Interactions between SF6 and water exposed to γ radiation or to partial discharges

In order to determine more exactly the water influence in the decomposition mechanisms of SF6 under different kinds of stresses SF6-H2O mixtures have been exposed to y radiation (⁶⁰Co γ-rays) and to partial discharges (point-plane electrode configuration). In these mixtures the SF6 pressure was about one bar and the water content varied between 1 000 and 10 000 vpm. The experiments have been carried out at room temperature.