SF6 Extraction/Re-use & Decontamination
Sulphur Hexafluoride gas is odourless and tasteless and non poisonous in its purest state. It is however heavier than air and as such will become an asphyxiante.
Regarded as a green house gas, when subjected to electrical arcing, SF6 produces by-products which are contaminants and carcinogenic.
FKI Switchgear is very experienced in the handling and use of SF6 as an arc control and insulating medium in switchgear and has developed procedures for the handling of potentially contaminated SF6 gas, in order to minimise all hazards down to effective zero. Our specialist equipment is portable and can be used at site.
The potentially contaminated piece of switchgear is only opened under strictly controlled conditions by operators correctly protected and using breathing apparatus.
On the re-use of the gas it is pumped into the switchgear using the same equipment, which also scrubs and dries the SF6 gas.