Classification of insulating materials as per I.S. 8504(part III) 1994.

(UNIT 5)

The methods for treating the data depend to some degree on the experimental procedure. The following cases
should be distinguished:
a. Ageing procedure. a. 1 Continuous. a 2 Cyclic.
b. Evaluation of the state of the specimens. b. 1 Non-destructive measurement of property/properties. b. 1.1
Continuous monitoring. b. 1.2 Periodic measurements. b.2 Periodic application of a specified test stress ( proof
tests ). b.3 Destructive determination of a property.
STATISTICAL PROCEDURES 3.1 The statistical procedures involved comprise the following steps:
1) Determination of the times to failure.
2) Calculation of the coefficients a and b of the linear eqllation of regression Y = a + bx of the logarithm of
time to failure (y=lg 5) on the reciprocal value of the thermodynamic temperature ( x = I/@ ).
3)Drawing the thermal endurance graph.
4)Determination of the temperature index ( when applicable ).
5)Testing the equality of the variances of the logarithm of the times to failure at the different ageing
temperatures.
6)Test for linearity of the regression equation.
7)Determination of the lower unilateral 95% confidence limit on the logarithmic mean time to faiiure on the
regression line.
8)Calculation of the values of temperature 0°C corresponding to times to failure of 5 000 h and 20 000 h
according to the regression equation.
9)Check the coefficient of variation of the logarithm of time to failure according to the regression equation at 5
000 h.
10)Calculation of the lower unilateral 95% confidence limit on the temperature corresponding to a time to
failure of 5 000 h on the regression line.
Factors affecting the use of insulating materials and methods of identification

1. Resistance to ignition: the ability to resist the ignition when a fire is fired or separated by a fire.
With the increasing of insulation materials, the insulation ladder has become more and more important for its
resistance to fire resistance. People have improved and improved the resistance of insulation materials through
various means of process.
2. Insulation resistance and resistivity: the resistance is the reciprocal of the conductance, and the resistivity is
the resistance in the unit volume.The smaller the material, the higher the resistance, the inverse relationship
between the two, and for insulating materials, always hope the resistivity is as high as possible.
3. Tensile strength: it is the maximum tensile stress in the test sample.It is the most extensive and representative
of the mechanical properties of insulating materials.
4. Breakdown voltage and electrical strength: damage of insulation material under a strong electric field, loss?
The insulation performance leads to a conductive state called breakdown.The breakdown voltage is called the
breakdown voltage.The electrical strength is the distance between the voltage and the two electrodes acting as
the external voltage when the breakdown occurs under the specified conditions, which is the breakdown
voltage of the unit thickness.
5. Arc resistance: the ability of insulating materials to be affected by an arc on the surface of an insulating
material under specified conditions.When using swap high voltage low current, high voltage between two
electrodes produced by the arc moved transmission, the time needed for insulation surface of conductive layer
to determine arc resistance of insulating material.
Methods of measuring temperature of internal parts of windings/ machines & applying the correction
factor when the machine is hot

three methods discussed here are namely

1) Resistance method

2) Resistance temperature detector(RTDs)

3) Infra-red (IR) thermometry

Transformer Oil: Testing, Types & Properties

Transformer oil (also known as insulating oil) is a special type of oil which has excellent electrical insulating
properties and is stable at high temperatures. Transformer oil is used in oil-filled electrical power transformers
to insulate, stop arcing and corona discharge, and to dissipate the heat of the transformer (i.e. act as a coolant).
Transformer oil is also used to preserve the transformer’s core and windings – as these are fully immersed
inside the oil. Another important property of the insulating oil is its ability to prevent oxidation of the cellulose-
made paper insulation. The transformer oil acts as a barrier between the atmospheric oxygen and the cellulose –
avoiding direct contact and hence minimizing oxidation. The level of transformer oil is typically measured
using a MOG (Magnetic Oil level Guage).
There are two main types of transformer oil used in transformers:
1. Paraffin based transformer oil
2. Naphtha based transformer oil
Naphtha oil is more easily oxidized than paraffin oil. But the product of oxidation – i.e. sludge – in the naphtha
oil is more soluble than the sludge from the paraffin oil. Thus sludge of naphtha-based oil is not precipitated in
the bottom of the transformer. Hence it does not obstruct convection circulation of the oil, means it does not
disturb the transformer cooling system.
Transformer Oil Properties
Some specific properties of insulating oil should be considered to determine the serviceability of the oil.

The properties (or parameters) of transformer oil are:

1. Electrical properties: Dielectric strength, specific resistance, dielectric dissipation factor.

2. Chemical properties: Water content, acidity, sludge content.
3. Physical properties: Interfacial tension, viscosity, flash point, pour point.
What Factors Are Tested
Here are the most common things to look for when performing a transformer oil test:

 Acid number (ASTM D664)

 Aielectric breakdown voltage (ASTM D877)
 Liquid power factor (ASTM D924-08)
 Interfacial tension (ASTM D971)
 Specific resistance (ASTM D1169)
 Corrosive sulfur (ASTM D1275)
 Visual examination (ASTM D1524)
How do we measure Acidity of Insulating Oil?
The acidity of insulating oil is generally measured by the required quantity in milligram of KOH to entirely
neutralize the acidity of a specific quantity in gram of the oil. Acidity of an insulating oil is 0.3 mg KOH / g
means 0.3 milligram of KOH is required to neutralize 1 gram of that insulating oil.

Principle of Acidity Test of Insulating Oil

When a specific quantity of alkali is added to a specific quantity of oil, the oil will either become acidic, neutral
or alkaline depending upon the quantity of acid present in the sample. If the fixed quantity of added alkali is
just same as the quantity of alkali required to neutralize the acid presents in the oil sample, the oil will have pH
value of 7. If the fixed quantity of added alkali is more than that required to neutralize entire acid in the oil
sample, the oil becomes alkaline and it will have any pH value from 8 to 14 depending upon the quantity of
acid was present in the oil. If the fixed quantity of added alkali is less than that required to neutralize entire acid
in the oil sample, the oil becomes acidic and it will have any pH value from 0 to 6 depending upon the quantity
of acid was present in the oil. The universal indicator is a chemical solution which gives different colors for
different pH values of the oil. So, we can visually determine the pH value of the sample, hence the acidic nature
of the oil by viewing its colors.

Procedure of Acidity Test for Insulating Oil

 For that we have first to take exactly 1 gram of insulating oil. We normally do this by taking 1.1
milliliter of the oil to be tested by provided volumetric syringe. Actually, 1.1 milliliter oil is taken as 1
gram of oil.
 Before test we have to extract the dissolved acid in the oil. That we do by adding exactly 1 ml of
rectified spirit (ethyl alcohol) in the test sample. This is because the acid produced in the mineral oil is
highly soluble in the alcohol.
 After shaking the test sample well we add 1 ml of sodium carbonate in the sample. Sodium carbonate is
the most suitable alkali for that purpose because it does not change its characteristics much when comes
in contact with atmosphere during use.
 At last after re-shaking the sample mixture we have to add 5 drops of universal indicator in the sample.

What is Sludge in Transformer Oil?

Sludge is a precipitate or mixture of impurities and acid in transformer oil. The impurities are in the form of
semi-solid in a transformer oil. Sludge formation in the transformer is due to the oxidation reaction, damage of
sludge insulation, decomposition if oil and insulation in transformer oil.

Increasing of moisture in transformer oil can form sludge due to the reason of reducing the dielectric strength
and corrosion. Acid can damage the windings of the transformer. It is too easy to reclaim the oil by removing
the precursors of sludge through the use of activated clay or activated aluminum.

The sludge test in transformer oil is very important for the transformer. Before the filtration or dehydration
sludge test is necessary for the transformer. By the help of sludge test, we can identify the impurities, acid,
semi-solid, and etc. in the transformer.

Crackle Test
The crackle test is a standard laboratory test to detect the presence of water in lubricating oil. A drop of oil is
placed on a hotplate that has been heated to approximately 400° F. The sample then bubbles, spits, crackles or
pops when moisture is present. At Insight Services when the crackle test is positive, indicating the presence of
water, a Karl Fischer titration is performed to quantify the water. If the crackle test is negative it simply means
that the level of water present in the sample is below the detection limit; it doesn’t necessarily mean the sample
is void of water.

What is Flash Point of transformer oil?

At which minimum temperature the transformer oil gives of vapor to ignite in the air is called the flash point of
transformer oil. Commonly the flash point of transformer oil/ insulating oil is 140 degree Celsius. Flashpoint is
the physical parameter of transformer oil. Flashpoint test of transformer oil indicates the flammability of the
substance or the organic compound.

Flashpoint test of transformer oil is a low-cost test and popular test of insulating oil. The oil sparkles after the
mixing of vapor with oxygen in the air. The vapor pressure of oil normally in flash point is 3-5 mm Hg. When a
small amount of flame is applied to the oil the mixture of vapor will burn for temporary and then it will get rid
of automatically when the point temperature has been reached. If we continue the heating process for a long
time or more than the flash point (50-70 degree Celsius) then the oil will be reached at the fire point.
 TRANSFORMER OIL FILTRATION

Insulation fluids are used in many types of high voltage equipment: capacitors, cables, switches, transformers etc. The
fluids usually perform two main functions, i.e. electrical insulation and cooling. Some extra functions are arc
extinguishing in switchgear and protection of the internal solid insulation from moisture in the environment.

It is difficult to imagine modern processes of transmission and distribution of electric energy without power
transformers. This equipment should be protected from possible breakdowns by protecting its hard insulation and
cooling. This function is assigned to mineral oils.

Usually a long-term operation of transformer equipment leads to oil aging.

The process above has several limitations:

 long settling time;

 low filtration throughput;
 the need to replace filter media often;
 possible contamination of oil with cellulose fibers which reduce its dielectric strength.

Cleaning Methods for Electrical Preventive Maintenance

Rags and Brushes

Wiping off dirt with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth or soft brush is usually satisfactory if the apparatus is small,
the surfaces to be cleaned are accessible, and only dry dirt is to be removed.

Don't use waste rags when cleaning electrical equipment because lint will adhere to the insulation, acting as
a further dirt-collecting agent, which can cause tracking. Cloth rags should be clean and free of oil, grease,
and metallic deposits.

Use care to avoid damage to delicate parts. Rags can easily catch on edges other and sharp objects, which
could damage small plastic or moving parts.

Liquid Solvents and Water

Accumulated dirt, oil, or grease might require a solvent to be removed. A rag barely moistened (not wet) with
a nonflammable solvent can be used for wiping. Solvents used for cleaning of electrical equipment should
be selected carefully to ensure compatibility with materials being cleaned.

Do not use any liquid cleaners, including spray cleaners, unless specified by the equipment
manufacturer, because of the risk of residues causing damage, interfering with electrical or mechanical
functions, or compromising the integrity of insulation surfaces.

Allow sufficient time for drying after cleaning equipment with a liquid solvent or water!

Observe all material data sheets prior to using chemical cleaners. Wear the required personal protective
equipment (PPE) such as goggles, gloves, aprons, and respirators when working with potentially hazardous

solvents.
Vacuum Cleaning

Loose dust, dirt, and particles can be removed using a vacuum-type cleaner with non-metallic
attachments and hoses.

Blowing equipment out with compressed air is likely to spread contamination and damage insulation.

Equipment enclosures and substation room filters should be cleaned at regular intervals and replaced if they are
damaged or clogged.

Loose hardware and debris should be removed from the enclosures. New or unusual wear or loss of parts
occurring after the cleaning can be detected during subsequent maintenance.

Sweeping and Moping

If the sweeping of a substation room is required, use a sweeping compound to limit the amount of dirt and
dust becoming airborne.

When mopping, keep the mop bucket as far as practical from the switchgear to prevent damage from spillage.

Compressed Air Methods for Cleaning Electrical Equipment

Where dirt cannot be removed by wiping or vacuuming, compressed air blowing might be necessary.

CAUTION: Cleaning with compressed air can create a hazard to personnel and cause equipment to
fail or malfunction. If compressed air is used, protection should be provided against injury to workers'
faces and eyes from flying debris and to their lungs from dust inhalation.

The use of compressed air should comply with OSHA regulations in 29 CFR 1910.242(b), "Hand and
Portable Powered Tools and Other Hand Held Equipment," including limiting air pressure for such cleaning to
less than a gauge pressure of 208.85 kPa (30 psi) and the provision of effective chip guarding and appropriate
personal protective equipment.

Use care when working with compressed air to avoid contaminants from become airborne, which can
contaminate insulation surfaces, cause injury to personnel, or affect the mechanical operation of nearby
equipment.

Compressed air should be dry and directed in a manner to avoid further blockage of ventilation ducts and
recesses in insulations.

Protection might also be needed against contamination of other nearby equipment if the insulation is
cleaned in place with compressed air. Removed the apparatus to a suitable location for cleaning, or other
exposed equipment should be covered before cleaning starts to keep the debris out.

Sandblasting and Shot Blasting

Electrical equipment might require cleaning by nonconductive sandblasting. Shot blasting should not be used.

Abrasive blasting operations should comply with OSHA regulations in 29 CFR 1910.94(a), "Occupational
Health and Environmental Control — Ventilation." Use personal protective equipment to protect the face
and eyes from abrasives and flying debris, and the lungs from dust inhalation.

Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos is a toxic substance subject to government regulations. Special considerations should be taken
when cleaning aged equipment that may contain asbestos, especially when using compressed air
methods.Knowledge of government regulations is required in handling asbestos and other such materials.