[BC] Re: SF6 filled capacitor

[Xmitters@aol.com]

In a message dated 2/20/07 12:00:42 AM Central Standard Time, 
broadcast-request at radiolists.net writes:

<< The Marconi 600kW mediumwave transmitter used a cap filled with SF6. It
 was about the size of 55 gallon drum.  I thought it was a Comet.  I
 don't remember the details (it was over ten years ago), but I do
 remember J. Fred telling us that if we have an arc in the cap, it had to
 be removed and taken outside to be purged of the SF6 which turns into a
 poisonous gas when arc occurs.  
 
 I found this interesting SF6 tidbit on YOUTUBE:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIXEzj08MwE
 
 Bruce >>

Bruce:

Yikes! That's very frightening. Then OTOH, I have not had many arcs in 
feedlines over the years, so I guess that would not be a big deal. disposal of that 
poisonous gas would probably be a hazardous waste disposal issue here in the 
states, I would guess. 

This explains why those SF6 circuit breakers are called "puffer" circuit 
breakers. The SF6 is present long enough to put the arc out, but is not there long 
enough to be converted over to the poisonous gas.  Interesting stuff :-)

Jeff Glass