Press Release Back Number(2008)

Authorization Granted for Partial Change to Transformer Recycling Center Plan

January 30, 2008
Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.

Since April 2005, Chubu Electric has been building a Transformer Recycling Center to clean utility pole transformers that had used insulating oil accidentally containing trace amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) so that these transformers could be used effectively as resources.

During the equipment design process, we have found it necessary to make a partial change to the original plan. In keeping with the Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law, we applied with Aichi Prefecture to authorize the change (this was previously announced on October 22, 2007). This is to report that Chubu Electric received this authorization today.

Going forward, Chubu Electric plans to test-operate the recycling center and begin full operations in the first half of FY2008.


Overview of transformer recycling center

  • • Location
    3-5 Higashihama, Tobishima-mura, Ama-gun, Aichi Prefecture
  • • Site area
    About 20,000 square meters
  • • Processing equipment
    PCB contamination (utility pole transformer) cleaning equipment
    Cleaning capacity: Up to 100 tons/day (360 units/day) [continuous, 24-hour processing]
  • • What will be cleaned
    Containers and components of utility pole transformers containing low concentrations of PCBs and owned by Chubu Electric
    Units to be processed: about 765,000
  • • Period of operation
    About 8 years
  • • Start of operations
    First half of FY2008 (scheduled)

< Attachment >

Description of Changes in Cleaning Equipment


Components of cleaning equipment (general overview)

The figure below illustrates how the equipment works. The item to be cleaned (in this example, a transformer case) is put into a special basket and immersed into the cleaning tank, where it is cleaned by exposure to cleaning solvent.

Table 1 describes a change to the ultrasonic oscillators and other changes to the cleaning equipment.



Table 1:
Change to Ultrasonic Oscillators and Other Changes to the Cleaning Equipment


Items changed Updated contents Reason for change
Change in ultrasonic oscillators Number and placement of ultrasonic oscillators Reliability assurance
Other changes Cleaning
tank		 Diameter and wall thickness of nozzles Improved safety
Nozzle position Pipe assembly adjustment
Form of steam jacket Improved safety
Vaporizer Form of fixing nozzle for liquid surface detection switch Reliability assurance