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4. DKE

DKE German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies of DIN and VDE

Overview

Because of their higher fire points and better environmental compatibility relative to petroleum derived insulating mineral oil, the use of vegetable oils and other natural esters is on the rise as insulating and heat transfer fluids in electrical devices such as transformers. This standard sets performance criteria for unused natural esters earmarked for electrical applications. However, the use of natural esters is recommended only for equipment that is not open to the atmosphere, for example sealed transformers and reactors because these fluids are prone to rapid oxidation. This International Standard does not purport to address all the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of the standard to establish appropriate health and safety practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitation prior to use. Unused natural esters which are the subject of this standard should be handled with due regard to personal hygiene. Direct contact with eyes should be avoided. In case of eye contact, irrigation with copious amounts of clean running water should be carried out and medical advice sought. Performance of some of the tests mentioned in this standard could lead to a hazardous situation. Attention is drawn to the relevant test method for guidance. The disposal of natural esters, chemicals and sample containers mentioned in this standard should be carried out in accordance with current national legislation with regard to the impact on the environment. Every precaution should be taken to prevent the release of natural esters into the environment. This International Standard comprises the specification and test methods for unused natural esters in transformers and similar oil-impregnated electrical equipment in which a liquid is required as an insulating and heat transfer medium. Use of natural esters is not recommended for electrical equipment that is open to the atmosphere. In this standard the term "natural esters" applies to insulating fluids for transformers and similar electrical equipment with suitable biodegradability and environmental compatibility. Such natural esters are vegetable oils obtained from seeds and oils obtained from other suitable biological materials and delivered to an agreed point, at a set time period. These oils are comprised of triglycerides. Natural esters with additives are within the scope of this standard. Because of their different chemical composition, natural esters differ from insulating mineral oils and other insulating fluids that have high fire points, such as synthetic esters or silicone fluids. Natural, ester-derived insulating fluids with low viscosity have been introduced but are not covered by this standard. Pertinent properties of such fluids are given in Annex B. The responsible committee is DKE/K 182 "Flüssigkeiten und Gase für elektrotechnische Anwendung" ("Fluids and gases for electrotechnical applications") of the DKE (German Commission for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies) at DIN and VDE.

Document: references other documents

Document: referenced in other documents

Responsible national committee

DKE/K 182 - Flüssigkeiten und Gase für elektrotechnische Anwendung