[BC] PCB and other hazards

[RichardBJohnson at comcast.net]

Some smelly information.

There are a lot of companies that don’t have a clue
about the kinds of fluids contained in their transformers
and capacitors. Most oil-filled transformers that I’ve
seen used in broadcast transmitters, contain so-
called mineral oil. This is super-refined motor oil.
Some transformers, typically pad-mounted, designed
to run very hot out of doors, used in high power UHF
TV transmitters for the beam supply, contain a smelly
kind of oil with various trade names like
(alphabetical order) Apirolio, Aroclor, Askerel, Asbestol,
Clophen Chlorextol, Clorinol, Clorphen, Diaclor, Dk,
Inclor, Fenclor, Dykanol, EEC-l8, Elemex, Eucarel, Hyvol,
Inerteen, Kenechlor, N-3, No-flamol, Phenoclor, Pyroclor,
Pyralene, Pyranol, Saf-T-Kuhl, Santotherm, Santovac,
and Savol Therminol.

Askerel was also used in a 50 kW dummy load made by
RCA. These materials contain “POLYCHLORINATED
BIPHENYLS” and are considered to be harmful.
However, most AM and FM transmitters do not use
components containing PCB materials simply because
they are not required. The oil-filled capacitors most
likely to contain PCB materials are made by General
Electric and proudly announce “Pyranol,” on the
label. Such capacitors were designed for outdoor
use in power-factor correction. However some may
find their way into composite transmitters or transmitters
built during the “war years.”

Basically, if it smells, it may contain PCBs. If it doesn’t,
it does not since it is not possible to make odor-free biphenyls.
I have seen labels applied by so-called broadcast engineers
on PCB-free transmitters warning that the unit contains
PCBs. I have no clue who distributed these labels or
what ulterior motives were in effect at the time, but they
are simply wrong. PCBs were designed to be poisonous! 
This is to prevent the growth of molds and fungi that
could cause green plague in transformers. When an
attempt is made to burn PCBs, the reaction with
chlorine helps suppress the flame by creating other
nasty compounds.  Therefore, you don’t want to get
this stuff on your skin or into your body.

Nevertheless, if it doesn’t smell, it does not contain
any phenyl compounds, including the chlorinated kinds.


--
Cheers,
Richard B. Johnson
Read about my book
http://www.LymanSchool.org