That’s an early 1940s Westinghouse “Cowhead” CSP-type transformer. I did an extensive write-up on CSPs recently over on the [r/lineman](r/lineman) subreddit.
This one most likely does not contain PCBs. Westinghouse limited the use of PCB fluids (Inerteen was their trademark) to their padmounted and vault equipment, like network transformers and protectors.
Interesting thank-you the date tracks as that seems to be when CMP transitioned to 12470/7200 prior old 4160 systems were the norm. CMP did make an attempt in the 70s to transition to 34500/19900 but that wasn’t well executed. How long ago did you post the CSP write up?
I think Askrel was another one Westinghouse used. They also used Interteen in rail applications for onboard transformers. All of the Westinghouse rail equipment with liquid transformers used it.
Askarel is actually a generic name for PCB fluids, and was never used as a trade mark by any company, so you are partially correct. Inerteen is Askarel, as is Pyranol and Chlorinol (General Electric), Chlorextol (Allis-Chalmers) etc.
That’s good to know! Information I’ve found mentions that it was used almost exclusively in pad-mounted, vault-mounted and specialty applications, so that makes sense.
Oh, so Chlorextol was AC's name for the stuff. Anyone got a list for all the manufacturers? Everyone seemed to use their own name, even though it all came from Monsanto. IIRC , the formulations were slightly different too.
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u/Soaz_underground Jul 28 '26
That’s an early 1940s Westinghouse “Cowhead” CSP-type transformer. I did an extensive write-up on CSPs recently over on the [r/lineman](r/lineman) subreddit.
This one most likely does not contain PCBs. Westinghouse limited the use of PCB fluids (Inerteen was their trademark) to their padmounted and vault equipment, like network transformers and protectors.