A Search for Possible 'Universal-Applications' Gas Mixtures

Published

December 1, 1998

Author(s)

Loucas G. Christophorou, James K. Olthoff, David S. Green

Abstract

In an effort to respond to the recent concerns over the possible impact of SF₆ on global warming, we have searched for an SF₆ substitute gas that could be used in high voltage equipment instead of pure SF₆, with minimal changes in practice, operation, and ratings of the existing pure SF ₆-insulated apparatus. Of the many unitary, binary, and tertiary gases/mixtures that have been tested to date, SF₆-N₂ mixtures seem to be the most promising and most thoroughly characterized gaseous dielectric media besides pure SF₆. Based upon research conducted world-wide over the last few decades, it appears that the optimum composition of an SF₆-N₂ mixture for use as a gaseous dielectric in place of pure SF₆ for both high voltage insulation [such as in gas-insulated transmission lines and gas-insulated transformers] and possibly also for arc and current interruption purposes may be in the range 40% to 50% SF₆ in N₂ (by volume). Most of the existing data support the use of such mixtures for gas-insulated transmission lines and gas-insulated transformers, but their use for circuit breakers is still in question requiring further exploration.

Proceedings Title

Proc., Intl. Symp. on Gaseous Dielectrics

Conference Dates

June 2-5, 1998

Conference Location

Virginia Beach, VA

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

all-purpose gaseous dielectrics, dielectric gas mixtures, substitutes, sulfur hexafluoride

Citation

Christophorou, L. , Olthoff, J. and Green, D. (1998), A Search for Possible `Universal-Applications' Gas Mixtures, Proc., Intl. Symp. on Gaseous Dielectrics, Virginia Beach, VA (Accessed April 19, 2024)