ABB Introduction to Relion® 611/615/620 Series

Introduction to Relion® 611/615/620 Series

The Relion® 611/615/620 series are compact and flexible protection and control relays designed by ABB for power distribution in utility and industrial applications. These devices are used for the protection, control, measurement, and supervision of power systems. The series includes various models such as REF615, RET620, and REM611. This document provides end-of-life instructions to ensure the responsible recycling and disposal of these products, focusing on safe disassembly and material separation. The instructions are applicable to all three series (611, 615, and 620) due to their similar construction, using the REF620 model as a comprehensive reference.

Critical Safety Precautions and Required Equipment

Safety is paramount during the disassembly process. Before beginning, it is mandatory to ensure the device is completely de-energized and all cables are disconnected. All disassembly operations must be performed by qualified personnel with adequate knowledge of the process. Adherence to local safety regulations is essential. The required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) includes EN388-compliant cut-protection gloves, EN ISO 20345-compliant safety footwear, and EN166-compliant safety glasses. The necessary tools for the procedure include TX10 and TX20 screwdrivers, a 7 mm wrench, a small flathead screwdriver, and a 2.5 mm hex key.

Disassembly Procedure Overview

The manual provides a detailed, step-by-step visual guide for disassembling the relay to optimize the recycling process. The procedure begins with the removal of external modules like the Communication (COM) and Analog Input (AIM) modules. Subsequently, the main plug-in unit is extracted from its case. The process continues with the separation of various connectors, the enclosure itself, internal modules (CPU, BIO, PSM), the backplane (BPL), and the Local Human-Machine Interface (LHMI). Each step is illustrated to ensure components are removed correctly, facilitating the sorting of different materials for recycling.

Material Composition and Recyclability

The reference product (REF620) weighs approximately 5.15 kg. The material composition is dominated by electronics, which constitute 43% of the total weight. Metals are the next largest category, with low-alloyed steel making up 27%, aluminum 18%, and stainless steel 3%. Other materials include polycarbonate (6%), brass (<1%), zinc (<1%), rubber (<1%), and silicone-based components (<1%).

The product has a high potential for recycling and recovery. According to the IEC/TR 62635 standard for Europe, the recovery potential (including recycling and energy recovery) is 79%. The recyclability potential is stated as 60%, although this can be affected by challenges in recycling plastics with flame-retardant additives, such as polycarbonate.

Hazardous Substances and Critical Raw Materials

To ensure safe handling and disposal, the document identifies substances of concern. According to SCIP (Substances of Concern In Products) regulations, the product contains certain substances from the ECHA Candidate List, and specific SCIP numbers are provided for each series to allow for safe handling during disassembly and recycling. The manual also lists the presence of Critical Raw Materials as defined by the EU, including significant amounts of copper (approx. 281 g), nickel (22 g), and manganese (10 g), alongside smaller quantities of silicon, titanium, cobalt, and palladium. This information is vital for specialized recycling processes that aim to recover valuable and critical materials.