Document x5vZgd2RJLVOEdZprvRGe81Q1

Q0South Boston Transformer Division Sharon Transformer Division Latter 72 1 File 47-000 April. 1972 Transformer Coolant Considerations Much confusion has arisen on the subject of lnerteen as a result of proposed government legislation, Federal Drug Administration articles, environmental considera tions, industry actions and legal problems. This letter is published to clarify Westinghouse policy with regard to the use and sale of lnerteen in trans formers and our general approach to industry needs, lnerteen fa polychlorinated biphenyl manufactured by Monsanto) was developed forty years ago as a fireresistant fluid for heavy-duty electrical components. This is still its primary use. Today, the value of this material as a fire-resistant fluid in electrical equip ment to protect people and property from the hazards of fire and explosions is well recognized. These electrical uses have been in transformers and capacitors which are considered closed systems. Polychlorinated biphenyls have also been used in heat exchangers as a lubricant, as plasticizers in plastics, in carbonless carbon paper and in other industrial uses which would be considered non-controlled and the disposition of the PCBs would be to the environment. The chemical is considered to a large extent, nonbiodegradable and it persists in the environment after use. The Pood and Drug Administration are unsure of its risks to humans at low levels and with long-term exposure and are eager to minimize any possible hazard. The FDA is, therefore, considering banning most industrial uses of the chemical in plants that pro cess or make food, feed, or packaging material. Monsanto has already withdrawn its sale for these purposes; however, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO SELL THIS CHEMICAL TO THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY WHERE THE SYSTEM IS CONSIDERED CLOSED. controls can be established and where legal consid erations have been established. 1. WESTINGHOUSE SHARON AND SOUTH BOSTON WILL CONTINUE TO FURNISH INERTEEN FILLED TRANSFORMERS. We do not propose to change our policy in the sale of Interteen transformers where they are re quired for the application. 2. THE INDUSTRY SERVICES DIVISIONS WILL HANDLE FIELD SERVICING (REPLACEMENT. TOPPING OFF, REPAIRS AND REMOVAL) OF INERTEEN REQUIREMENTS. Procedures have already been forwarded to the field industry services personnel with regard to handling lnerteen. If your customers require assistance, they should contact industry services who will furnish the necessary field engineer or shop personnel to install lnerteen in customer's equipment when repairs or field makeup dictate this need. The field engineer or shop personnel will also take responsibility for removing the unused or scrap lnerteen from the customer s transformers and disposing of this chemical. Westinghouse can handle the industry needs for trans formers whether they be DRY TYPE, OIL FILLED or INERTEEN. You should continue to sell your customers the type of transformer that best suits his economical, environmental and application require ments as you have sold in the past. We believe you will continue to experience compe tition for lnerteen transformers from Kuhlman, General Electric. Hevi-Dutv, Niagara and Standard Transformer. D.P. Kelaer Small Power Transformer Division Marketing Manager J.C. Gray TM Sharon Transformer Division Marketing Manager EFML P01-P04, P07-P15, B01-B31. B39, B55-B63. B64, B66-B69 D/2400, 2401, 242B/2412, 2413, 2417, 2418, 2419 HONS 079685 Bi!NG DALE F. SMITH HONS 079686