The Ins And Outs Of Recycling Dry-Type Transformers
Posted on: 29 May 2020
Transformers are essential pieces of electrical equipment for a wide variety of industries, and dry-type transformers are particularly prized for their low maintenance requirements and resistance to fires. However, even the best dry-type transformers will eventually wear and and become unusable. Recycling your unusable dry-type transformers is often the best way to dispose of them.
However, not every type of dry-type transformer can be recycled, and some transformer recycling methods are better than others. If you need to dispose of one or more dry-type transformers and want to recycle them in the most efficient and environmentally friendly way possible, keep the following guidelines in mind.
Check If Your Transformer Is Recyclable
Dry-type transformers are so called because they do not contain any conductive oils and liquids, which are the main medium by which oil-type transformers manipulate electrical current. These liquids are often highly corrosive and toxic, and dry-type transformers are consequently much safer to operate. Crucially, no corrosive oil to deal with means that most types of dry-type transformer can be recycled safely.
However, if your dry-type transformers are cast resin transformers, recycling them may not be an option. The conductive wires in these transformers are encased in tough, synthetic epoxy resin, which is not recyclable and is extremely difficult to remove from the valuable wiring safely. While proper recycling of these transformers is technically possible, it is often prohibitively expensive.
Dismantle Your Transformer Safely
Decommissioning, disconnecting, and dismantling your worn out dry-type transformer is the next step, and one that should be approached with care. While dry-type transformers do not contain any hazardous liquids or vent any noxious gases, they can still contain substances that are hazardous to both people and the environment if handled improperly.
Dismantling a dry-type transformer without accidentally damaging useful components can also be challenging. Many larger dry-type transformers have laminated core construction, which are made of multiple thin sheets of chemically bonded metal. Removing these types of cores safely without destroying the fragile metal sheets can be next to impossible without the right equipment and knowledge.
If you own and/or operate an electrical or heavy industrial business and need to dispose of your unusable transformers, you may already have the equipment and personnel needed to recycle dry-type transformers safely. However calling in a professional transformer recycling service to dismantle your transformers on-site is a much easier, faster, and safer option.
Choose a Reputable Recycling Service
Once your dry-type transformer has been safely dismantled, its reusable components can be recycled. This is good for both the environment and your budget; many transformer components contain valuable metals or can be refurbished and resold at a substantial profit.
However, effectively refurbishing complex transformer components and harvesting usable metals is a complex, specialized task. It is generally better to eschew general scrap recycling services, and take your transformers to a dedicated transformer recycling service. These services will be able to effectively reuse and recycle the most complex transformer components, and can generally offer better prices for reusable components than general scrap recyclers and dealers.
For more information about transforming recycling, talk to a recycling service in your area.
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