Manufacturing Considerations for Silicone Fluid Filled Transformers

摘要

Since its introduction in 1974, silicone transformer fluid has been specified in over 100,000 units by utilities, businesses, government and commercial property owners. Silicone transformer fluid, considered as a "less flammable fluid" by the National Electrical Code, offers excellent thermal, electrical and chemical stability in transformer applications, and is often specified in situations where fire safety is a concern. It provides safe, reliable operation over a long service life.rnHistorically silicone fluid has been employed in indoor applications where the need for fire safety is obvious. Recently, there has been increased specification of silicone fluid filled transformers for outdoor applications. This has been driven by increased awareness of fire hazards of outdoor mineral oil filled transformers located near buildings and recognition of silicone fluid's favorable environmental characteristics. This is also evidenced by recent changes in the National Electrical Code that now recognizes less flammable transformer fluids for outdoor applications.rnMost of these outdoor transformers are of the distribution padmount type. Production of these units is more often performed in a higher volume assembly line process as opposed to lower volume, small power transformers. Silicone fluid can be successfully utilized in this higher volume production process provided proper consideration is given to handling the fluids. These considerations would include handling and storage of the silicone fluid, safety and environmental aspects, equipment selection, prevention of fluid contamination, and fluid compatibility with finishing processes such as painting. This paper addresses these considerations in order to provide a basic background for successfully manufacturing silicone fluid filled distribution transformers.