News, events and information: StaSo^®

2024

SCL certification successfully completed

For the area of “Logistics insulating oil services for high-voltage aggregates”, the verification of the conformity of occupational health and safety awareness and behavior with the requirements of the Safety Culture Ladder (SCL) version 4.2 was externally checked and confirmed – a „SCL Light Statement“ certificate was issued.

More information on certificates here:

Again the formal monitoring of the refining operation in accordance with the IE directive for systems in accordance with Section 3 of the Fourth Ordinance for the Implementation of the Federal Immission Control Act (4th BImSchV) finished without any complaints

The Schleswig-Holstein State Office for the Environment (LfU) successfully carried out the legally required monitoring of Starke & Sohn refining operations on a recurring basis and published the monitoring report, which did not contain any deficiencies.

More information on the LfU monitoring report here:

Internal optimization project “H4 MSRopti” successfully completed

The planned optimization of the current production of transformer oils and Premium base oils MSR were successfully implemented by installing additional tubular reactor packages including the associated supply equipment.

Internal optimization project “H5 AbfA” realized

By investing in a filling system for containers, including the associated supply and picking equipment, optimizations with regard to occupational safety-related conditions, skilled worker requirements and reductions in risk potential were implemented as planned.

2023

StaSo^® Transformer oil I – with “Space Flight Certificate”

StaSo^® Transformer Oil I was used to support an electrical switch experiment on the International Space Station (ISS) (FARGO: Ferrofluid Application Research Goes Orbital) at the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart. The FARGO mission flew to the ISS on the SpaceX CRS-27 mission with a Falcon 9 rocket in the Cargo Dragon C209 on March 15, 2023. After successful experiments, the hardware returned to Earth undamaged on April 15, 2023 – StaSo^® Transformer Oil I is certainly the first recycled first product of its kind in space or on the ISS with a “Space Flight Certificate”.

More in the excerpt from the BVA member information here:

Two-day supplier audit by one of the world’s largest transformer manufacturers was successful

As part of a supplier audit by one of the world’s largest transformer manufacturers, an extremely satisfactory rating level of over 90% was achieved, which will contribute to strengthening and expanding the business relationship and further increasing acceptance as a reliable supplier of recycled transformer oils.

Hitachi Energy and E.ON successfully pilot a circular value chain in distribution transformers with StaSo^® Transformer Oil I in Sweden

In line with its purpose of advancing a sustainable energy future for all, Hitachi Energy successfully delivered distribution transformers using recycled insulation fluid developed in partnership with E.ON, Stena Recycling, and Starke & Sohn GmbH Mineralölwerk. The project exemplifies a complete value chain model for efficiently deploying circular economy concepts for sustainable production and consumption, particularly in electricity systems. The new distribution transformers supplied by Hitachi Energy to E.ON use recycled insulation fluid (i.e., mineral oil) extracted from E.ON’s old, decommissioned transformers.

More information in the Hitachi Energy webstory here:

Re-certifications according to DIN EN ISO 9001 and DIN ISO 45001 as well as a surveillance audit according to § 56 KrWG in conjunction with the Waste Management Ordinance were successfully carried out by TÜV Nord CERT and corresponding certificates were issued

More information on certificates here:

StaSo^® speak at the 7th conference “Insulation systems in high-voltage technology” at the
TU Graz

As part of this 7th specialist conference, once again successfully organized by VUM Umwelt Management GmbH in collaboration with Graz University of Technology and the local Institute for High Voltage Technology and System Management, the “Austrian transformer family” also showed great interest in the presented topic of sustainability when using insulating oils in accordance with IEC 60296 in power transformers.

More information on the sustainability of insulating oils here:

TÜV NORD Systems GmbH & Co. KG again recognized the company as a specialist company in accordance with § 62 AwSV and issued a corresponding certificate

More information on certificates here:

2022

StaSo^® speaks at the 15th Transformer Life Management Conference on the topic of sustainability in the use of insulating oils in accordance with IEC 60296 in power transformers

StaSo^® present the technology for mobile transformer oil regeneration to an interested expert audience at “Transformatordag 2022”

As part of the annual Transformatodag, StaSo^®, in exclusive partnership with Flux Transformer Service BV, presented to the Dutch trade public for the first time the possibility of using this established maintenance service to preserve the value and ensure the service life of transformers in the Netherlands.

Netze BW publishes press release – 75 tons of sustainability

A power transformer from Koncar in the Croatian capital Zagreb was the first of its kind to be filled with 100% recycled transformer oil (StaSo^® Transformer Oil I) and delivered to the distribution network operator Netz BW in Germany.

More information in the Netze BW press release here:

Flux Transformer Service and StaSo^® agree on an exclusive cooperation and partnership for the Netherlands

Based on the already well-established cooperation in the field of transformer service fills, Flux and StaSo^® agree on an exclusive partnership to jointly offer the service of mobile transformer oil regeneration in the Netherlands.

2021

StaSo^® successfully participates in round robin tests for the analysis of base oils and receives a “Certficate of Excellence”

More information on certificates here:

Naphthenic base oils – further development containing esters – StaSo^® base oil MSR 10/40 SE

The ester-additivated, naphthenic base oils with improved solubility for additives, which are already available as standard quality, are now also available in MSR premium quality (MSR = multiple selective refining).

More information in the technical data sheet here:

2020

StaSo^® transformer oil I – fully inhibited “high grade” insulating oil

LABORELEC is the first external and independent laboratory to confirm the quality of StaSo^® transformer oil I in accordance with the requirements of the new IEC 60296: 2020, Type A (Table 3) – inhibited oils with higher oxidation stability and low sulphur content.

Re-certifications according to DIN EN ISO 9001, EfB §56 KrWG as well as an upgrade from BS OHSAS 18001 to DIN ISO 45001 have been successfully confirmed by TÜV Nord CERT

A milestone within the “conservative transformer family” has been reached

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) publishes a revised version of the standard for “Fluids for electrotechnical applications – Mineral insulating oils for electrical equipment”. For the first time, “recycled insulating oils” are also fully integrated in the IEC 60296:2020.

“Corona lockdown” and “oil price crash”

In times of uncertain developments and extraordinary challenges, our suppliers and customers prove to be reliable, trusting, understanding and respectful business partners – at the same time a nice confirmation, motivation and obligation for all our activities.

Internal optimization attempts for technical extensions and process control of our mobile transformer oil regeneration systems (MRA technology) have been successfully completed and further areas of application can now be covered in practice under improved conditions

2019

Security of supply and business developments remain positive

The supply of raw materials to the refinery could be optimized through additional international supply contracts.

StaSo^® transformer oil I – “field service fill” on power transformers

A first, new power transformer was filled with StaSo^® Transformer Oil I “on site” on behalf of a new OEM customer and as part of the sustainability strategy of a renowned grid operator.

The Swiss Expert Commission for High Voltage Issues (FKH) confirms the product performance of StaSo^® Transformer Oil I regarding improved oxidation stability

StaSo^® Transformatorenöl I erfolgreich im „factory fill” “FAT – Factory Acceptance Test

As part of the sustainability strategy of a renowned grid operator, which is promoting the use of “recycled insulating oils” in all grid operations, a “factory fill” and “FAT – Factory Acceptance Test” was successfully carried out with StaSo^®  Transformer Oil I at a new OEM customer.

Starke & Sohn renews its website in a contemporary “responsive design”

2018

Certifications according to DIN EN ISO 9001, BS OHSAS 18001 and EfB § 56 KrWG as expected and successfully monitored and confirmed by TÜV Nord

EDF R&D, France, has no objections to the use of StaSo^® transformer oil I in the “first fill” by transformer manufacturers

Starke & Sohn at the TLM in Neuss – “Transformer expert competition” provides variety

Starke & Sohn again participates as an exhibitor at Transformer Life Management Conference and presents a tricky task to the transformer experts to distinguish established and recycled insulating oils.

Elektrical Engineering Institute “Nikolas Tesla”, Belgrade, Serbia, as external, independent laboratory, confirms the quality of StaSo Transformer Oil I according to the requirements of IEC 60296, chapter 7.1

Starke & Sohn invited by EKZ to participate at the “Powertage” trade fair in Zurich

At the invitation of our long-time cooperation partner EKZ, numerous and interested trade fair visitors visited a mobile transformer oil regeneration plant and received provided expert information about the MRA-Technology from Starke & Sohn during this important exhibition for the Swiss electricity industry.

Starke & Sohn continuously invests in its own logistics

The availability and high-quality equipment of its own truck fleet is extremely important for the flexible and reliable product supply and waste disposal for business partners. Therefore Starke & Sohn is continuously investing in the renewal and expansion of its own fleet: three new special tank trailers with powerful pressure-, vacuum and safety-devices as well as trucks have been put into operation over the last few months.

Once again formal monitoring of the refining operation according to the industry emission guidelines according to § 3 of the 4th BImSchV has been successfully completed without any complaints

The Schleswig-Holstein State Office for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas (LLUR) successfully carried out the legally required monitoring of the refining operations of Starke & Sohn and published the monitoring report whithout any complaints.

2017

Another milestone has been reached: For the first time in continental Europe, a consortium of grid operators is publishing a tender for new transformers in which the “first fill” with “recycled” StaSo^® transformer oils is rewarded with additional evaluation points for the supplier for reasons of sustainability

Starke & Sohn is once again sponsoring the “Oberlausitzer Energiesymposium 2017” at the Technical University of Görlitz / Zittau this year

Electrical Institute Milan Vidmar (EIMV), Ljubljana, Slovenia confirms as an external, independent laboratory the quality of StaSo^® Transformer Oil I according to the requirements of IEC 60296, chapter 7.1

Starke & Sohn gives another lecture at the Institute of High Voltage Technology in Graz as part of the 6th symposium on insulation systems in high voltage technology

Starke & Sohn will also be presenting MSR refining technology to an expert audience and reporting on the experience and acceptance of alternative insulating oil fluids based on recycled naphthenic base oils.

2016

Starke & Sohn at the first “Oberlausitzer Energie Symposium” at the Technical University of Görlitz / Zittau

Starke & Sohn is participating as an exhibitor and will be giving a presentation on MRA technology: Mobile transformer oil regeneration & DBDS elimination.

Certification and monitoring according to DIN EN ISO 9001, BS OHSAS 18001 and EfB § 56 KrWG successfully carried out by TÜV Nord

Starke & Sohn speaks at the TLM in Königswinter

Starke & Sohn again participates as an exhibitor at the Transformer Life Management Conference and lectures on experiences and acceptance of alternative insulating fluids based on recycled naphthenic base oils produced with MSR-Refining-Technology.

2015

Starke & Sohn receives a major order from Vattenfall Europe Generation AG about the mobile regeneration of transformer oils in Germany’s largest Power Plant

Starke & Sohn will run mobile oil regenerations at more than 20 power transformers until end of 2016. The Jänschwalde Power Plant is the largest lignite power plant in Germany with an installed capacity of 3,000 MW and consists of six 500 MW blocks.

Naphthenic base oils – ester-containing specialty – StaSo^® Base oil SE

Starke & Sohn launchs new ester-additivated, naphthenic base oils with improved solubility for additives as a powerful variant for lubricant formulations.

Recertification of management systems DIN EN ISO 9001:2007, BS OHSAS 18001-2007 und EfB §§ 56+57 KrWg passed accomplished by TÜV NORD

EKZ grid service department invites to exchange experiences

With respect to condition-based maintenance in high voltage transformers Starke & Sohn informs about the theory and practice of mobile transformer oil regeneration during an technical meeting for exchanging experiences, organized by EKZ.

Starke & Sohn brings another mobile regeneration asset in operation

With this third system Starke & Sohn is setting again standards in the field of mobile transformer oil regeneration by using latest findings of refining process technologies. This leads to an increased efficiency and effectiveness in such mobile regeneration services.

Customer information on the miscibility and compatibility of transformer oils

StaSo^® transformer oils from Starke & Sohn are miscible and compatible with all insulating oils of the same class, the same group and with the same value for LCSET.

Official monitoring of the refining operation according to the industrial emissions regulations based on § 3 of the 4th BImSchV successfully completed

The Schleswig-Holstein State Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas (LLUR) led the legally required monitoring of the refining operation of Starke & Sohn in November 2014 and published recently the monitoring report without any complaints.

2014

Naphthenic base oils – Launch of a new product range

Starke & Sohn improves established refining techniques and launchs optimized qualities of naphthenic base oils.

Starke & Sohn at the TLM in Neuss

For the first time Starke & Sohn participates as an exhibitor at the Transformer Life Management Conference and reports about the latest results regarding DBDS elimination by using the MRA-technology.

Presentation of a mobile regeneration plant at the Institute of High Voltage Engineering in Graz

During the 5th workshop of VERBUND Umwelttechnik and the Institute of High Voltage Engineering and System Management at the Technical University of Graz Starke & Sohn granted to interested participants practical insights into the operation of a mobile regeneration plant for transformer oils.

Starke & Sohn extends activities in Turkey

Starke & Sohn and Özinarlav agree on closer cooperation to supply the Turkish market and neighboring regions with StaSo^® transformer oils.

2013

Certifications according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2007, BS OHSAS 18001-2007 and EfB §§ 56+57 KrWg successfully monitored and confirmed by TÜV Nord CERT

Major project for DBDS removal from transformer oils successfully realised

Starke & Sohn demonstrate once again that they are leaders in technology when it comes to transformer-oil regeneration.

Starke & Sohn present at the EXPO Energy Technology in Bilten

The electricity supply companies of the Canton of Zurich hosted an exhibition in Bilten; Starke & Sohn, in support for the specialist audience, showed a mobile regeneration plant in situ.

Work-safety management system from Starke & Sohn is certified in accordance with OHSAS 18001

Following on from the established quality-management system under ISO 9001, Starke & Sohn has achieved certification under OHSAS (Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series), the best known international standard for management systems governing health and safety at work. In doing so, Starke & Sohn is underlining its own high standards of health and safety at work, supplementing the firm’s existing policy on environmental protection, quality and safety, and thus meeting the increasing requirements posed by its customers and suppliers.

2012

Services of a particular kind – intermediate storage and transport of transformer oils

When converting, overhauling or repairing transformers, and even in cases transformer breakdown, Starke & Sohn will undertake proper transport and temporary storage, for value retention of transformer oils and their re-usage.

Effective management system from Starke & Sohn confirmed by TÜV NORD

In the course of the re-certification audit of ISO 9001:2008, the efficacy and further development of the established quality-management system was scrutinised and certified accordingly.

Starke & Sohn confirmed as specialist waste-disposal firm as expected

TÜV NORD CERT GmbH carried out the sixteenth scrutiny audit and confirmed in the usual way that Starke and Sohn meets the requirements of the Ordinance on Waste Disposal Companies pursuant to Sections 56 and 57 of the German Recycling Act (KrWG).

Starke & Sohn at HIVOLTEC 2012

Starke & Sohn showed its specialist services for the energy industry, covering every aspect of transformer oils.

Starke & Sohn to lecture at the Institute of High Voltage Engineering at the Graz University of Technology

Starke & Sohn GmbH will give a lecture on “Mobile transformer oil regeneration during running operation – removal of ageing products and DBDS” together with Verbund Umwelttechnik GmbH at the Institute of High Voltage Engineering and System Management.

EKZ and Starke & Sohn present mobile transformer-oil regeneration

In the course of two events for customers and other interested parties, visitors to the EKZ plant in Zurich were able to see a mobile regeneration plant in situ for themselves, with all its practical applications, and to expand their knowledge of this subject.

2011

Starke & Sohn takes newly designed mobile regeneration system into operation

This second plant will broaden the range of applications for this technology and enable the realization of further projects.
Starke & Sohn is thus underlining its claim to technological leadership in the field of transformer oil regeneration in Europe.

Starke & Sohn takes newly designed mobile regeneration system into operation

In the course of two events for customers and other interested parties, visitors to the EKZ plant in Zurich were able to see a mobile regeneration plant in situ for themselves, with all its practical applications, and to expand their knowledge of this subject.

Starke & Sohn to invest in new IT equipment

In order to meet the increased capacity, safety and quality requirements, Starke & Sohn invests in new IT technology.
As part of this investment, a new laboratory database is also implemented in order to further improve the possibilities with regard to traceability and sustainable documentation of analyses.

GDF Suez / Farge power plant focuses on reliability and flexibility

In the course of a turbine service, Starke & Sohn took over used turbine oil for re-utilisation to deadline, underlining once again the factors which are really important in practice.

2010

Stadtwerke Bochum is the first regeneration customer of Starke & Sohn

Starke & Sohn GmbH have completed their first mobile transformer oil regeneration job under own management at the municipal energy supplier Stadtwerke Bochum.