When it comes to technological innovation in the energy industry, attention is often focused on big inventions — the latest generators, revolutionary methods of energy storage, or developments in the field of renewable energy. However, sometimes big changes start with something small, like replacing traditional transformer oil with a more modern and environmentally friendly alternative, FR3 dielectric fluid.
This fluid, which is produced plant-based, not only contributes to reducing the energy industry’s carbon footprint, but also offers significant advantages in terms of transformer safety and efficiency. High flash point, thermal stability, biodegradation are only several aspects, which make FR3 worthy of attention. In this article, we take a closer look at FR3 dielectric fluid in order to more fully appreciate its potential and capability in a modern energy industry.
Main FR3 Dielectric Fluid Characteristics
FR3 dielectric fluid, developed plant-based, differs from usual mineral oils by a set of unique characteristics for use in transformers:
- High flash point: FR3 flash point is about 330°C, which is almost twice the flash point of most mineral oils. It provides increased safety, decreasing risk of fire at high temperatures or in emergency situations.
- High thermal stability: FR3 is able to withstand high temperatures, allowing to increase 20% load compared to transformers, filled with mineral oils.
- Biodegradation and ecology: FR3 is fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly fluid. In the event of a leak, it does not cause significant damage to the environment, which makes it a choice that meets modern environmental standards.
- Mechanical properties and aging resistance: FR3 characterized by good mechanical properties, including resistance to oxidation and aging. This helps to reduce the wear and tear of the equipment and extends the service life of the transformers.
- High Dielectric Strength: Due to its unique properties, FR3 has a high dielectric strength that provides effective insulation and prevents electrical breakdown.
Combined, these characteristics make FR3 a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mineral oils for use in transformers.
FR3 Operational Features of Dielectric Fluid
FR3 dielectric fluid, although a progressive choice for transformers, has some unique features, especially when used in cold environments. Because of its higher viscosity at low temperatures compared to mineral oils, FR3 requires a special approach to cold weather operation. This higher viscosity can make it difficult for the fluid to circulate inside the transformer, potentially leading to reduced heat transfer efficiency and insulation properties.
To prevent these problems in cold conditions, the FR3 often requires additional heating before starting the transformer. Preheating reduces the viscosity of FR3 to a level that allows it to circulate freely within the transformer system, providing adequate cooling and insulation.
In general use and maintenance, FR3 also differs from mineral oils. Due to its properties such as high thermal stability and oxidation resistance, FR3 often exhibits a longer service life and may require less frequent maintenance. This includes less frequent fluid changes and reduced frequency of checks for dirt, moisture and other impurities.
However, this does not relieve the need to regularly monitor the quality of FR3, as tracking its condition is essential to maintain optimal transformer performance. Periodic analysis for moisture, gas, and mechanical impurities helps ensure that the fluid remains within its specifications and that the transformer is operating efficiently and safely.
FR3 dielectric fluid maintenance and handling approaches
Servicing transformers using FR3 fluid requires attention to detail. Due to the higher viscosity of FR3, temperature conditions must be carefully controlled, especially in cold climates, where viscosity can increase, making it difficult for the oil to circulate.
The maintenance process includes periodic checks for the content of moisture, gases and mechanical impurities in the oil. Because FR3 has better resistance to moisture and oxidation, it can reduce the frequency of maintenance required compared to mineral oils. However, if contamination is detected, the FR3 requires adequate cleaning, which may require specialized filtration systems.
Processes such as vacuum degassing, heat treatment and filtration can be used to remove impurities and maintain the high quality FR3 oil.
How Profitable Is The FR3 Transformer Oil Replacement?
When considering replacing mineral transformer oils with FR3, it is important to consider both the initial costs and the long-term economic benefit. At first glance, the cost of FR3 may be higher compared to traditional mineral oils. However, regarding extra FR3 advantages, such as increased fire safety, better resistance to moisture, decrease of property damage risks and its service life extending, general economic efficiency is higher.
FR3 application may also enable reduction of equipment maintenance and repair costs. With higher thermal and oxidation resistance, FR3 transformers require less frequent maintenance, reducing maintenance and oil change costs.
GlobeCore Equipment For FR3 Transformer Oil Processing
GlobeCore offers a variety of equipment for efficient transformer oil processing, which can be adapted to specific needs of a user. In particular, CMM-4/7 and CMM-6/7 units, which are used for transformer oils processing, after adaptation are also suitable for working with such a special liquid as FR3.
CMM-4/7 and CMM-6/7 units, main characteristics and capabilities:
- Gasses and moisture removal: both plants are equipped with vacuum drying systems, which allows efficient moisture and gasses removal from oil. It ensures maintenance of high dielectric properties of FR3 fluid, which is critical for the safety and efficiency of transformers.
- Filtration: providing multi-stage filtration in both models allows you to remove mechanical impurities from the oil, ensuring its purity and preventing equipment wear.
- Application variability: the units are able to adapt to different operation modes, ensuring flexibility in application for a variety of transformer maintenance needs.
In the basic configuration, CMM-4/7 and CMM-6/7 units are not equipped with special seals. However, GlobeCore offers the possibility to modify these plants with special seals. These seals are important at work with FR3 fluid, because it enables resistance to chemical influence. Special seals installation significantly increases the service life and provides its safety when exploiting at high temperatures and in case of contact with aggressive substances.