Use of natural esters in transformers could reduce environmental and fire risks

The world experience and the latest experiments or programs / experimental projects also started in Italy are gradually showing that natural esters are finding their market share in the world of transformers. This is also confirmed by the recent publication in December 2014 by the CEI IEC and CENELEC EN 62770 standard "Fluids for electrotechnical applications - unused natural esters for transformers and similar electrical equipment".

Main Italian energy distributors confirm that they have ongoing trials in this area. Natural esters, compared to conventional mineral insulating oils, have the following main great advantages:

• They have a higher flashpoint: the comparison is between 130-140 °C of Mineral Oil to more than 300 °C of Vegetable Esters;
• Substances are essentially non-toxic and non-hazardous to humans and the environment (EPA - OSHA);
• They are a renewable resource as at their end of life they can be reused as by-products (eg. Biodiesel) responding to the requirements of circular economy;
• They have a lower environmental impact because of their higher biodegradability.

The University of Rome "Sapienza" created a Working Group made up of the sector operators (comprehending Terna, e-distribuzione, Areti and Sea Marconi) by producers (Cargill and Gruppo Parodi) by the manufacturers and the authorities (Vigili del Fuoco, INAIL and ISPRA) in order to better explore the theme of fire behavior and aspects related to the environmental risk. In Milan, next 16th of February, a workshop hosted by CEI, would show the first results achieved by this Working Group.

Free entrance upon registration at this link. Feel free to share to who may be interested, see you there!

Marco Falconi