Belzona SF6-FIX is Belzona’s latest solution for the power transmission and distribution industry. Belzona SF6-FIX is a sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) leak solution that can be applied online, and without specialist tools. This highly effective system can reduce SF₆ leaks in switchgear to undetectable levels.

Commonly used in electricity substations, SF₆ gas is used to insulate live electrical parts in medium and high voltage electrical equipment and to switch the flow of electrical current on and off. However, leaks of this gas are very common. With Belzona SF6-FIX, leaks can be quickly and expertly sealed resulting in huge environmental and financial savings. 100% solids and cold applied, Belzona safely seals SF₆ leaks and protects the environment, plus, this durable system of expertly applied specialist materials can be applied in just one day

Award Winning SF₆ Leak Solution

Belzona SF6-FIX recently won the British Coatings Federation Sustainable Innovation Award.

Belzona SF6-FIX was also selected as a finalist for the prestigious Materials Performance Innovation Awards, run by the Association for Materials Protection and Performance

Key Benefits of Belzona SF6-FIX:

• Online application, minimum downtime
• Rapid installation, short cure times
• Can reduce leaks to undetectable levels
• Removable for joint access
• Excellent corrosion protection

Why is Stopping SF₆ Leaks So Important?

Despite its utility, SF₆ is incredibly detrimental to the planet. With a warming potential 23,500 times higher than carbon dioxide (CO₂), SF₆ is the most potent greenhouse gas (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, fifth assesment report). This means that even in minute quantities, SF₆ has a disproportionately significant impact on global warming. Worryingly, the Environmental Protection Agency notes that leak detection surveys show approximately 10 percent of circuit breaker populations leak and, 85% of these leaks are releasing enough of this dangerous gas to be considered significant. Frequent leaks of such a potent greenhouse gas have become a serious contributing factor to global warming. Belzona SF6-FIX offers an effective, long-term solution which not only tackles the environmental concerns associated with SF6 emissions but also promotes the sustainable and efficient operation of power grids.

1. What are the main causes of SF₆ leaks?

   Poor gas handling during installation, maintenance, or decommissioning
   Deterioration of seals, gaskets, or joints due to aging, corrosion, or faulty welds
   Internal faults such as arcing, which can breach enclosures
   External fires compromising equipment integrity

2. What are the risks associated with SF₆ leaks?

   Environmental damage, as SF₆ is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential much higher than CO₂ and a very long atmospheric lifetime
   Reduced insulating ability of equipment, increasing the risk of electrical failures
   Increased maintenance costs and operational downtime

3. How does Belzona SF6-FIX address the challenges of SF₆ leaks?

   Belzona SF6-FIX is an award-winning, solvent-free, cold-applied repair system designed specifically for sealing SF₆ leaks in switchgear and substations. It can be applied online, without the need for specialist tools or lengthy downtime. The system rapidly seals leaks to undetectable levels, provides excellent corrosion protection, and can be removed for future joint access. This minimizes environmental impact and operational disruption, supporting sustainable power grid operation.

4. What are the key benefits of using Belzona SF6-FIX for SF₆ leak repairs?

   Online application: Repairs can be performed without shutting down equipment, minimizing downtime.
   Rapid installation: Short cure times allow for same-day sealing.
   High effectiveness: Leaks can be reduced to undetectable levels, preventing further SF₆ loss.
   Removability: The system can be taken off for maintenance or joint access.
   Corrosion protection: Enhances equipment longevity by shielding against moisture and contaminants.