| Company | Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) |
| Location | Sharjah Gold Souk, UAE |
| Timeline | 2009 |
| Project Overview | SEWA retrofilled a high-risk transformer in a busy public market with MIDEL 7131, significantly improving fire safety without disrupting daily operations. |
| Product | Midel 7131 Synthetic Ester Transformer Fluid |
Overview
In a vibrant and busy location like the Sharjah Gold Souk, reliable and safe power is essential. Thousands of visitors and shop owners depend on electricity every day, making the safety of nearby electrical infrastructure a top priority.
SEWA, responsible for providing electricity and water across Sharjah, identified several distribution transformers in public areas that posed potential risks. These units were critical to operations, but their design and environment meant they needed attention.
One transformer in the Gold Souk became the focus of a pilot project aimed at improving safety without replacing the asset.
Challenge
The transformer in question was:
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Mineral oil-filled, with a relatively low fire point (~170°C)
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Located in a crowded public space, increasing risk to people and property
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Operating at high temperatures, reaching up to 118°C in service
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Considered high risk, especially in the event of an internal fault
If a fault had caused the transformer tank to rupture, the mineral oil could have ignited, potentially leading to a serious fire incident in a densely populated area.
Replacing the transformer would have been disruptive and costly, particularly in such a busy commercial environment. SEWA needed a safer, practical solution that could be implemented quickly.
Solution
SEWA partnered with M&I Materials to explore the use of MIDEL 7131 as a safer alternative fluid.
A decision was made to retrofill the existing transformer, replacing the mineral oil with MIDEL 7131 to significantly reduce fire risk.
To ensure success:
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A detailed retrofill guide was provided, including step-by-step instructions
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Pre-retrofill testing, including furan analysis, confirmed the transformer’s condition was suitable
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M&I experts worked closely with SEWA engineers to plan and execute the process
Because of the location, timing was critical. To avoid disruption to businesses:
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Work began at 11:00 PM after the market closed
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The transformer was retrofilled, tested, and back in service by 8:00 AM the next morning
The entire process was carefully monitored to ensure safety and performance.
Benefits
The retrofit with MIDEL 7131 delivered immediate advantages:
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Significantly Improved Fire Safety: Higher fire point dramatically reduces ignition risk
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Minimal Operational Disruption: Overnight work ensured no impact on businesses
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Cost Savings: Avoided the need for full transformer replacement
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Improved Risk Management: Safer operation in a high-traffic public area
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Expert Support: Close collaboration ensured a smooth and controlled process
Results
Post-retrofill testing confirmed a clear improvement:
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The fire point of the transformer fluid increased substantially, reducing fire hazard
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The transformer returned to full operation immediately, supporting uninterrupted service
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Ongoing analysis showed the fluid was performing as expected
The success of this pilot project demonstrated that retrofilling with MIDEL 7131 is a practical and effective way to upgrade safety in high-risk locations.