Sandia National Laboratories’ High Energy Radiation Megavolt Electron Source (HERMES) III pulsed power facility recently received accolades from the National Nuclear Security Administration for improvements that were made in the way it manages its greenhouse gas emissions.
The facility uses sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) to insulate high-voltage switching devices, including cascade switches and spark gaps. But according to the Environmental Protection Agency, SF6 contributes to global warming more than any other gas. Sandia's teams at the Saturn and HERMES III facilities reduced SF6 emissions by upgrading the gas handling systems.
Photo courtesy of Randy Montoya/Sandia National Laboratories.