SF₆ leak detection is vital for SF₆ gas concentration monitoring during production, handling and use. As an incredibly potent greenhouse gas, it is important that SF₆ leaks are found early to prevent excess gas escaping into the atmosphere.

What is SF₆?

SF₆, or sulfur hexafluoride, is a colourless, odorless synthetic gas first synthesised in France in 1900 by Henri Moissan. SF₆ was found to be particularly interesting due to its chemical inertness, meaning it did not react with anything.

SF₆ Gas Properties and Uses

SF₆ has excellent dielectric properties, is non-flammable and is temperature resistant up to 500 °C. These favourable properties led to its use in a number of industries such as electrical transmission, electronics manufacturing, magnesium production, sound proofing between windows and more. Sportswear brand Nike even used SF₆ to fill the soles of trainers to give them their bounce.

However in 1997, SF₆ was named as the most potent greenhouse gas, prompting many industries began to phase out its use and international agreements were introduced to reduce SF₆ emissions across the globe.

The main remaining use of SF₆ is to insulate medium- and high-power voltage electrical switchgears because of its inherent stability. Other applications still in use include the switchgears in wind turbines for renewable energy and in semiconductor manufacturing.

SF₆ Monitoring and the Environment

Installing SF₆ leak detectors is necessary both for the safety of staff and the environment.

Whilst SF₆ is non-toxic, if large quantities are released in poorly ventilated areas, there is a risk of asphyxiation.

Due to its significant global warming potential, there are strict regulations for SF₆ emissions. SF₆ traps heat in the atmosphere much more efficiently than CO₂, so even small volumes can be hugely detrimental to the environment. The stability that benefits so many industrial applications also means that it has a very long atmospheric lifetime of over 800 years.

SF₆ Gas Detector from Edinburgh Sensors

For the industries that have not yet found an alternative to SF₆, one way to reduce SF₆ emissions is to minimise the risk of leaks. Installing an SF₆ leak detector enables the rapid identification and repair of SF₆ leaks in the manufacturing, handling and applications can help to reduce SF₆ released into the atmosphere.

Edinburgh Sensors offers complete solutions for SF₆ monitoring. The Guardian NG Gas Monitor can be used for SF₆ leak detection, using NDIR technology to detect levels of SF₆ and alert users to any increases in SF₆ levels with continuous monitoring and gas concentration display.

If you would like to find out more about how the Guardian NG can be used for SF₆ monitoring in your industry, get in touch with our sales team today who will be happy to help you.