Hi all,
I’ve been reading about the environmetnla impact of PCBs for work, and it got me thinking about all the PCB transformers used on the old electric trains suchas the GG1’s - anybody know how common they were? would they have run trains with PCB transformers on the New York-New Haven electric lines back then?
Yes every electric locomotive used on the AC electrification system and every powered EMU would have had a transformer filled with oil containing PCBs. The lower voltage DC operations did not require transformer or other oil cooled equipment (various lines using third-rail into GCT).
PCB transformers in GG-1s were just one reason for the retirement of the GG-1s by Amtrak. Another was Asbestos. There were other reasons.
Now because of the very long life of transformers ocassionally Amtrak is having to retire some PRR installed PCB cooled CAT and distribution transformers as they ocassionaly begin to leak or have other problems such as a flashover. A more important reason to replace all the Amtrak transformers is that modern transformers are 99+% efficient and also the need to buy dual frequency transformers for the eventual conversion to 60 Hz from 25Hz. (don’t hold your breath).
PCB oil is very hard to neutralize so disposal is very costly.My local town has many PCB home transformers and the cost to dispose of one costs more than a new dual voltage transformer. (approximately $400+)
PCBS do not go back that far Poly Chlorinated Bisphenols were hailed when.introduced in the early 60’s since they disipated heat better than any other material. Declared as a hazardous and carcinogenic material by the EPA they became a liability. Unfortunately our government has a long and perfect record of banning materials that work when.used in an.intended manner and do not cause problems when used properly.
As far as I know that year is correct but did not transformer users either drain the old oil for PCBs or at least add PCB oil when replinishing needed? Prroblem was once in a transformer could not be easily diluted and removed?
AS a amtrak LINEMAN/POWER DIRECTOR employee of 35 yrs and from a PRR family, half the storys about PCB’S are crap!
As built, alll the PRR transformers were filled with MINERAL oil. from the signal line transformers to the big sub station ones to the 1’s on the loco’s and MU cars. the poly chlorenated Bytelnals oils from GE did not appear in widespred use until the lat 40’s in RR equipment. their high temp flash point and the need to filter the oil less due to heat break downs and carbon formations in the mineral oils was the big selling points. also the heat to air transfer rate was more effficent. another problem was that mineral oil would over time asorb water whereas the PCB oils would not. and the lifespan(?) of mineral oil to PCB was another reason.(think cost to change every 2 yrs or so to 5+ or more).
My father worked at wilmington shops for 42 yrs,retireing as a truck insp. he also worked the wreck train for more then 15 yrs as a on call member. he use to joke how the guys would “wash” their arms in the drums of the old pcb’s because it broke down the crud on their hands 2 yrs after he retired in 1976,a group of him and other retirees from that time frame were brought in for PCB testing. they tested about 20-30 guys from what i remeber my father telling me. no one tested for PCB in their system. yet 20 newer guys from the loco shop all tested postive.for minute traces. now explain how guys who were around the stuff for 35+ yrs had no traces but guys with 10yrs or less did???
as for the GG-1’s , MU’S and E-44’s and the big substation transformers, PENN CENTRAL and then Amtrak started a program where the transformeres were flushed and when possible the cores removed from the metal shells and any residue was scraped out and the insides were steamed cleaned and pressure washed to remove reside that was left. for the sub stations due the the physical size of the