The aluminum manufacturing plant, Hydro Extrusions, chooses the safe and sustainable, Eaton SF₆ gas-free power management technologies to reduce the plant’s environmental impact and carbon footprint.
We have installed one FMX switchgear for Hydro Extrusions which uses vacuum technology instead of SF₆ gas with the same physical and technical characteristics as SF₆ insulated switchgear. The technology from Eaton is quick and easy to install, and safe for the workers and the environment.
We always recommend environmentally friendly solutions for electrical installations when possible because great alternatives without SF6 gas do exist.
Hydro Extrusions is a global supplier of aluminum. The Norwegian company was founded in 1905 and operates in 40 countries. In addition to the production of primary aluminum, rolled and extruded products and recycling, Hydro Extrusions also extracts bauxite, refines alumina and generates energy.
At Hydro Extrusions’ plant in Magnor, Norway, they produce 7,500 tons of aluminum products each year which is typically distributed to markets within construction, electronics, off-shore and transport. The extruded aluminum is used for a wide range of products, like windows, doors, electronic components and scaffoldings. Fundamentally, securing electricity at this plant is vital in order to ensure production is not impacted in any way, and in 2019 Hydro Extrusions renewed its medium voltage equipment at the plant in Magnor.
The Norwegian company Laje Nettservice installed an Eaton Power Xpert FMX at the Hydro Extrusions’ plant. Eaton’s Power Xpert FMX is used for application up to 24 kV medium voltage sustainability networks and is completely free of the dangerous SF₆ gas. This new generation of environmentally friendly air-insulated switchgear uses vacuum technology combined with easily recyclable materials.
Switchgear vacuum technology has the same effect as switchgear using SF₆ gas but the fundamental difference is vacuum technology does not impact the environment like that of SF₆ gas. Eaton’s Power Xpert FMX features primary components which are contained in a sealed tank mitigating environmental influences. Additionally, visible isolation-earthing and an arc proof enclosure ensure optimal operator safety. The design of the system with load break switches and circuit breakers utilizing vacuum interrupters results in minimal maintenance requirement. As a result of minimal upkeep requirement, operator switching errors are kept to a minimum due to the simple and obvious operation.
"We have installed one FMX switchgear for Hydro Extrusions which uses vacuum technology instead of SF₆ gas with the same physical and technical characteristics as SF₆ insulated switchgears. The technology from Eaton is quick and easy to install, and safe for the workers and the environment. We always recommend environmentally friendly solutions for electrical installations when possible because great alternatives without SF₆ gas exist,” says Rolv Marius Faleide, group leader for Laje Nettservice.
Hydro Extrusions is an inspiration to the industry, showing how easy it is to adapt to a more sustainable future without the risk of emitting severe greenhouse gases. The SF₆-free solution from Eaton also ensures minimum maintenance is required, as well as delivering a safer working environment with a reliable and safe system for distributing electrical energy to the plant.