PCB dehalogenation

PCB dehalogenation

For machines in service with insulating oils contaminated by PCBs, Sea Marconi has developed and patented the PCB dehalogenation service called CDP Process®, an integrated solution that uses:


- units for oil treatment (MDUs) built in-house
- patented dehalogenation reagents
- exclusive and consolidated operating procedures

The synergistic action of these three elements permits reclassifation of fluids and machines as "NO PCBs" and at the same time enables restoration of optimal conditions in line with sector standards and technical guidelines.

Sea Marconi has been a pioneer in this field since the first version of the CDP Process® for decontamination of transformers; dehalogenation of PCBs in insulating oils of transformers was developed as far back as 1982.

CDP Process® solves the problem of PCBs in oil while avoiding critical operating problems of oil change itself. It should be noted that the new insulating fluid would still be contaminated by PCBs in the residual oil from impregnation of pressboards.

CDP Process® has unique characteristics, and guarantees PCB concentrations within the limits set by local laws or by internal specifications: PCB < 50; < 25; < 10; <2 mg/>g, with a guarantee of 90 days.
The intervention is performed

  • on-site,
  • continuously
  • and with closed loop,
  • without emptying the transformer even partially
  • with the option of perform the treatment under load (On-Load), meaning that the transformer remains energised and under load for the entire duration of the activity,

eliminating the costs and complicated administrative procedures for collection, transportation and disposal of PCB waste at authorised operators.

CDP Process® operates safely, at low temperatures (80-100 °C) and presents no risk of explosion and/or fire.
The CDP Process® is classified as the best available technique(BAT) for PCB decontaminaton of transformers both in service and those at end of life (Italian Ministry of the Environment, Min. Decree 29/01/2007 - O.J. No. 133 of 06/07/2007).
DECONTAMINATION (which is the CDP Process®) IS AN ALTERNATIVE TO DISPOSAL AND IS NOT INVOLVED WITH ANY WASTE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES.

International references have allowed Sea Marconi to win several tenders issued by international organisations for developing countries.

It should be recalled that current legislation ( Directive 96/59/EC - Legislative Decree 209/99 Art. 5, paragraph 2 - Guide CEI 10-38 Chap. 8.2) requires the following

DECONTAMINATION OBLIGATIONS

equipment volume PCB concentration (mg/kg) expiry
< 5 dm3d> > 50 31 December 2005
> 5 dm3 between 50 and 500 end of service life
> 5 dm3 > 500 31 December 2010

Thus, from a regulatory standpoint, today there should be no more transformers contaminated above 500 mg/kg. Again, in theory, all transformers containing PCBs that can still be used (because they are contaminated between 50 and 500 mg/kg and in g ood functional state) should be listed in the national inventory.

CAUTION: "In good functional state".
Legislative Decree 209/99, Art. 5, paragraph 4
" Transformers (contaminated between 50 and 500 mg/kg) may be used pending decontamination or disposed only if in good functional state, with no leaking of fluids and the PCBs they contain comply with the standards or technical specifications related to dielectric quality "


Therefore, utmost attention must be paid above all to:

  • the frequency of diagnostic checks of the dielectric fluid;
  • the parameters being checked;
  • the evolution of these parameters over time;
  • the inspection conditions of the transformer;
  • the value of PCBs measured (date, methodologies used and the accuracy of this value)

 

pcb

The reagent is essential for obtaining elimination of PCB

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