Progress in chemical detection and treatment technology for decomposition products of SF₆ in power equipment

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is widely used in various medium and high voltage electrical equipment because of its excellent insulation and arc extinguishing performance. However, when there is a small amount of water, oxygen and other impurities in the equipment, SF₆ will decompose and generate many kinds of complex products. The generation mechanism of decomposed products, trace chemical detection methods and catalytic degradation are discussed from the chemical point of view, current adsorption treatments and trace detection technologies of impurity gases are summarized and the new insulating gases that may replace SF₆ are proposed.