Cargill Envirotemp FR3 Dielectric Fluid identified as technology enabler in New IEEE High Temperature Insulation Standard

MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Cargill announced that the demonstrated enhanced thermal capabilities of its Envirotemp™ FR3™ renewable (natural ester) dielectric fluid, which is made from vegetable oil, have been published within a new design standard by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

This validates the use of FR3 fluid in high-temperature insulation systems and operating at elevated temperatures for new and existing transformers and enables improvements in transformer size, safety, and cost.  Industry-standard temperature limits for electrical transformers are traditionally capped at 110-degrees Celsius. IEEE's new standard (C57.154™) sets the upper operating temperature limit of transformers designed with natural esters (FR3 fluid) at 130-degrees Celsius without adversely impacting transformer life. Compared to mineral oil, FR3 fluid enables transformers to last longer, better manage temperature during peak energy demand periods, and be built in a more compact design. FR3 fluid features and specifications are detailed in its product data sheet.

"The ability to design a more compact transformer using FR3 dielectric fluid allows for the manufacture of transformers that are cost competitive to traditional petroleum-filled transformers, while providing significant improvements in fire and environmental safety," said Dave Roesser, general manager of Cargill's dielectric fluids business. "This standard gives the green light to substantial improvements in the way transformers are designed: smaller, safer, cost-competitive units possess the ability to improve the reliability of the electrical grid."

Cargill purchased the Envirotemp FR3 dielectric fluid business and obtained an exclusive license to all applicable patents from Cooper Power Systems in June 2012. Cargill's Industrial Oils & Lubricants business manufactures the industry leading fluid and other specialty K-class ester fluids used in a wide range of transformers and other electrical applications. These products uniquely position Cargill to provide customers with products that improve performance and enhance fire and environmental safety. The company has manufactured the Envirotemp™ 200 and FR3 brands since 2004.

A revolutionary product released to the market in 1998, Envirotemp FR3 fluid quickly gained global acceptance and is recognized by the National Electrical Code®, FM Global, and Underwriters Laboratories. In 2008, FR3 fluid was approved and listed for the United States Department of Agriculture BioPreferred® program. In 2011, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved FR3 fluid for Capital Treatment, allowing public utilities to capitalize all costs incurred to retrofill a transformer with the bio-based dielectric coolant. As a result, demand for FR3 fluid has increased, and there are currently more than 500,000 transformers filled with FR3 fluid on six continents.

About Cargill
Cargill is an international producer and marketer of food, agricultural, financial and industrial products and services. Founded in 1865, the privately held company employs 142,000 people in 65 countries. Cargill helps customers succeed through collaboration and innovation, and is committed to applying its global knowledge and experience to help meet economic, environmental and social challenges wherever it does business. For more information, visit Cargill.com and its news center.

About Cargill IOL
Cargill Industrial Oils & Lubricants is the largest Business Unit within Cargill that is exclusively focused on providing bio-based solutions to industrial markets, including dielectric fluid, paints, inks and coatings, lubricants, construction & oilfield chemicals, consumer products, flexible foam & other diverse applications in the chemical industry. Our strategy is to drive growth in sustainable vegetable-based products by delivering innovative customer solutions through a customer-focused approach. www.cargill.com/industrial-oils / www.cargill.com/fr3fluid .

About IEEE 
IEEE, a large, global technical professional organization, is dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. Through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities, IEEE is the trusted voice on a wide variety of areas ranging from aerospace systems, computers and telecommunications to biomedical engineering, electric power and consumer electronics. Learn more at the IEEE Web site. 

Envirotemp™ and FR3™ are trademarks of Cargill, Incorporated.
National Electrical Code® are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association.
BioPreferred® is a registered trademark of the United States Department of Agriculture.

SOURCE Cargill