ROXOR TERRA EV 15 – Rapidly biodegradable transformer oil for transformers, rectifiers and switches

Taking insulation performance a step further
Transformer oil operates in places where it is hardly noticeable during day-to-day operations. Its electrical insulating performance is the key factor here. However, depending on the location, other properties may come to the fore.

What happens, for example, where transformers are located near natural soil or bodies of water? What role does the fluid used play in the event of a fire? And is it possible to achieve the required electrical insulation performance with a product that is designed differently in these respects? This is precisely where ROXOR TERRA EV 15 comes in.

More than just a question of electrical insulation
ROXOR TERRA EV 15 is a fully synthetic transformer oil for transformers, rectifiers and switches. The product is rapidly biodegradable and does not require any GHS symbols. It is particularly recommended for transformers where, in the event of a leak, the insulating fluid could pose a risk to natural soil or water bodies.

When the site becomes a factor in product selection
When making a selection, it is not only the performance within the closed system that matters. A potential leak of the insulating fluid and its consequences for the surrounding environment are also relevant. This is particularly true as transformers are often located in substations, power stations, along railway lines, at cable cars and piste vehicles, in industrial estates and in municipal facilities. Many of these sites are situated in groundwater protection zones, near bodies of water or in open countryside.

TERRA EV 15 is also designed for use across a wide temperature range. The product exhibits very good ageing stability as well as excellent resistance to high and low temperatures.

According to OECD 301 B, the biodegradability of TERRA EV 15 is over 60 per cent. Its rapid biodegradability may therefore be an additional criterion when selecting an insulating fluid, particularly at environmentally sensitive sites.

When fire behaviour forms part of the assessment
TERRA EV 15 also differs from conventional mineral oil-based transformer oils in terms of fire behaviour. This fully synthetic transformer oil has a higher flash point and burning point. This reduces the fire risk compared with conventional mineral oil-based transformer oils. The flash point of TERRA EV 15 is 213 °C. This difference is particularly relevant, where fire behaviour must be taken into account when designing a system and selecting the insulating fluid.

Moisture: a critical factor for insulating fluids
Moisture is a key factor in electrical insulation performance. TERRA EV 15 can absorb up to 1,000 ppm of water without any change in its dielectric strength. The specified breakdown voltage according to IEC at an electrode gap of 2.5 mm is 60 kV. It should be noted that the breakdown voltage depends not only on the quality of the insulation but also on the moisture content. The figure of 60 kV should therefore be regarded as a guide under test conditions.

GHS-symbol-free as a further building block
TERRA EV 15 does not carry any GHS hazard symbols. GHS is the internationally harmonised system for the classification and labelling of chemicals. GHS hazard symbols indicate a product’s classified hazards to health, the environment or arising from its physical properties, thereby providing important guidance on safe handling. LAEMMLE Chemicals labels its ROXOR lubricants, which do not carry GHS hazard symbols, with its own GHS ZERO label.

However, this does not mean that GHS ZERO is merely a labelling issue. This is clearly demonstrated by TERRA EV 15: it is not only the GHS hazard symbols that are decisive, but also electrical insulation, environmental behaviour, temperature resistance and fire behaviour in the specific application. Product selection therefore does not begin with the symbol, but with the requirements of the specific application.

From individual product properties to an overall assessment
In the case of transformer oils, technical, operational and site-specific requirements are interlinked. When selecting an insulating fluid, therefore, it is not only its electrical function within the transformer that counts. Depending on the location, the potential consequences of a fluid leak and the fire behaviour must also be taken into account as part of the technical assessment.

Electrical insulation performance remains the fundamental requirement. ROXOR TERRA EV 15 combines this with rapid biodegradability, a higher flash point and ignition point compared to conventional mineral oil-based transformer oils, and labelling free of GHS symbols.

This is precisely the idea behind GHS ZERO in industry: Technical suitability remains the prerequisite. Where this is the case, the GHS-symbol-free formulation becomes an additional, positive criterion for responsible product selection.

LAEMMLE Chemicals. Chemistry with responsibility.

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Author: Nicole Rizzo, Industrial Marketing Manager
Images: iStock

The information and recommendations in this article are based on the general experience of LAEMMLE Chemicals AG as well as on experience gained from customer applications. They have proven effective in practice, but may vary depending on the plant and operating conditions. The manufacturer’s instructions and the information contained in the Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be observed during use.