Our technologies are low energy, low carbon, low emission and driven by the principles of sustainability.

Imagine transforming something that was considered waste into a renewable product with an infinite lifecycle. This is precisely what Hydrodec’s patented process does. Used naphthenic-based transformer oil, both non-PCB and PCB-regulated, is made better than new.

In 1992. Australia’s government-backed Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) conducted research for the nation’s power industry to find a way to deconstruct polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the potential cancer-causing organic compounds in naphthenic distillate (transformer oil). PCBs were routinely added to enhance the performance of transformer oil until banned in the 1970’s.

The result was nothing short of remarkable - an almost zero emission (de minimis in the US) process yielding a product that meets, if not exceeds, the relevant industry standards for new transformer oil.

This newly refined oil, now known as SUPERFINE™, often out performs new oil. Even better, this has the ability to be refined again and again without compromising quality or performance, all in accordance with the appropriate regulations.

The Hydrodec technology is a true catalytic process.

At Hydrodec’s existing facilities in Young, NSW and Canton, Ohio, the used oil is added into a recirculating hydrogen stream. Hydrodec’s patented hydrogen treatment mix is heated to a reaction temperature in a direct contact heater and this mix is passed down through a hydrotreating catalyst within the main reactor. This is where the refining action takes place. The catalyst is a spectator to the reaction and is neither consumed nor wasted. This mix leaves the catalyst and the excess hydrogen is separated and recirculated back to the beginning of the process where it is used again and again. The refined oil is quenched, water washed and once this water is removed is deemed SUPERFINE™.

Refining makes the molecules stronger and delivers a cleaner, longer-lasting better performing oil.

Hydrodec’s patented process recovers nearly 100% of the naphthenic distillate with near zero emissions and no hazardous waste associated with traditional refining. It removes and in fact deconstructs all PCBs.

Every one million gallons of naphthenic distillate refined by Hydrodec has the same CO2 reduction value as the installation of a 6MW wind farm.

Hydrodec Group PLC products

Superfine - Transformer Oil