Hello Everyone,
I picked up the transformer oil today, and learned a little more about its composition. It is Univolt N 61 B, which is more generically:
HYDROTREATED LIGHT NAPHTHENIC 100 DISTILLATE (PETROLEUM) (CAS 64742-53-6). No real toxic issues - it's essentially 'mineral oil'.
Its a collection of carbon number(s) C15-C30; by comparison #2 ULSD is C10-C28. It has a higher specific gravity (little thicker) and slightly higher BTU in combustion than #2. (For info on BTU content, see:
http://www.wrapair.org/forums/msf/projects/offroad_diesel_retrofit/V2-S10_Final_11-18-05.pdf )
Auto-ignition temp is somewhat higher than #2 - 600F . vs. 475F.
The fellow I got it from told me that his friend burns in in his rig; seems to work fine. He didn't mention percentages, but the specific gravity of this oil is right on the line between #4 and #2 diesel so it won't be a 'thinner' per-se!
I'll let you know how it burns. I mixed a batch of blend last night, 30-gals since I only had enough RUG for that much (on hand). That leaves me with enough room in the drum to toss some of this in and see how it burns at 5%, 10%, etc.
If you are interested, you might look for local sources. The supply here is from a shop that rebuilds electrical transformers and switches for the power companies. They seem to have a need to get rid of quantities fairly regularly. Filter it well, it can have some carbon content from arcing...
FYI - Mark
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BTW - I located a source of "transformer oil" today. A friend works for the power company and occasionally gets (55gal drum in this case) a batch as part of their maintenance work. I'll be interesting to see how it burns.
... and, he promises, there aren't PCBs in that stuff any more. Wouldn't *that* be nasty!
Mark