Oil for welding transformer tank

[Joe]

I'll probably regret asking this but just how does this three phase system of yours work, Col? I'm assuming the transformer steps the 240V up to 415V and then it's split into three and the capacitors provide a 120° phase shift between them.

Hope it's warm enough for you.

- Joe

[Retired]

Hi,

Thanks for asking Joe but in this case it's a matter of buying the DVD's from Doug as the three DVD's run to six hours viewing and I thought well worth the £17 or so I paid for them; they are more interesting to watch than the usual programs on TV these days.

It wouldn't be fair to Doug if I gave all the details but I can say that any transformer can be wound to give 3 phase at any power or voltage with ease using Doug's excellent method. I've wound plenty of radio transformers and chokes but never ever thought I would be winding a transformer so big in my garage that I can't even lift it.

I can say that if the transformer method is chosen then a scrap 3 phase transformer will be needed. Only two legs of the transformer are wound but it is Doug's unique method which gives the 3 phases and it is down to how the coils are connected.

I'm not from an electrical background but I only needed help from Doug on a couple of occasions and Doug was rapid in his replies.

Once the transformer is wound then each individual machine is phase balanced to the transformer using capacitors and this alone is fascinating watching the volts change. Once the machines are balanced then it is just like having standard 3 phase laid on. a single or multiple machines can be run together up to the maximum transformer output and they can be switched on and off at will. It really is good and the money spent on the DVD's was money well spent. My transformer powers both my big Startrite bandsaw and my home made dust extractor and both run on full power at 415V.

I'm waiting for Alan to take the plunge.

Kind regards, Col.

[Joe]

The way things are going with you and he making me jealous I may be doing it myself one day.

- Joe

[Yorkie]

Out of curiosity I've just had a look on eBay to see if Dextron oil is available so here's a link Ed that might be useful.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ATF-DIII-DEXRO...e_Cleaning&hash=item56368c52e4#ht_1804wt_754

Kind regards, Col.

That was a good find Colin - £44 for 20 Litres (£2.20/L) delivered free.

Got to be as good as it gets, I'd have thought.

Isn't internet wonderful, but it can sometimes be bettered!

I recently searched internet for stuff to get rust stains off concrete and found some at £6.99 post free. Today, in Alnwick, I went into one of those old fashioned 'Two Ronines' style ironmongers that seem to sell everything, and there was the exact same stuff at £2.99. It was all I could do to stop myself asking if they'd got any 'Os' - 'no not hoes - Os' - 'letter Os'. They did have or course, and hose, and oil lamp wicks, and, and...

[Retired]

Hi,

Keep your head down Joe and let Big Al wind one of these transformers then he can tell you all about it. The only problem you will have Joe if you do wind a 3 phase transformer is where to put all the desirable machines you always wanted.

Isn't it always the case David that when you need something you think you've got a bargain then once the job is completed you find the same thing much cheaper. The Two Ronnie's in the hardware shop is an all time classic. 4 candles (Fork handles) this sketch was a real masterpiece and never bettered.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHW0Qs1OJU0

Kind regards, Col.

[Ed_Dinning]

Hi Gents, thanks for the replies; from previous experience as a young engineer at Reyrolle I think I will try and get either transformer oil or switchgear oil. Both are quite low viscosity but the switchgear stuff has added detergents to get rid of arc products.
This used to be acquired by the car enthuisasts who recconed it was the best engine flushing oil by far.
Most transformer etc oils are supplied in sealed barrels and have a very low water content. They are beakdown tested before use. This will not be necessary for my LV application.
Use of this oil will prevent any problems with different types "gelling" or sludging", as I think I shall just top-up. The disposal problens with the old oil are not to be contemplated.

Joe, see me at Golbourne and I'll give you a teach-in on phase conversion.


Ed

[Mark R]

Joe, see me at Golbourne and I'll give you a teach-in on phase conversion.


Ed

Ed,
Brilliant idea! I would also like this input. I can arrange a side room if that is OK so the input is not distracted.

But that is up too you Ed.

cheers Mark

[Joe]

I'm game for that!

Thanks

Joe

[Retired]

Hi,

At the risk of being cheeky perhaps Ed would care to give a lecture on "phase conversion" to interested members in a side room at Golborne.

Although I've built a working 3 phase 415V system using a home wound transformer I merely followed the instructions provided on Doug's excellent DVD's. My background is mechanical engineering and the main problem in getting my system up and running was one of personal safety; I didn't need to understand the technicalities of how it all worked but like Joe I would welcome the chance to learn.

I'll understand if you decline Ed but don't wish to try to pressure you; I found putting my 3 phase system together to be fascinating and as it is so cheap the system could be installed into any home workshop.

Out of interest Mark; do you have a side room with a large screen that could display a DVD? The reason I ask is that when working we had fully equipped conference rooms and I could give demonstrations to my teams verbally whilst running a video. I also did monthly team briefs.

It would be the ideal opportunity to bring along the DVD covering Doug's transformer method but I would only do so after gaining Doug's permission via email. On the DVD Doug demonstrates one of his transformers starting up a big compressor under load to show the transformer is actually supplying full power. I'd be happy to do this part of the demonstration if possible and to answer any questions to the best of my ability.

I hope I'm not too ambitious or pushy but I feel a lot of good could come of such a meeting.

Kind regards, Col.

[Mark R]

Col
I would have to check on the TV/DVD plan.

cheers Mark