Dehalogenation (removal) of PCBs in oil

For transformers (and other equipment) with insulating oils contaminated by PCBs, Sea Marconi has developed the CDP Process® (patent EEC No.0675 748 – USA No.5,663,479), an integrated solution that uses:

• treatment systems created by Sea Marconi called DMU (Decontamination Modular Unit),
• patented reactants (S/CDP®) without which the treatment would not be as effective
• an unparalleled operational method because it is carried out on-site and in a closed circuit, meaning that the transformer is not emptied, not even partially
• highly qualified operation staff

The CDP Process is able to reclassify “NO PCB” oil and transformers at the same time as restoring the optimal conditions in accordance with IEC 60422 Ed.4-2013 Art. 12.4.4; CENELEC PR 50503 – 2010 Art. 8.4.2.3; CIGRE 413 – 2010 Art. 10.1.4.

Sea Marconi is an industry pioneer since the first version of the CDP Process^® , was developed in 1982, aimed at decontaminating transformers and dehalogenating/detoxification of PCB/POPs in the transformers’ insulating oils.

The CDP Process® is more effective and cheaper than changing the oil.. The latter in fact involves numerous problems: handling oil, PCB waste disposal and putting the transformer out of service whilst changing the oil, contamination of the new oil (despite the oil change, 10/15% of the old contaminated oil remains impregnated in papers and quickly mixes with the new oil gradually contaminating it).

The CDP Process® has a number of unique features, and ensures that PCB concentrations comply with the limits set by local laws or internal specifications: PCB < 50; < 25; < 10; <2; (<0,5 Japan) mg/Kg(on site, continuously and in a closed circuit, without emptying the transformer even partially with the possibility of treatment when filled (On-Load).
The CDP Process® operates in safety, at low temperatures (80-100 °C) and does not present risks of explosion and/or fire.

Thanks to references from customers around the world, Sea Marconi has won several contracts from international organisations in developing countries.

Furthermore:

1. The CDP Process® enhances the functional operational resources without disposing the PCBs;
2. It is the best solution in terms of equivalent CO2 (5 Kg of CO2 spared per Kg of oil contenting PCBs not being incinerated),
3. The CDP Process® meets the requirements of the European directives on proximity, self-sufficiency and functional recovery.

The continuous circulation of the liquid creates a constant flow of fluid in the transformer that favors the elimination of deposits (sludge) on papers and in the case.
The task is done safety thanks to a control system software able to check moment by moment that the process is taking place in safety and with quality assurance; 24 hours a day even without the presence of an operator.

The treatment is performed with the On-Load option, keeping the transformer in service, under tension and filled, i.e. without any loss of production (with international experience also in nuclear power stations and transformers up to 760 MVA and 500 KV).

Sea Marconi’s closed loop treatments offer the advantage of avoiding critical operational problems related to fluid replacement, which involves putting the machine out of service and functional risks (e.g. electrical discharges) due to air bubbles and humidity.

The CDP Process® is the unique and safe technology used for decontamination of transformers, dehalogenation and detoxification of PCBs in insulating oils with full functional recovery and “NO PCBs” reclassification of the machine and the oil.
With the following features:

Following the decision matrix (E.3) according to the Guidelines of the Ministry of Environment for the definition of BAT (“Best Available Tecnique”) between the different PCB decontamination technology – D.M.29/01/2007

**** = EXCELLENT | *** = GOOD | ** = MEDIUM | * = CRITICAL

PCB* < 50; < 25; < 10; <2; (<0,5 Japan)  mg/Kg
*Measured by the IEC 61619 method