What is the maximum allowable limit for hydrolyzable fluoride content in new SF6 gas?

The maximum allowable limit for hydrolyzable fluoride content in new SF6 gas is 0.3 parts per million by weight (ppmw). This standard is in place to ensure the safety and environmental integrity of SF6 when used in electrical equipment, as hydrolyzable fluoride can lead to the formation of harmful byproducts when the gas comes into contact with moisture. Controlling this limit is crucial because elevated levels of hydrolyzable fluoride can impact the reliability of electrical systems and contribute to environmental concerns associated with the gas.

Other limits, such as those exceeding or going below this threshold, may not provide the necessary safety margins and could lead to operational issues or increased monitoring requirements, making the standard of 0.3 ppmw the most favorable for maintaining both performance and environmental standards.