Gas - ABB HD4/R Installation And Operating Instructions Manual

11. Instructions for handling apparatus
containing SF
In its pure state, SF is an odourless, colourless, non-toxic gas
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with a density about six times higher than that of air. For this
reason, although it does not lead to any specific physiologi-
cal effects, it can produce effects caused by lack of oxygen in
places saturated with SF
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The electric arc produced during the interruption phase of the
circuit breaker decomposes a very small amount of SF
products of this decomposition remain inside the poles and are
absorbed by special substances which act as molecular sieves.
The probability of coming into contact with decomposed SF
is extremely remote, and its presence in small quantities (1-3
ppm) is immediately noticeable because of its sour and un-
pleasant smell. If this happens, the room must be aired before
anyone enters it.
The strong infrared absorption of SF
mains in the environment for a long time are the reasons for its
high Global Warning Potential (GWP), which is 22,200 higher
than CO2, according to the Third Assessment Report.
The GWP (global warming potential) of 1 kg of SF
ence to 1 kg of CO2, is calculated over a time period of 100
years. Its overall contribution to the global greenhouse gas
effect from all applications, amounts to approximately 0.2%.
However, the GWP of SF
suring the environmental impact of electric power equipment
based on SF technology.
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The environmental impact of any specific application should
be evaluated and/or compared using the Life Cycle Assess-
ment - LCA approach, as established by ISO 14040 standards.
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.
and the fact that it re-
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gas alone is not sufficient for mea-
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gas

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The Electric Industry uses SF
circuit-breakers of gas insulated substations (GIS), in medium-
voltage and high-voltage gas insulated circuit-breakers (GCB),
in igh-voltage gas insulated lines (GIL) and in gas insulated volt-
age transformers (GVT). In Asia, significant quantities of SF
banked in gas insulated power transformers (GIT) as well.
. The The Electric Industry is reported to be the most important user
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of SF , worldwide. In spite of being the most important user
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of SF , the Electric Industry is a low contributor to the global
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emission of SF
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applications" of this gas.
However, the importance of SF
substantially from region to region and from country to country,
depending on the procedures used for handling it, the tight-
ness of the electric power equipment and the amount of gas
banked in electric equipment.
Consult document 1VCP000264 or 1VCP000266 for info about
the Life Cycle Assessment of apparatus.
, with refer- Please contact the ABB Assistance Service for information
about how to dispose of SF
be carried out by trained and qualified personnel. The persons
to contact are listed at http://www.abb.com/ServiceGuide/al-
phabetical.aspx.
Specific instructions about how to empty the SF
equipment are available on request (ask for internal document
650551 or 1VCP000617).
The volume of SF
nameplate.
in a closed cycle, e.g. in the
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, far below other industries or users with "open
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gas as a source of GWP varies
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gas as this operation must only
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gas in each apparatur is indicated on the
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are
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gas from the
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