Cargill Envirotemp FR3 Dielectric Fluid Identified As Technology Enabler in New IEEE High Temperature Insulation Standard

IEEE’s new standard (C57.154) sets the upper operating temperature limit of transformers designed with natural esters (FR3 fluid) at 130-degrees Celsius without adversely impacting transformer life. Compared to mineral oil, FR3 fluid enables transformers to last longer, better manage temperature during peak energy demand periods, and be built in a more compact design. FR3 fluid features and specifications are detailed in its product data sheet.

30 Jan 2013 --- Cargill announced that the demonstrated enhanced thermal capabilities of its Envirotemp FR3 renewable (natural ester) dielectric fluid, which is made from vegetable oil, have been published within a new design standard by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

This validates the use of FR3 fluid in high-temperature insulation systems and operating at elevated temperatures for new and existing transformers and enables improvements in transformer size, safety, and cost. Industry-standard temperature limits for electrical transformers are traditionally capped at 110-degrees Celsius. IEEE’s new standard (C57.154) sets the upper operating temperature limit of transformers designed with natural esters (FR3 fluid) at 130-degrees Celsius without adversely impacting transformer life. Compared to mineral oil, FR3 fluid enables transformers to last longer, better manage temperature during peak energy demand periods, and be built in a more compact design. FR3 fluid features and specifications are detailed in its product data sheet.

“The ability to design a more compact transformer using FR3 dielectric fluid allows for the manufacture of transformers that are cost competitive to traditional petroleum-filled transformers, while providing significant improvements in fire and environmental safety,” said Dave Roesser, general manager of Cargill’s dielectric fluids business. “This standard gives the green light to substantial improvements in the way transformers are designed: smaller, safer, cost-competitive units possess the ability to improve the reliability of the electrical grid.”

Cargill purchased the Envirotemp FR3 dielectric fluid business and obtained an exclusive license to all applicable patents from Cooper Power Systems in June 2012. Cargill’s Industrial Oils & Lubricants business manufactures the industry leading fluid and other specialty K-class ester fluids used in a wide range of transformers and other electrical applications. These products uniquely position Cargill to provide customers with products that improve performance and enhance fire and environmental safety. The company has manufactured the Envirotemp 200 and FR3 brands since 2004.

A revolutionary product released to the market in 1998, Envirotemp FR3 fluid quickly gained global acceptance and is recognized by the National Electrical Code, FM Global, and Underwriters Laboratories. In 2008, FR3 fluid was approved and listed for the United States Department of Agriculture BioPreferred program. In 2011, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved FR3 fluid for Capital Treatment, allowing public utilities to capitalize all costs incurred to retrofill a transformer with the bio-based dielectric coolant. As a result, demand for FR3 fluid has increased, and there are currently more than 500,000 transformers filled with FR3 fluid on six continents.