SF6 Recycling

Electronic Fluorocarbons is proud to offer our customers services to reduce sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) emissions using cost-effective technologies and practices that can provide additional financial benefits.

SF6 is widely used in the electric industry. It is a very stable molecule, which makes it superior to other previously used mediums due to its insulation properties, dielectric strength, and arc quenching abilities. In short, the technical and economic performance realized by electrical equipment manufactures and electrical utilities using SF6 is unmatched.

Despite all the advantages gained with using SF6 as well as recognizing the fact that there are no technical equivalent substitutes, SF6 does present environmental challenges that must be addressed. SF6 has been identified as a highly potent greenhouse gas that causes climate change. The global warming potential (GWP) of SF6 is 22,800 times higher than that of CO2. SF6 also has an atmospheric life of 3,200 years.

A large percentage of the SF6 being used today is in closed system applications. As long as the SF6 remains within the closed system no emissions to the atmosphere will occur. However, in reality some SF6 will be emitted during the system’s life cycle, so the emphasis is to minimize the amount of SF6 released.

To further drive the reduction of total SF6 emissions, in 2011 the EPA began requiring mandatory emissions reporting for users of electrical transmission and distribution (T&D) equipment with total nameplate capacity over 17,820 lbs.

As a major supplier and responsible member of the global community, EFC is committed to collaborating with users to do our part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. EFC continues to take every opportunity to implement new processes and systems designed to facilitate the recovery and recycling of used SF6. Whether SF6 is recovered from old breakers, cylinders, or other systems, EFC will recycle this material and return it to a fit-for-use purity that exceeds ASTM D2472-00 and IEC 60480 standards.

To inquire about this service please contact us.