The article is about the role of chemical engineer in manufacturing transformers in the electrical manufacturing sector. The important components of the transformer are copper wire, cellulosic insulation, insulating varnish and dielectric liquid.
Wire enamel or resin is the insulting structure for copper wire. The resin can either applied as a solution or in solventless form. Mechanical arrangement and proper temperature between each dip are needed to be controlled to provide necessary multiple coats of resin to cure when resin is applied as a solution. Suitable dies and preheaters must be used when the resin is applied in solventless form to extrude the material on the moving wire. Cellulosic insulation is used to separate metal conducting parts. The cylinder on which the wire is wound is composed of continuously wound paper, bound together by suitable impregnants and adhesives. To produce a stronger cylinder, modifications of the paper and adhensives and method of application are to be carried out. Insulating varnish is used in the treatment of components parts and assembled units to provide both insulation and mechanical strength. Viscosity of the material is ought to be maintained within certain limits and its electrical properties must be held at a high level through proper periodic filtration. A dielectric liquid - askarels (highly refined mineral oils and the newer non-inflammable insulating liquids) is used thoroughly free of air for insulating and cooling.
Processing of assembled finished transformers is an important phrase of work in the transformer manufacture. Firstly, the insulated wire is wound about the cylinder. By applying heat to the unit while under vacuum, the high percentage of water, which is 8% of the weight of the cellulose present in cellulose insulation resulting in the low dielectric strength may be