July 6, 2015

Interview with Barry Menzies, Head of MIDEL Transformer Fluids at M&I Materials

What’s the history behind M&I Materials and MIDEL? People are sometimes surprised to learn how long we have been around. M&I Materials dates back to...

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What’s the history behind M&I Materials and MIDEL?

People are sometimes surprised to learn how long we have been around. M&I Materials dates back to 1901 (The Mica Insulator Company), but it developed a prominent role in the transformer industry in 1979 when we patented MIDEL 7131 synthetic ester-based transformer dielectric fluid. This was prompted by the need to replace PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) which, at the time, were widely used in transformers, but then found to be toxic. MIDEL eN natural ester was introduced in 2005. A critical turning point for MIDEL occurred in 1993 when M&I Materials was founded as a result of a management buy-out from owner GEC Alsthom, giving us the ability to focus on the transformer industry and develop the expertise our customers have come to expect from us.

How did opportunities develop for MIDEL?

After the initial introduction of MIDEL into the transformer market, it quickly became apparent that more opportunities existed – we could see that the specific performance characteristics of MIDEL could influence the future design and deployment of transformers worldwide. Since then we have continued to focus on developing our knowledge of the chemistry of the fluids, their impact on transformer design and the application of MIDEL transformers to both support our customers and facilitate innovation.

Since the buy-out in 1993, the M&I team has been working closely with the leading transformer manufacturers (OEMs) and utilities, commercial and industrial entities (end users) to further embed the use of MIDEL in the industry. The company has positioned itself in the market not only as a materials supplier, but also as a solution provider to transformer OEMs and end users. The 15-fold growth since 1993 is a clear vindication of the company’s focus on addressing the needs of an evolving transformer industry.

MIDEL was initially recognised as a viable alternative to mineral oil in niche applications where fire safety or environmental impact presented substantial risks. Over time, we’ve built on this success to respond to end users’ changing needs and we’re seeing more widespread use in standard specifications.

The journey has taken us from small distribution units, indoor and underground sites, through wind, traction and transmission applications to the latest 400 kV-range transformers. The locations vary from high altitude to deep sea and extremes of both cold and heat. MIDEL enables transformer OEMs and service companies across the globe to increase their value proposition and competitive advantage.

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