SF6 & Oil Circuit Breakers

I am wondering if any one could supply me with information on the subject of enviornmental considerations one should take when maintaining and replacing circuit breakers which have Oil or SF6 as a breaking meduim.
If anyone has experience on this topic or has any information on web sites with any relevent data I would be very greatful.
PRyan

 

[dpc]

In the U.S., SF6 maintenance must be done by qualified re-processing method. The SF6 gas must be captured and can not be (delibrately) released into the environment.

This is one of the primary drawbacks to SF6 devices.

dpc

 

[SphincterBoy]

DPC is correct. The EPA considers SF6 a greenhouse gas, and
it must be thoroughly contained. Meanwhile, xxx million motorists worldwide contribute tons of 'greenhouse gases'
to our fragile environment. Which do you think the EPA
and our goverment(s) should be more concerned with, and where
would the biggest impact be made? Like comparing a minnow to a whale.

If possible, use vacuum interruption, if available at your
voltage class and B.I.L. requirements.

 

[marmic]

Sphincterboy is correct however SF6 is dangerous to health if decomposed especially the white dust which forms....this is caused by arcing thus it is important to avoid any kind of 'fire' when handling SF6.

Professional help can be obtained from manufacturers of the Switchgear ; also check this site :

http://www.dilo-gmbh.de/.

 

[busbar]

A search on 'sf7' on the home page of epa.gov returns a couple of pages of links.

 

[electricuwe]

Since all the others gave information on SF6 breakes I'd like to add some information on circuit breakers containing oil. To my experience using oil in circuit breaker is a technology which has been replaced by other techniques (e.g.SF6) at least 30 years ago. But this is the main problem: many other electrical devices (transformers, capacitors) manufactured during that time contained PCB as a non burnable alternative to mineral oil. During processing of the oil, for example during maintenance, oil has often been contaminated with PCB. Today PCB is considerd to be very dangerous and in most countries severe legal restrictions are to be considered for handling PCB contaminated oil or PCB.