Standing up to the Challenges of Oil Compatibility in Modern-Day Transformer Applications
Green transformers are environmentally responsible and cost-effective solutions for modern-day transmission and distribution of electricity. Not only do they offer enhanced performance, reduced maintenance and greater longevity, but they are also essential for limiting fire risks, reducing pollution and lowering CO2 emissions.
With the expansion of renewable energy projects and an increased focus on reducing energy loss during power transmission and distribution, design engineers are seeking ways to improve the longevity and performance of modern-day green transformers. Features such as thermal and mechanical resistance, as well as high chemical compatibility, must be top considerations when selecting materials.
Saint-Gobain® adhesive tape products meet the demands and chemical requirements of bio-based ester oils, the base materials used in green transformers.
Let’s explore our newest products, CHR® 6202 and CHR 6602, which feature variations in their adhesive formulations to help design engineers achieve better compatibility with bio-based transformer oils.
Without a doubt, ester oils are more aggressive towards plastic materials. This means that when exposed to the oils, plastics are more likely to degrade and contaminate the oil. When the oil becomes contaminated, its electrical insulation capability is reduced, increasing the likelihood of transformer failure. Therefore, customers require products with superior compatibility with bio-based oils. This compatibility is essential for the longevity and durability of transformers.
Another challenge is preventing premature failure caused by air bubbles.
So, what is the solution?
CHR 6202 and 6602 products have been specially designed to help customers address these challenging issues.
CHR 6602 is a white paper filament electrical insulating tape. It is composed of glass fibre-reinforced paper backing with a high-quality acrylic adhesive system. In heavy banding and holding applications within transformers, generators or motors, this is a go-to product due to its superior tensile strength, adhesion and dielectric properties. It is versatile and compatible with multiple types of oils, including aggressive natural ester oils.
Because 6602 has a paper backing, this product has good impregnability and is beneficial for the absorption of oil. The porosity of this paper-backed tape helps to minimise unwanted air voids in transformer winding and enhance overall dielectric performance.
When soaked in ester oils such as CargillFR3, Natural Esters and Synthetic Esters, 6602 demonstrated great resistance without showing visible damage or swelling. It also still performed well in many traditional mineral oils — both paraffinic and naphthenic grades.
CHR 6202 is a clear, glass filament electrical insulation tape. It is comprised of a reinforced polyester that is coated on one side with a high-quality acrylic adhesive system. Like 6602, this product is ideal for applications such as outer wrapping of electrical transformers, coils and for ester oil-filled transformer applications. This product is the go-to when an application requires prolonged exposure to oil and demands superior resistance.
Designed specially for ester oil-filled transformer applications, our newest CHR 6602 and 6602 products have high tensile strength with excellent adhesion, used for holding and securing the insulation layer during coil winding. Additionally, they have good thermal resistance and excellent resistance to solvents, chemicals, and both natural as well as synthetic oils. Both products are formulated with acrylic adhesive, which is known for chemical stability, superior adhesion, and long-term thermal capabilities.
Despite the minimal amount of tape within a transformer, the tape quality is critical for the reliability of the transformer itself throughout its entire lifetime (very often longer than 20 years).
The chemical aggressiveness of ester oil is a key factor that has been limiting the development of oil transformers operating with more sustainable oils.
In this context, our novel adhesives are able to resist the more widely used types of ester oils. They help provide safer and more sustainable operations of oil transformers.
To select the best product for your specific application, connect with our team. We will provide you with more information on our portfolio of high-performance electrical insulation tapes and guide your product selection to ensure both chemical compatibility and long-term reliability.