retrofilling | Subs'tionReliability

Retrofilling with FR3®

Mineral oil has long been the transformer liquid standard. However, natural ester liquid, a vegetable-based dielectric fluid, has been in use for decades and is becoming more common. Accepted industry-wide and in compliance with IEEE and IEC standards, natural esters can be used in power and distribution transformers, as well as certain substation equipment.

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Why FR3?

FR3 fluid by Cargill® is the world’s first and leading natural ester dielectric fluid. Tested and validated in the field, it has reliably outperformed mineral oil in distribution and power-generation transformers across all voltage classes worldwide for over 25 years.

Derived from 100% renewable vegetable oil, FR3 fluid can be your smartest choice – you won’t compromise between generating business profit, enabling flexible and reliable performance, serving people in your community, and benefiting the planet.

SDMyers is an Authorized Service Partner of FR3® liquid, which offers higher fire and flash points to ease insurance challenges and has served as a substitute for fire suppression systems—even in indoor applications.

Why Should You Retrofill with FR3?

FR3 fluid-filled transformers can extend paper insulation life by up to 8 times compared to mineral oil units, thanks to FR3 fluid’s superior moisture-handling capabilities. It also delivers significantly improved fire safety, with a fire point more than twice that of mineral oil. When you retrofill a mineral-oil-filled transformer with FR3 fluid, you gain both extended asset life and a significantly reduced risk of fire.

Benefits of Retrofilling with FR3

Grid Resiliency

The thermal properties of solid insulation and dielectric fluid are vital to a transformer's operating limits. FR3 fluid, with its superior thermal qualities, reduces the aging rate of paper insulation, allowing transformers to operate up to 20 °C hotter than those using mineral oil. This enables a 20% or greater loading increase, particularly when designed for FR3 fluid, and helps utilities better adapt to changing power demands while extending transformer lifespan.

Performance

Moisture poses a serious threat to mineral-oil-filled transformers from leaks, condensation, or aging insulation. FR3 fluid offers a great solution with a higher moisture saturation point, helping manage water through hydrolysis and reducing moisture-related failures. It absorbs free water, extending the life of the transformer's solid insulation system. Choose FR3 fluid for enhanced reliability and efficient transformer operation.

Sustainability

FR3 fluid is an eco-friendly, biodegradable fluid made from over 99% vegetable oil, as per ASTM D6866. It fully biodegrades in just 10 days (OPPTS 835.3100) and is non-hazardous under GHS standards, minimizing environmental impact in spills. With a K-class classification and a flash point twice that of mineral oil, FR3 has been used in over 5 million installations worldwide without any reported fires, ensuring safety and sustainability for your operations.

Cost Savings

Partnering with SDMyers for retrofilling with FR3 fluid delivers incredible cost savings. With FR3, you'll experience improved grid reliability, cost savings, and enhanced efficiency in your transformer system. Embracing FR3 fluid empowers communities with greater confidence and resilience.

17% average total cost of ownership savings
Up to 8x longer insulation life

End-to-End Transformer Care

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Retrofilling with FR3®

Why FR3?

Benefits of Retrofilling with FR3