Document xj2oJd5QJGzx804oNboMKqZYQ

25-10B ELECTRICAL WEEK WEEKLY FEB 2 3 1976 IbacctSI UTILITIES TO WORK WITH RTE IN TESTING SUBSTITUTE FOR PCB as iniuUting fluid In fire-resistant trim -0 formers. An RTE source said tut week that a number of utilities have indicated their willingness to order trans\r formers filled with what RTE says is an environmentally safe and much cheaper fluid than the toxic and non* biodegradable polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) now used in the special transformers. RTE's objective is to accum- * uiaie field data and experience on transformers using its coolant, which it calls RTEMP. Electric utilities and manufacturers of capacitors and fire-resistant transformers have agreed to cooperate with the federal Environ mental Protection Agency to phase out use of PCBs. RTE says that its RTEMP, like the silicone-based PCB sub- * stitule developed by Dow-Corning, is self-extinguishing at transformer operating temperatures, has a dielectric strength comparable to PCBs, and does not emit poiaonout fumes associated with the combustion of PCBs. HONS 033117