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

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

Original poster: "D.C. Cox by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <resonance-at-jvlnet-dot-com>



Dan:

A fast test is to dip a piece of paper into the oil and then try to burn the
paper.  This is usually a reliable indicator of whether or not an old xmfr
has PCB dielectric oil.

Dr. Resonance


----- Original Message -----
From: "Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
To: <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>
Sent: Saturday, September 14, 2002 9:38 PM
Subject: Re: Does my transformer have PCB oil????????


> Original poster: "Bert Hickman by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>"
<bert.hickman-at-aquila-dot-net>
>
> Hi Dan,
>
> PCB's were first synthesized in 1881. Initial production of PCB's began
> in 1929 by Swann Chemical, which was later purchased by Monsanto. GE
> patented the use of PCB's as a fire resistant dielectric fluid, and
> Monsanto became the world's largest supplier of PCB's for electrical
> use. PCB's were also used as plasticizers in paints, sealants, caulking,
> etc. Virtually all buildings built between the 1950's and 1970's have
> PCB's in the building material.
>
> 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
>
>