SF6, Its Handling Procedures

and Regulations 23
Peter Glaubitz, Carolin Siebert, and Klaus Zuber

Contents
23.1 The EU-F-Gas-Regulation (EU) 517/2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 453
23.1.1 Leakage Detection Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
23.1.2 Handling and Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 454
23.1.3 Training and Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455
23.1.4 Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455
23.2 SF6 Handling During Installation and Commissioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455
23.3 Storage and Transportation of SF6 Bottles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456
23.4 Reuse of SF6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456
23.5 Handling of SF6 Decomposition Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 458
23.6 Information to Be Given by the Users and the Manufactures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
23.6.1 Basic Users Input Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
23.6.2 Basic Manufacturers Input Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 460

SF6 and its handling are subject to a number of publications, especially from CIGRE.
However, the most familiar ones for GIS project execution are the IEC standards IEC
60376 (2005–06) (for technical grade gas), IEC 60480 (2004–10) (for used gas), and
IEC 62271-4 (2013–08) (for handling of SF6 in high-voltage switchgear).

P. Glaubitz (*)
GIS Technology, Energy Management Division, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany
e-mail: peter.glaubitz@siemens.com
C. Siebert
Energy Management, Siemens AG, Berlin, Germany
e-mail: carolin.siebert@siemens.com
K. Zuber
Energy Division, Gas Insulated Switchgear, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany
e-mail: zuber.scott@t-online.de

# Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature 2019 451

T. Krieg, J. Finn (eds.), Substations, CIGRE Green Books,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-49574-3_23
452 P. Glaubitz et al.

Official national and international documents give excellent information on all

items related to SF6 and its handling procedures and to ensure to keep the SF6 in a
closed cycle. These are summarized in Table 23.1.
SF6 is a colorless, odorless, chemically neutral, and inert gas, noninflammable
and five times heavier than air, nontoxic, and not ozone depleting. Because of its
excellent electrical, physical, and chemical properties enabling significant benefits
for the electricity supply network: SF6 is strongly electronegative; it has a unique
combination of physical properties, like the dielectric strength, which is about three
times that of air. It has over 100 times better arc-quenching capability than air (N2)
and better heat dissipation, about twice that of air. For more information see IEC
62271-4, Annex E.4 “Electrical properties.”
SF6 electric power equipment is used worldwide with an increasing tendency.
Today it is estimated that an average of about 80–90% of HV equipment,
manufactured and installed, contains SF6. SF6 is permitted in the electric power
industry without restrictions.

Table 23.1 Summary of documents related to SF6

Standards and basics
Focus on design and manufacturing
Focus on installation, erection,
commissioning, end of life, recycling
Avoid leakage in service
Repair work and maintenance
IEC 60376 “Specification of technical grade sulfur
hexafluoride (SF6) for use in electrical equipment”
IEC 60480 “Guidelines for the checking and
treatment of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) taken from
electrical equipment and specification for its re-use”
IEC 62271-4 “Handling procedures for sulphur
hexafluoride SF6 and its mixtures”
IEEE Std. C37.122.3-2011 “IEEE Guide for Sulphur
Hexafluoride (SF6) handling for high-voltage (over
1000Vac) equipment” (IEEE Std C37.122.3™
2012–01)
CIGRE brochure No. 276, 2005 (SF6 handling guide)
“Guide for the preparation of customized “practical
SF6 handling instructions” (CIGRE 2005)
ELECTRA Magazine No. 274, “CIGRE SF6 position
paper,” 2014 (ELECTRA 2014)
CIGRE brochure No. 594, 2014 “Guide to minimize
the use of SF6 during routine testing of electrical
equipment” (CIGRE 2014a)
IEC 62271-4
IEEE C37.122.3-2011
CIGRE brochure No. 276, 2005
CIGRE brochure No. 594, 2014
CIGRE brochure No. 234, 2003 “SF6 recycling
guide” (CIGRE 2003)
CIGRE brochure No. 430, 2010 “SF6 tightness guide”
(CIGRE 2010)
IEC 62271-4
IEEE C37.122.3-2011
CIGRE brochure No. 276, 2005
CIGRE brochure No. 163, 2000 “Guide for SF6 gas
mixtures” (CIGRE 2000)
23 SF6, Its Handling Procedures and Regulations 453

However, certain regulations have to be considered which are all implemented in

processes and products.
The application of SF6 as one of 28 fluorinated substances is well described in the
EU-F-Gas-Regulation (EU) 517/2014 (Regulation (EU) 2014), Annex I “Fluori-
nated greenhouse gases referred to in point 1 of article 2.”
Pure SF6 is nontoxic and is physiologically completely harmless for humans and
animals; it is even used in medical diagnostics. Due to its weight, it might displace the
oxygen in the air; large quantities can concentrate in deeper and non-ventilated places
and can lead to danger of suffocation. For the same reason, additional care has to be
taken, when evacuating a SF6 gas compartment of a GIS. Large quantities can stay in
lower spaces of the compartment. It is not categorized as a hazardous material in any
legislation for chemicals. SF6 and its decomposition products do not contribute to the
destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer. But due to its high global warming
potential (GWP) of 22.800, it is number one in every listing. The gas may contribute
to the manmade greenhouse-effect if it is released into the atmosphere. Open applica-
tions are forbidden in the European Union. The SF6 concentration in the atmosphere is
constantly increasing, mainly due to its long residence time in the atmosphere of
approx. 3,000 years. State-of-the-art SF6 electric power equipment is extremely
gas-tight and has got usually lower leakage rates than required in the IEC standards
(<0.1% instead of <0.5% per year per gas compartment). Life cycle assessment (LCA)
studies (like “SF6-GIS-Technology for Power Distribution – Medium Voltage –“ by
Dr.-Ing. Ivo Mersiowsky (2003)) have proven that the application of SF6 technology in
the SF6 electric power equipment results in lower overall direct and indirect environ-
mental impacts compared to air-insulated switchyards (AIS) acc. to Solvay Fluor
Brochure (Solvay Brochure Sulphur Hexafluoride 2012). This makes the real impact
of SF6 electric power equipment on the greenhouse-effect negligible.

23.1 The EU-F-Gas-Regulation (EU) 517/2014

All over the world stakeholders responsible for SF6 electrical power equipment
handle SF6 with care. The focus for manufacturers and asset owners is on finding
ways of increasing the tightness of equipment and reducing handling losses. This has
resulted in self-commitments in our industry (e.g., US EPA) in various countries
worldwide. In addition in Europe, a regulation was introduced, the EU-F-Gas-
Regulation 517/2014.
There are no restrictions implemented regarding the application of SF6 in electric
power equipment in a closed cycle around Europe. In addition new GIS design
features reduced the applied amount of SF6 per functionality. The regulation came
into effect on January 01, 2015. The content requires a number of topics to be
considered for SF6 electrical power equipment: reporting obligations, training of
personnel, labeling, and handling. Relevant implementing regulations for
gas-insulated switchgear of the EU-F-Gas-Regulation 517/2014 are regulation
(EU) 1191/2014 (30th October 2014) (Commission Implementing Regulation
(EU) 2014) for “Reporting,” the (EU) 2015/2066 (17th November 2015) (Commission
454 P. Glaubitz et al.

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015a) for “Training and Certification,” and the
(EU) 2015/2068 (17th November 2015) (Commission Implementing Regulation
(EU) 2015b) for “Labeling.” The “Specific information about the new F-Gas-Regula-
tion 517/2014 regarding SF6-application in electric power equipment” (ZVEI, Jan.
2015) can provide guidance through the relevant articles of the regulation. For all EU
documents, see http://eur-lex.europa.eu/homepage.html.
For medium-voltage switchgear – acc. to EU-F-Gas-Regulation 517/2014, Article
21 – paragraph 4 “The EU commission has to report not later than 1st July 2020, if there
are any cost-effective, energy-efficient, technically feasible and reliable alternatives
which can replace SF6 in secondary medium-voltage switchgear (medium-voltage to
low-voltage connections).” No later than 31st December 2022, the EU commission shall
publish a comprehensive report on the effects of the regulation. The report shall include in
particular a forecast of the continued demand for hydrofluorocarbons, an assessment of
the need for further action regarding the reduction of fluorinated greenhouse gas emis-
sions, and a review of the availability of technically feasible and cost-effective alterna-
tives to products and equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases.

23.1.1 Leakage Detection Systems

From 1st January 2017, electrical switchgear put into operation that contains an
F-gas quantity corresponding to more than 500 tons of CO2 equivalents (about 22 kg
SF6) must, according to Art. 5 of the F-Gas-Regulation (EU) 517/2014, be equipped
with a leakage detection system. Medium-voltage switchgear usually contains sig-
nificantly less SF6 and, therefore, does not fall within the scope of this requirement.
For reasons of operational safety, high-voltage switchgear is commonly equipped
with pressure/density monitoring sensors that signal the current operational status to
a remote location. As defined in the EU-F-Gas-Regulation:

• Pressure and density sensors alone do not meet the requirements that apply to a
leakage detection system.
• Pressure and density sensors with remote signaling function, such as the often
used density monitors with control circuit (limit-value switch), meet the require-
ments that apply to a leakage detection system.

The correct function of the leakage detection system has to be checked at intervals of
no longer than 6 years. Operators may carry out the required check of the pressure/density
sensor system in the course of a routine check of the switchgear, as is the current practice.
This obligation to check does not apply to electrical switchgear put into operation
before January 1, 2017.

23.1.2 Handling and Repair

According to Article 3, 4, and 5, intentional release of SF6 is prohibited. Leakages of

SF6 in electrical power equipment into the atmosphere have to be minimized and
23 SF6, Its Handling Procedures and Regulations 455

repaired without undue delay within 1 month. The repair has to be verified as
effective. Electrical switchgear is not affected by leak checks, provided they comply
with one of the following conditions:

1. They have a tested leakage rate of less than 0.1% per year.
2. They are equipped with a pressure or density monitoring device.
3. It contains less than 6 kg of fluorinated greenhouse gases (per compartment).

Usually item (2) applies for high-voltage GIS.

23.1.3 Training and Certification

According to Article 8 and 10 of the F-Gas-Regulation and the regulation

(EU) 2015/2066, operators shall ensure that the individual handling of fluorinated
gases is carried out by natural persons that hold the relevant certificates provided for
Article 10. The extended SF6 training and certification have started on January
1, 2017, for handling activities regarding installation, servicing, maintenance, repair
or decommissioning, and recovery of electrical switchgear containing SF6. The
certification of employees of OEMs for automated processes in factories is not
required. Existing certificates issued in accordance with former regulation (EC) no.
842/2006 (Regulation 2006) will remain valid. Member States of the EU shall
recognize certificates issued in another Member State.

23.1.4 Labeling

Products and equipment that contain fluorinated greenhouse gases shall not be
placed on the market unless they are labeled acc. to Article 12 of the F-Gas-
Regulation and the regulation (EU) 2015/2068. Since January 1, 2017, reference
should be given that the product or equipment contains fluorinated greenhouse
gases, its amount in kg SF6, the equivalent amount of CO2, and the GWP of the
contained F-Gas. The label should include the wording “Contains fluorinated green-
house gases” in the 24 official languages of the Member State of the EU, in which the
switchgear has to be placed on the market. Information shall be included in instruc-
tion manuals and in descriptions used for advertising.

23.2 SF6 Handling During Installation and Commissioning

First the SF6 handling was described in the CIGRE brochure No. 276 “SF6 handling
guide.” The content finally resulted in IEC 62271-4. Please refer also to the instruc-
tion manual of the OEM. It is essential that SF6-emissions have to be avoided –
where and whenever possible – during every SF6-handling. All work should be done
in conjunction with the manufacturer or qualified service company with certified
personnel.
456 P. Glaubitz et al.

23.3 Storage and Transportation of SF6 Bottles

With respect to storage and transportation, three gas categories need to be considered
for determination of container types and labeling required (see IEC 62271-4):

Gas category Type of labeling

New gas or technical grade SF6 Green label on
bottle
Used SF6 suitable for reuse on site Yellow label on
Used SF6 suitable for reuse at gas manufacturer or used SF6 not suitable bottle
for reuse

Usually new SF6-gas is supplied in steel cylinders with a capacity of 5, 10, 20, 40,
43.5, and 600 l, or for larger quantities, special high-capacity pressure drums are
available with a capacity of 600 kg SF6 and higher.
The transportation of (new and used) SF6, either in containers or in electric power
equipment, shall always be carried out in accordance with local and international
regulations. Details for transportation are also given by the SF6 producer, e.g.,
Solvay Brochure SF6.

23.4 Reuse of SF6

Because of the unique qualities of SF6, under normal operating conditions, no

degradation occurs. However, in order to ensure that the equipment performs in
accordance with its functional purpose, the quality of the gas that must be maintained
as contaminants might negatively impact the dielectric and arc-quenching properties
of the gas. According to CIGRE Brochure No. 567 (CIGRE 2014b) “SF6 Analysis
for AIS, GIS and MTS Condition Assessment” (see also Sect. 23.6), contaminants
can arise from different sources: they may be introduced at the time of the initial
filling with gas; they may desorb from the internal surfaces of the equipment or may
arise as a result of electric activity, either by partial discharges or arcs. Therefore,
ensuring that the gas does not contain inappropriate levels of impurities is an
important consideration, especially in gas compartments with switching elements.
Values of impurity levels are given in IEC 60480, Table 2 “Maximum acceptable
impurity levels.”
To support the reuse processes, all significant descriptions are given in the CIGRE
“SF6 Recycling Guide” No. 234 including:

• The identification of the origin of contaminants produced

• The description of deteriorating effect of contaminants
• The purity levels and checking techniques for recycled SF6 based on functional
limits
• The description of SF6 recycling procedures and available equipment
23 SF6, Its Handling Procedures and Regulations 457

Successful SF6 handling and recycling requires:

• Electrical power equipment designed for easy recycling (reuse)

• Appropriate gas handling and recycling procedures
• Appropriate gas handling and recycling equipment (state-of-the-art)
• Knowledge of the origins and quantities of contaminants to be expected in SF6
used in electrical power equipment
• Purity standards for SF6 to be reused in electrical power equipment
• Methods to verify the quality of reclaimed gas
• A final disposal concept by which SF6 can be converted into environmentally
compatible substances

Gas monitoring and reclaiming equipment can be used to keep SF6 in a reusable
state by considering the various contamination levels (new gas – non-arced gas;
normally arced gas and heavily arced gas). The principles are illustrated in Fig. 23.1.
To make all personnel aware of the necessity for correct application of the SF6
handling procedure, it is strongly advised to place an environmental statement for the
use of SF6 gas in all substations provided with SF6 insulated switchgear

Fig. 23.1 Basic functional scheme of a general purpose SF6 reclaimer – CIGRE No. 276 “SF6
handling Guide”
458 P. Glaubitz et al.

23.5 Handling of SF6 Decomposition Products

Although SF6 in its pure form is a nontoxic gas, it may, after extraction from the
high-voltage equipment, contain toxic decomposition products (see CIGRE Bro-
chure No. 567). Most of the decomposed molecules will recombine back into SF6.
Some residual products in the form of toxic and caustic sulfur, fluorine, oxygen, and
metal combinations (hydrolysable fluorides (HF)) will remain. Impurities such as
water, air, and oil can enter the compartments as a result of penetration through seals,
improper filling activities, incomplete functioning of internal filters, use of oil-geared
compressors, etc. Filters placed in the equipment will limit the amount of SF6
decomposition products under normal conditions. Nowadays commercially avail-
able equipment enables users to check gas quality on a regular basis. Limits and
kinds of impurities as well as measuring methods are described in the guides
mentioned above. In the event of unacceptable levels of impurities (water, air,
hydrolysable fluorides, oil, CF4), gashandling equipment with different capabilities
is available to recycle the gas in order to refill the switchgear compartment with gas
of acceptable quality. In addition to these “cleaning” operations, gas handling is also
necessary whenever the high-voltage equipment needs to be opened for maintenance
(see Fig. 23.2).
Hydrogen, gaseous decomposition products, and metal fluorides are absorbed by
molecular sieves and activated alumina filters that are usually integrated inside the
gas handling equipment. In the event of an unacceptable level of air and/or oil, the

Fig. 23.2 Diagram of the operations for gas sampling and shipment – CIGRE No. 276 “SF6
handling guide”
23 SF6, Its Handling Procedures and Regulations 459

best option is to contact the GIS manufacturer or the SF6-gas manufacturer in order
to obtain advice for the gas disposal or recycling. Contaminated filter material and
used protective clothing, etc. should be transported to disposal plants where it will be
neutralized or burnt. It is strongly advisable to recycle the gas in all possible
situations in order to reuse the gas as much as possible.
Personnel should be well trained and informed; protective clothing and breathing
apparatus or respirators with active carbon filters should be worn.
Maximum protection is given by evacuating the gas out of the compartment and
refilling this with air or nitrogen before opening. After this procedure, gaseous
decomposition products will have been removed, and protection is only needed for
dust containing metal fluoride molecules. This powder should be removed by means
of a special vacuum cleaner provided with high efficiency exhaust filters. If a
compartment has to be entered, care must be taken that a sufficient amount of
fresh air enters the compartment.

23.6 Information to Be Given by the Users

and the Manufactures

23.6.1 Basic Users Input Data

The users input conditions should include at least the following:

• Keep the documentation available about the installed equipment (technical,

schematics, reports, and test sheets).
• Information on gas compartmentalization of the switchgear and the amount of
SF6 gas needed for filling up to minimal pressure.
• Inform the OEM about minor and major failures (e.g., leakages or arc faults).
• Formalize the process of updating maintenance policies and practices based on
latest industry experience.
• Conditions for transportation and storage in the individual country.

23.6.2 Basic Manufacturers Input Data

• Recommended accessories for gas handling, storage, measurement, and person-

nel protection, including advisory specifications
• Maximum allowable levels of SF6 impurities before filling
• Maximum allowable levels of SF6 impurities during operation
• Measuring equipment available
• Manuals for SF6 handling, recycling procedures on-site measurement procedures
• Gas-handling and storage equipment available
• Accessories available
• SF6 pipework connector type
• Gas system ratings
460 P. Glaubitz et al.

• Conditions for transportation and storage

• Inform the user of changes in maintenance recommendations or other activities
if any

References
CIGRÉ report No. 163 Guide for SF6 gas mixtures (2000)
CIGRÉ brochure No. 234 SF6 recycling guide (Revision 2003)
CIGRÉ brochure No. 276 Guide for the preparation of customized “practical SF6 handling
instructions (2005)
CIGRÉ brochure No. 430 SF6 tightness guide (2010)
CIGRÉ brochure No. 594 Guide to minimize the use of SF6 during routine testing of electrical
equipment (2014a)
CIGRÉ brochure No. 567 SF6 analysis for AIS, GIS and MTS condition assessment (2014b)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1191/2014 of 30 October 2014 determining the
format and means for submitting the report referred to in Article 19 of Regulation (EU) No
517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on fluorinated greenhouse gases
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015a/2066 of 17 November 2015 establishing,
pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council,
minimum requirements and the conditions for mutual recognition for the certification of natural
persons carrying out installation, servicing, maintenance, repair or decommissioning of electri-
cal switchgear containing fluorinated greenhouse gases or recovery of fluorinated greenhouse
gases from stationary electrical switchgear
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015b/2068 of 17 November 2015 establishing,
pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the
format of labels for products and equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases
ELECTRA Magazine No. 274, CIGRÉ SF6 position paper (2014)
IEC 60376 Ed. 2 Specification of technical grade sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) for use in electrical
equipment (2005–06)
IEC 60480 Ed. 2 Guidelines for the checking and treatment of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) taken from
electrical equipment and specification for its re-use (2004–10)
IEC 62271-4 Ed. 1 High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part 4: Handling procedures for
sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) and its mixtures (2013–08)
IEEE Std C37.122.3™-2011 I.E. Guide for Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) Gas Handling for High-
Voltage (over 1000 Vac) Equipment (2012–01)
Mersiowsky, I.: SF6-GIS-Technology for Power Distribution – Medium Voltage (2003)
Regulation (EC) No 842/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on
certain fluorinated greenhouse gases
Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 on
fluorinated greenhouse gases and repealing Regulation (EC) No 842/2006
Solvay Brochure Sulphur Hexafluoride (2012)