Analysis of trace CF₄ in SF₆ by plasma emission gas chromatography

Abstract Sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) is widely used as an insulating gas in electrical equipment. The detection of its decomposition products is of great significance for assessing the operating condition of the equipment. Carbon tetrafluoride (CF 4 ) is a major product in the decomposition of SF 6 , and the accurate determination of its content is crucial for the early detection of equipment failures and the assessment of gas quality. This study explores the application of plasma emission gas chromatography in the analysis of trace CF 4 in SF 6. By optimizing the chromatographic conditions, an efficient and sensitive analytical method has been established. The experimental results show that when argon is used as the carrier gas, the detection limit of this method is as low as 0.5 ppm, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 3%, demonstrating excellent repeatability. Moreover, the method has a good linear range (R 2 = 0.998). The accuracy and reliability of this method have been further verified through the analysis of actual samples. Plasma emission gas chromatography provides an efficient, sensitive, and stable new approach for the detection of trace CF 4 in SF 6 , and it is expected to be widely used in the gas detection of electrical equipment.