Alternative Insulating Gases

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Alternative Insulating Gases used for?

Alternative Insulating Gases are traded as a “green alternative” for SF6 used in medium and high voltage switchgear, since, depending on the mixture, they have similar physical properties but their global warming potential is much lower than that of pure SF6.

What do the designations C4 and C5 mean?

C4 and C5 are the abbreviations of the following insulating gases: 3M™ NovecTM 4710 (C4F7N) (C4) and 3M™ NovecTM 5110 (C5F10O) (C5).

Which Alternative Insulating Gases are offered by DILO?

DILO offers standard mixtures with 3M™ NovecTM 4710 (C4) and 3M™ NovecTM 5110 (C5) with oxygen (O2) / carbon dioxide (CO2) / or nitrogen (N2). Other mixtures are available on request.

Which mixing ratios can be purchased from DILO?

DILO is able to supply any gas mixture exactly according to customer specifications. DILO has the appropriate plants and equipment to produce these gas mixtures and would be pleased to reply to your questions regarding the technical feasibility of your requirements.  For speeding up the ordering process please complete the following check list:

Is it also possible to produce gas mixtures with gases provided by the customer?

In exceptional cases this is possible. Please contact us directly.

In which vessels are the gas mixtures supplied?

DILO generally supplies mixtures of Alternative Insulating Gases in 50 l steel cylinders or 600 l tanks. Other vessels and materials are available on request.

What is the difference between mixtures stored in gaseous or partially liquefied form?

When stored in gaseous form, the desired mixture can be used directly as long as the temperature of the mixture does not fall below its liquefaction point. When stored in partially liquefied form, the single components are partially liquefied in the pressure vessel and must first be homogenised (= evenly mixed). One advantage of liquid storage is that a much larger quantity of gas can be stored in the cylinders/tanks than with gaseous storage.

Which mixture is the most suitable for my application?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer you any help in this respect. In this case, please contact the manufacturers of the equipment directly.

Does the gas have to be handled in a closed circuit?

For environmental and economic reasons, the gas must be handled in a closed circuit.

What should be considered when measuring Alternative Insulating Gases?

Only measuring devices specially approved for the corresponding gas can be used.

How can the moisture content in Alternative Insulating Gas mixtures be determined?

The moisture content is determined by electronic sensors specially calibrated to the gas mixtures. SF6 moisture measuring devices cannot be used.