SF6/N-2 MIXTURES - BASIC AND HV INSULATION PROPERTIES

The widespread use of SF6 by the electric power and other industries has led to increased concentrations of SF6 in the atmosphere, This causes concern as to possible effects on global warming, because SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas. This paper first touches on this issue and then documents the behavior of high pressure gases such as N-2 and SB6/N-2 mixtures that can be realistically considered as acceptable intermediate or long-term replacements for pure SF6 in some HV applications. The possible use of dilute SF6/N-2 mixtures as an alternative to pure SF6 for some of industry's insulation needs (albeit at higher pressure) is documented, and existing knowledge on these mixtures and on the individual components (N-2 and SF6), both basic and applied, is compiled. A guide to existing literature is provided.