Re: Does my transformer have PCB oil????????

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "Bert Hickman by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <bert.hickman-at-aquila-dot-net>

Hi Dan,

Well, it's definitely not pure mineral oil! Older transformers often
used various chlorinated hydrocarbons or blends of chlorinated solvents
and PCB's. The fact that the fluid floats on water is a good (but NOT
conclusive) sign, since most PCB blends used in transformers had a
specific gravity in the range of 1.49 - 1.55. 

For peace of mind, you may want to buy an inexpensive PCB testing kit
like those used by utilities and HazMat teams to rapidly identify the
presence of PCB's in oil. Although you COULD call your local HazMat Team
or state EPA for assistance, you'll probably wish to test your
transformer's oil a bit more discretely. It's a real bummer to have your
car's trunk declared a mobile Superfund Site... :^)

PCB detection kits typically cover PCB contamination in the range of 20
- 500 ppm, and only require 5-10 minutes to perform on-site. Dexsil's
Clor-n-Oil kits appear to be quite accurate and inexpensive:  
http://www.dexsil-dot-com/pdf/DTR_0501.pdf

To buy Dexsil's 50 PPM kit, order from Forestry Suppliers, Inc. in the
link below - they're one of the few sources to carry single kits
($11.95/kit). 
http://www.forestry-suppliers-dot-com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?ID=3342

Good luck and best regards,

-- Bert --
-- 
Bert Hickman
Stoneridge Engineering
"Electromagically" (TM) Shrunken Coins!
http://www.teslamania-dot-com

dhmccauley-at-spacecatlighting-dot-com wrote:
> 
> Hi Bert,
> 
> The oil in my antique transformer is definitely orange-like and smells
> really strong (like some kind of oil solvent) - DEFINTELY not sweet.  Also,
> I took a small sample of the oil and mixed it with water, and it definitely
> completely floats on top of the water.
> 
> So right now it looks to be non-PCB.  Now if I could only get that smell out
> of my trunk and clean it off some of the items in my trunk I'd be alright.
> Also note before I took the transformer from this old friend of mine, we
> opened it, he smelled it and said it was defintely transformer oil and not
> PCB - as I wasn't about to take a transformer with PCBs in it, but i just
> wanted to make sure.
> 
> Thanks again
> 
> Dan
> 
> > The odds are actually with you - most PCB's were actually used in
> > capacitors. Only about 5% of all transformers made before 1978 used it,
> > primarily at locations that demanded fire resistant dielectric fluid,
> > such as inside buildings. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
> > banned the manufacture of PCB's and regulated their use in 1978. If a
> > transformer oil contains PCB's, it's most likely a blend of chlorinated
> > benzenes and chlorinated diphenyls, and it will have a marked sweetish,
> > solvent-like aromatic odor, a marked yellowish tint, and low, water like
> > viscosity. Also, the density of PCB's is considerably higher than water
> > (~1.5X).
> >
> > Try the specific gravity test or burn test. If it smells like motor oil
> > and a sample floats on water, then it's mineral oil. Mineral oil starts
> > out a light straw color, but it often darkens with age and heat. If a
> > sample of your transformer's oil sinks in water and refuses to burn,
> > it's a pretty good indication that you're transformer uses PCB's.
> >
> > Good luck and best regards,
> >
> > -- Bert --
> > --
> > Bert Hickman
> > Stoneridge Engineering
> > "Electromagically" (TM) Shrunken Coins!
> > http://www.teslamania-dot-com
> >
> > Tesla list wrote:
> > >
> > > Original poster: "by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
> > <dhmccauley-at-spacecatlighting-dot-com>
> > >
> > > I just acquired another old GE transformer, and was wondering if anyone
> > > would know if there was PCB oil in it.
> > >
> > > GE Pole Transformer
> > > Black Cast Iron type approximately 50-60 years old.
> > > 4000V Primary - 120/240 center-tap secondary
> > >
> > > I think the transformer was probably made way before PCB oil was being
> used,
> > > but just wanted to make sure.
> > >
> > > Dan
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >

-- 
Bert Hickman
Stoneridge Engineering
"Electromagically" (TM) Shrunken Coins!
http://www.teslamania-dot-com