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SILICON OIL
Synthetic Oil Fire retardant, hence it is used only for fire prone area.
Lower heat dissipation capacity and high moisture
(Chemical Product)
absorbing capacity
Costlier than mineral oil
Oxidation Inhibitor in mineral oil
Mineral insulating oil undergo oxidative degradation process in the presence of oxygen to
form acid & sludge. To prevent these process , oxidation inhibitor is used for interrupting
process of oxidation and thereby minimize oil deterioration and extend the operating life of
the transformer the oil.
1. Uninhibited oil
New insulating oil as normally refined contains small amounts of certain chemical
compounds that act as oxidation inhibitors. These naturally occurring materials retard oil
oxidation until such time as they are expended. The rate at which the inhibitors in the oil
are used up is dependent upon the amount of oxygen available, soluble contaminants in
the oil, catalytic agents in the oil, and the temperature of the oil
2. Inhibited oil,
To increase the oxygen inhibitor beyond its natural limit, oxygen inhibitor is added in the oil
for reducing the rate of oxidation process in a view to increase the life expectancy of the
transformer . Phenolic materials are quite good for this purpose and the two most
commonly used inhibitors are 2,6-ditertiary- butylphenol (DBP) and 2,6-di-tertiary-butyl-4-
methylphenol or 2,6-di-tertiary-butyl-paracresol (DBPC).
5
Heat transferring Approximate Oil
capacity of transformer requirement for
oil transformer
Capacity Oil Requirement
Up to 1.5 MVA 0.85 KL / MVA
1.6 to 16 MVA 0.50 KL / MVA
Approximate solid
insulation requirement
for transformer
Solid insulation Requirement
Thick Press board
5% of total oil weight
( Barrier )
Thin press board
3% of total oil weight
(Barrier)
Paper insulation
2% of total oil weight
( Winding insulation )
6
TRANSFORMER OIL SPECIFICATIONS
IEC -60296 – General Specification
• Functional Properties:
Viscosity, Pour point, Water content, BDV, Density, Tanδ.
• Stability Properties:
Appearance, Acidity, IFT, corrosive Sulfur, Antioxidant additive
• Performance Properties:
Oxidation Stability, Sludge
• HSE Properties:
Flash Point, PCB content, PCA content
7
TRANSFORMER OIL SPECIFICATIONS
NEW OIL:
An unused mineral insulating oils intended to use in transformers for
insulation and cooling purpose.
• IS-335/1993 – Specification for uninhibited new insulating oils.
• IS-12463/1988 – Specification for inhibited mineral insulating oils.
• IEC -60296/2003 – Specification for unused mineral insulating oils
for transformers and switchgear. This standard cover both uninhibited
and inhibited oils.
• ASTM – D3487/2000- Standard Specification for Mineral
Insulating Oil used in Electrical apparatus. This standard also covers
both uninhibited and inhibited oils.
8
TRANSFORMER OIL SPECIFICATIONS
Unused Mineral Insulating oils filled in New
transformers
• IS – 1866/2000 – Code of Practice for Electrical Maintenance and
supervision of Mineral Insulating oil in Equipment.
(Refer Table.1 for limiting values of various parameters)
• IEC – 60422/1998 – Supervision and maintenance guide for
mineral insulating oils in electrical equipment.
9
TRANSFORMER OIL SPECIFICATIONS
IS-335/1993 ( New Oil)
• Appearance ------------ • Clear and transparent
• Density at 29.5˚C (Max) • 0.89 g/cm2
• Kinematic Viscosity (Max)
1) at 27˚C ------------------ • 27 cSt
2) at 40˚C ------------------ • Under consideration
• IFT at 27˚C (Min) --------- • 0.04 N/m
• Flash Point (Min) --------- • 140˚C
• Pour Point (Max) --------- • -6˚C
• Neutralization Value
1) total Acidity (Max) ---- • 0.03 mg KOH/gm
2) Inorganic acidity ------ • Nil
• Corrosive Sulphur ------- • Non-corrosive
• Ageing characteristics
a) Resistivity (Min)
1) at 27˚C • 2.5 x 1012 ohm-cm
2) at 90˚C • 0.2 x 1012 ohm-cm
b) Tanδ at 90˚C (Max) • 0.20
c) Total acidity (Max) • 0.05 mg KOH/gm
d) Total sludge (Max) • 0.05 % by weight
• Presence of Oxidation inhibitor • The oil shall contain natural
anti oxidant additives.
• Water content • 50 ppm
• SK value • Under consideration
11
TRANSFORMER OIL SPECIFICATIONS
IS-1866/2000-Recommended Limits of Unused Mineral Oil filled in New Transformer
BDV (KV),Min 40 50 60
TRANSFORMER OIL SPECIFICATIONS
IS-1866/2000-Violation Limits for in service oils
15
TRANSFORMER OIL SPECIFICATIONS
IS-1866/2000-Classification of oils in service.
16
Categories of equipment
In order to take account of different user of mineral oil requirements, equipment
has been placed in various categories as O, A, B, C, D, E, F, G
A : 170 to 400 KV
B : 72.5 to 170 KV
17
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF OIL
Physical
Definition Purpose Effects
Properties
It measures the weight of oil To ensure that the free water always Since density is inversely
with respect to the mass of remains at the bottom and oil can proportional to temperature ,
Density an equal volume of pure circulate easily due to lighter weight. heat dissipation capacity of
water at the same (Lower the density better the heat the oil decreases with the
temperature transferring capacity ) decrease of temperature
Physical
Definition Purpose Effects
Properties
19
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF OIL
Chemical
Definition Causes Effects
Properties
It is the number of
Neutralization milligram of Potassium
Oxidation of Corrosion of various parts of transformer,
Number hydroxide required to
insulating oil due to Lower the electric strength and causes
neutralize completely the
aging Insulation degradation
or Acidity acids present in 1 gm of the
transformer oil.
H2 = Partial discharge
It measures of dissolved Thermal H2,CH4 = Low energy discharge
Dissolved
Gases produced in the oil degradation Arcing, CH4 = Low temp hot spot
Gases due to decomposition of oil Partial discharge H2, C2H2 = Arcing
C2H4 = High temp
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF OIL
Electrical
Definition Causes Effects
Properties
Solid impurities
Dielectric It is the minimum voltage that oil can Higher the value, Higher
Water content , Fiber
Strength withstand due to its dielectric strength the purity
Conductive particles
C Capacitive current
B Actual current
∂
Dielectric
Φ = (90-∂) Increased value causes in
Dissipation Soluble varnishes, resins ,
increase in temperature,
Factor / Tan O (Applied voltage V) A Moisture
increase in corrosion
Delta PF = Cos φ = Cos ((90-∂) = Sin ∂ = Tan ∂
Heat dissipation in the insulator due to leakage
Current = OA x OB Tan ∂ (Watt)
Since heat dissipation in the insulator increases
With increase of PF / Cos φ / Tan ∂ - this factor is
known as dielectric dissipation factor and should be
as low as possible
TRANSFORMER OIL TEST PACKAGE
(As per IS: 1866)
22
Inference of the oil test result
1. Determination of moisture in the solid insulation
( on the basis of Ooman graph)
IFT
Slug & Sediments
(Aging status) Acid Number Test results Yes Transformer is healthy.
1. Reduce cooling effects Test for Sludge are within
No action is required.
2. Indicates decomposition the limit
content
of solid insulation
No Replace Oil
Oil Colour
Yes
Conduct Test results
(CO2/CO)<5
Furan are within
O2 >2000 Analysis the limit
No
Number
DGA Duval 1. RLA Study & DP test
(Internal status) (CH4, C2H4,
Triangle 2. Refurbishing of
1. Reduce life Test for C2H2) > Limit
Analysis solid insulation
value
2. Unforeseen failure 3. Disposal of
3. Sever damages transformer
Roger
(H2, CH4, C2H4,
Ratio
C2H6, C2H2) >
Limit value Analysis 1. Internal Inspection
2. Tightness checking
3. Spare parts 24
changing
OIL QUALITY WITH COLOUR
INTERFACIAL TENSION(IFT)
The Interfacial Tension (IFT) measures the tension at the interface between two liquid (oil
and water) which do not mix and is expressed in dyne/cm.
The test is sensitive to the presence of oil decay products and soluble polar contaminants
from solid insulating materials.
Good oil will have an interfacial tension of between 40 and 50 dynes/cm.
Oil oxidation products lower the interfacial tension and have an affinity for both water
(hydrophilic) and oil.
This affinity for both substances lowers the IFT. The greater the concentration of
contaminants, the lower the IFT, with a badly deteriorated oil having an IFT of 18 dynes/cm or
less.
Determination of oil quality based on
IFT & NN
IFT NN MIN = IFT/NN Colour Oil Quality & Observations
Pale Very Good
30 - 45 0.00 – 0.10 300 - 1500
Yellow (provides all the required function)
27.1 – 29.9 0.05 – 0.10 271 - 600 Yellow Good(provides all the required function , a drop in IFT to
27.0 may signal the beginning of sludge & sediment)
Acceptable
Bright (not providing proper cooling and winding protection.
24 – 27 0.11 – 0.15 160 - 318
Yellow Organic acids are beginning to coat winding insulation;
sludge in insulation voids is highly probable.)
Bad
(sludge has already been deposited in and on transformer
parts in almost 100 percent of these units. Insulation
18.0 - 23.9 0.16 - 0.40 45 - 159 Amber damage and reduced cooling efficiency with higher
operating temperatures characterize the Very Bad and
Extremely Bad categories.
Dark
9.0 - 13.9 0.66 - 1.50 6 - 21 Extremely Bad oil
Brown
300 1500
Very Good
271 600
Good
6 22 45 160 318
Acceptable / Bad / Very Bad / Extremely bad
Interfacial Tension, Acid Number, Years
in Service
Condition of paper with increase of acid
content in oil
Moisture in transformer oil
1.Moisture may be present in four possible forms
1.Free water – That is water that has settled out of the oil in a separate layer. It is this water which is indicated by
a lower IR value of the transformer.
2.Emulsified water – Water that is suspended in the oil and has not yet settled out into free water . It is indicated
by “caramel” colour oil. A high Tan Delta value indicates the possible presence of this suspended water trapped in
oil decay products.
3.Water in solution – It remain dissolved in the oil.
4.Chemically bound water – It remains chemically attached to the insulating paper and it is released when
oxidized.
Water solubility With the increase of temperature ,water saturation level of oil
Temp
level in TR oil
increases and transformer oil absorbs moisture from the paper
0 Deg C 22 ppm insulation till its gets saturated .
10 Deg C 36 ppm
Water dissolved in Water
20 Deg C 55 ppm Moisture movement
oil (High Temp) available
30 Deg C 83 ppm
in the
40 Deg C 121 ppm
paper
50 Deg C 173 ppm Water dissolved in Moisture movement insulation
60 Deg C 242 ppm oil (Low temp)
70 Deg C 331 ppm
With the decrease of temperature ,water saturation level of oil
80 Deg C 446 ppm
decreases and transformer oil exudes moisture which is absorbed by
90 Deg C 592 ppm paper and subsequently deposited as free water at the insulation layers
100 Deg C 772 ppm and bottom of the transformer .
Moisture in transformer oil – Relative saturation
Water content in oil sample taken at 60 Deg C 45 ppm
(as per lab analysis)
Water solubility level in oil at 60 Deg C 242 ppm
(as per graph)
Relative saturation (RS) at 60 Dec C (45/242)x100 = 18.36%
Relative saturation (RS) indicates migration of moisture quantity between solid insulation and oil
during operation
33
Moisture in transformer oil
4. Damages caused by moisture
Moisture in oil reduces the insulating ability (BDV) of the oil .
This may occur from the following events:
During periods of high load and high ambient temperatures, oil absorbs the moisture from
the paper that may decrease BDV of the oil and causes dielectric breakdowns.
With sudden high loads, water can boil off conductor surfaces and the vapour bubbles can
cause dielectric failures as they rise to the top.
During the cool-down period after high load, the relative saturation of oil will increase. At its
extreme at 100% relative saturation, water will precipitate out and greatly reduce the dielectric
strength of the oil.
Moisture in paper causes the following destructive effects :
Moisture and oxygen cause paper insulation to decay much faster and to form acids, metal
soaps, sludge, and more moisture.
Sludge settles on windings and inside the structure, causing transformer cooling to be less
efficient. Acids cause an increase in the rate of decay, which forms more acid, sludge, and
moisture at a faster rate
Expansion of the paper insulation, altering the mechanical pressure of the transformer
clamping system.
Loss of insulating ability (Dielectric Breakdown Voltage)
Increased corrosion of the core and tank
Progressive consumption of oil additives
34
Determination of moisture accumulation in
solid insulation through water ppm in oil
35
Calculation of moisture accumulation in solid
insulation through water ppm in oil
36
Effects of moisture accumulation in
the solid insulation
Limit value : Water ppm in transformer oil
(>170 KV Transformer)
Dry Oil
1. The presence of water molecule in the oil is measured by Karl Fisher Titration
methods.
2. The limit value of water ppm ( part per million) need to be maintained as per
the guideline of IS 335 shown in the above graph 38
Effect on presence of polar particles in Transformer oil
High AC Voltage
+ - + + -
+ -
-
+ + - -
+ + + -
- -
+ +
+ + -
+ -
+ - -
+ + +
+ +
Charging Charging
current current
Leakage current
The insulating properties of transformer oil decreases with the increase of soluble polar particles
such as water molecule, sludge & sediments, varnish, resin etc, in the oil.
The polar particle present in the oil gets ionized under the influence of high AC voltage. These
ionized particles gets attracted by the opposite polarity causing the flow of leakage current through
the oil (insulator). The intensity of the leakage current increase with increase of concentration of
polar particulates in the oil. Because of this reasons BDV, Resistivity & Tan delta value of the
transformer oil gets affected due to presence of polar particles such as water molecule, sludge &
sediments, varnish, resin etc in the oil.
Limit value : Break Down Voltage in KV
BDV value of transformer oil mainly depends on water ppm in the oil and it decreases with
the increase of water ppm in oil .In such case BDV of oil is improved by reducing water ppm
in oil through filtration .
BDV of oil may also decrease due to low resistivity of oil caused by degradation of oil or
contamination of oil with soluble polar particles. In such case oil needs to be replaced after
confirming low resistivity & IFT value and high tan delta & acidity value with colour of oil.
Resistivity
As transformer oil is act as pure insulator, its resistance ( R ) should be is
always as high possible.
Resistance R = ρ x L/A where L = length & A = Area of the oil of the oil
column and ρ = Resistivity i.e. Resistance of per unit length of oil.
Hence to maintain high resistance ,resistivity of the oil should be as high as
possible or conductivity should be as low as possible.
With the increased concentration of polar particle in the oil, the conductivity
gets increased proportionally due to flow of leakage current.
Hence low Resistivity indicates :
1.Contamination of oil with polar particles produced by oxidation of oil due to
overheating , moisture & oxygen or aging of oil.
2.In such case oil replacement is required after confirming low IFT value, high
tan delta & acidity value with colour of oil.
3.Some time excess moisture contamination also can reduce resistivity. It is
confirmed with low BDV. In such case oil filtration can improve the oil resistivity .
4.Because of covalent, oil also shows low resistivity at increased temperature.
Limit value (at 90 Deg C) : Resistivity
(Very Good)
Resistivity is measured by
(Good) applying 500 V DC voltage
across the oil sample after
heating up the sample at
(Min) 90 Deg C which is the
maximum allowable
operating temperature of
transformer
DDF / Tan Delta
OA = Applied voltage,
B OC = Charging current,
C OB = Total current ( Charging current + Leakage current)
∂ Charging current = OB Sin φ ,
charging current
Being a pure insulator, transformer oil behaves like dielectric of a capacitor under high AC voltage and it
absorb charging current at 900 leading with respect to the applied voltage and maintain the PF angle of the
insulator at 90 Deg.
With the increase of concentration of soluble polar particle in the oil, PF angle (Φ) decrease and angle ∂
increases due to flow of leakage current. As result of this Tan delta value of the Transformer oil gets increased .
Since oil is a covalent compound, its resistivity decrease at increased temperature and conductivity increases.
As a result of this Tan Delta value is also increased with temperature.
Since heat dissipation in the insulator increases with increase of PF / Cos φ / Tan ∂ - this factor is known as
dielectric dissipation factor DDF and should be as low as possible.
Inferences :
1.Increase in Tan delta value indicates the contamination of oil with soluble ionized particles such as water
molecule, sludge & sediments, varnish, resin etc or due to loosing of insulating properties of oil as a result of
accelerated aging..
2. Oil heating increases with the increase of tan delta value.
Limit value ( At 90 Deg C) : Tan Delta
Angle value % Value Max < 72.5 KV
Transformer
TAN δ 0.000 AB/OB 0.000
Ideal Max > 72.5 KV
δ0 0.0 Deg OC 0.% of OB Transformer
TAN δ1 0.002 AB/OB 0.002
Normal
δ1 0.1 Deg OC 0.2 % OB
Maximum TAN δ2 0.200 AB/OB 0.200
( > 72.5 KV
Transformer) δ2 11.3 Deg OC 20 % OB
Normal
Maximum TAN δ3 1.000 AB/OB 1.000
(< 72.5 KV
Transformer) δ3 45 Deg OC 100 % OB
Charging current
Total
current Tan delta value is measured
A B by applying 1000 V AC
δ1 voltage across the oil
sample after heating up the
sample at 90 Deg C which
δ2 is the maximum allowable
δ3 operating temperature of
transformer
O C Leakage current
Effect of temperature on oil parameters
Res
istiv
ity Ώ
cm
Resistivity & tan delta
(indicates deteriorating status of the dielectric el t a%
n D
Ta
due to oxidation & contaminations of oil)
200 C 900 C
Presence of the Polar
particles / Increase in
temperature
BDV
in K
V
Water ppm & bdv
(indicates present status of the dielectric
due to contaminations of oil with water )
200 C 900 C
Presence of dissolved & free water /
Increase in temperature
46
Transformer oil processing
RECONDITIONING
( Mechanical process)
for oil having higher water ppm
OFF Line
Removal of
process Circulating hot oil through
Free & dissolved water,
filter & vacuum chamber
Dissolved combustible gas
in FILTER MACHINE
Solid particulate matter
ON Line
process Circulating oil
Removal of
continuously through
Free & dissolved water,
cartridge banks filled with
molecular sieve
RECLAIMING
( Chemical process)
for oil having higher acid number
and lower IFT
Vacuum
Pump
Vacuum Transformer
Chamber
Fine Tank filled
Gear
Filter Pump
with oil
Automatic Magnetic
Heater Filter
Transformer oil is sucked from the bottom of the tank and passes through the magnetic
filter where metallic particles are removed and then it is heated up to 60 Deg C with the
help of automatic heaters. Heated oil is then pushed into a vacuum chamber where it is
made to fall in droplets forms for increasing surface area and timing so that dissolved water
in the oil gets evaporated ( under 760mm of vacuum, water gets evaporated at 40 Deg C)
and extracted by vacuum pump along with other dissolved gases. Then the degassed oil is
passed through fine filter where particles of size 3 to 5 micron is removed and pushed into
the top of the tank through gear pump. This process is going on continuously till the oil
parameters - water ppm, BDV, Resistivity & Tan Delta are achieved.
On line reconditioning through molecular sieve
When transformer is in service, moisture available in the paper insulation is absorbed by oil
due to increase in water saturation level as result of oil temperature.
In such condition if the oil is circulated through the water absorbing cartridge filled with
molecular sieve material, moisture present in the oil gets absorbed by the sieve.
As a result of this process, moisture available in the paper is extracted by sieve through the
media of transformer oil.
This process is applicable only when the transformer is in service .
49
Oil Reclaiming / Regeneration process as per IEC
60422
A sudden increase in key gases and the rate of gas production is more
important in evaluating a transformer than the accumulated amount of gas
52
Generation of gases
At elevated temperature between 500K and 200K, following reaction
takes place and gases are produced which remains dissolved in the oil.
C (Solid) +2H2 (Gas) CH4 (Gas)
2CH4 (Gas) + 2H2 (Gas) C2H4 (Gas) + 2H2 (Gas)
C2H4 (Gas) C2H2 (Gas) + H2 (Gas)
C2H4 (Gas) + H2 (Gas) C2H6 (Gas)
C2H2 (Gas) + 2H2 (Gas) C2H6 (Gas)
Types of gases
1. Hydrocarbons 2. Carbon oxides 3. Non fault gases
& Hydrogen Carbon CO Nitrogen N2
Methane CH4 monoxide
Oxygen O2
Ethane C2H6 Carbon CO2
dioxide
Ethylene C2H4
Acetylene C2H2
Hydrogen H2
53
Types of Faults & generation of gases
TYPES OF FAULTS
54
Normal Operation & aging
Over loading
Over heating of oil and paper
Improper cooling
Gases
0-5 6 - 10 11-15 0-4 4 – 10 > 10 <4 4-10 > 10
Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs Yrs
58
Acceptance limits (3)
as per IS: 9434 / 1992 , IS: 10593 / 1983 & IEC 599 –1978
CARBON
200-300 400-500 600-700
MONOXIDE
59
Fault identification (1) - by Key gas
methods
Type of faults Dissolved Gasses
Over heating of solid insulating materials Key Gas - Carbon mono oxide
(Insulating papers, Cloths, Parma Wood , Press Board ) (CO & CO2)
60
Fault identification (2) - by gas ratio
methods
61
Significance of acetylene (C2H2) in oil
63
Significance of atmospheric gases (O2 & N2)
in oil
Oxygen may be present inside the transformer due to ingression of air
through breather, leaks and air packets tapped in the winding.
The oxygen reacts on the cellulose of the insulating paper and leads to the
formation of organic acids, which dissolved in oil and consequently form sludge.
This sludge blocks the free circulation of the oil and thus increases the
operating temperature.
The presence of sludge in transformer oil reduces the resistively and
increases the tan delta of the oil.
Many experts and organizations, including EPRI, believe that presence of
oxygen above 2,000 ppm, in the oil greatly accelerates paper deterioration with
moisture above safe levels.
It is recommended that if oxygen reaches 10,000 ppm in the DGA, the oil
should be de-gassed and new oxygen inhibitor needs to be installed.
65
Fault Analysis (2) - by IEC 599 and CBIP
methods
C2H2 CH4 C2H4
C2H4 H2 C2H6 Ratio of the dissolved gases
0 0 1 Thermal fault of low temp (150 Deg C) General overheating of insulated conductor
Thermal fault of low temp (150 to 300 Deg C) Local over heating of the core due to
0 2 0 concentrations o f flux , increasing hot spot temperature, varying from small hot spots in core,
shorting links in core
Thermal fault of medium temp (300 to 700 Deg C) Over heating of copper due to eddy current,
0 2 1 bad contracts / joints, circulating current between core and tank
Thermal fault of high temp (more than 700 Deg C) Over heating of copper due to eddy
0 2 2 current, bad contracts / joints, circulating current between core and tank
66
fault analysis (3) – by IEEE (Std). C57-104™
68
Fault analysis (4) - by DUVAL triangle
In order to display a DGA result in the Triangle, one must start with the
concentrations of the three gases, (CH4) = A, (C2H4) = B and (C2H2) = C, in ppm.
Calculate the sum of these three values: (CH4 + C2H4 + C2H2) = S, in ppm,
Calculate the relative proportion of the three gases, in %:
X = % CH4 = 100 (A/S),
Y = % C2H4 = 100 (B/S),
Z = % C2H2 = 100 (C/S).
Plot X, Y and Z in the DUVAL Triangle
Point of intersection will be laying in a particular zone indicated in the triangle
Interpret the reason from the DUVAL table
69
Duval Triangle
70
Classification of faults- Duval method
Faults
T2
T2 Thermal Fault
Thermal Fault 300<t<700 Deg C
300<t<700 Deg C
T3 T3
Thermal Fault Thermal Fault
t>700 Deg C t>700 Deg C
71
Duval Table for interpretation
72
73
74
solid insulation
Paper and cloth used in transformer is known as solid insulation.
The main constituent of paper and cloth is fibrous material known as Cellulose
Cellulose is an organic compound whose molecule is made up of a long chain of
glucose monomers (rings), typically numbering between 1000 and 1400
With breaking down of cellulose chain, the number of glucose ring decreases in
the cellulose molecule
Degree of polymerization (DP) is the average number of glucose rings in the
cellulose molecule and DP values state the aging status of the insulating paper
DP value > 900 indicates good paper whereas DP value < 200 indicates bad
papers.
75
Reasons for degradation of solid
insulation
1. Thermal degradation ( Heat) :
Heat produced during the operation of transformer breakdowns the glucose
monomers in the cellulose molecule. Because of this, the chain length of
cellulose gets reduced and free glucose molecules, moisture, CO, CO2 gases
and organic acids are produced. Because of this reason overheating of
transformer leads to reduction of its life
HEAT
Cellulose Glucose molecule +H2O+CO+CO2
76
Aging process of transformer’s solid
insulation
Moisture Oxygen Heat
1 975
12 700
22 450
25 390
Years
35 125
79
Interpretation of DP values
80
Furan analysis
The mechanical properties of insulating paper can be established by direct
measurement of its tensile strength or degree of polymerization (DP).
Direct measurement of these properties is not practical for in-service transformers since
it requires removal of a few strips of paper from suspect sites.
This procedure can conveniently be carried out during transformer repairs. The results of
these tests will be a deciding factor in rebuilding or scrapping a transformer.
Since it is usually not practical (and often dangerous to the transformer) to obtain a
paper sample from a de-energised, in-service transformer an alternative method has been
found.
When a cellulose molecule de-polymerises (breaks into smaller lengths or ring
structures), a chemical compound known as a furan is formed.
By measuring the quantity and types of furans present in a transformer oil sample, the
paper insulation overall DP can be inferred with a high degree of confidence.
The types and concentration of furans in an oil sample can also indicate abnormal stress
in a transformer, whether intense, short duration overheating or prolonged, general
overheating.
Furan analysis can be used to confirm Dissolved Gas Analysis where carbon monoxide
present indicates problems with solid insulation
81
Inference of the chemical compounds obtained
during furan analysis of transformer oil
82
Aging & Furfural in oil – BHEL study
Age (Years) Furfural (mg/Ltr)
2 0.01
5 0.02
6 0.03
7 0.04
8 0.05
9 0.06
10 0.08
11 0.10
12 0.12
13 0.15
14 0.18
15 0.21
16 0.24
17 0.30
18 0.37
19 0.48
20 0.60
21 0.75
22 0.90
23 1.05
24 1.20
25 1.35
26 1.80
27 2.25
28 2.70
29 3.15
30 3.65 83
Relation between furan content in oil and DP
values of solid insulation
84
Limiting values for furan analysis
85
conversion table I
1% = 10,000ppm 1ppm = 0.0001%
Percent (%) ppm ppm Percent (%) 60 ppm 0.0060%
0.0000% 0 ppm 0 ppm 0.0000% 70 ppm 0.0070%
0.0001% 1 ppm 1 ppm 0.0001% 80 ppm 0.0080%
0.0010% 10 ppm 2 ppm 0.0002% 90 ppm 0.0090%
0.0100% 100 ppm 3 ppm 0.0003% 100 ppm 0.0100%
0.1000% 1000 ppm 4 ppm 0.0004% 200 ppm 0.0200%
1.0000% 10000 ppm 5 ppm 0.0005% 300 ppm 0.0300%
2.0000% 20000 ppm 400 ppm 0.0400%
6 ppm 0.0006%
3.0000% 30000 ppm
7 ppm 0.0007% 500 ppm 0.0500%
4.0000% 40000 ppm
8 ppm 0.0008% 600 ppm 0.0600%
5.0000% 50000 ppm
9 ppm 0.0009% 700 ppm 0.0700%
6.0000% 60000 ppm
10 ppm 0.0010% 800 ppm 0.0800%
7.0000% 70000 ppm
20 ppm 0.0020% 900 ppm 0.0900%
8.0000% 80000 ppm
30 ppm 0.0030% 1000 ppm 0.1000%
9.0000% 90000 ppm
10.0000% 100000 ppm 40 ppm 0.0040% 2000 ppm 0.2000%
20.0000% 200000 ppm 50 ppm 0.0050% 3000 ppm 0.3000%
30.0000% 300000 ppm 4000 ppm 0.4000%
40.0000% 400000 ppm 5000 ppm 0.5000%
50.0000% 500000 ppm 6000 ppm 0.6000%
60.0000% 600000 ppm 7000 ppm 0.7000%
70.0000% 700000 ppm 8000 ppm 0.8000%
80.0000% 800000 ppm 9000 ppm 0.9000%
90.0000% 900000 ppm 10000 ppm 1.0000%
100.0000% 1000000 ppm 100000 ppm 10.0000%86
1000000 ppm 100.0000%
conversion table II
Torr mm Hg Atm. PSI kg/sq.cm kPa mBar
760 760 1.00 14.69 1.03 101.31 1013.3
600 600 0.79 11.66 0.82 79.98 800.0
500 500 0.66 9.67 0.68 66.65 666.7
400 400 0.53 7.68 0.54 53.32 533.3
300 300 0.39 5.83 0.41 39.99 400.0
200 200 0.26 3.84 0.27 26.66 266.7
100 100 0.13 1.99 0.14 13.33 133.3
80 80 0.11 1.56 0.11 10.66 106.7
60 60 0.08 1.13 0.08 8.00 80.0
40 40 0.05 0.711 0.05 5.33 53.3
20 20 0.03 0.426 0.03 2.67 26.7
10 10 0.01 0.142 0.01 1.33 13.3
5 5 0.01 0.142 0.01 0.67 6.7
2.5 2.5 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.33 3.3
1 1 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.13 1.3
87
conversion table III
Vacuum Gauge
Water Boiling
Reading
point (Deg C)
(mmHg)
0 755.42
10 750.79
20 742.47
30 728.18
40 704.68
50 667.50
60 610.62
70 526.30
80 404.24
90 234.24
92 193.01
94 149.10
96 102.38
98 52.73
100 0.00
88
conversion table III
0 Deg C 22 ppm
10 Deg C 36 ppm
20 Deg C 55 ppm
30 Deg C 83 ppm
40 Deg C 121 ppm
50 Deg C 173 ppm
60 Deg C 242 ppm
70 Deg C 331 ppm
80 Deg C 446 ppm
90 Deg C 592 ppm
100 Deg C 772 ppm