Materials Compatibility: MIDEL 7131
As a general rule, materials that are used in the manufacture of standard mineral oil-filled transformers are compatible with MIDEL 7131.
The technical department at M&I Materials Limited is continuously testing the compatibility of MIDEL 7131 with commonly used transformer materials, as well as some ancillary materials such as hoses and adhesives.
This page lists by application the materials which have been tested and are thus considered compatible with MIDEL 7131.
It also draws attention to materials which are considered incompatible or are recommended for use only in particular circumstances. For example neoprene rubber may be used as a binder in cork composites but should not be used on its own. The list is not exhaustive and is intended for guidance only.
Materials are listed by type but within a specific type there may be available several proprietary formulations. The response of different formulations to MIDEL 7131 may vary according to the additives used. This applies particularly to elastomers and polymers.
It is strongly recommended that if a material not listed is critical to equipment performance the manufacturer should be consulted and tests carried out. We would be pleased to liaise with the manufacturer and if necessary carry out tests ourselves.
| Application | Compatible Materials |
| Seals and ‘O’ Rings | Nitrile Rubber (BS2751)1, Silicone Rubber, Polyurethane Rubber, Fluorocarbon Rubber (Viton), PTFE (Teflon), Nylon / Polyamide PA6, Fluorosilicone |
| Gaskets and Jointings | Cork Bonded with Nitrile (Nebar Grey & Nebar Purple) / Cork Bonded with Neoprene Rubber2 (Nebar White and Nebar Orange), Cork Bonded with Nitrile / Chloroprene, Frenzelit Gaskets |
| Wire and Wire Enamels | Polyesterimide / Polyamidimide Coated Copper (Synflex), Polyester, Epoxy, Polyurethane |
| Tank Enamels3 | Alkyd, Polyurethane Modified Alkyd, Polyurethane, Epoxy |
| Insulating Varnishes | Alkyd, Acrylic, Epoxy, Polyurethane, Polyimide |
| Plastics / Sheet | boPET (Mylar), Cellulose Triacetate, Polyester (Melinex), Cotton / Epoxy Resin (TUFNOL 4F / 45), Cotton / Phenolic Resin (TUFNOL CARP), PVC Sheet4 (Sika-Trocal), Glass / Epoxy Resin (HGW), Polyetheretherketone Film (APTIV Grade 1000), Polymethyl Methacrylate (Perspex), Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, Polythene, Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Glass (FRP), Acetal Copolymer (Ertacetal C), Close Cell Polymethacrylimide (PMI) Foam, Polyviny Alcohol (PVA), Cross Linked Polyethylene (XLPE)5, Nylon / Polyamide PA6 |
| Sleevings | Epoxy / Glass, Silicone Glass, Polyurethane / Glass, Polyester / Glass, Silicone Coated Glass Braided Sleeving (SCGB) |
| Metals | Copper, Phosphor Bronze, Aluminium, Iron, Brass, Zinc Plated Steel6 |
| Cable | Fluoropolymer (Raychem Flexlite), PVC4 (Soflex TQ). Cross Linked Modified Polyester (Raychem 99M) |
| Hose | Goodyear SAE J30R3 (Inner only compatible), Gates Premoflex, Trelleborg Chemikler D-UPE (Inner only compatible) |
| Adhesives / Sealants | Bisphenol F-Epoxy Resin (Araldite 2014), Dimethacrylate Ester (Loctite 601), Silicone Sealant (loctite 5920), Gum Arabic Adhesive |
| Miscellaneous | Kraft Paper, Aramid Paper (Nomex), Pressboard7,Phenolic Paper Laminate, Porcelain, Cotton Tape, Mica Insulation (Mica), Polyurethane Casting Resin, Diamond Patterned Epoxy Paper, Elephantide, Plywood, PVC Cable Sheathing4 |
| 1. Nitrile rubber is produced in many grades, some of which may contain additives or binders which are not compatible with MIDEL 7131, For this reason it is recommmended that customers use BS2751 Nitrile. | |
| 2. Neoprene Rubber is an acceptable binder for cork but should not be used on its own. EPDM is plasticised by both mineral oil and MIDEL 7131, and so should be avoided in immersion conditions. | |
| 3. Tank Enamels based on natural resins (solvented in IMS), although resistant to MIDEL 7131, may leach out acidity on ageing. | |
| 4. PVC may release plasticisers into MIDEL 7131 and after prolonged immersion become brittle. | |
| 5. Extensive testing has shown that XLPE is only acceptable for use with MIDEL 7131 at temperatures up to 80°C. Contact between these materials above this temperature is not recommended. | |
| 6. Zinc Plated Steel components are not recommended apart from small fasteners. Chromate passivation, although unaffected by MIDEL 7131, will break down at normal transformer operating temperatures and ideally should not be used. | |
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7. Certain papers and pressboards may release dye into MIDEL 7131. This has not been found to adversely affect MIDEL 7131 or its insulation properties.
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| Application | Incompatible Materials |
| Rubber and Plastics | EPDM, Neoprene Rubber, Natural Rubber, Polychloroprene, Polystyrene |
| Hose | Cross Linked Polyolefin (Raychem ZHTM), AQP Elastomer (Aeroquip FC332AQP), Elastomer (Raychem DR-25-1-0-SP), UV Stabilised Polyolefin (Raychem HX-SCE) |
| Sealant | Low Modulus Silicone (Bostik Bond-Flex) |
| Miscellaneous | Ethylene Propylene Rubber (Self Amalgamating Tape) |