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  1. #1
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    Default Old Oxford oil-immersed electric arc welding set's oil capacity ??

    Hi, my name's Ross, from Penrith / Sydney. I've recently acquired an old oil-immersed electric arc welding set from a family friend. Namely, an OXFORD Model RT 180 (Welding Current: 20 – 180 Amps). As a safety maintenance precaution I'm keen to replace the original Shell Diala Oil B (which, according to Vivaenergy or Shell, was apparently made obsolete over 7 years ago - the current suitable and/or compatible replacement being Shell Diala S4 ZX-1) before tinkering around with the unit. However, not having an Owner's Manual (and short of actually draining and measuring the oil) I'd greatly appreciate it if anybody could tell me the appropriate capacity of oil required to fill the tank. Note, I’ve also found out that the old Shell Diala Oil B maybe a PCB based transformer oil which is mildly carcinogenic and classed in the USA as toxic waste. Lovely….a sure case of safe handling, particularly if I remove the top plate’s securing bolts, drain the oil and clean the tank prior to re-filling it with the likes of Diala S4 ZX-1. Thereafter, I'm very much looking forward to resurrecting and productively using this apparently marvellous old machine. So, any idea of the related oil capacity ?
    Cheers.

  2. #2
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    Quote Originally Posted by Chimbu View Post
    Note, I’ve also found out that the old Shell Diala Oil B maybe a PCB based transformer oil which is mildly carcinogenic and classed in the USA as toxic waste. Lovely….a sure case of safe handling, particularly if I remove the top plate’s securing bolts, drain the oil and clean the tank prior to re-filling it with the likes of Diala S4 ZX-1. Thereafter, I'm very much looking forward to resurrecting and productively using this apparently marvellous old machine. So, any idea of the related oil capacity ?
    Cheers.
    Sorry can help with the capacity but I looked a 3 MSDS sheets for the Shell Dial Oil B and 2 don't mention PCBs and this one, http://www.dayanoilco.com/upload/product/1451466431.pdf , says it is free of PCBs.

    When you go to dispose of it don't say it was used for transformer cooling or they will automatically assume it contains PCB, tell them it was something else.

  3. #3
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    Hello Ross,

    I have to ask, why are you so eager to replace the oil in the welder? Shell Diala B Transformer Oil was an industry standard for decades, and the fact that it is "obsolete" probably simply means that Shell now markets a new product which has some improved specifications. I spent part of my early working life at Ferguson Transformers, in Chatswood (Sydney), and my recollection is that Diala B, which was used in that company's pole transformers, was NOT PCB based, but a mineral oil. Please make some effort to verify this, Shell would be a good place to start.

    Chas.

  4. #4
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    Message deleted due to it being one of multiple entries that were generated by the forum's erratic software !
    Last edited by Chimbu; 26th Jan 2018 at 09:08 AM. Reason: one of several replies

  5. #5
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    Message deleted due to it being one of multiple entries that were generated by the forum's erratic software !

  6. #6
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    Message deleted due to it being one of multiple entries that were generated by the forum's erratic software !

  7. #7
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    BobL, sincere thanks for your reply....it thankfully appears that handling the Diala B oil won't be as potentially hazardous as previously informed. I've since emailed Oxford Welders in the hope of being advised of the old unit's actual oil capacity, refer; Oxford Welders | Home

  8. #8
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    Chas, it's heartening to know that Diala B's not PCB based. As to why I'm inclined to replace the oil - the original owner brought the unit out from the UK about 4 decades ago when he migrated to Oz and claims to have rarely checked the oil level during its relatively extensive usage. In turn, the oil dipstick reading indicates that the tank actually needs topping up. Rightly or wrongly, I'm inclined to be cautious about the oil being potentially contaminated or chemically broken down over such a long period. Further, as stated, Vivaenergy/Shell have recently informed me that Diala S4 ZX-1's the current compatible replacement, but, being classed as an industrial product, it's apparently only available in 209L containers - clearly impractical for either topping up the tank or a complete oil change. Accordingly, I would greatly appreciate it if you, or anyone else on this forum, could recommend me a 'transformer service company' of sorts that uses Diala S4 ZX-1 such that I could hopefully purchase a suitable volume so that I can then 'safely' resurrect and utilise the ancient Oxford RT 180.

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