Toxic Study on the New Eco-Friendly Insulating Gas Trifluoromethanesulfonyl Fluoride: A Substitute for SF6

Abstract

It has been proven that the gas trifluoromethanesulfonyl fluoride (CF3SO2F) has good dielectric performance and the potential to replace the potent greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which is the most commonly used insulating gas in high-voltage electrical equipment. However, there are many key biochemical properties, such as toxicity, that the new eco-friendly insulating gas will need to obtain. It could protect the operator and equipment and help the chemical engineering development of this gas in the power grid industry. In this study, according to Horn’s method, an acute toxic gas inhalation test was carried out. The results showed that the lethal concentration of 50% (LC50) for female rats was 27.1 g/m3, and that for male rats was 23.3 g/m3. The behavioral and vital sign changes in the rats were recorded. Pathological sections of the main organs revealed that the heart, lungs, spleen, and eyes suffered the most damage from the gas. This research also provides scientific suggestions for the protection of electrical workers exposed to the insulating gas CF3SO2F.