Now Welcoming Shell MIDEL

Shell UK has completed its purchase of ester fluid business MIDEL.

At Bowers Electricals, we have a strong working relationship with MIDEL. We are delighted to continue working with and supplying these ester fluids and continuing our service partnership with Shell MIDEL.

Shell’s acquisition of MIDEL’s premium product range was done to “enhance Shell’s global lubricants portfolio, complementing its differentiated position in Transformer Oils used for power distribution, offshore wind parks, utility companies and traction power systems.” According to the leading law firm, Baker McKenzie.¹

“The company will now manufacture, distribute and market the MIDEL and MIVOLT product lines as part of its global lubricants portfolio. By adding synthetic and natural ester-based transformer fluids and services to its portfolio, Shell Lubricants aims to deliver improved fire protection and biodegradability to its customers.”

“The acquisition enables the firm to complement its differentiated position in Transformer Oils used for power distribution, offshore wind parks, utility companies and traction power systems.” – Mobility Plaza²

Shell MIDEL ester fluids are used as a fire-safe³ and biodegradable⁴ alternative to traditional transformer oils that are used to enhance the safety of transformers, whilst also helping to protect the environment surrounding the transformers.

Shell MIDEL’s range of synthetic and natural ester fluids delivers a range of distinct benefits that are used widely around the globe.⁵

Here at Bowers Electricals, we offer the full range of Shell MIDEL fluids, Shell MIDEL eN1215, Shell MIDEL eN 1204 and Shell MIDEL 7131.

These ester transformer fluids have been used since their introduction in the 1970s,⁶ and have become a worldwide, well-established transformer oil alternative. These have been supplied and are used to this day in a plethora of different industries, including:

• Utilities,
• Data Centres,
• Offshore and Subsea,
• Mining and Underground,
• Rail,
• Commercial and Industrial,
• Renewables,
• Marine.

Shell MIDEL has many positives over traditional transformer oils. These include:

• Greatly reduces fire risk,³
• Can help avoid risk of environmental contamination due to its biodegradability,⁴
• Increases transformer life,⁷
• May reduce operating expenses,⁸
• Recommended by insurance companies,¹

Shell MIDEL fluids also give transformers life benefits, with them having improved cold-weather performance. Hotter running and sustainable overloading can also help improve transformer reliability, delivering longer transformer life.^{10, 5}

By extending transformer life, you can delay the need to replace your current transformer, which can be expensive.

Bowers Electricals can offer the supply of Shell MIDEL filled, brand-new transformers, as well as retrofilling existing transformers. Our expert site team can offer complete retrofilling services for existing transformers across the whole of the UK and Ireland.

For more information on Shell MIDEL fluids and their benefits, you can check out more information about our Service Partnership.

https://www.shell.com/investors/disclaimer-and-cautionary-note.html

Sources –

1 Baker McKenzie – https://www.bakermckenzie.com/en/newsroom/2023/10/shell-acquisition-of-ester-based-transformer-fluids

2 Mobility Plaza – https://www.mobilityplaza.org/news/34524

Shell MIDEL – https://www.shell.com/business-customers/lubricants-for-business/products/shell-midel-ester-transformer-liquids.html#iframe=L2wvMjcwMTEyLzIwMjUtMDMtMjQvMnh6OHB3

3 Shell MIDEL fluids are classified as K Class, with high fire and flash points, and are less flammable. These properties can prevent a transformer fire and save the property, people and environment in its surroundings. FM Approved, UL classified.  FM Global, an international insurance carrier, provides a certification mark called FM Approvals through its independent testing arm. Safety products must be tested and approved before they are sold to the public. Underwriters Laboratories, a non-profit testing facility headquartered in Northwood, Illinois, is one of the organisations responsible for testing and approving these types of products.

4 Shell MIDEL can be claimed as readily biodegradable according to OECD 301 test (product).

5 Shell MIDEL customer data.

6 Shell MIDEL 7131 was first launched in 1978 and is specified and used by transformer manufacturers and utilities worldwide. In 2023 the MIDEL brand was acquired by Shell and is now known as Shell MIDEL.

7 Excellent high moisture tolerance enables the extension of cellulose insulation life. Option to run at a higher temperature, for a standard lifetime, provides a higher output, without the need for high temperature insulation.

8 May reduce insurance premiums due to proven fire safety and FM Approval. Potential reduction in fire barriers leading to cost reductions for construction and land space. Can reduce asset downtime related to fire issues and moisture ingress. Advice should not override countries’ local legislation and laws.

10 Tested against specifications. Shell MIDEL 7131 meets IEC 61099 and ASTM D8240 specifications. Shell MIDEL eN 1204 and eN 1215 meets IEC 62770, ASTM D6871 and IEEE C57.147.