What is Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6)?
Sulfur Hexafluoride is a synthetic, fluorinated compound with a highly stable molecular structure made of six fluorine atoms attached to a central sulfur atom, also described as an inert gas. It is the most potent greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential. SF6 is much more effective at trapping infrared radiation than carbon dioxide (CO2) and its concentration in the earth’s atmosphere is rapidly increasing.
SF6 has chemical properties that make it useful across a range of industries and is often used in electric piping, electrical circuit breakers, and as a gaseous insulator.
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) In Various Industries
SF6 is widely used in the electrical industry as a gaseous dielectric medium for insulating and arc quenching in switch gear, substations, and gas-insulated power lines. For this application, it is superior to many other substances due to its insulation properties, dielectric strength, and arc quenching abilities. We provide SF6 gas that meets IEC 376 and ASTM D2472-00 standards for this application.
In a similar application, SF6 can be used in waveguides for high-power microwave systems. Pressurizing the waveguide with the SF6 will electrically insulate and prevent internal arcing. And SF6 is used as a cover gas to protect molten reactive metals, including magnesium. Here the SF6 protects the hot metals from atmospheric oxygen, preventing oxidation and burning of the metal. Sulfur hexafluoride is also used for deep ion plasma etching in the production of semiconductors. SF6 will produce reactive ions and radicals in the plasma. SF6 placed between the panes of a double-pane window will thermally insulate and acoustically insulate (reducing the sound transmitted). This is of value for homes and businesses in noisy areas or for offices and conference rooms where privacy is desired.
Tires filled with SF6 will deflate more slowly due to the large molecule size. SF6 is used as a medical-contrasting agent for ultrasound imaging. Its microbubbles in solution are injected in vein. These microbubbles make blood vessels more visible to ultrasound. Retina surgery uses an SF6 tamponade in the form of a bubble.
**Moisture level guaranteed only when Electronic Fluorocarbons prepares the cylinders.
All concentrations are on a mol/mol basis unless otherwise stated.
Product sold on the basis of total impurities. Individual impurities may vary slightly.
*This gas not available for purchase online.