Natural Ester Insulating Liquids in Power Transformers
Within our everyday lives, most task and functions wouldn’t be possible without the use of electricity coming to us through the more than 600,000 natural ester transformers around the world. These transformers contain dielectric oils that act as insulators and coolants. Around 1996, natural esters, which are dielectric oils, began to be developed to replace mineral oil in transformers due to their high flash and fire point temperatures that are two times greater than mineral oil. Natural esters are also more biodegradable and sustainable than all other insulating liquids used for transformers. After many studies, it has been shown that natural ester liquid protects cellulose insulation which allows for longer and higher thermal protection.
Envirotemp FR3
Envirotemp FR3 is a commonly used natural ester developed from renewable vegetable oils. It has been made to provide more fire safety, transformer life/loadability, and environmental benefits than mineral oil and other dielectric insulators. Envirotemp FR3 is in more than 1 million power and distribution transformers worldwide.
Protecting Insulation Paper
One of the primary factors in the length of a transformer’s life span is insulation paper. FR3™ fluid’s unique composition absorbs free water and wicks it away from the insulation paper. FR3 fluid has about 10 times the water saturation level of mineral oil. This results in extending the insulation life 5-8 times longer than mineral oil. FR3 Fluid reduces the risk of failure to improve reliability of the transformer and reduces processing maintenance costs, since FR3 fluid does not sludge like mineral oil.
Benefits of Envirotemp FR3
- Gain cost efficiencies either on initial cost or total cost of ownership without sacrificing reliability.
- Extend transformer insulation and asset life.
- Optimize load capacity.
- Significantly improve fire safety.
- Enhance environmental footprint and sustainable supply chain initiatives.
Product Features
- Made from a renewable source with global, reliable supply.
- Carbon neutral (according to BEES 4.0 lifecycle analysis).
- Non-toxic and non-hazardous in soil and water.
- Biodegrades in less than 28 days.
- Contains no petroleum, halogens, silicones or sulfurs.
- Recyclable.
Spilled FR3 Fluid? Here’s how to clean it up!
Ecolink sells a magnificent aqueous cleaner called S-34 that easily cleans up FR3 fluid when applied correctly. Simply apply the cleaner with a pump spray or cloth, and then use hand wiping or spray washing. Contact us today!
Ecolink Team
