Equipment catalog
Installations for the neutralization of transformer oils contaminated with polychlorodiphenyls of the Melioform-PCB series
Historical background
In 2004, a UN resolution on persistent organic pollutants (abbreviated POPS) was adopted, which included 9 chemicals that pose the greatest danger to humans due to their accumulation in the environment, especially in water, fish, some plant and animal species. This resolution, currently known as the Stockholm Convention, implies the cessation of the production, use and subsequent disposal of POPS. The Stockholm Convention was ratified by Russia on June 27, 2011.
One of the blacklisted pops were polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs or, as they are sometimes also called, polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs) — liquids first obtained about seventy years ago, and previously used as electrical insulators in transformers, batteries, heat transfer and cooling systems, hydraulic systems and vacuum pumps, and even in some household appliances.
Despite the fact that the oils consisting of 100% PCBs (Sovtol brand oils) have been decommissioned, according to various estimates, 70 to 150 thousand transformers with secondary PCB contamination above the 50 ppm allowed by law are still in circulation. Secondary contamination occurs at the moment when transformer oil was processed (refueled, drained, regenerated, filtered, etc.) with the help of equipment previously used for processing Sovtol. Global statistics say that 4-7% of transformers are contaminated in this way.
One of the blacklisted pops were polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs or, as they are sometimes also called, polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs) — liquids first obtained about seventy years ago, and previously used as electrical insulators in transformers, batteries, heat transfer and cooling systems, hydraulic systems and vacuum pumps, and even in some household appliances.
Despite the fact that the oils consisting of 100% PCBs (Sovtol brand oils) have been decommissioned, according to various estimates, 70 to 150 thousand transformers with secondary PCB contamination above the 50 ppm allowed by law are still in circulation. Secondary contamination occurs at the moment when transformer oil was processed (refueled, drained, regenerated, filtered, etc.) with the help of equipment previously used for processing Sovtol. Global statistics say that 4-7% of transformers are contaminated in this way.
State of affairs in 2018
It takes less than 8 years to carry out about 2-3 million analyses, identify 70-150 thousand contaminated transformers and neutralize more than 50 thousand tons of PCB-contaminated transformer oils from them.
As of January 1, 2018, there was not a single enterprise specializing in PCB-contaminated transformer oils in Russia. And there are only 3 laboratories that can carry out such analyses.
Regardless of the Stockholm Convention, according to the FCCO (Federal Waste Classification Catalog) in force in Russia, PCB-contaminated oils belong to Group 4 72 160 01 31 1 and the first hazard class.
In March 2018, NGO Decanter was the first to receive a positive conclusion of the State Environmental Assessment for the installation of Melioform-PCB.
As of January 1, 2018, there was not a single enterprise specializing in PCB-contaminated transformer oils in Russia. And there are only 3 laboratories that can carry out such analyses.
Regardless of the Stockholm Convention, according to the FCCO (Federal Waste Classification Catalog) in force in Russia, PCB-contaminated oils belong to Group 4 72 160 01 31 1 and the first hazard class.
In March 2018, NGO Decanter was the first to receive a positive conclusion of the State Environmental Assessment for the installation of Melioform-PCB.
About the Installation
Oil purification plants from polychlorinated biphenyls of the Melioform-PCB series allow to neutralize and restore the characteristics of transformer oils by heating, degassing, drying and reagent purification from polychlorinated biphenyls.
The principle of operation of Melioform-PCB series installations is based on the complex application of heating, degassing, drying and reagent neutralization of polychlorinated biphenyls. In reactor tanks equipped with mixers, the main process of controlled mixing of PCB-contaminated oil, reagent (sodium - NaD dispersion) and water as a catalyst takes place.
The principle of operation of Melioform-PCB series installations is based on the complex application of heating, degassing, drying and reagent neutralization of polychlorinated biphenyls. In reactor tanks equipped with mixers, the main process of controlled mixing of PCB-contaminated oil, reagent (sodium - NaD dispersion) and water as a catalyst takes place.
As a result of processing at the Melioform-PCB series plants, customers receive neutralized transformer oil at the output, which no longer poses a danger to the environment, as well as a small precipitate (on average 0.2-0.3%) consisting of the products of the chemical reaction of PCBs with sodium in the form of soda, salt and polyfinyl oil contaminated with oil.
Transformer oil can be reused in industry immediately or after additional processing, depending on the configuration of the Melioform-PCB installation and the initial state of the oil.
Transformer oil can be reused in industry immediately or after additional processing, depending on the configuration of the Melioform-PCB installation and the initial state of the oil.
The developer of the technology is the Canadian company Kinectrics, which has carried out more than two dozen deliveries of such installations around the world over the past 25 years. In 2013, NPO Decanter and Kinectrics adapted to the CIS and Asian markets, and since 2014, our company has delivered several complexes within the framework of United Nations programs.
The units are produced exclusively in standard ISO containers of 40 or 20 ft NS in size and can be transported worldwide by road, rail or sea.
The use of a reagent method for cleaning transformer oils from PCBs in the installation allows to reduce energy consumption, increase the safety of processing compared to fire and plasma methods of neutralizing PCBs.
The units are produced exclusively in standard ISO containers of 40 or 20 ft NS in size and can be transported worldwide by road, rail or sea.
The use of a reagent method for cleaning transformer oils from PCBs in the installation allows to reduce energy consumption, increase the safety of processing compared to fire and plasma methods of neutralizing PCBs.
Melioform installation-PCBs are available in three configurations:
Melioform-PCB (standard equipment)
Carries out the neutralization of oils from PCBs without further processing of the neutralized oil from the neutralization product released during the destruction and located in the form of a solid phase, as well as increased gas content and humidity. The neutralized oil requires further processing to return to the transformers, or it can be used as fuel after settling.
Melioform-PCB+ (improved configuration)
The standard Melioform PCB is additionally equipped with a centrifuge to remove 99% of the solid phase. The oil will still require further processing before pouring into transformers — in particular, it will need to be drained and degassed with standard equipment.
Melioform-PCB++ (complete set)
The complete set additionally includes a vacuum and degassing system, as well as adsorber packages for sorption treatment of oil. Oil after processing in this configuration, if its shelf life has not expired, it will be possible in most cases to be used again for filling transformers. In some cases, it may be necessary to add additives to increase the breakdown voltage or antioxidant properties.
Carries out the neutralization of oils from PCBs without further processing of the neutralized oil from the neutralization product released during the destruction and located in the form of a solid phase, as well as increased gas content and humidity. The neutralized oil requires further processing to return to the transformers, or it can be used as fuel after settling.
Melioform-PCB+ (improved configuration)
The standard Melioform PCB is additionally equipped with a centrifuge to remove 99% of the solid phase. The oil will still require further processing before pouring into transformers — in particular, it will need to be drained and degassed with standard equipment.
Melioform-PCB++ (complete set)
The complete set additionally includes a vacuum and degassing system, as well as adsorber packages for sorption treatment of oil. Oil after processing in this configuration, if its shelf life has not expired, it will be possible in most cases to be used again for filling transformers. In some cases, it may be necessary to add additives to increase the breakdown voltage or antioxidant properties.
Technical specifications
Characteristics of raw materials at the inlet and outlet
* a day is 20-24 hours of continuous shift work
** depends on the breakdown voltage of the treated oil
Permissive documentation
The installation is certified according to the rules of the TR CU, and has also passed the State Environmental Expertise for the entire territory of the Russian Federation. Sodium dispersion is not subject to declaration, as there is a corresponding letter from the certification center.
Reagents
The supply of reagents (sodium dispersion) is carried out by NPO Decanter, the price is fixed for 3 years in advance. In addition, reagents can be purchased in China, EU countries and Canada.
** depends on the breakdown voltage of the treated oil
Permissive documentation
The installation is certified according to the rules of the TR CU, and has also passed the State Environmental Expertise for the entire territory of the Russian Federation. Sodium dispersion is not subject to declaration, as there is a corresponding letter from the certification center.
Reagents
The supply of reagents (sodium dispersion) is carried out by NPO Decanter, the price is fixed for 3 years in advance. In addition, reagents can be purchased in China, EU countries and Canada.
Photo Gallery
A landfill for processing PCB-contaminated oils in Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan, 2015-2016.
India. 2016-2017.
India. 2016-2017.
Factory tests. Russia, 2017-2018.
The reactor tank.
Complete set with separator.
Vacuum system with drying and degassing chamber.
Dear dealers, in order to receive a large number of high-resolution photographic materials, please contact info@dekanter.ru .
Certificates
Thermal waste disposal
Recycling and disposal of oil and drilling sludge
Decanters and separators
Disposal and recycling of oils contaminated with PCBs
Tank cleaning
Treatment facilities
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