Analysis of SF₆ Insulation Gas Using a GC-BID System

Introduction

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is an extremely stable gas with excellent dielectric properties and is used in various fields. Applications include tracer gas as well as insulation gas used in electrical equipment such as gas-insulated transformers and circuit breakers. On the other hand, SF₆ is also known to be a highly potent greenhouse gas and was identified as an emission reduction target in the Kyoto Protocol at the COP3 meeting. Conventional analysis of SF6 employs an electron capture detector (ECD) which is capable of detecting electrophilic compounds with high sensitivity. However, the quantitation accuracy in the high-concentration range and the hassle of procedures necessary due to the use of radioisotopes have been an issue. Shimadzu's barrier discharge ionization detector (BID) offers high-sensitivity detection of almost all components. Utilizing proprietary barrier discharge technology, the detector achieves both the same stability as general conventional detectors and high sensitivity. This article introduces example analyses of SF₆ and SF₆ decomposition products.

June 25, 2023 GMT