Environmental mindset way of the future
27.01.08

Arthur D Riley recognises that environmental awareness has a vital role in the future of the New Zealand energy industry. As part of that recognition, ADR is looking to incorporate environmentally friendly options into its industry solutions.

Envirotemp FR3 Fluid is an example of an environmentally friendly product that ADR has available. While it has stocked the fluid for several years but the fluid is only gradually making its way into the mainstream market. With a base of soybean oil, FR3 fluid significant reduces the impact on wildlife, plants, animals and soils.

FR3 fluid will biodegrade more than 99 percent while petroleum mineral oils biodegrade a mere 21 percent. Recently research has shown greater benefits on top of environmental advantage such as an exceptionally high flash point of 330°c meaning it has a lower fire risk than many other such dielectric fluids. It is also suitable for use in retrofill applications.

This is a premium product. Use of it will require adaptation of some elements and a willingness to see beyond the early phases to be widely adopted. Xcel Energy, a leading USA electricity provider has recently undertaken to use FR3 fluid in all its new single-phase, pole and pad-mounted electrical distribution transformers.

It is forward thinking like this that will create benefits for electricity consumers, electrical providers and the environment in the future.