In the modern society we live in, there are many invisible substances that play a key role silently, and sulfur hexafluoride gas is one of them. You may not be familiar with its name, but it is widely used in many fields. Today, we will take a closer look at this amazing gas.

Basic Information

Sulfur hexafluoride, SF6, is a man-made inert gas. In 1900, French chemists Moissan and Lebeau successfully synthesized sulfur hexafluoride, and it was not until 1947 that it began commercial use.

Physical Properties

Density: 6.0886kg/m3

Melting point: -50.8℃

Boiling point: -63.8℃ (sublimation)

Critical temperature: 45.6℃

Critical pressure: 3.76MPa

Saturated vapor pressure: 2450kPa (25℃)

Appearance: colorless and odorless gas

Solubility: slightly soluble in water, soluble in ethanol, ether

Use

Power equipment

 With excellent electrical insulation and arc extinguision characteristics, sulfur hexafluoride plays a big role in power equipment. Like high voltage switch, transformer, transformer, etc., can not do without it. With it, the power system can safely and stably deliver electricity to us.

Medical field

 In medical field, sulfur hexafluoride also has a unique role. In ultrasound imaging, for example, it acts as a contrast agent, increasing the blood echo rate and signal-to-noise ratio, allowing doctors to see more clearly inside the body and helping to make a more accurate diagnosis.

Packing and Storage

Packaging

Usually, sulfur hexafluoride is packed into a high-pressure cylinder, which ensures that it remains stable under high pressure and is easy to store and transport.

Storage

 When storing sulfur hexafluoride gas, find a cool, well-ventilated warehouse. Be sure to stay away from fire and heat sources, not direct sunlight. At the same time, it should not be placed with flammable, explosive materials and oxidants, or dangerous chemical reactions may occur.

Environmental Issues

Although sulfur hexafluoride performs well in many aspects, with the increasing awareness of environmental protection, the greenhouse effect it brings has also attracted attention. Sulfur hexafluoride has several thousand times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. At present, researchers and companies are trying to find more environmentally friendly alternatives and treatment technologies. For example, the patent of "a supported catalyst for SF6 thermal catalytic conversion and its preparation method" applied by State Grid Chongqing Electric Power Co., LTD. Through thermal catalytic conversion technology, sulfur hexafluoride can be treated harmless; State Grid Jiangsu Electric Power Co., Ltd. implements the mixed use of nitrogen and sulfur hexafluoride, and independently develops a sulfur hexafluoride gas rapid mixed gas replacement device to improve gas renewal efficiency, reduce the use of sulfur hexafluoride, and help energy conservation and emission reduction.

Sulfur hexafluoride gas not only brings convenience to our life and production, but also faces the challenge of environmental protection. In the future, we believe that with the continuous progress of technology, it can become more green and environmentally friendly on the basis of ensuring performance, and continue to contribute to our social development.