Experiment on the Thermal Stability of Perfluoro-Methyl-Vinyl-Ether: Potential SF₆ Alternative in Insulation Applications

Perfluoro-methyl-vinyl-ether with chemical formula C3F6O (CF3OCF=CF2) is recently reported as a potential SF6 alternative in insulation applications. In power equipment, the insulating gas could encounter overheating faults which are caused by rising contact resistance or insulation degradation. Therefore, in this paper, the thermal stability was measured by heating in a tubular furnace. In the thermal stability experiment, the gas is stable at 300°C and it starts to break down slightly at 350°C. At 400°C, the decomposition is obvious, while some graywhite solid appears on the wall of the tube, which may be produced by polymerization. It almost completely breaks down at 500°C. The results of this study lay a foundation for the application of C3F6O gas in the electric industry.