[Milsurplus] Transformer Question

[J. Forster]

Do you know what the potting material is?  The most important question is will it melt under modest heat. Tar and wax will. Epoxies, silicones, and urathanes will not.

If it melts at a modest temperature, you can likely melt it out. REMEMBER, tar and wax BURN. The vapors will catch fire. This is not an enterprise to be taken lightly. Your heat source must be non-flame and not heat the stuff or its vapors above the flash point. If you are tempted, do it outside in a large, clear, open space.  A good temperature controlled, explosion
proof  lab hotplate, without exposed heating coils, might work.  Also think about a water bath. Remember, this is dangerous. Think big grease fire.

If the potting compound set up by a chemical reaction, you will need the correct stripper. Methylene chloride works for some, but it's slow and very toxic by contact or inhalation. Epoxy strip is even worse. It burns like hell.

Think very serously about finding a pro to do the whole job for you. Just my $.02 worth.

-John



Keith Densmore wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> I have before me a large TMC plate transformer that exibits a path from the HV winding to its metal case. I have removed the top of the metal case and now need to remove a bunch of potting material to get rid of the short. Any suggestions as to the best way to remove this stuff? ie solvents, drilling, heating etc. Never had to do this before so it's a new one on me.
>
> Thanks to all, 73
>
> Keith, VE3GEM
>
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