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Choosing the Right Sealing Gaskets for Power Oil Transformers

 


Transformers are an essential part of the electrical power distribution grid. Transformer gaskets’ materials are critical for their performance and longevity. Hence, this requires the best selection of sealing materials as leakage can lead to oil contamination of surrounding environment, damaging insulation materials and significantly reducing the life of a transformer. Proper gasket material will help maintain the transformer’s dielectric strength, prevent oxygen, nitrogen and/or moisture leaks, prevent oil contamination and more…

Below are some options to consider for proper gasket material selection:

  • Cork with Nitrile binder: traditional material used for decades. Easy to compress in place, fair weather and oil resistance. Low cost

  • Nitrile rubber (NBR):for general purposes with operating temperature between -30°C to 100°C. Low cost, easily available

  • Fluoroelastomer (Viton® B, FKM) rubber: application for higher temperatures to 200°C. Expensive, several grades available

  • Fluorosilicone (FSR): recommended for most transformer oils with an outstanding resistance to extreme temperatures especially applications low temperatures to -55°C. Expensive material

  • Cork with silicone binder: Easy to compress in place, fair weather and oil resistance. Good in low temperatures. Rarely used today, as silicone or fluorosilicone are preferred.



Call Robco if you need more information and support with your particular applications.

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