Epoxy Resin: Advantages and Environmental Care
The environment is something that concerns us all, so in our efforts to help the ecosystem, we have been reinventing the composition of every device. Transformers encapsulated with epoxy resin have been designed and manufactured with larger sizes and higher power, increasing productivity by up to 35% and reducing maintenance. Keep reading to learn more about this liquid that helps protect our habitat.
What is Epoxy Resin?
Also known as “epoxy,” “porcelain,” or “liquid crystal,” it is recognized for its adhesive properties, making it a very useful product in various industries. But what is it exactly? It is a thermosetting polymer that hardens when mixed with a catalyst or hardener. Typically, it is found as a viscous liquid and is commonly used in fiber-reinforced composite materials or other applications. However, since it is a petroleum derivative, it must undergo several processes to achieve a solid state.
Industrial Advantages
Epoxy resin can be used in the industry because its composition provides several benefits. Some of these include its roughness, brightness, and transparency, making it an excellent material for protecting the bases of all kinds of devices. Other industrial benefits include:
- High Thermal Resistance: It can withstand extreme temperatures, enduring prolonged exposures ranging from 45ºC to 70ºC. Therefore, if it is directly exposed to such high temperatures, it will not lose its properties.
- Easy Application and Cleaning: With its flexible, adhesive, and wet consistency, epoxy resin is very easy to handle. Once dry and solid, it can be cleaned easily.
- High Resistance to Corrosion: It also has strong resistance when in contact with corrosive chemicals, making it an element that retains its resistance over long periods.
- Highly Versatile: Besides being used in various products, epoxy resin is also found in other fields such as decoration, costume jewelry, aerospace industry, and electronics. It is highly moldable.
What Can You Find at ITESA?
As part of our work policy, ITESA uses the best materials on the market to manufacture high-quality transformers based on epoxy resin Our dedication to offer greater safety to our clients and to build their trust has led us to explore all kinds of variations in search of a version that meets the social agenda: the environmental factor. This is how the resin-encapsulated current transformer came to be.
This product is used to measure intensity without interrupting the power lines. Its construction is made of high-quality enamelled wires, which allows for continuous energy flow. Furthermore, the space and diameter have the correct dimensions to allow for the current conductor to pass through. Its main advantages can be divided into three key points that help the environment during installation:
Lowering the Environmental Impact
The assembly of these resin-encapsulated transformers makes them capable of respecting the environment. This is special because, when the machine reaches the end of its useful life, it would normally need to be discarded, however these transformers become inactive elements, and the primary and secondary coils inside can be recycled. Another notable point is that, compared to those using insulating liquids, these transformers are less likely to catch fire.
They are also capable of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. If we make an estimated calculation, around 112 tons of CO2 would be reduced in 20 years with just these products, strictly from an industrial perspective. This advantage is important for the atmosphere but also provides significant economic relief in areas with laws aimed at reducing gas emissions. Over time, they become a great ally for various industries.
Easy Installment and Flexible Use
Unlike oil-filled transformers, resin-encapsulated transformers do not require costly constructions such as collection pits, extinguishing grids, and fire-separation barriers for fire prevention. Thanks to this and the absence of cooling liquids, they can be installed in buildings or areas near people or power loads, with the advantage of saving on connection costs and reducing supply losses. Additionally, with epoxy resin as part of their components, they benefit from all its advantages.
Moreover, they have low maintenance costs since their periodic checks only involve preventing dust or dirt accumulation. This is a key differentiator from oil transformers, which require more frequent inspections to monitor the insulating liquid and ensure its properties have not changed. Also, they have excellent resistance to overloading, making them suitable for supplying loads with frequent startup currents.
Epoxy Resin Encapsulated Transformer for Medium Voltage
Unlike previous models, these are designed and built to reduce environmental impact, noise emissions, and the risk of fire. They also feature lower installation and maintenance costs, making them a durable and safe investment. They are commonly used in buildings, hotels, homes, industrial companies, hospitals, or other small installations.
