Types of test[edit]

Color; e.g., ASTM D1500.

Dielectric breakdown voltage; e.g., D 877, ASTM D1816
Dissolved gas analysis; e.g., ASTM D3612
Dissolved metals; e.g., ASTM D7151
Flash point, fire point; e.g., ASTM D92
Interfacial tension; e.g. D 971
Furanic compounds; e.g., ASTM D5837
Karl Fischer moisture; e.g., ASTM D1533
Liquid power factor; e.g., ASTM D924
Neutralization number; e.g., ASTM D974
Oxidation inhibitor content; e.g., ASTM D2668
Polychlorinated biphenyls content; e.g., ASTM D4059
Relative density (specific gravity); e.g., D 1298, ASTM D1524
Resistivity; e.g., ASTM D1169
Visual examination; e.g., ASTM D1524
International transformer oil testing standards[edit]
VDE370-5/96
OVE EN60156
IEC 60156/95,
ASTM1816-04-1
ASTM1816-04-2
ASTM877-02A
ASTM877-02B
AS1767.2.1
BS EN60156
NEN 10 156
NF EN60156
PA SEV EN60156
SABS EN60156
UNE EN60156
IS:6792 of 1972

Paul gill
Chapter 4 Insulating Oils, Fluids, and Gases
4.2.2 Insulating Oil Testing ......................................................... 196
4.2.2.1 Dielectric Breakdown
Voltage Test (Cup Tests) ...................................... 197
4.2.2.2 Acidity Test ...........................................................200
4.2.2.3 Interfacial Tension (IFT) ..................................... 201
4.2.2.4 Color Test .............................................................. 201
4.2.2.5 Power Factor Test ................................................. 201
4.2.2.6 Specifi c Gravity .................................................... 202
4.2.2.7 Water Content Test (Karl Fisher Method) ........ 202
4.2.3 Combustible Gas Analysis of Insulating Oil ...................203
4.2.3.1 Introduction ..........................................................203
4.2.3.2 TCG ........................................................................203
4.2.3.3 DGA .......................................................................204
4.2.3.4 Comparing the Two Methods ............................204
4.2.3.5 Interpretation of Gas Analysis ...........................204
4.2.3.6 Assessing the Transformer Condition
Using the TCGA in the Gas Space ....................206
4.2.3.7 Assessing the Transformer Condition
Using the DGA Method...................................... 207
4.2.3.8 Fault Types and Associated Key Gases ............208
4.3 Less Flammable Insulating Fluids .................................................209
4.4 Insulating Liquid Sampling Procedures ....................................... 210
4.4.1 Sampling Oil from Transformers........................................ 211
4.4.2 Sampling Oil from Drums
or Shipping Containers ........................................................ 211
4.4.3 Taking Oil Samples for Gas-in-Oil Analysis .................... 212
4.5 Maintenance and Reconditioning of Insulating
Oil and Fluids .................................................................................... 212
4.5.1 Reconditioning Used Insulating Oils ................................ 213
4.5.1.1 Natural Precipitation .............................................. 213
4.5.1.2 Filter Presses ............................................................ 214
4.5.1.3 Filter Press Operation ............................................ 215
4.5.1.4 Cartridge Filters ...................................................... 215
4.5.1.5 Centrifuges .............................................................. 215
4.5.1.6 Coalescers ................................................................ 217
4.5.1.7 Vacuum Dehydrators ............................................. 217
4.5.2 Maintenance of Less Flammable Fluids ............................ 217
4.5.2.1 Maintenance of RTemp .......................................... 217
4.5.2.2 Maintenance of Silicone ........................................ 218
4.5.2.3 Maintenance of Wecosol .......................................220
4.5.2.4 Maintenance of Environtemp (FR3) ....................223
4.5.2.5 Maintenance of Askarels ......................................227

Test limits for shipments of new mineral insulating oil as

received from the supplier
Test and method Limit value
Dielectric strength
ASTM D1816
kV minimum
b
1 mm gap 20
b
2 mm gap 35
Dissipation factor (power factor)
ASTM D924
25 C, % maximum 0.05
100 C, % maximum 0.30
Interfacial tension
ASTM D971
mN/m minimum 40
Color
ASTM D1500
ASTM units maximum 0.5
Visual examination
ASTM D1524 Bright and clear
Neutralization number (acidity)
ASTM D974
c
mg KOH/g maximum 0.015
Water content
ASTM D1533
d c
mg/kg maximum 25
Oxidation inhibitor content when specified
ASTM D2668
Type I oil, % maximum 0.08
Type I oil, % minimum 0.0
Type II oil, % maximum 0.3
Type II oil, % minimum >0.08
Corrosive sulfur
ASTM D1275 Not corrosive
Relative density (specific gravity)
ASTM D1298
15 C/15 C maximum 0.91

a Oil dielectric testing in accordance with ASTM D877 has been replaced by ASTM D1816 in Table 1. See 5.2.1.
b
Alternative measurements of 1.0 mm (0.04 in) and 2.0 mm (0.08 in), respectively, for gaps.
c
This value is more stringent than the ASTM D3487 requirement.
d
Equivalent measurement is parts per million (ppm).

Table 2 Test limits for new mineral insulating oil received in new
equipment, below 230 kV, prior to
energization

Value for voltage class

Test and method
69 kV >69 <230 kV
a
Dielectric strength, ASTM D1816, kV minimum
b
1 mm gap 25 30
b
2 mm gap 45 52

Dissipation factor (power factor)

ASTM D924
25 C, % maximum 0.05 0.05
100 C, % maximum 0.40 0.40

Interfacial tension, ASTM D971

38 38
mN/m minimum

Color, ASTM D1500, ASTM units maximum 1.0 1.0

Visual examination, ASTM D1524 Bright and clear Bright and clear
 c c
Neutralization number (acidity), ASTM D974, mg KOH/g 0.015 0.015
maximum

d
Water content, ASTM D1533, mg/kg maximum 20 10

Oxidation inhibitor content when specified

ASTM D2668
Type I oil, % maximum - 0.08
Type I oil, % minimum - 0.0
Type II oil, % maximum 0.3 0.3
Type II oil, % minimum >0.08 >0.08
a
Oil dielectric testing in accordance with ASTM D877 has been replaced by ASTM D1816 in Table 2. See 5.2.1.
b
Alternative measurements of 1.0 mm (0.04 in.) and 2.0 mm (0.08 in.), respectively, for gaps.
c
This value is more stringent than the ASTM D3487 requirement.
d Equivalent measurement is parts per million (ppm). From a dielectric strength point of view the moisture in oil
limits given could be excessive at low temperatures due to high moisture in oil percent saturation levels. See 4.5.