Disposal - ABB POLIM Operating Instructions Manual

7

Disposal

POLIM® and MWK/MWD type surge arresters are environmentally-friendly products. They
must be disposed of in accordance with regional environmental regulations. Their materials
are suitable for recycling.
Constituent components are:
ƒ Silicone rubber (not halogenated) for the external insulation
ƒ Terminals and other parts made of aluminium
ƒ Metal-oxide resistors
ƒ Fibreglass-reinforced plastic lugs
ƒ Steel mounting hardware
Silicone rubber (not halogenated)
The silicone rubber can decompose into SiO
oxide resistors.
Metal-oxide resistors
The metal-oxide resistors are sintered ceramic bodies composed mainly of ZnO (90%). In
accordance with the rules of the European Union for hazardous substances, with reference
to the Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 on classification, labeling and packaging of substances
and mixtures, and the Directive 2008/98/EC on waste, the following other substances are
present in the metal-oxide resistors:
ƒ Bi O >1% by weight
2 3
ƒ Sb O , Co
2 3
After the sinter production process, these oxides are part of a new composition within
the ZnO-resistor ceramic bulk material, which is chemically bonded. No exposition occurs.
In addition, the metal-oxide resistors are coated with a thin glass layer (<0.1% by weight)
containing PbO.
A leaching test, according to the Council Decision of 19 December 2002 and directive
1999/31/EC on acceptance of waste at landfills, has therefore been performed. The test is
much more arduous than reality since the test is performed with material in ground form.
Despite this, all substances listed in the Council Decision of 19 December 2002, except Pb,
fulfilled the criteria for inert non-hazardous waste. It is very likely that a test performed on
metal-oxide resistor blocks, parted but not ground, would fulfil the criteria for inert non-
hazardous waste for all substances.
No danger to personal health or to the environment is present if disposed of properly.
Constituent components of the disconnecting device
ƒ Terminals and metallic parts made of aluminium
ƒ Enclosure made of thermoset material
ƒ Small propellant charge
If the disconnecting device has not been damaged it can be assumed that the small
propellant charge had not been tripped. In this case, the disconnecting device must be
disposed of as hazardous waste according to the local laws and regulations. Do not open
the disconnecting device.
Tripped disconnecting devices can be recycled or disposed of as non-hazardous waste.
1HC0141361 AA | EN | Operating instructions
O , NiO, Cr O >0.1% by weight
2 3 2 3
and CO , thus uncovering the encased metal-
2 2
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