This article discusses the FR3 natural ester transformer fluid purification, the equipment used, as well as the specifics of FR3 operation, and the reasons that affect its quality.
Reasons for the emergence of alternative insulating fluids
The use of petroleum-based insulating oils in transformers has been practiced for decades. Although they cope with their task to insulate the current-carrying parts and remove heat, they have disadvantages represented by flammability which is undesirable when transformers operate in explosive environments, including the underground mines, port facilities, crude oil refineries, natural gas terminals, and offshore drilling platforms. This has led to introduction of alternative insulating fluids.
One of them is FR3, a liquid dielectric of biological origin which is usually made from vegetable oil and has a higher flash point than petroleum-based transformer oils. Due to this, FR3 meets the standard of enhanced fire safety for dielectric fluids.
Characteristics of FR3 natural ester transformer fluid properties
Compared to mineral oils, FR3 is better at absorbing water and removing moisture from transformer insulation paper. It means that the natural ester transformer fluid is also exposed to moisture and contamination over time and requires periodic purification to continue performing its functions.
GlobeCore has developed a technology for purification of natural ester transformer fluid which is based on the comprehensive effect of various methods: three-stage filtration, high vacuuming, heating and allows removing the particulate matter, dissolved water and gas. The degree of purification corresponds to purity class 16/14/12 of ISO 4406.
Natural ester transformer fluid purifiers
GlobeCore technology is implemented in CMM units equipped with special seals that make them resistant to the chemical effect of natural ester transformer fluid and deliver the reliability of processing. The processing capacity may be selected by choosing a specific model and equals 17,000 liters per hour.
One of these units was launched in 2015 on a drilling platform off the coast of Nigeria, where it treated FR3 transformer fluid. This is the CMM-4/7 Clean Marine model.
Having a high capacity, natural ester transformer fluid purifiers remain quite compact and can be mounted on a wheeled trailer for faster delivery to the transformer site, fit in a container, operate in automatic or semi-automatic mode with minimum qualification requirements for an operator who can learn how to use the equipment in a matter of days.
Natural ester transformer fluid purifiers are adaptable to various operating modes to ensure flexibility in application for a variety of transformer maintenance needs.
And do you use a natural ester transformer fluid in your equipment? If you do, what challenges have been encountered in this respect?