| Company | Midel |
| Location | North Queensland |
| Project Overview | A leading natural resource company in North Queensland, Australia, recognised the potential fire hazards associated with mineral oil-filled transformers in their extensive underground copper mining operations. To mitigate this risk, they turned to MIDEL 7131, a synthetic ester transformer fluid renowned for its high fire point and environmental benefits. |
| Products | Midel 7131 Natural Ester Transformer Fluid |
This is a Midel Case Study. See the original article here
Overview
In the mining industry, ensuring the safety of underground operations is paramount. A leading natural resource company in North Queensland, Australia, recognised the potential fire hazards associated with mineral oil-filled transformers in their extensive underground copper mining operations. To mitigate this risk, they turned to MIDEL 7131, a synthetic ester transformer fluid renowned for its high fire point and environmental benefits.
Identifying the Challenge
Operating Australia's deepest underground copper mine, reaching depths of 1,900 meters, the company employs over 3,000 workers. The presence of mineral oil-filled transformers in such confined underground spaces posed a significant fire risk, prompting the company to seek safer alternatives.
Implementing the Solution
After consulting with the MIDEL team, the company decided to retrofill their existing transformers with MIDEL 7131. This synthetic ester fluid boasts a high fire point of 316°C, significantly enhancing fire safety, especially in enclosed environments where smoke inhalation can be more dangerous than flames. Moreover, MIDEL 7131 is fully biodegradable and oxygen-stable, ensuring environmental sustainability and ease of maintenance.
Achieving Notable Results
The transition to MIDEL 7131 led to a substantial improvement in transformer fire safety. The mine's superintendent highlighted that new transformer units no longer required concrete fire walls, allowing for closer placement and resulting in considerable space savings within substations. Additionally, the superior moisture tolerance of MIDEL 7131 helps preserve the insulating paper, thereby extending the lifespan of transformer assets.
David Sowden, Business Development Manager at MIDEL ANZ, noted, "Physically moving the transformer would be very costly and disruptive, so retrofilling with an oxygen-stable fluid gave our customer great peace of mind."
By adopting MIDEL 7131, the company not only enhanced operational safety and efficiency but also aligned with environmental sustainability goals, showcasing a commitment to responsible mining practices.