods) has been developed and introduced. In addition, the measurement equipment is integrated into the site's metrology program (verification & calibration). The contents of the Safety Visits check-lists (e.g. Team Safety Visits) include a verification of the validity dates on measuring equipment.

TECHNICaL gUIDES:
SF6 Practical Handling instructions - CIGRE Brochure 273 SF6 Recycling Guide (Revision 2003) - CIGRE Brochure 234 - August 2003 PARIS CIGRE Brochure 430: B3 18 October 2010

26 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 27

| SF6: rEMINDEr Of HEaLTH & SafETY PrINCIPLES |

sf6: reMinder of HealtH & safetY PrinciPles

Labeling Of cONtENts ............................................................... 29 TRansPoRting SF6 ........................................................................ 30 PREssURIsED eQuiPment ............................................................ 31 SAfEtY instRuctions / the use of Personal Protective EQuiPment (PPE) ........................................................................... 32

LabelinG of contents
Whatever type (quality) of SF6 is used, all SF6 containers must be labeled. SF6 free of toXic Products

SF6 containinG toXic Products

28 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 29

| SF6: rEMINDEr Of HEaLTH & SafETY PrINCIPLES |

TransPortinG SF6

Pressurised eQuiPMent

The transportation of SF6 is considered to be the transportation of hazardous materials. It must be carried out in accordance with current regulations, notably European ADR (European agreement relating to the international transportation of hazardous goods by road) regulations.

SF6 is contained in pressurized vessels which must meet current safety requirements. The principal hazards are explosion, distortion and implosion.

The following data is to be clearly displayed: Maximum operating pressure and date of next test.

Whenever transported, each individual container must be clearly labeled with a dual-purpose Health & Safety / Transportation label and must be accompanied by a hazardous MDS.

Pressurized equipment must be fitted with leak-proof high-pressure pipework.

When transporting SF6 containing toxic products, the hazardous MDS must state the ADR 2.2 TC classification with a safety plan. The dual-purpose label is as follows:

Safety valves must be ducted to avoid discharges of SF6 into the atmosphere.

Loading and unloading operations are to be carried out by trained, authorised personnel in accordance with current instructions.

30 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 31

| SF6: rEMINDEr Of HEaLTH & SafETY PrINCIPLES |

SafetY instructions / tHe use of Personal Protective EQuiPMent (PPE)

THe folloWinG instructions Must be folloWed in all zones WHere SF6 is beinG used:

notes

..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................................

No smoking Ventilate before working with heat sources Thermal engines must not be used

PPE must be worn in accordance with the table given below: Conforming SF6 including low levels of toxic products Non-conforming SF6 including toxic products SF6 (post-arcing) Studies of the compartment containing polluted SF6

SF6 (Technical Grade) Pure SF6 and used gas without toxic products

IndiVidual PRotection Wearing of Suitable Gloves Wearing of Eye Protection Wearing of a Simple Face Mask Wearing of a Cartridge Filter Face Mask Wearing of a combination

Note: For elimination purposes, the PPE should be processed as Hazardous Industrial Waste

32 | Reducing SF6 emissions

Why? How? | 33

notes

..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................................

Conception et realisation March 2012

34 | Reducing SF6 emissions

All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is indicative only. No representation or warranty is given or should be relied ALSTOM 2012. on that it is complete or correct or will apply to any particular project. This will depend on the technical and commercial circumstances. It is provided without liability and is subject to change without notice. Reproduction, use or disclosure to third parties, without express written authority, is strictly prohibited.

Lgende 3

Lgende 2

Lgende 1

www.alstom.com

Alstom Grid Immeuble Galile 51, Esplanade du Gnral De Gaulle 92907 La Dfense Cedex