FR3® fluid outperforms mineral oil in overall cost savings, grid resiliency, transformer performance, fire safety and environmental benefits. See why these critical reasons matter to make the switch from mineral oil to FR3 natural ester transformer oil.
Why FR3 Fluid
Grid resiliency
Grid resiliency that pays in more ways than one
A transformer’s solid insulation system and its dielectric fluid constrain its (temperature) operating limits. Because of FR3 fluid’s properties, transformers containing this natural ester can operate up to 20°C warmer than can mineral-oil-filled equivalents—enabling increased loading capability by up to 20% (or even more in some cases). When a transformer is designed to use FR3 fluid, this increased capacity may be even higher. Not only can FR3 fluid help you respond to fluctuating power demand, it won’t accelerate asset aging and may extend transformer life.
Superior performance
Superior performance from moisture tolerance
Intruding moisture (such as from a leak), “free” water in insulating fluid (as in cold-temperature environments), or water released from aging insulation paper can drop capacity and cause dielectric failure in mineral-oil-filled transformers. With a much higher saturation point (compared to transformer mineral oil), FR3 fluid will rarely cause transformer failure due to moisture. In fact, its unique chemical properties, and the fact that, during hydrolysis, FR3 fluid actually absorbs free water, slows the aging process of a transformer’s solid insulation.
More sustainable
Better for the planet
As a biodegradable transformer oil with best-in-class properties, FR3 fluid minimizes environmental impact in ways that mineral oil never will. FR3 fluid's superior environmental benefits can help you both meet sustainability goals and potentially gain significant cost savings—without having to compromise on either. Help protect the environments where your transformers operate by choosing FR3 fluid.
Cost savings
Delivering business value
There are a number of different critical reasons why partnering with Cargill and using FR3 fluid instead of mineral oil is good for business, including increased grid reliability and resilience, better cost management with a more effective transformer system, and minimized environmental impact.
Find more about how using FR3 fluid throughout your transformer fleet can deliver significant business value, while serving communities reliably and effectively.
Average total cost of ownership savings
Up to 20% more load capacity than mineral oil
Up to 8X longer insulation life
Mineral oil's flash and fire points
Reported fires
The products and services described on this website may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all persons.