Shell MIDEL Ester Transformer Fluids
Enabling safer, more reliable power networks
Shell MIDEL ester transformer fluids have fire-safe1 and biodegradable3 properties that not only safeguard transformers but also help protect the environment surrounding those transformers.
Shell MIDEL synthetic and natural ester transformer fluids deliver an array of distinct benefits that are enjoyed by utilities and transformer manufacturers around the globe.2
Because we offer a range of ester fluids, we are able to help our customers understand the difference between ester types in order to select the right technology for their application.
Key benefits
Uncompromising fire safety
Classified as K Class, with high fire and flash points, these fluids are less flammable, which can prevent a transformer fire from spreading and save the surrounding property, people and environment.1
Environmental protection
Classified as biodegradable3 and non-hazardous,4 these fluids reduce containment requirements. The Shell MIDEL range of ester transformer fluids include synthetic and natural bio-sourced esters.5
Helps save costs
The fire safe properties of Shell MIDEL make it possible to reduce substation footprint and costs (both construction and insurance) that can arise from fire protection measures6.
Cold weather performance
Extremely low pour points, down to 鈭�56掳C, deliver a highly effective solution for colder-climate installations.7
Improved moisture tolerance
Shell MIDEL ester transformer fluids absorb far more moisture than conventional mineral oils without compromising their dielectric properties, which can help to protect the integrity of the solid insulation.7
Longer asset life
Hotter running and sustainable overloading can help improve transformer reliability, delivering longer asset life and business continuity assurance.7
Logos and copy - FM庐 Approved and UL庐 listed transformer fluid.8
Shell MIDEL 7131
Synthetic ester fluid
Shell MIDEL 7131 K3 class is specifically formulated to be a fire-safe,鹿 high-performance fluid providing all the benefits of ester technology. It is the fluid of choice when the performance demands on the transformer are higher, especially if located in a cold climate (it has a pour point of 鈭�56掳C)7 or when there is a risk of contact with air. Shell MIDEL 7131 is also ideal for transformers located indoors, outdoors or underground, and for high temperature, breathing-type equipment. It has a long track record in demanding applications such as wind turbines and rolling stock and is proven over 400 kV2.
Shell MIDEL 7131 meets the IEC 61099 and ASTM D8240 standards.
Shell MIDEL eN 1204
Rapeseed/canola natural ester fluid
Shell MIDEL eN 1204 is a K2 Class bio-sourced dielectric fluid,5 classed as biodegradable3 and non-hazardous.4 Its pour point of 鈭�31掳C7 makes it an effective fluid for installations in cooler climates. It has a high fire point of over 350掳C,7 increasing the fire safety of transformers, and can reduce the need for fire protection equipment.
Like all natural ester transformer fluids, Shell MIDEL eN 1204 is best suited for use in non-breathing equipment.
Shell MIDEL natural esters meet IEC 62770, IEEE C57.147 and ASTM D6871 standards.
Shell MIDEL eN 1215
Soybean natural ester fluid
Shell MIDEL eN 1215 is formulated from soybean oil. This product is an efficient general-purpose fluid, ideal for a wide range of transformers located indoors or outdoors. Shell MIDEL natural esters meet IEC 62770, IEEE C57.147 and ASTM D6871 standards.
Shell MIDEL Regen
Regenerated synthetic ester fluid
Shell MIDEL Regen is derived from in-service Shell MIDEL 7131 synthetic ester fluid. It delivers the same Shell MIDEL 7131 benefits of fire safety,1 biodegradability3 and transformer performance that customers have come to expect from using Shell MIDEL 7131 synthetic ester.
Applications
Having been first introduced to industry in the 1970s,9 Shell MIDEL ester transformer fluids are trusted in a wide range of mainstream large power and distribution applications,2 including:
Utilities
Mining and Underground
Renewables
Data Centres
Rail
Marine
Offshore and Subsea
Commercial and Industrial
1 Shell MIDEL 7131 IEC 61099 is K3 Class. Shell MIDEL eN 1204 and Shell MIDEL eN 1215 IEC 61039 are K2 Class. K classification transformer liquids have a high fire and flash point, and are less flammable. These properties can prevent a transformer fire and help save property, people and the surrounding environment. FM Approved, UL classified.
2 Shell MIDEL internal research and customer data.
3 Shell MIDEL can be claimed as biodegradable according to OECD 301 test (product).
4 Shell MIDEL is non-hazardous according to the CLP regulation and GHS guidance.
5 Shell MIDEL eN 1204 and Shell MIDEL eN 1215 each have 100% biobased carbon content. Both are tested according to the ASTM D6866-21 method. Reported results are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Testing Accreditation PJLA #59423 standards, and all chemistry was performed at Beta Analytic testing laboratory and counted in its accelerators in Miami, Florida, August 2021.
6 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鈥� local legislation and laws.
7 Shell MIDEL 7131 meets IEC 61099 and ASTM D8240 specifications. Shell MIDEL eN 1204 and eN 1215 meet IEC 62770 and ASTM D6871 specifications.
8 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.
9 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.
