Method SF6 for inert gas?

[Young.Werther]

Recently learned about SF6 as a possibility for inert gas but I haven't previously heard very much about it. Is there a reason it's not used? I've seen posts about nitrogen, argon, and helium here, so I'm wondering why SF6 isn't more popular. It is more dense than air so presumably you need less of it as once you breathe it in it should stay in?

Anyone out there that can enlighten me?

 

[Alex Fermentopathy]

At least what I can say, the gas which is lighter than air is preferable.

 

[sanitystruggle]

SF6 is used in high voltage switchgear. It's quite specialised and I doubt it would be readily available to the public in most countries.

 

[thewalkingdread]

I doubt it would be readily available to the public

It would be really cool, though. It would give you the opportunity to play with Darth Vader's voice before "kicking the bucket"...

"Nooooooooooooooooo"

 

[Young.Werther]

At least what I can say, the gas which is lighter than air is preferable.

Why is this the case? Wouldn't heavier gases be better since it stays in your lungs when you inhale?

SF6 is used in high voltage switchgear. It's quite specialised and I doubt it would be readily available to the public in most countries.

I guess I'm not an expert, but why would normal people need nitrogen or argon? Are they any more accessible than SF6? Only helium seems relatively accessible of these.

 

[Alex Fermentopathy]

Why is this the case? Wouldn't heavier gases be better since it stays in your lungs when you inhale?

That's related to an exit bag mechanics. The hole is in the bottom. I hope that makes a clue.

 

[sanitystruggle]

I guess I'm not an expert, but why would normal people need nitrogen or argon? Are they any more accessible than SF6? Only helium seems relatively accessible of these.

They're readily available because they are used in multiple industries. Welding gas is the easiest to obtain. There are multiple welding suppliers in most large towns that will sell/rent cylinders to private individuals. I've got a welder in my garage that runs on either argon/CO2 or pure argon.

Nitrogen is also widely used as a purging/flushing gas, in air conditioning installation and as a preserving/dispensing gas for wine.

SF6 by comparison is very niche. The biggest industrial gas supplier in my country list it as a "restricted product" and requires extra paperwork for orders. They'll ship argon or nitrogen to pretty much anyone.