The SF6 ReUse Program – A Case Study

Solvay has launched its SF6 ReUse Program in the USA, offering utility companies in particular the opportunity to dispose of their used SF6 gas in a manner consistent with environmental awareness and protection. The program addresses the analysis, transport and reclaiming of used SF6 gas to the point where it is ultimately fed back into the production stream. This paper illustrates the logistics of the SF6 ReUse Program through a case study. An improperly labeled cylinder at a utility site containing what is suspected to be used SF6 is handled by (1) taking samples for analysis to confirm that it is in fact used SF6 and within Solvay’s specification limits for ReUse, (2) transporting the cylinder in a secure manner to a location where it could be safely and properly trans-filled into dedicated used SF6 cylinders and (3) transported to Germany where the used gas is fed back into the production stream thereby yielding virgin gas. The case study tracks the contents of the used gas from initial sampling through to introduction into the production stream. The paper also outlines the inventory management program utilized to ensure that every kilogram of used SF6 is accounted for and tracked throughout the cycle of the ReUse Program.