Dissolved Gas Analysis
Hydrocarbon (mineral base) oils are used as
insulating fluids in high-voltage power equipment
because of their favorable dielectric strength and
chemical stability. Normal degradation of the oil
occurs primarily as a result of oxidation. This is
usually a slow process, although its rate is greatly
dependent on the temperature and the availability of
oxygen. However, under the influence of an
electrical or thermal fault, oil can be degraded to
form a variety of low-molecular weight gaseous
products that are soluble in oil. These breakdown
products are indicated below. The qualitative
composition of the breakdown gases is dependent
upon the type of fault; the quantitative composition is
dependent upon its duration. By means of dissolved
gas analysis (DGA), it is possible to distinguish such
fault processes as partial discharge (corona),
overheating (pyrolysis), and arcing in a great variety
of oil-filled equipment. The predominant use of
DGA has been shown to be an effective diagnostic
tool for load tap changers, distribution transformers,
oil-filled cables, oil-filled circuit breakers, as well as
current and potential transformers.
Fault-Induced Breakdown Products
Methane CH
Ethane C2H6
Ethylene C2H4
Acetylene C2H2
Hydrogen H2
Carbon Monoxide CO
Carbon Dioxide CO2
Information from the analysis of gases dissolved in
insulating oils is valuable in a preventive
maintenance program. Data from a dissolved gas
analysis can provide:
• Advance warning of developing faults.
• A determination of the improper use of units.
• Status checks on new and repaired units.
• A means for conveniently scheduling repairs.
Methodology
Determining the concentration of the fault gases in
hydrocarbon oils is best accomplished in a two-step
process: extraction and chromatographic analysis.
The first process, extraction, involves separating the
gases from the oil. This is accomplished by
subjecting the oil to high vacuum. The volume of the
extracted gases is measured and a portion of the gas
is transferred to a gas chromatograph.
Gas chromatography allows for both the qualitative
and quantitative composition of the dissolved gases
to be determined. The great sensitivity of the
chromatographic process enables low detection limits
for each gas. The fault gases can be detected and
quantified at the part per million level. This
remarkable sensitivity coupled with the favorable
precision of the method affords a high measure of
reliability for the diagnostic interpretation of the data.
Fault Identification
Based on the dissolved gases in transformer oil, it is
possible to distinguish such faults as corona,
sparking, overheating, and arcing.
Corona, a low energy electrical fault, results from the
ionization of the insulating fluid surrounding the
fault. Typically, increasing levels of hydrogen
without concurrent increases in hydrocarbon gases
identifies corona.
Sparking is an intermittent high-voltage discharge
that occurs without high current. Sparking is
characterized by increasing levels of hydrogen,
methane, and ethane without a concurrent increase in
acetylene.
Overheating of the oil in a transformer may result
from a variety of causes, such as overloading,
 circulating currents, improper grounding, and poor
connections. Overheating is characterized by the
presence of hydrogen, together with methane, ethane,
and ethylene.
Arcing, the most severe fault process, involves high
current and high temperatures. Arcing may occur
prior to short circuit failures. Arcing is characterized
by the presence of acetylene. Other hydrocarbon
gases and hydrogen will be generated with acetylene
due to lower temperatures surrounding the arc.
Faults involving cellulose-insulating materials
(impregnated paper, wood, and pressboard) result in
the formation of carbon dioxide and possibly carbon
monoxide.
In load tap changers, thermal problems are
characterized by elevated levels of ethylene. The
severity and temperature related to the problem may
be correlated with the level of ethylene and of the
ethylene/ethane and ethylene/methane ratios.
Historical Data
TJ/H2b maintains complete historical records for
each piece of equipment analyzed for dissolved
gases. Testing records are maintained for both the
customer and for TJ/H2b. These data are used to
update and improve the diagnostic process.
Service
The standard turnaround time for dissolved gas
analysis is seven to ten working days after the sample
is received in the lab. Shorter turnaround times can
be arranged if results are needed sooner. As a matter
of policy, TJ/H2b informs clients of critical situations
by telephone and fax.
Sampling
Sampling requirements and procedures are available
from TJ|H2b upon request.

Interpretation

The interpretation of the data from dissolved gas

analysis can be a complex process because of the
large number of equipment parameters and operating
conditions that affect gas formation. Operating
philosophies and past history of the units must be
considered in the interpretation of data.
Establishment of baseline values for each transformer
against which future dissolved gas analyses can be
compared has proven to be an effective diagnostic
testing protocol. Monitoring the rate of gas
generation makes it possible to assess the progress of
the fault process.

Reporting

A computer generated dissolved gas analysis report

will be supplied to the customer. The report shows a
quantitative analysis of the gases present in the oil
sample. Included in the report are relevant nameplate
data as well as information pertaining to the
sampling. The report will include a diagnostic
interpretation of the data.

TJ/H2b Analytical Services TJ/H2b Analytical Services TJ/H2b Analytical Services TJ/H2b Analytical Services TJ/H2b Analytical Services
3123 Fite Circle 1000 Riverbend Blvd., Ste O 3098 Happy Valley Road 204 Gale Lane 335 25th Street SE
Sacramento, CA 95827 St Rose , LA 70087 Sun Prairie, WI 53590 Kennett Square, PA 19348 Calgary, AB T2A 7H8
(916) 361-7177 (504) 468-8837 (608) 825-2022 (610) 925-0688 (403) 282-8542
(916) 361-7178 fax (504) 468-8838 fax (608) 825-2023 fax (610) 925 0689 fax (403) 282-8593 fax