Frequently asked questions: oil and transformer treatment
What issues can be resolved through treatment?
SEA Marconi addresses a broad range of conditions: ageing and oxidation of the insulating fluid, high acidity, moisture ingress, particulate and solid contaminants, reduced dielectric strength, and PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) contamination. A single SEA Marconi treatment unit can address multiple issues simultaneously, thanks to the versatility of proprietary technologies developed in-house.
The type of intervention is always defined on the basis of diagnostic results: there is no standard treatment, only a response calibrated to the specific condition of the equipment.
Is it better to replace the oil or carry out a treatment?
Treatment is always preferable to replacement, unless the oil is so heavily contaminated that treating it would be uneconomical. Compared to replacement, treatment eliminates the risks associated with draining, preserves the impregnation of solid insulation, and ensures operational continuity throughout the intervention. Treatment also extends the oil’s service life — a significant advantage in terms of environmental sustainability.
What is CDP Process® and when is it used?
CDP Process® is SEA Marconi’s proprietary patented process for the decontamination of PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls) from electrical transformers. PCBs are highly toxic and persistent organochlorine compounds whose presence in insulating fluids is subject to stringent environmental regulations worldwide.
The intervention is performed without draining the fluid and with the transformer in service, using proprietary chemical reagents that operate at low temperatures and contain no potentially explosive components. CDP Process® restores the fluid’s regulatory compliance and reduces environmental risk, with a contractual guarantee on the final result.
What is on-load treatment and how does it differ from off-load treatment?
On-load treatment is a physico-chemical intervention performed with the transformer energised and under load. The key advantage for the client is the opportunity to incur no production losses for the entire duration of the treatment. SEA Marconi carries out on-load treatments in complete safety through the adoption of specific technical measures and dedicated operational procedures.
What guarantees does SEA Marconi offer on treatment results?
SEA Marconi provides a contractual guarantee on the final treatment result. This is made possible by a clear and transparent methodology: oil analysis is performed before the treatment, and internal checks are carried out throughout the process. This allows continuous monitoring of the decontamination progress and enables the process to be stopped once the agreed results have been achieved. A post-treatment analysis certifies the results obtained and confirms compliance with the agreed guarantees.
Are the chemical reagents used safe for the environment and for operators?
Yes. The chemical reagents used in SEA Marconi treatments are proprietary and patented, designed to operate at low temperatures and free from potentially explosive components. Safety is a core value in SEA Marconi’s approach: all processes are designed to ensure the highest level of protection for people, the environment, and the client’s assets.
SEA Marconi holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety) certifications.
Does SEA Marconi also supply equipment for companies wishing to carry out treatments in-house?
Yes. In addition to direct on-site services, SEA Marconi designs, builds and supplies under licence both fixed and mobile treatment units for companies wishing to internalise their insulating fluid treatment capability. Supply includes the complete transfer of technological know-how: sharing of operational protocols, technical training of personnel, supply of patented chemical reagents, and 24/7 technical support.
A single SEA Marconi unit can perform multiple types of treatment, making it the most versatile solution available on the market.
What is the difference between treatment and replacement of the insulating fluid?
Fluid replacement — commonly known as an oil change — removes the degraded fluid but does not address the contaminants that have accumulated over time in the solid parts of the transformer (insulating paper, windings, tank). After replacement, the new oil rapidly becomes recontaminated on contact with these surfaces.
SEA Marconi treatment acts on the entire system — fluid and solid parts — restoring optimal conditions in depth. It is a targeted therapeutic approach, not a superficial substitution: the correct analogy is not “changing the blood”, but “purifying it and treating the organ that contaminates it”.
