I am demolishing a huge 8 kVa UPS. Lots of nice wires, screws etc.
It has a large transformer, it weighs around 200 lbs. It comes from a that 8 KVA Ferrups UPS. There is a super heavy square shaped copper wire on it, which, I fancy, could sell for some money. This wire is something like 3x8 mm in cross section. Very heavy stuff. So, if I somehow manage to pull the transformer apart, I would, first, able to throw the steel part to garbage, and second, to get and sell copper wire. i would also keep some of this copper wire for home uses such as grounding wire for my generator.
Without taking it apart I will not be able to do anything with this monstrosity, not even throw it away.
This is a specialty transformer with lots of contacts, so I do not think that I could sell it. (another, smaller like 50 lbs transformer is an isolation transformer which I hope to sell for at least something. Also, there are 8 1.2 farad capacitors)
So... How do I take it apart? It was assembled from steel plates, can it be therefore disassembled?
Here in upstate NY, an entire lake was contaminated with PCBs by some guy "salvaging" transformers at the shoreline. The fish are no longer safe to eat. You may want to investigate further what may be inside that transformer of yours before disassembling it. Perhaps your state's environmental conservation department, or local department of solid waste could assist in finding out more. Or, the manufacturer.
Hm, all that is inside this transformer is steel, copper, varnish, and paper. Maybe you are referring to hyooge transformers filled with liquids? In any case, I will appreciate input regarding this issue, as I do not want to run afoul of the laws.
How many transformers do you have in your house, Doug? How many of those contain PCBs? What types of transformers used PCBs, and what was the purpose for the PCBs?
Cores for transformers are generally made from carbon free iron (Armco iron) so there's no chance that the core can become permanently magnetized. Heat treated steel has the ability to retain magnetism, whereas carbon free material does not. Scrap steel is selling for $85/ton right now, and they'll likely see it as scrap steel. If not, perhaps they'll pay either light steel prices or cast iron prices. Regardless, it has value. Doesn't everything, if you have enough of it?
Yep, right now they're worth $1.02/lb. Here's a link that will tell you current market scrap prices.
Question 1: Doesn't matter. I have no intention of disassembling them.
Question 2: Probably none, but none of the transformers in my home are older than 3-4 years, except the tiny one that handles the doorbell. I doubt PCB's are permitted in small household transformers at this stage, considering what we know about them.
Question 3: The oil in older, larger transformers was there for either cooling or insulation - I don't recall, and it doesn't matter, since it's just a point of interest. But, the PCBs were there as a byproduct, not because they had a purpose.
What's YOUR point? That, knowing what we do about these chemicals, we should be stupid, pretend the knowledge doesn't exist, and be careless?
So, best case, $5 or so for the core. Not worth even opening yellow pages.
Now, that's not bad at all. Thanks. Should I look up yellow pages under recycling, or perhaps find a buyer for bare copper wire on ebay? Again, in any case I will keep a substantial quantity for my future projects. One current project would use this for generator ground.
I don't know which type the OP is dealing with. Do you? Considering that I don't know, was it a crime to suggest that he investigate further before continuing with his project?
Even more important: Why do you take it personally when I posted my suggestion?
My point is that I suspected you of being a reactionary man who is unable to consider a topic rationally, based upon the facts in evidence, without launching into a pre-programmed tirade based upon emotional supposition and lack of knowledge.
That you are unwilling to answer the very basic questions that I asked you WRT transformers further demonstrates this, and I thank you for further revealing yourself with your response.
I can't "fix" the problems that you seem determined to expose to the world, Doug,, but perhaps you would be a bit better off it you would at least educate yourself a bit before exposing your ignorance in any particular area of knowledge.
Of course, you might very well enjoy espousing your ignorance to the world; it seems to be a popular pastime with your type.
I can't imagine you'd have much advantage trying to sell the copper on ebay. You'd likely lose money on the deal by the time you paid for the listing. Look in the yellow pages for yards that recycle metals. When you find the right one, you should be able to sell the copper and the iron at the same time. It's not much money for the iron, but it will pay for the gas for your trip, so take it along, anyway, or ask them by telephone if they accept such things, and what they pay. It doesn't hurt to ask each yard what they pay. Some pay more than others.
Nope. The chemicals were there to facilitate heat transfer, especially in larger grid transformers. Needless to say, non-conductive liquids with a high boiling point are required for the task.
Characteristics and Uses of PCBs
PCBs belong to a family of organic compounds known as chlorinated hydrocarbons. Key characteristics include: high boiling point, high degree of chemical stability, low flammability, and low electric conductivity. Between 1926-29 and 1977, PCB-containing products were manufactured for use in applications where stable, fire-resistant, heat-transfer properties were demanded. The most extensive use of PCBs occurred in dielectric fluids. Such fluids typically have the following characteristics: a heavy oil appearance, high boiling point, high chemical stability, high flash point, low electrical conductivity, and low water solubility. PCBs were also used as plasticizers and additives in lubricating and cutting fluids. Most PCBs were sold for use as dielectric fluids (insulating liquids) in electric transformers and capacitors. Other uses included heat transfer fluid, hydraulic fluid, dye carriers in carbonless copy paper, plasticizers in paints, adhesives, and caulking compounds, and filters in investment casting wax. Although PCBs are no longer commercially made in the United States, many electric transformers and capacitors once filled with PCBs are still in service. Additionally, PCBs currently are being inadvertently produced as byproducts during the manufacture of certain organic chemicals. PCB Manufacturers and Trade Names lists some of the manufacturers, who made PCBs and the trade names of their products.
Why Are PCBs Harmful to Human Health and the Environment When released into the environment, PCBs do not easily break apart and form new chemical arrangements (i.e., they are not readily biodegradable). Instead they persist for many years, bioaccumulate, and bioconcentrate in organisms. Well documented tests on laboratory animals show that various levels of PCBs cause reproductive effects, gastric disorders, skin lesions, and cancerous tumors. Exposure to PCBs in humans can cause chloracne (a painful, disfiguring skin ailment), liver damage, nausea, dizziness, eye irritation, and bronchitis.
Why not offer the whole thing to a scrap-metal dealer? When they melt it down they'll recover the different metals...
Yeah, remove any bolts, and start splitting the iron core segments apart (they are probably alternating meshed E and I pieces). Once you get the first few out the rest will come easier. I'd use an appropriately sized screwdriver and hammer...
That's a great idea, yes. If I go to a yard anyway, I will take the steel core. I might also browse what they have and find nice rolled steel pieces or whatever, for my future projects. It never hurts to know scrap yards.
Reactionary? Nonsense. The OP stated that he has a transformer weighing around 200 lbs. While this does not necessarily mean it's different from the one in my furnace, dishwasher or doorbell, it also does not mean it's the same. Neither you nor I know exactly what he has. You know that.
As far as "rational", I'm sure you're aware that there's an entire generation that has no idea what sort of chemistry experiments went on in this country before people finally woke up. Perhaps the Love Canal situation was the wakeup call. It's entirely possible that the OP had NO idea about what he might have in his possession.
Why do you have a problem with suggesting that he proceed with caution? Do you believe that all the research into the dangers of PCBs are junk science?
They were intentionally used. As I understand it, PCB revolutionized the transformer and capacitor industry when they were introduced. I seem to recall that they were an excellent dielectric and had a very high flash point, so fire hazards were reduced. They were a purpose made substance sold under various trade names.
All you have to do is end up with a PCB filled transformer as I did for this to come directly in to focus. Years ago I was given a "free" induction furnace power supply. The donor had me sign a waiver because the supply had a mercury spark gap included, but failed to mention that the transformer, along with the huge capacitors, were filled with PCB's. The law as stated at that time dictated that if any PCB filled device started leaking, it was mandatory for the item to be disposed of by within thirty day by proper procedures. I had to transport the power supply from one state to another, and when it got there there were multiple wet spots from the escaping PCB. Long story short, I talked to EPA to find out where I stood and found out that it was illegal to dispose of such items by passing them on to others, so I called the "donor" and informed him that he had a serious problem on his hands. Disposal cost ran right at $3,000 for 800 pounds of transformer and capacitors, which was born by the donor. Don't take PCB's lightly.
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