Contents

Contents

Introduction ........................................................................................2

Applications

Electrical ....................................................................... 3-6

Nonelectrical .................................................................... 7

Properties

Electrical Properties............................................................... 8-9

Physical and Thermodynamic Properties .......................... 10-15

Chemical Properties .......................................................... 16-17

Safety Precautions ............................................................................. 18

Specification...................................................................................... 19

Packaging and Auxiliary Equipment ........................................... 20-21

Storage and Handling ....................................................................... 22

References .................................................................................. 23-24

1
Introduction

Introduction

Since its discovery in 1900 by Henri

Moissan,(1) sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) has
fascinated man with its interesting and
unusual properties. In 1937 it was dis-
covered that sulfur hexafluoride possess-
es a much higher dielectric strength
than air,(2) a fact that led to its use in the
electrical industry as a dielectric gas and
insulating material. Odorless, colorless,
nonflammable and nontoxic, this versa-
tile gas finds broad use in a variety of
high voltage power applications, as well
as in other areas where its unique phys-
ical characteristics can be utilized.
Honeywell began production of
sulfur hexafluoride in 1948, and since
then has maintained the leadership
position in SF6 production technology.
Our SF6 plant in Metropolis, Illinois, Sulfur Hexafluoride is manufactured to
earned ISO 9002 certification in 1993. exacting standards at Honeywells
facility in Metropolis, IL.
AccuDri SF6 in manufactured to exact-
ing standards and distributed world-
wide in volumes substantial enough to
establish Honeywell as the worlds
largest producer of this remarkable gas.
Honeywell remains committed to
ongoing SF6 research and development
programs, while our dedicated staff of
technical specialists provides a level of
technical service and support second
to none.

2
 Electrical Applications
Electrical Applications

Sulfur Hexafluoride Applications

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) has a unique
combination of physical and electrical
properties. Some of the outstanding
properties of SF6 that make its use in
power applications desirable are:
Chemical inertness
Thermal stability
Nontoxicity
Excellent heat transfer
characteristics
Non-flammability
High dielectric/
breakdown strength
Non-corrosiveness
Ability to regenerate
Sulfur hexafluoride also has low viscos-
ity, low velocity of sound transmission,
high molecular weight and large molec-
ular size. These are characteristics that
enhance its performance in a variety of
nonelectrical applications.

Applications in the
Electrical Power Industry
Sulfur hexafluoride is an excellent
gaseous dielectric for high voltage
power applications. SF6 does not suffer
permanent breakdown as do solid
dielectrics; when breakdown occurs,
the dissociation products recombine
once the cause of the breakdown is
removed.(3) (See Electrical Properties
section). The combined electrical,
physical, chemical and thermal proper-
ties of SF6 offer many advantages when
used in power switchgear. These advan-
tages include:
Size reduction
Sulfur hexafluoride is an excellent gaseous dielectric for high
voltage power applications. Simplified design
Photo courtesy: ABB Power T&D, Inc. 3
Electrical Appliances

Electrical Applications

Weight reduction
Ease of installation
Reliable operation
Ease of handling
Quiet operation
Ease of maintenance
SF6 has applications as the dielectric or
insulation in high voltage transformers,
circuit breakers and switchgear, wave-
guides, linear particle accelerators, and
Van de Graaff generators. It also has
extensive use in growth applications
such as high voltage transmission lines
and power distribution substations.

Circuit Breakers
One of the most important applica-
tions of SF6 is its use in gas-filled cir-
cuit breakers. Dead-tank design circuit
breakers rated at 345 kV/25,000
MVA,(4) and live-tank 500 kV/35,000
MVA circuit breakers filled with SF6
have been used for many years.(5) More
recently, 765 kV live-tank circuit
breakers with continuous current rat-
ings of 3,000 amperes have been
installed.(6,7,8)
The need to transport large blocks of
power brought about the use of extra
high voltages (EHV, above 345 kV)
and has recently led to the use of ultra
high voltage (UHV, above 1000 kV).(9)
As higher voltages are used, suitable
SF6-filled circuit breakers can be
designed. Because of its arc extinguish-
ing ability, the advantages of SF6 as a
dielectric are enhanced at very high
voltages.
The widespread acceptance of puffer
breakers in recent years has resulted in
greatly increased use of SF6 in place of
oil or air in breakers. The puffer break-
er design is relatively compact, and is
used for both transmission and distri- Gas-filled circuit breakers represent an important application for SF6.
4 bution voltage ranges. Photo courtesy: Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, Inc.
 Electrical Applications
Electrical Applications

GIT lines provide a higher safety factor

than conventional air-insulated lines
because the conductors are completely
enclosed in grounded metal sheaths.
For this reason, they can also be laid close
together, thus saving space. While
approximately 150 feet (45m) of right-of-
way is necessary for high voltage overhead
lines, only one-tenth to one-twentieth of
the space is required for GIT lines.(10) In
addition, GIT lines may be buried under-
ground or run near the ground on low
pylons, preserving the beauty of the land-
scape. GIT lines make detection of insu-
lation failure easy with sensitive SF6
detectors. Although GIT lines have a
higher initial cost than overhead lines,
they become economically feasible in
areas where population densities and land
costs are high. The GIT line concept is
readily extendible into the highest voltage
ranges of the future; moreover, GIT cable
is compatible with the minisubstation.

SF6 provides high dielectric strength when used in switches.

Photo courtesy: Joslyn Power Products Corporation

Switches overhead air-insulated power lines were

The use of SF6 in switches ranging from well-known in Europe and Japan for
7.5 to 35 kV has increased rapidly. The many years before this technology was
ability of SF6 to extinguish arcs and pro- applied in the United States. Some of
vide high dielectric strength are major the benefits of transmission lines filled
factors for its acceptance in place of oil with SF6 are:
or vacuum in switches. Safety
Aesthetics
Gas Insulated
Transmission (GIT) Lines Space savings SF6 is frequently in place of oil
The advantages of Gas Insulated or vacuum in switches.
Extendible to UHV
Transmission lines over conventional Photo courtesy: G&W Electric Co.
5
Electrical Appliances

Electrical Applications

Other Electrical Applications

SF6 is used in Van de Graaff generators, linear accelerators and
communications equipment.
The high dielectric strength and arc-
extinguishing capability of SF6 make it an
excellent dielectric for waveguides, Van de
Graaff generators, and linear accelerators.
SF6 increases the amount of power that
can be transmitted; SF6 insulated equip-
ment carries 7 to 10 times as much power
as air-filled equipment.(13) SF6 has a dielec-
tric strength approximately 2.5 times that
of nitrogen, thus allowing more power to
be developed per unit pressure.(14) The use
of SF6 in these applications results in up
to tenfold increases in microwave power
in waveguides and increased voltage rat-
ings for Van de Graaff generators and lin-
ear accelerators.

Minisubstations
Electrical power distribution substations
include circuit breakers, transformers,
buses, and disconnect switches.
Conventional open air substations
require extensive land areas to provide
adequate insulation distance between
pieces of apparatus. Due to their size,
conventional substations are open, mak-
ing them dangerous and unsightly.
Metalclad, SF6 insulated substations,
which are inherently safe, compact and
attractive, are widely used in Europe and
Japan, and are becoming increasingly
popular in the United States.(11)
Often referred to as minisubsta-
tions, their space requirements are as
little as 10-20% of air-insulated substa-
tions,(12) making installation inside
buildings feasible. A further advantage
of minisubstations is that the equipment
is protected from the weather, pollution SF6 insulated substations are compact, safe and attractive,
contamination, and vandalism. offering numerous benefits to utilities.
Photo courtesy: Ontario Hydro
6

Nonelectrical Applications
Nonelectrical Applications
SF6 is used in many nondielectric appli-
cations because it is chemically inert,
nontoxic, nonflammable and noncorro-
sive. SF6 finds applications in such
diverse areas as: molten magnesium and
aluminum protection and purification,
leak detection, tracer gas studies, propel-
lants, insulating windows, shock
absorbers, lasers, and in the electronics
industry as a plasma etchant gas.
Magnesium Casting
Unprotected magnesium alloys used for
die casting bloom and burn in ambient
air at temperatures above 1100F
(593C). Formerly, protective molten
salt fluxes were the only technology
available to prevent this oxidation.
Degassing aluminum with SF6 produces cast components with low porosity.
Photo courtesy: AGA Gas, Inc.
Fluxes have several drawbacks: they
cause corrosion, contribute to pollution,
and increase metal loss. An alternative is
to use a protection atmosphere contain-
ing less than 1% SF6-(15) Such a process
is used in the United States, Canada,
and Europe.(16) Because only small
amounts of SF6 are used, by-products
are negligible, making SF6 molten mag-
nesium protection a sound choice both
in terms of safety and environmental
responsibility.
Aluminum Degassing
Hydrogen and other gases trapped in
molten aluminum cause porosity in cast
aluminum components. A gas mixture
containing less than 2% SF6 , bubbled
through the aluminum melt, will
remove these undesirable gases and
Nonelectrical Applications
bring solid impurities to the surface,
where they can be removed. This tech-
nology is not only safer, but is more
environmentally friendly than the for-
mer practice of introducing chlorine or
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the
melt.(17)
Leak Detection and Gas-Air Tracers
SF6 has a very low viscosity and can be
easily detected, making it superb for
equipment leak testing. It is also used as
a gas-air tracer for meteorological stud-
ies of moving air masses, such as indus-
trial stack effluents(18) There are sensitive
devices on the market that can detect
SF6 in amounts as low as 0.01 ppb and
leak rates as small as 1 x 10-10cc/sec.(19)
SF6 can be blended with nitrogen or air,
thereby producing a low cost leak-
detecting gas. SF6 is detected by elec-
tron-capture and separated from the
other components of moist air by gas
chromatography, a technique that is
selective for SF6 regardless of back-
ground gases. Stainless steel collection
vessels should be used rather than glass,
as SF6 will be retained on glass surfaces.
This interferes with accurate results
where trace quantities of SF6 are
involved.
Other Applications
Sulfur hexafluorides high molecular
weight and density slow the velocity of
sound to about one-third that in air.(20)
This sonic property, plus the fact that
SF6 is nontoxic, resists hydrolysis, and
has a low coefficient of permeation,
makes SF6 an ideal medium for filling
sound-insulating windowpanes. SF6 is
also used in other diverse applications
from shock absorbers to chemical lasers 7
and semiconductor etching.
Electrical Properties

Electrical Properties

Electronegativity High Frequency Dielectric Strength from 60 Hz to 15 MHz. At 3 gigahertz

The superb insulating and dielectric Sulfur hexafluorides is a nonpolar com- (GHz), SF6 insulated equipment carries
performance of SF6 may be directly pound, and therefore maintains about ten times the power of air-filled equip-
attributed to its electron affinity (or elec- the same dielectric strength from power ment. This property makes SF6 an
tronegativity). SF6 is an efficient elec- to communication frequencies. The excellent dielectric for coaxial cables,
tron scavenger, capturing and attaching dielectric strength of SF6 in the electric waveguides, etc. An SF6 insulated wave-
electrons as shown by the reversible field of a multiplate capacitor, relative to guide operating at 9.375 GHz carries
equation in Diagram 1.(21) nitrogen = 1, has been found to vary 7.5 times more power than the same
between 2.3 and 2.5 at 1.2 megahertz waveguide filled with air.(12)
Sulfur hexafluorides high dielectric
strength helps minimize arcing, and the (MHz). In a uniform field, a similar
SF6 dissociation products rapidly results has been observed at frequencies
recombine after the source of arcing is
removed.(3) (See equation in Diagram 1).
This characteristic makes SF6 uniquely
effective in quenching arcs when spu-
rious arcing occurs, SF6 is approximate-
ly 100 times as effective as air in quench-
ing the arc. Figure 1 compares the arc-
quenching properties of SF6 and air.(22)
This property of SF6 may be due to
several factors, including its large colli-
sion diameter, estimated to be 4.77.(23) Diagram 1: Arc-Quenching
If stray electrons in an electrical field are
absorbed through collision before they
attain sufficient energy to create addi-
tional current-carrying particles, the
breakdown mechanism can be slowed,
or even stopped. The large collision
diameter of the SF6 molecule increases
the efficiency of electron capture.
The possibility of storing energy after
electron attachment may be more sig-
nificant. Energy can be stored in the
vibrational levels of the SF6 molecule,
forming stable negative ions of low
mobility. These negative ions can reduce
the positive space charge around an elec-
trode, requiring a higher voltage to pro-
duce an arc across the gap between
potential surfaces.

Figure 1: Arc-Quenching Ability of SF6 vs. Air

8

Dielectric Constant
The dielectric constant for SF6 is 1.002,
and since SF6 has no dippole moment,
its dielectric constant does not vary with
frequency. In microwave studies at
23.340 GHz, this property was found
to increase slightly with pressure. Over a
pressure range of 22 atmospheres (22.3
x 105 Pa), the changes in dielectric con-
stant was about 7%.(12) This variation
with pressure makes SF6 useful for tun-
ing resonant cavities.
Loss Tangent
In a perfect dielectric, the current
leads the voltage by exactly 90 degrees.
The loss tangent or angle (tan ), is the
angle by which the current vector of a
dielectric is less than 90 degrees. This
property describes the deviation from
Figure 2: Breakdown Voltage and Field Strength vs.
Pressure for SF6 and N2
perfection for a dielectric. Also
known as the dissipation factor, the
loss tangent for SF6 is extremely low,
varying from 2 x 10-7 at 1 atmosphere
to 0.4 x 10-6 at 21 atmospheres.(13)
Effect of Decomposition on
Dielectric Strength
In addition to possessing high dielec-
tric strength that prevents arcs from
occurring, SF6 can undergo consider-
able decomposition without loss of
dielectric strength. Researchers investi-
gating the permanent decomposition
of electronegative gases in electric dis-
charges subjected a sample of SF6 to
30 minutes of continuous arcing.
Even after this severe treatment, which
caused 30% decomposition of the
sample, the SF6 retained its original
dielectric strength.(24)
Electrical Properties
Comparison of SF6 with other
types of dielectrics
Solids
SF6 does not suffer permanent break-
down as do solid dielectrics. When
breakdowns occur, the SF6 dissociation
products recombine once the cause of
the breakdown is removed.
Liquids
Oil is the primary dielectric used in
transformers and lower voltage circuit
breakers. Sulfur hexafluoride offers
many advantages over liquid dielectrics.
SF6 is nonflammable, so there is no fire
hazard as with transformer oil. SF6 is
nontoxic, unlike askarels. Significant
weight and space savings can be
achieved by using SF6 in place of liquid
dielectrics, and equipment filled with
SF6 is easier to maintain and repair than
liquid-filled devices, strong surges of
pressure may result form the sudden for-
mation of gaseous products, resulting in
possible unit rupture. In a device filled
with SF6 , the only pressure rise will
result form the thermal expansion of the
gas.
Gases
Sulfur hexafluoride has more than twice
the dielectric strength of air or carbon
dioxide and about three times that of
nitrogen. SF6 contains no carbon as do
halogenated hydrocarbons; if break-
down does occur with SF6 , there will be
no deposits of conducting carbon as is
the case with halogenated hydrocarbon
dielectrics. Figure 2 compares the break-
down voltage and field strength versus
pressure for SF6 and nitrogen.(22)
9
Physical & Thermodynamic Properties

Physical &
Thermodynamic
Properties

General Physical Properties Solubility

Sulfur hexafluoride is a colorless, odor-
less gas. With a vapor density five times In Transformer Oil, T, C cc SF6/mL, Oil
that of air, it is one of the heaviest one atmosphere:(25) 27 0.408
known gases. SF6 is nonflammable, non- 50 0.344
corrosive, and nontoxic. 70 0.302
SF6 is a gas at normal operating tem-
In Water, T, C cc SF6/1000 H2O
peratures up to about 250 psi. The low
one atmosphere:(26) 5 11.39
sublimation temperature of SF6 (-59F
10 9.11
at 20 psig) ensures that it remains in the
20 6.31
vapor phase under normal operating
50 3.52
conditions. Under severe winter operat-
ing conditions (-25 to -40C), unit
Solubility of Water in SF6:(27) 0.0097% by weight
heaters may be required to prevent
condensation.

Heat Transfer
Sulfur hexafluoride has excellent heat
transfer characteristics. This ability to
transfer heat is an extremely important
property of a gaseous dielectric, critical
in transmission lines or transformers.
Comparison of thermal conductivities
alone may lead to erroneous conclusions
about heat transfer properties. While
the thermal conductivity of helium is
ten times greater than that of SF6, the
higher molar heat capacity of SF6,
together with its low gaseous viscosity,
enables it to transfer heat more effective-
ly than air, helium or nitrogen, as shown
in Figure 3.(22)
These data were developed as part of
a research program sponsored by
Honeywell, using a simulated transmis-
sion line. In this test, an AC voltage, up
to 800 kV, was obtained from a modu-
lated Van de Graaff generator. The test
equipment consisted of concentric alu-
minum electrodes with a 1.5 inch gap.

Figure 3: Comparative Heat Transfer of SF6

10
 Physical & Thermodynamic Properties
Thermodynamic Equations and the superheated region within the The tables were derived from the set of
Honeywell has prepared extensive following limits.: equations in Diagram 2.(28,29) All
tables(28) of vapor pressure, density, spe- Pressure 0.8 to 1000 psia units in these equations are expressed in
cific volume, enthalpy and entropy for English equivalents (equations with SI
Temperature -100F to 600F
SF6. These tables cover the saturated units also available). Pressure and tem-
(-73C to 315C)
region between -58F (-50C) and the perature are given as absolutes.
Density 0.01 to 61 lbs/ft3
critical temperature 114F (45.6C),

Liquid Density Equation

4
(lb./cu. ft.) = c+ Di (1-Tr)i/3
i=1

where c = 0.4526082645 x 102

D1 = 0.9190127075 x 102 D3 = 0.8131779698 x 102
D2 = -0.1765965598 x 102 D4 = -0.3923550307 x 102

Vapor Pressure Equation

In(Pvap/psai) = A + B + CT + DT2 + E(F-T) In (F-T); T Rankine
T T

where A = 0.1035925977 x 102 D = -0.1704580367 x 10-4

B = -0.5839935378 x 104 E = 0.9426178300 x 100
C = 0.2034555556 x 10-1 F = 0.5876287200 x 103

Equation of State 5
P = RT +
(v - b)

i=2
Ai + BiT + Ci exp (-KTr)
(v - b)i

P (psia), v(cu. ft./lb.), T(R), Tr = T/Tc

where R = 0.073479 B2 = 0.1134-12993 x 10-2

b = 0.5244071186 x 10-2 B3 = -0.1106173657 x 10-4
K = 0.6883021832 x 101 B4 = 0.00
Tc = 573.84 B5 = 0.9298260796 X 10-9
A2 = -0.1857216332 x 101 C2 = -0.8841985563 x 102
A3 = 0.2458758890 x 10-1 C3 = 0.1680833656 x 101
A4 = -0.1540211976 x 10-3 C4 = 0.00
A5 = -0.7494727319 x 10-8 C5 = -0.4715362420 x 10-4

Diagram 2
11
Physical & Thermodynamic Properties

Figure 4: Pressure Variation of SF6 at Constant Specific Volumes

12
 Physical & Thermodynamic Properties

Figure 5: Vapor Pressure vs. Temperature for SF6

13
Physical & Thermodynamic Properties

Figure 6: Mollier Diagram for SF6

14
 Physical & Thermodynamic Properties
SF6 Properties CAS Registry No. 2551-62-4
PROPERTY VALUE REFERENCE
Chemical Symbol SF6
Molecular Weight 146.05
Odor None 30
Toxicity None (TLV = 1000 ppm 31
Combustible No 30
Supports Combustion No 30
Combustion Limits N/A 30

PHYSICAL PROPERTY VALUE REFERENCE

Physical State Liquid and Gas
Sublimation Temperature -83F / -63.9C (1 atm) 32
Melting Point -59.4F / -50.8C (32.5 psia) 33
Boiling Point -83F / -63.9C (1 atm; sublimes) 34
Specific Gravity (Air = 1.0) 5.11 (68F, 1 atm) 33
Density (Vapor) 0.382 lbs/ft3/6.139 g/L (70F, 1 atm) 28
Density (Liquid) 86.1 lbs/ft3 (70F) 28
Vapor Pressure 313 psia/298 psig (70F) 28
Surface Tension 8.02 dyne/cm (-20C) 22
Viscosity (Vapor) 0.015 cP (25C, 1 atm) 35
Viscosity (Liquid) 0.277 cP (25C, 1atm) 36
Index of Refraction 1.000783 (0C, 1 atm) 37
Solubility in Transformer Oil 0.408 cc SF6/mL oil (27C, 1 atm) 25
Solubility in Water 0.0063 cc SF6/mL water (20C, 1 atm) 26
Solubility of Water in SF6 0.0097% w/w 27

THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTY VALUE REFERENCE

Specific Volume 2.5 ft3/lb (70F, 1 atm) 33
Specific Heat 0.1552 Btu/lb x F (60F, 1 atm) 28
Specific Heat Ratio 1.0960 (60F, 1 atm) 28
Specific Heat Ratio 1.0932 (80F, 1 atm) 28
Heat of Formation -1221.66 kJ/mol 29
Latent Heat of Vaporization 28.4 Btu (70) 28
Latent Heat of Sublimation 69.6 Btu/lb 33
Molar Heat Capacity 97.23 J/mol K 29
Free Energy of Formation -1117.73 kJ/mol 39
Critical Temperature 114.2F 33
Critical Pressure 544.3 psia/530.50 psig 28
Critical Volume 1.356 mL/g 29
Critical Density 0.737 8/ml (45.3 lb.ft.3) 29
Triple Point Temperature 2.23150 x 102 K (-50C; -58F) 34
Triple Point Pressure 2.32670 x 105 Pa (33.7 psi) 34
Lbs Liquid per Gallon Liquid 11.5 lb/gal @ 68F; 312.7 psia 33
Vol. Expansion Liq. > Gas 220/230 (70F, 1 atm) Calc.
Std. ft3 Gas per Pound Liquid 2.64 ft.3/lb (70F, 1 atm) Calc.
Thermal Conductivity 3.36 x 10-5 Cal/(sec)(cm)(C) @ 30C 38
Base Enthalpy and Entropy 0.00 (-40F) 28
Enthalpy 61.95 Btu/lb (70F, 1 atm) 28
Entropy 0.15887 Btu/lb (70F, 1 atm, R) 28

ELECTRICAL PROPERTY VALUE REFERENCE

Dielectric Strength 2.3 - 2.5 (N2 = 1.0) 12
Dielectric Constant 1.002 (25C/77F) 12
Loss Tangent < 2 x 10-7 @ 1 atm 13
15
Chemical Properties

Chemical Properties

Stability
Sulfur hexafluoride is an extremely sta-
ble gas, and is chemically inert under
normal conditions. SF6 will not react
with water, alkali hydroxides, ammonia
or hydrochloric acid,(12) and SF6 is unaf-
fected in quartz at temperatures as high
as 500C (932F).(40)
Material compatible studies conducted
by Honeywell(41) indicated negligible
decomposition of SF6 after long-term
exposure to metals at constant elevated
temperatures. Stabilities at 200C
(392F) and 250C (482F) are shown
in Diagram 3.
At ambient temperatures, sulfur hexa-
fluoride is inert and noncorrosive to all
metals and materials of construction.
The exclusion of moisture from any
system improves the stability of SF6
with respect to these metals. It is also
important to exclude moisture to main-
tain the electrical stability of the gas.(42) It
is recommended that the dew point of
SF6 be kept below -25(43) (original
equipment manufacturers should be
consulted for specific requirements per-
taining to their products). Honeywells
AccuDri dewpoint of -65C meets all
current specifications.
vicinity of the arc. The extent of decom- duced may react rapidly with the unit
position depends on the duration and walls to form metal fluorides and can be
intensity of the discharge; other factors extremely irritating and dangerous
are air and moisture levels inside the when inhaled or in contact with skin or
equipment. The decomposition prod- eyes. (See Safety Precautions section).
ucts may be gaseous or solid, and essen- While only slight decomposition of SF6
tially consist of lower sulfur fluorides, occurs in a corona inception voltage, no
metal fluorides, and their secondary SF6 chemical changes can be observed
reaction products.(44) Generally, S2F2 in a period of one year, although traces
and SF4 are present but rapidly react of fluoride and sulfide might be found
with moisture to yeld hydrogen fluo- on the copper electrodes of a test cell.
ride (HF) and stable oxyfluorides such
as SOF2 and SO2F2,(45) (See Diagram
4).
All of the by-products must be con-
sidered to be hazardous. The HF pro-
Stability of Sulfur Hexafluoride
in V arious Materials of Construction
Decomposition, % Per Year
Material 200C 250C
Aluminum 0.006
Copper 0.18 1.4
Silicon Steel 0.005 0.01a
Mild Steel 0.2 ca 2
aestimated

SF6 Arc By-products Diagram 3

Sulfur hexafluoride may be partially dis-
sociated in electric arcs or at very high
e- H 2O
temperatures, absorbing large amounts
of electrical energy and heat in the
S F6 S F4 S O F2 + HF
process. After an arcing event, the dis-
O2 H 2O
sociation reverses and most of the SF6
fragments recombine; however, this
S O F4 S O2 F 2 + HF
recombination may not be complete.
Some of the fragments produced during NOTE: Chemical equations left unbalanced for simplicity.
arcing can react with air, moisture,
and materials of construction in the Diagram 4
16

Treatment of Arced SF6
The lower fluorides of sulfur and many
other by-products of arced SF6 can be
neutralized by the use of soda lime (50-
50 mixture of NaOH+CaO). They may
be also removed by absorption on acti-
vated alumina (specially dried Al2O3)
or molecular sieves. Adsorbents such as
molecular sieves also help to maintain
low moisture levels inside the equip-
ment, where a dry operating environ-
ment helps prevent SF6 decomposition
and contributes to extended equipment
life. The preferred granule size for soda
lime or alumina is 8 to 12 mesh; how-
ever, other sizes may be used.
It is not possible to predetermine the
Gas carts with filters are available in a range of
sizes for on-site recycling of SF6.
Photo courtest: DILO Company
amount of decomposition products
that could form, or the amount of adsor-
bent required to control these products.
As a suggested rule of thumb, use a
weight of adsorbent corresponding to
10% of the weight of the gas. Locate the
adsorbent to provide maximum contact
with the gas. If both liquid and gaseous
SF6 are present, place the adsorbent so
that it contacts both liquid and gaseous
phases. If this is not possible, place it in
the liquid phase.
Removal of acidic and gaseous con-
taminants from arced SF6 is best
accomplished through the use of filters
containing the adsorbing components
listed above. The SF6 may be circulated
through a filter attached to the equip-
continued high performance of gas-
Chemical Properties
ment itself, or may be transferred to a
gas cart for processing. Any freshly acti-
vated adsorbent filters or scrubbers
should be cooled to ambient tempera-
tures before introducing SF6, to avoid
uncontrollable exothermic reactions.
Gas carts with filters are available from a
number of manufacturers in sizes to suit
most applications, and their use for on-
site recycling of SF6 is highly recom-
mended.
The SF6 gas from a faulted breaker,
once treated to remove acidic by-
products and moisture, should be
carefully analyzed prior to reuse to
ensure that the material meets unit
specifications. Repeated recycle of the
gas through treatment towers may be
required to reduce contamination to
acceptable levels.
Honeywell Gas Analysis Service
Honeywell maintains a fully equipped
analytical laboratory at its SF6 manufac-
turing facility in Metropolis, Illinois.
Technologically advanced methodology
such as computerized Gas
Chromatography is used to analyze
samples for the most commonly found
impurities, including Air, Carbon
Dioxide, CF4, SO2, SO2F2, SOF2, and
COS. Honeywells sensitive gas
chromatographs can detect and quan-
tify these contaminants in the parts
per million (ppm) range. In addition
to the standard analysis, the Gas
Analysis Lab can determine and quan-
tify Oxygen/Nitrogen percentages, oil
content, and moisture content in a
sample. Maintaining low levels of
these contaminants is critical to the
insulated equipment.
17
Safety Precautions
Safety Precautions
In addition to reviewing the informa-
tion presented here, anyone handling
or using AccuDri SF6 should review
the Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) for this product.
Sulfur hexafluoride has been
described as a physiologically inert
gas.(46) Albino rats have been exposed
to a mixture of 80% SF6 and 20% oxy-
gen (this mixture approximates the
average concentration of oxygen in air)
for periods of 16-24 hours. The rats
showed no sign of intoxication, irrita-
tion or any other toxic effect, either dur-
ing exposure or afterward. All
Honeywell AccuDri sulfur hexafluo-
ride is certified non-toxic before packag-
ing and shipping.
Because AccuDri SF6 is non-poison-
ous, colorless and odorless, it is not eas-
ily detected by humans. Since SF6 is
heavier than air, it tends to collect in
low areas. Thus, it can displace air and
cause suffocation. Caution must be
observed in areas where SF6 is used.
Good ventilation must be available at all
times in buildings, breaker tanks, and
other enclosed areas where pockets of
SF6 could accumulate. Proper tank
entry procedures(47) should be followed
prior to entry into any confined space
that has recently contained SF6.
The procedures should include a
method of determining whether suffi-
cient oxygen is available for breathing;
continuous monitoring of oxygen levels
in enclosed spaces may be desirable.
18
Safety Precautions
Decomposition Products of SF6
At very high temperatures, or in the
presence of an electric arc, SF6 can be
slowly decomposed. Decomposition
products include lower fluorides of sul-
fur, which are hydrolyzable, yielding
SO2 and HE. (See Chemical Properties
section).
Solid SF6 Arc By-products
These solid fluorides are usually present
as a fine dust or powder on the walls and
in the bottom of the unit. They
react rapidly with moisture to form a
mixture of metal oxides and metal fluo-
rides. It is necessary to have a source of
water, such as an emergency shower
and/or eyewash equipment, available
for immediate flushing of exposed skin
or eyes, should contamination occur.
WARNING:
DO NOT open a unit filled with
SF6 that has experienced arcing
without taking adequate safety
measures before attempting inspec-
tion or repair. H2S and SO2 both
have a characteristic acrid, rotten
egg odor or taste and can easily be
detected. However, personnel
should NEVER test for possible
unit arcing by smelling the gas, since
these and other impurities that may
be present are irritating and toxic.
Effect of Moisture on SF6
In the presence of an electrical dis-
charge, moisture will react with SF6 or
its decomposition products to form a
variety of compounds. Many of these
compounds, as well as the original decom-
position products, are toxic and corro-
sive. (See Chemical Properties section).
Safety Measures
If a unit is known or suspected to be
leaking SF6 which might contain
decomposition products, follow the
procedure outlined below:
Evacuate all personnel from the area.
Ventilate the area thoroughly.
Remove the gas and store in suitable
containers (a gas cart equipped with
filters or scrubbers is highly recom-
mended).
Lower fluorides of sulfur formed
by the decomposition of SF6 may
be removed as described in the
Chemical Properties - Treatment of
Arced SF6 (page 17).
CAUTION:
If personnel must remain near dam-
aged units or if any odor is present,
provide air masks or rescue breath-
ing apparatus (preferably self-con-
tained oxygen masks) for maximum
safety. Do not continue to inhale
any gas which has an odor.
 Specification
Specification

Sulfur hexafluoride is shipped in steel cylinders as a liquefied gas.

Product exceeds ASTM Specification D 2472-92, as determined by the methods given.

ASTM H o n ey well Method of Analysis

Water Content, max. Dew Point, C -62(a) -65(b) ASTM Method D-2029:
Test for water vapor content of
electrical insulating gases(c)
by measurement of dew
point by capacitance method.

Hydrolyzable fluorides, expressed as 0.3 0.3 ASTM Method D-2284:

Acidity, expressed as HF,
according to ASTM test for
acidity of sulfur hexafluoride.

Air expressed as N2, max. wt.%
0.05 0.04 ASTM Method D-2685:
Amount of nitrogen, oxygen or
any mixtures, expressed as
nitrogen - determined by gas
chromatographic analysis.

Carbon tetrafluoride, max. wt.% 0.05 0.04 ASTM Method D-2685:

Determined by gas
chromatographic analysis.

Assay, min. wt.% 99.8 99.9 Assay: Assay shall be by

difference after impurity
content has been determined.

a Corresponds to a water content of 0.99 ppm by volume at 1.01135 x 105 Pa.

b Honeywell AccuDri SF6, a high purity, low moisture dielectric grade of sulfur hexafluoride, has a
maximum dew point of -65C, which corresponds to a water content of less than 0.65 ppm by weight
or 5.3 ppm by volume.
c Liquid Phase.
19
Packaging

Packaging

SF6 Cylinders is 110-117 pounds (50-52 kg) and it SF6 Valves

AccuDri SF6 is packaged in DOT
3AA 2015 cylinders. The outer
cylinder diameter is approximately
9 inches (23 cm) and the height of
the cylinder, including the valve and
protective cap, is approximately
57 inches (145 cm). The cylinder
volume is a minimum of 2640 cubic
inches, which corresponds to a water
capacity of 95 pounds (43 kg). The
nominal tare weight of the cylinder
is filled with 115 pounds (52 kg) of
liquefied SF6.
Honeywell also provides smaller
cylinders containing 20 pounds (9
kg) of SF6 as well as bulk shipments
in tube trailers of approximately
30,000 pounds (13,608 kg) capacity.
For intermediate scale use, manifold-
ed racks of 12 DOT 3AA cylinders
are also available.
The SF6 cylinder is equipped with a
hand wheel valve having a single out-
let at a right angle to the brass body.
The outlet is protected with a plastic
plug, and the valve is fitted with a
frangible safety disc which will burst
in the pressure range of 3000-3600
psi (211-253) kg/cm2). For domestic
shipments, the outlet corresponds to
CGA No. 590 and has a 0.965-inch 14
NGO-LH-INT thread.

AccuDri S F6 Pa ck ages: Specifications and Pertinent Data

S F6 Quantity 20 lb (9 kg) 115 lb (52 kg) 30,000 lb

DOT Designation 3AA 2015 3AA 2015 3T 2900

3T 2700
3T 2400
Cylinder Diameter 6.75 in (17.2 cm) 9.0 in (23 cm)
Cylinder Height 29 in (59.7 cm) 57 in (145 cm)
Cylinder Volume (nominal) 646 in3 (10.6 L) 2640 in3 (43.3L)
Cylinder Tare Weight 33-37 lb (15-17 kg) 110-114 lb (50-52 kg)
Trailer Dimensions
Length 40 ft
Width 8 ft
Height 9ft

S F6 Transportation Inform ation

Chemical Formula SF6

CAS Registry Number 2551-62-4
US DOT Hazard Class Class 2.2 Nonflammable Gas
UN Number 1080
Transport Canada Classification 2.2
20
 Auxiliary Equipment
Auxiliary Equipment

SF6 Cylinders Transfer Hoses and Lines

Certain auxiliary equipment may be
needed to transfer SF6 from the cylinder
to the equipment. A list of recom-
mended equipment follows:
Valve Adapter
Use a bullet-shaped coupling nipple,
typically as used with a CGA connection
No. 590, having a 0.965-inch, lefthand,
external, male thread, 14 threads per
inch.
Pressure Gauge
A pressure gauge of brass or stainless
steel internal construction with a range
of 0-500 psig (0-35 kg/cm2) will be sat-
isfactory for most purposes. The gauge
should be dry and free of oil.
Gas Phase: Braided hydraulic hose of CAUTION:
1/2 diameter or less is recommended
for gas transfer. If high purity operation When transferring liquid SF6,
is required or where the avoidance of DO NOT trap liquid in any line
moisture contamination is a major fac- without a relief device. Many thou-
tor, electropolished stainless steel tubing sands of pounds per square inch pres-
sure can develop, creating the poten-
should be used.
tial for hydrostatic rupture of the line.
Liquid Phase: Braided hydraulic hose
of various sizes (typically 3/4) is satis-
factory for liquid SF6 transfer. The rec-
ommended pressure rating is 5000 psig
or greater.

Manual Control Valve

A brass or steel needle valve is satisfac-
tory. If the valve is to be connected
directly to the cylinder, specify a CGA
590 connection.

Pressure Regulator
A one-stage regulator, with a CGA
connection No. 590, is satisfactory.
However, a two-stage regulator, with a
CGA connection No. 590 or equiva-
lent, can also be used. Sulfur hexaflu-
oride is not a corrosive material and no
special metals are required. The deliv-
ery pressure range may vary with the
model chosen. Select the model to
meet your particular requirements. In The main valve on 115-lb. cylinders is a CGA No. 590 and is fitted with a
certain cases a heated regulator may be frangible safety disc.
required to prevent freezing of SF6 in
the gas delivery system.
21
Storage & Handling
Cylinder Storage
Store cylinders in an appropriate loca-
tion, out of direct sunlight, and at tem-
peratures no greater than 125F (50C).
Cylinders should be attached to a rack
or support so they will not fall. The
valve cap should always be in place
when the cylinder is not in use or when
it is being moved.
NOTE:
Do not store cylinders on damp
ground or in contact with moisture.
Cylinder Handling
SF6 cylinders, when full, weigh approx-
imately 230 pounds (104 kg). The use
of a hand truck with pneumatic tires is
recommended, particularly if the cylin-
der is to be transported by hand over
rough terrain. In addition, the follow-
ing warnings apply:
WARNING:
Do not move cylinders without
the valve cap in place.
Do not tamper with the valve or
safety device.
Do not add gas to the cylinder.
Do not drop cylinders.
Do not allow cylinders to slam
together.
Do not allow cylinders to be
chilled below -29C (-20F).
Do not apply direct heat to cylin-
ders.
Do not allow cylinder temperature
to exceed 50C (125F).
Filling Equipment With SF6
Equipment should be clean, dry, and
evacuated prior to filling to avoid con-
tamination of the gas with moisture and
22
Storage & Handling
air. SF6 is introduced directly from the
cylinder in the vapor phase, filling until
the desired pressure is reached. After
filling, care must be taken to test the
equipment for leaks that could cause gas
loss and contamination. Portable SF6
leak detectors for this purpose are avail-
able from a number of manufacturers.
Once the equipment is filled with SF6,
the best equipment performance will be
attained by maintaining the gas in a
completely dry condition.
Filling gas-insulated equipment can
be a slow process, due to the refrigera-
tion effect of the evaporating liquid in
the cylinder. To decrease the time
required to empty a cylinder, warm the
cylinder or, since SF6 is packaged as a
liquefied gas, withdraw it in the liquid
state:
1. Warming the Cylinder
Warming the cylinder during transfer
minimizes the refrigeration effect
caused by the evaporation of SF6 while
allowing its transfer in the vapor
(gaseous) phase. Submerging the cylin-
der to approximately one-third to one-
half its height in warm (125F) water in
a 55-gallon drum is an inexpensive and
convenient method. Alternatively, spe-
cially-designed cylinder heating blan-
kets may be used for this purpose. If a
heating blanket is used, it must be con-
trolled so that the temperature inside
the cylinder does not rise above 100F.
Heat should be removed if the cylinder
valve is to be closed or if the flow of SF6
gas is to be stopped. The critical tem-
perature of SF6 is approximately 114F,
and at temperatures greater than the
critical temperature, cylinder pressure
rises significantly. Heating tapes are not
recommended as they are difficult to
control and may cause local hot spots.
Since SF6 is packaged as a liquefied
gas, it is possible to withdraw it as a liq-
uid to decrease the time required to
empty a cylinder. There are two ways
to accomplish this:
2. Withdrawing Liquid SF6
a. Cylinders With Dip Tubes
These cylinders allow the customer to
discharge SF6 as liquid without the
need to invert the cylinder. These
cylinders are specially stencilled to pre-
vent confusing them with other SF6
cylinders.
b. Cylinders Without Dip Tubes
Cylinders not having dip tubes may be
inverted so that the liquid will be at the
valve end of the cylinder. This may be
accomplished with a hand cart or with
a commercially available cylinder
inverter.
CAUTION:
While Honeywells SF6 meets or
exceeds specifications, there is the
potential that the cylinder itself may
contain particulate metal oxides,
commonly found in gas cylinders.
For this reason, it is highly recom-
mended that a 1 micron filter, made
of fiberglass or sintered metal, be used
to protect the equipment being filled
any time SF6 is discharged from the
cylinder as a liquid.
WARNING:
With any liquid phase transfer of SF6,
great care should be taken to ensure
that the SF6 is completely vaporized
before it enters the equipment to pre-
vent over-pressurization.

1. Moissan, H.; LeBeau, P. C., R. Acad. Sci.,
130, 984-988, 1900.
2. Charlton, E. E.; Cooper, F. S. Gen. Electr.
Rev., 40, 438, 1937.
3. Ryan, H. M.; Jones, G. R. SF6 Switchgear,
Peter Peregrinus, New York, 1989.
4. Guaglione, G. P. Meier, H. G. A New
Line of Dead Tank SF6 High Voltage Circuit
Breakers, IEEE Trans., PAS-89, No. 8, 2024,
1970
5. Leeds, W. M.; Friedrich, R. E. Recent
Developments in the Use of SF6 for Power
Circuit Breakers, Proc. Am. Power Conf.
XXIV, 833, 1962.
6. Van Sickle, R. C. et al, 500 kV SF6 CB
Adaptable to Many EHV Levels, Electrical
World, May 17, 1965.
7. Van Sickle, R. C. et al, A Modular SF6
Circuit Breaker Design for EHV,
Westinghouse Engineer, March, 1965.
8. Yeckly, R. N.; Cromer, C. F. New SF6
EHV Circuit Breakers for 550 kV and 765
kV, IEEE Trans., PAS-89, No. 8, 2615,
1970.
9. Underground Power Lines - High Cost
Solution to Scenic Pollution, Machine
Design, April 1, 1970.
10. Pederson, B. O.; Doepken, H. C. Jr.;
Bolin, P. C. Development of Compressed-
Gas Insulated Transmission Lines, IEEE
Trans., PAS-90, No. 6, 2631, 1971.
11. Reason, J., Sr. Ed. Gas-Insulated
Substations, Electrical World, 207, No. 9, 28-
40, 9/1993.
12. Evans, F. E.; Mani, G. Sulfur Fluorides,
Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical
Technology, 4th ed., 11, 428, 1994.
13. Shugg, W. T. Handbook of Electrical and
Electronic Insulating Materials, Van Nostrand
Reinhold, New York, 1986.
a Former name of Honeywell
References
14. Clark, F. M., Insulating Materials for
Design and Engineering Practice, John Wiley
and Sons, New York, 1962.
15. Busk, R. S.; Jackson, R. B. Use of SF6 in
the Magnesium Industry, Proc. Int. Magn.
Soc., June 1980.
16. Pennington, J. N. Mag Die Casting
Growing Again in North America, Modern
Metals, January 1989.
17. MacNeal, J. R.; Rack, T. P.; Corns, R. R.
U.S. Patent 4,959,101, September 25, 1990.
18. Niemeyer, L. E.; McCormick, R. A.
Some Results of Multiple-Tracer Diffusion
Experiments at Cincinnati, J. Air Pollution
Control Assoc., 18, 403, 1968.
19. Wijaya, H.; Hughes, H. M. A Proposed
Procedure for Qualifying Halogen Leak
Detectors, presenterd at the International
Conference on CFC and Halon Alternatives,
Baltimore, MD, 1990.
20. Glass, I. I.; Hall, J. G. J. Chem Phys., 27,
1223, 1957.
21. Champion, R. L. Gaseous Dielectrics 6,
Proc. of Sixth Intl. Symp., 1-8, 1990.
22. Jackson, R. B. Properties of Sulfur
Hexafluoride, presented at the PA Elec.
Assoc. Spring Meeting, Skytop, PA, 1969.
23. Earwicker, G. A.; Fear, E. J. P., Chem. Ind.
(London), 903, 1954.
24. Mannion, J. P.; Philosophos, J. A.; and
Robinson, M. B. Arc Stability of
Electronegative Gases, IEEE Trans., EI-2, 1
(1967).
25. Vanderkooi, N., The Solubility of SF6,
C3F8, and N2 in Transformer Oil, Paper
No. CP 59-258 presented at Am. Inst. of
Elec. Eng., February 1959.
26. Asthon, J. T., Chem. Soc., (A), 1793-6,
1968.
References
27. Mears, W. H., Allied Chemical Corp.,a
private communications, 1970.
28. Rosenthal, E. Sulfur Hexafluoride -
Thermodynamic Properties, Specialty
Chemicals Division, Allied Chemical Corp.,a
Unpublished Study, 1968.
29. Mears, W. H.; Rosenthal, E.; Sinka, J. V.
Physical Properties and Virial Coefficients of
Sulfur Hexafluoride, J. Phys. Chem., 73,
2254, 1969.
30. AlliedSignal Material Safety Data Sheet
for Sulfur Hexafluoride, Nov. 1993.
31. American Conference of Governmental
Industrial Hygienists, Threshold Limit Values
for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents
and Biological Exposure Indices, Cincinnati,
OH, 1994-1995.
32. Klemm, W.; Henkel, P. Z. Anorg. Allgem.
Chem., 207, 73-86, 1932.
33. Handbook of Compressed Gases, 3rd Ed.,
Compressed Gas Association, Inc., New York,
1991.
34. Design Inst. for Phys. Prop. Data,
University Park, PA. American Institute of
Chemical Engineers (AIChE), 1993.
35. Eucken, A.; Schroder, E. Z. Phys. Chem.,
B41, 307, 1938.
36. Unpublished Data, Allied Chemical
Corp.,a Morristown, New Jersey.
37. Trautz, Ehrman, J. Prakt, Chem., 142, 79,
1935.
38. Makarevich, L. A.; Sokolova, E. S.;
Sorena, G. A. Zh. Fiz. Khim., 42, 22, 1968.
39. JANAF Thermochemical Tables NSRDS-
NBS 37 2nd ed., June, 1971.
40. Moissan, H.; Lebeau, P., Ann. Chim.
Phys., 26, 145, 1902.
23
References
41. Mastroianni, M. J.; Mears, W. H., SF6
Thermal Stability with Selected Metals,
Specialty Chemicals Division, Allied
Chemical Corporation,a Unpublished Study,
1978.
42. Mastroianni, M. J.; Jackson, R. B. SF6
Gas Analysis Service, presented at the Doble
Engineering Client Conf., 1980.
43. Ushio, I.; Shinnura, I.; Tominga, S.
Practical Problems of SF6 Gas Circuit
Breakers, IEEE Trans., PAS-89, No. 5, 2166,
1971.
44. Baker, A.; Dethlefsen, R.; Dodds, J.;
Oswalt, N.; Vouros, P. Study of Arc By-
Products in Gas-Insulated Equipment, EPRI
EL-1646, 1980.
45. Boudene, C. et al Identification and
Study of Some Properties of Compounds
Resulting from the Decomposition of SF6
Under the Effect of Electrical Arcing in
Circuit-Breakers, Rev. Gen. de lElectr., 45-78,
June 1974.
46. Lester, D.; Greenberg, L. A. The Toxicity
of Sulfur Hexafluoride, Arch. of Ind. Hyg.
Occup. Med., 2, 348, 1950.
47. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.146,
Permit-Required Confined Spaces.
a Former name of Honeywell
24
References
Textbooks and General References
(Uncited)
1) Ryan, H. M. and Jones, G. R. SF6
Switchgear, published by Peter Peregrinus on
behalf of the Institution of Electrical
Engineers, London, 1989.
A monograph which discusses SF6 technolo-
gy relating to transmissioin, distribution, and
utility switchgear; regulations, testing and
instrumentation; design and characteristics.
2) Shugg, W. T. Handbook of Electrical and
Electronic Insulating Materials. published by
Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1986.
Text describes a wide variety of electrical insu-
lating materials; see especially Chapter 15 per-
taining to dielectric gases.
3) Handbook of Compressed Gases.
Third Edition, published by the Compressed
Gas Association (CGA), Van Nostrand
Reinhold, New York, 1990.
A general reference relating to the properties
and safe handling of industrial gases, contain-
ers and equipment, regulations, with mono-
graphs relating to each type of gas.
4) Evans, F. E., and Mani, G. Sulfur
Fluorides, Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of
Chemical Technology, 4th ed., 11, 428, 1994.
An introductory reference with extensive bib-
liography and further references. See also past
editions and supplements:
Elbeck, R. E.; Mears, W. H. Sulfur
Fluorides, Kirk-Othmer, 3rd ed., 10, 779,
1980.
Brown, J. A. Fluorine Compounds, Inorganic,
Kirk-Othmer, 2nd ed., 9, 664, 1966.
Mears, W. H. Sulfur Hexafluoride, Kirk-
Othmer, Second Supp., 2, 793, 1960.
Miller, H. C. Fluorine Compounds,
Inorganic, Kirk-Othmer, 1st ed., 6, 732,
1951.
5) McMaster, R. C., Ed. Nondestructive
Testing Handbook, Vol. 1: Leak Testing, pub-
lished by the American Society for
Nondestructive Testing, Inc., 1982.
Discusses theory, practice and application of
leak-testing technology, both vacuum and
pressure-related. Contains sections regarding
safety and halogen tracer gases, among many
other topics.
Conversions
Conversion Factors and Formulas
for Frequently Used Units
Linear Measure Mass
1 in = 2.54 cm 1 lb = 454 g
1 ft = 30.45 cm 1 oz = 28.35 g
1 m = 39.37 in 1 kg = 2.2046 lb

Temperature, T TK = TC + 273.15
Celsius to Kelvin TF = (1.8 x TC) + 32
Celsius to Fahrenheit TC = (TF - 32)/1.8
Fahrenheit to Celsius
Rankine to Kelvin TK = TR/1.8

Pressure, T Volume, V
1 atm = 14.6960 psia 1 in3 = 16.39 mL or cc
1 atm = 29.921 in Hg 1 in3 = 0.0043 gal
1 atm = 760 mm Hg 1 in3 = 5.787 x 10-4 ft3
1 atm = 1.01325 bar 1 in3 = 0.0163871 Liter
1 atm = 101.325 Pa 1 cc = 1 mL = 0.06101 in3
1 gal= 3.785 L

Density Specific Volume

1 lb/ft = 0.133680 lb/gal
3 1 ft3/lb = 7.48055 gal/lb
1 lb/ft3 = 0.016018 g/cc 1 ft3/lb = 62.4280 cc/g
1 lb/ft3 = 16.018463 kg/m3 or g/L 1 ft3/lb = 0.624280 m3/kg or L/g

Specific Heat (Entropy, s) Enthalpy, H

1 Btu/lb R = 1 cal/g K 1 Btu/lb = 0.55556 cal/g
1 Btu/lb R = 4.184j/g K 1 Btu/lb = 2.3244 j/b
1 j/g K = 0.2390 Btu/lb R 1 j/g = 0.43021 Btu/lb
1 j/g K = 0.2390 cal/g K 1 j/g = 0.2390 cal/g

Thermal Conductivity, k Coefficient of Heat Transfer

1 Btu/ft hr R = 4.1338 x 10 cal/cm sec K
-3 1 Btu/ft2 hr F = 1.3562 x 10-4 cal/cm2 sec C
1 Btu/ft hr R = 0.017296 joule/com sec K 1 Btu/ft2 hr F = 5.6783 x 10-4 watt/cm2 C
1 Btu/ft hr R = 0.017296 watt/cm sec K 1 Btu/ft2 hr F = 4.8823 k cal/cm2 hr C
1 Btu/ft hr R = 1.7296 watt/cm sec K 1 Btu/ft2 hr F = 5.6783 watt/m2 sec K

Viscosity,
1 poise = 1 dyne sec/cm2 = 1 g/cm sec
1 poise = 0.1 newton sec/m2
1 poise = 0.01 centipoise
1 poise = 2.0885 x 10-3 lbf sec/ft2
1 poise = 0.01 kg/m sec
These conversions factors have been adapted from
ASHRAE Guide and Data Book, Am. Soc. of
Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Eng., Inc.,
New York, 1972.
 SF6 Ordering
To place an order, or to obtain pricing and
availability information from anywhere
within the continental United States,
call our Customer Service System at
Telephone: 800-522-8001
618-524-6343

Technical Service/Sales
For additional information or Technical
Service on all phases of Sulfur Hexafluoride
use, contact:

Honeywell
Industrial Fluorines
101 Columbia Turnpike
P.O. Box 1053
Morristown, NJ 07962
Telephone: 800-622-5002
973-455-5233
Fax: 973-455-6141

All statements, information, and data given herein are believed to be accurate and reliable but are presented
without guaranty, warranty or responsibility of any kind, express or implied. Statements or suggestions con-
cerning possible use of our products are made without representation or warranty that any such use is free
of patent infringement, and are not recommendations to infringe any patent. The user should not assume
that all safety measures are indicated or that other measures may not be required. Please note that all users
of SF6 are responsible for adherence to applicable instructions and regulations and for the observance of cur-
rent laws.

2000 Honeywell 4-00 KAE Printed in the U.S.A.