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Home/Products & Services/... /All Applications/Dielectric Fluids/FR3 Natural Ester Fluid/Resources/Transformer Dielectric Fluid Comparison
  • FR3 Natural Ester Fluid
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Transformer Dielectric Fluid Comparison

Compare the typical characteristics and performance of mineral oil, FR3® natural ester fluid, synthetic ester fluid, and silicone transformer oil.

For a more precise estimate tailored to your needs, contact us.

Talk with an Expert

  Mineral Oil FR3® Dielectric Fluid Natural Ester Envirotemp® 360 Fluid Synthetic Ester Silicone Transformer Oil
Base Fluid Petroleum oil Plant oil Hydrocarbons Polydimethylsiloxanes
Voltage Class Applicable Any, including extra high voltage AC and HVDC Any, including extra high voltage AC and HVDC Any, including extra high voltage AC Mostly limited to 66 kV
Fire Point 160°C 360°C >315°C 343°C
Flash Point 140°C 330°C >260°C 324°C
Density at 20°C 880 kg/cm3 920 kg/m3 960 kg/m3 960 kg/cm3
Pour Point -35°C -21°C <-48°C -55°C

Kinematic Viscosity

  100°C

  40°C

  -20°C

 

2 – 3 mm2/sec

8 – 9 mm2/sec

230 mm2/sec

 

7.7 –  8.3 mm2/sec

32 – 34 mm2/sec

500 mm2/sec

 

6 mm2/sec

34 mm2/sec

1700 mm2/sec

 

20 mm2/sec

45 mm2/sec

200 mm2/sec

Toxicitya Potentially toxic Non-toxic, non-hazardous in soil & water Not classified as hazardous according to GHS  Potentially toxic
Biodegradabilityb   Readily biodegradable; ultimately biodegradable Readily biodegradable Not biodegradable (only oxidegradable)
Biobased  No Yes No No

Oxidation Stability

  Non-free-breathing

  Free-breathing

 

Very good

Good

 

Very good

Not recommended

 

Very good

Good (moisture control recommended)

 

Very good

Not recommended

Temperature Limits for Normal Lifespan (TUK Paper)

65 average winding rise

110°C hottest spot

85 average winding rise

130°C hottest spot

65 average winding rise

110°C hottest spot

65 average winding rise

110°C hottest spot
Degradation Effects/Consequences Average; reduces dielectric capacity and produces sludge Best; long-term impact in viscosity with no formation of sludge Better; may produce minimal sludge Average; may produce sludge
Transformer reliability Declines with aging as moisture content in paper and oil increases Preserves dielectric capacity due to continuous drying of insulation system May decline as moisture content in paper increases Typically only used up to 66 kV; no available information
Application Location Indoor & outdoor; requires complex containment & fire mitigation systems Indoor & outdoor; highly simplified containment & fire mitigation systems Indoor & outdoor; highly simplified containment & fire mitigation systems  Indoor & outdoor; requires containment system

a. “Non-toxic” classification for FR3 fluid and Envirotemp 360 fluid is according to IEC6770 requirements and revised EPA definition. “Non-hazardous in water and soil” classification for FR3 fluid Envirotemp 360 fluid is according to GHS.
b.  See OECD 301 B (Readily) and Environmental Protection Agency OPPTS 835.3110 (Readily) and 835.3100 (Ultimately).


Related Resources

Why FR3 Fluid

Learn about FR3 fluid's superior fire safety, performance, grid resiliency, and environmental benefits.

FR3 Fluid Superiority

Validation

See the latest on why you can trust FR3 fluid to deliver both improved performance and excellent business value.

FR3 Fluid Validation

Technical Details

Get technical details about FR3 natural ester dielectric fluid, including properties and functional specifications.

FR3 Fluid Technical Details

The products and services described on this website may not be available in all jurisdictions or to all persons.

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