WEBINAR June 2017

Understanding DGA
Techniques and
Interpretations

PRESENTED BY
Agenda

1. Formation of Gases
2. Types of Faults
3. Fault Identification
4. Diagnostic Methods
Overview
5. DGA Diagnostic Tools
6. DGA Examples

2
 01

Formation of Gases
in Transformers

3
Monitoring of Gases in Transformers

Dissolved Gas Analysis

As insulating material Levels and DGA is the leading tool
breaks down due to combinations of the to assess transformer
stress, gases form and gases formed are used condition and is now a
dissolve in the to detect pending or universal practice
transformer oil occurring faults

4
Which Gases are Generated?
Eight key gases in transformer oil
are associated with fault conditions.
DGA detects the level of gases
indicative of various faults that may
lead to transformer failure.

C2H4 Ethylene C2H2 Acetylene

CH4 Methane CO Carbon Monoxide

C2H6 Ethane CO2 Carbon Dioxide

INSULATING OIL H2 Hydrogen O2 Oxygen

5
Fault Gas Generation Chart

6
 02

Types of Faults

7
Types of Faults

Abbreviations Descriptions

PD Partial Discharges
D1 Discharges of Low Energy
D2 Discharges of High Energy
T1 Thermal Fault, t < 300 °C
T2 Thermal Fault, 300 °C < t < 700 °C
T3 Thermal Fault, t > 700 °C

8
Fault Types
PD Partial discharges of the
corona-type
Discharges in gas bubbles or voids
trapped in paper
D1 Discharges of low energy
Partial discharges of the sparking-type
(Inducing carbonized punctures in paper)
Low-energy arcing, inducing surface
tracking of paper & carbon particles in oil
D2 Discharges of high energy
High Energy Arcing or Flashovers
(including Short Circuits)
T1 Thermal faults of
temperatures <300 °C
Overloading or Blocked oil ducts (Evidenced
by paper turning Black/Brown)
T2 Thermal faults of temperatures
between 300 and 700 °C
Defective contacts and/or welds (including
high Circulating currents)
Evidenced by Carbonization of paper and the
formation of carbon particles
T3 Thermal faults of
temperatures >700 °C
Large circulating currents in tank and core
Short circuits in laminations (Evidenced by
formation of carbon particles)
Metal coloration (800 °C) or metal fusion (>1000 °C)
9
Fault Severity

Most severe faults Less severe faults

1. Faults D2 in paper and in oil 1. Faults PD/D1 in oil (sparking)
(high-energy arcing) 2. Faults T1 in paper (<300 °C)
2. Faults T2-T3 in paper (>300 °C) 3. Faults T2 in oil (<700 °C)
3. Faults D1 in paper (tracking, 4. Are difficult to find by
arcing) inspection
4. Faults T3 in oil (>700 °C)

A fault in paper is generally considered as more serious than a fault in

oil because paper is often placed in a HV area (windings, barriers)

10
 03

Fault Identification
by Gas Type

11
Fault Identification Chart

Indication / Faults H2 CO CO2 CH4 C2H2 C2H4 C2H6 O2 H2O

Cellulose aging

Mineral oil decomposition

Leaks in oil expansion systems,

gaskets, welds, etc.

Thermal faults – Cellulose

Thermal faults in oil

TRACE
@ 150 °C - 300 °C
Thermal faults in oil
TRACE
@ 300 °C - 700 °C
Thermal faults in oil
@ 700 °C

Partial Discharge TRACE

Arcing ●

12
 06

Diagnostic Methods
Overview

13
Diagnostics Methods Summary
Comparison Among: Key Gas Method (KGM), Doernenburg Ratio Method (DRM), Rogers Ratio Method (RRM), IEC
Ratio Method (IRM), and Duval Triangle Method (DTM)
Type Method Fault Types Gases Involved
Uses individual gas concentrations, PD, arcing, overheated oil, overheated CO, CO2, H2, CH4,
KGM
easy to implement, very conservative cellulose C2H2, C2H4, C2H6
Uses four gas concentration ratios
(CH4/H2, C2H2/C2H4, C2H2/CH4,
H2, CH4, C2H2,
DRM C2H6/C2H2) to indicate three fault Thermal decomposition, PD, arcing
C2H4, C2H6
types, uses specified concentration
limits to differentiate between faults
Uses three gas concentration ratios PD, arcing, low temperature of thermal H2, CH4, C2H2,
RRM
(C2H2/C2H4, CH4/H2, C2H4/C2H6) fault, thermal <700 °C, thermal >700 °C C2H4, C2H6
Similar to RRM but excludes the
PD, low energy discharge, high energy
C2H6/CH4 ratio, indicates six fault H2, CH4, C2H2,
IRM discharge, thermal faults <300 °C, between
types, uses specified concentration C2H4, C2H6
300 and 700 °C, and greater than 700 °C
limits to differentiate between faults
Uses triangular map to indicate six PD, low energy discharge, high energy
DTM faults, does not identify a normal discharge, thermal faults <300 °C, between CH4, C2H2, C2H4
state 300 and 700 °C, and greater than 700 °C

14
Diagnostics Methods Summary

The diagnostic tools Based upon a database Performance was

have been tested to of over 100 test cases separated into –
determine the accuracy within the IEC data
“No Diagnostics”,
of each method in bank indicating the
“Wrong Diagnostics”
predicting a fault. gases observed with a
and “Unresolved
physical inspection of
Diagnostics”
the type of failure.

Results are shown in the following Table

15
Diagnostics Methods Summary

% Correct % Unresolved % Wrong

Diagnoses Diagnoses Diagnoses
KGM 42% 0% 58%
RRM 62% 33% 5%
DRM 71% 26% 3%
IRM 77% 15% 8%
DTM 96% 0% 4%

KGM = Key Gas Method

RRM = Rogers Ratios Method
DRM = Doernenburg Ratios Method
IRM = IEC Ratios Method
DTM = Duval Triangle Method

16
 04

DGA Diagnostic Tools

Procedures and Methods

17
Standards and Guidelines

IEEE Std. C57.104 2008 IEC 60599-2015

IEEE Guide for the Mineral Oil Impregnated Electrical
Interpretation of Gases Equipment in Service: Guide to the
Generated in Oil Immersed Interpretation of Dissolved and Free
Transformers Gas Analysis

18
Diagnostic Tools for DGA

Reference Standard
Analysis Tool IEEE C57.104-2008 IEC 60599-2015

TCG Procedure ✔
TDCG Procedure ✔
Key Gas Method ✔
Doernenburg Ratios ✔
Rogers Ratios ✔
Basic Gas Ratios (IEC Ratio) ✔
Duval Triangle ✔
CO2/CO Ratio ✔ ✔
O2/N2 Ratio ✔
C2H2/H2 Ratio ✔

19
Key Gas Method

Key Gas Method Limitations

Considered as a modification of the High tendency to return inconclusive

TDCG procedure. results.
Permits a tentative determination of If a severe fault occurs and involves the
possible fault types empirically paper insulation, all gases will be high
determined from a transformer’s yet insufficient to register a fault if
unique gas profile. using the specified values according to
the standard.
Focuses on which gas is the largest
portion of TDCG (the “key” gas).
Useful for benchmarking in the normal
range, and to confirm diagnoses in the
warning range.

20
Key Gas Method

Key Gas Method (IEEE Std. C57.104-2008)

Key Gas Fault Type Typical Proportions of Generated Combustible Gases

Mainly C2H4; Smaller proportions of C2H6, CH4, and H2;

C2H4 Thermal oil
Traces of C2H2 at very high fault temperatures

Mainly CO; Much smaller quantities of hydrocarbon;

CO Thermal oil and cellulose
Gases in same proportions as thermal faults in oil alone

Electrical Low Energy Partial

H2 Mainly H2; Small quantities of CH4; Traces of C2H4 and C2H6
Discharge

Electrical High Energy Mainly H2 and C2H2; Minor traces of CH4, C2H4, and C2,H6;
H2 & C2H2
(arcing) Also CO if cellulose is involved

21
Key Gas Levels

Condition 1= normal
Condition 4= highest alarm level

22
Key Gas Method Examples

23
Rogers Ratios / Basic Gas Ratios

Rogers Ratios / Limitations

Basic Gas Ratios

Similar to Doernenburg ratios. Ratios generated often yield results

not falling into any of the suggested
Suggests five to six general fault
fault types.
types via three ratios from five
fault gases.

24
 Rogers Ratios

Concentration of Dissolved
Ratios for Key Gases – Rogers Ratios Method
Gas

L1
Ratio 2 (R2) Ratio 1 (R1) Ratio 3 (R3)
Case Suggested Fault Type Key Gas Concentrations
C2H2/C2H4 CH4/H2 C2H4/C2H6 (ppm)

0 <0.01 <0.1 <1.0 Normal Hydrogen (H2) 100

Discharge of low
1 ≥1.0 ≥0.1, <0.5 ≥1.0 Methane (CH4) 120
energy
Discharge of high Carbon Monoxide
2 ≥0.6, <3.0 ≥0.1, <1.0 ≥2.0 350
energy (CO)
Thermal fault, low
3 <0.01 ≥1.0 <1.0 Acetylene (C2H2) 35
temp <300 °C

4 <0.1 ≥1.0 ≥1.0, <4.0 Thermal fault, <700 °C Ethylene (C2H4) 50

5 <0.2 ≥1.0 ≥4.0 Thermal fault, >700 °C Ethane (C2H6) 65

25
CO2 vs. CO Ratio

This ratio may be used as an

CO2/CO indicator of thermal
decomposition of cellulose.

CO2/CO Thermal Levels should exceed minimum values

Ratio decomposition state for the ratio to be valid
<3 Excessive
• CO > 500 ppm
>7 Normal
• CO2 > 5,000 ppm
<10 Normal
>10 Excessive

Best used as a complement to other

diagnosis methods for a more accurate
assessment
26
O2/N2 Ratio

This ratio may be used as an

O2/N2 indicator of oil oxidation
and/or paper aging. It is best
when combined with other
At equilibrium, the O2/N2 ratio is methods.
close to 0.5, reflecting air
composition. (This takes into
account the relative solubility of Dissolved O2 and N2 may be found in oil:
O2 and N2)
An O2/N2 ratio of less than 0.3 is
• As the result of contact with the
generally considered to indicate atmosphere in the conservator of an
excessive O2 consumption,
meaning O2 is consumed more
air-breathing transformer.
rapidly than it is replaced by • Via leaks in sealed equipment.
diffusion.

27
TCG & TDCG Procedures
Focuses on monitoring Total Combustible Gas
and Total Dissolved Combustible Gas levels.
TCG
Total Combustible Gas % Total Dissolved Combustible Gas
The sum of all combustible gases
reported as a % of the transformer
gas space.
H2+CH4+C2H2+ C2H4+C2H6+CO
Limitations
May detect high TCG or TDCG
concentrations suggesting a fault is
present, when these generation rates
are actually stable for the transformer.
28
TDCG
The sum of all combustible
gases that are dissolved in the
insulating oil.
H2+CH4+C2H2+ C2H4+C2H6+CO
Do not offer any value regarding the
fault type, so it is recommended to
combine them with other diagnostic
tools.
 TCG Procedure
TCG TCG Rates Sampling Operating
level in % %/day Intervals Procedures
<0.01 Annually
Continue normal operation.
0.01 ~ 0.3 Quarterly
Condition 1 <0.5 Exercise caution.
>0.03 Monthly Analyze for individual gases.
Determine load dependence.
<0.01 Quarterly Exercise caution.
Condition 2 >0.5 ~ <2.0 0.01 ~ 0.3 Monthly Analyze for individual gases.
>0.03 Monthly Determine load dependence.
<0.01 Monthly Exercise extreme caution.
0.01 ~ 0.3 Weekly Analyze for individual gases.
Condition 3 >2.0 ~ <5.0
Plan outage.
>0.03 Weekly Advise manufacturer.
Exercise extreme caution.
Analyze for individual gases.
<0.01 Weekly
Plan outage.
Condition 4 >5.0 Advise manufacturer.
0.01 ~ 0.3 Daily Consider removal from service.
>0.03 Daily Advise manufacturer.
29
 TDCG Procedure
TDCG level TDCG Rates Sampling Operating
in ppm (ppm/day) 1 Intervals Procedures
<10 Annually
Continue normal operation.
10-30 Quarterly
Condition 1 <720 Exercise caution.
>30 Monthly Analyze for individual gases.
Determine load dependence.
<10 Quarterly Exercise caution.
Condition 2 721 to 1,920 10-30 Monthly Analyze for individual gases.
>30 Monthly Determine load dependence.
<10 Monthly Exercise extreme caution.
10-30 Weekly Analyze for individual gases.
Condition 3 1,921-4,630
Plan outage.
>30 Weekly Advise manufacturer.
Exercise extreme caution.
Analyze for individual gases.
<10 Weekly
Plan outage.
Condition 4 >4,630 Advise manufacturer.
10-30 Daily Consider removal from service.
>30 Daily Advise manufacturer.

30
C2H2/H2 Ratio
C2H2/H2
A C2H2/H2 ratio higher than
2.0 to 3.0 in the main tank
indicates possible OLTC
contamination.
Best used in combination
with other diagnosis
methods.
OLTCs (On-Load Tap Changers)
produce gases corresponding to
discharges of low energy (D1).
The pattern of oil decomposition in the
OLTC differs from the pattern of oil
decomposition in the main tank resulting
from low energy discharges.
If oil or gas contamination
(communication) exists between the OLTC
and the main tank, an incorrect diagnosis
of the main tank may result.
31
Doernenburg Ratios Method

Doernenburg Limitations
Ratios Method

Suggests three general fault types Ratios generated often yield results
based on the calculation of four not falling into any of the three
ratios based on five key gases. suggested fault types.

32
 Doernenburg Ratios

Ratios for Key Gases – Doernenburg Ratio Method Concentration of Dissolved Gas

Ratio 1
Ratio 2 (R2) Ratio 3 (R3) Ratio 4 (R4) L1 Concentrations
Suggested (R1) Key Gas
C2H2/C2H4 C2H2/CH4 C2H6/C2H2 (ppm)
Fault CH4/H2
Diagnosis Gas Gas Gas Gas
Oil Oil Oil Oil Hydrogen (H2) 100
space space space space
Thermal Methane (CH4) 120
>1.0 >0.1 <0.75 <1.0 <0.3 <0.1 >0.4 >0.2
Decomposition Carbon
350
Monoxide (CO)
Corona (Low
<0.1 <0.01 Not Significant <0.3 <0.1 >0.4 >0.2 Acetylene (C2H2) 35
Intensity PD)
Ethylene (C2H4) 50
Arching (High >0.1 >0.01
>0.75 >1.0 >0.3 >0.1 <0.4 <0.2
Intensity PD) <0.1 <0.1 Ethane (C2H6) 65

33
Summary of the Ratio Methods

The Basic Gas Ratio, Depending on the values One drawback of these
Rogers Ratios, and the of these gas ratios, codes ratio methods is that no
Dornenburg methods or zones are defined for diagnosis can be given in
all use the same 3 basic each type of fault a significant number of
gas ratios: cases, “Dead Zones” - fall
outside defined zones.
CH4/H2
C2H2/C2H4
C2H6/C2H4

34
 05

Duval Triangle

35
Duval Triangle Method

01 02
The Triangle, developed empirically in the
early 1970s, and is used by the IEC.

CH4 C2H4 Based upon the 3 gases (Methane (CH4),

Ethylene (C2H4), and Acetylene (C2H2)
03 corresponding to the increasing energy
levels of gas formation.
C2H2 One advantage of this method is that it
always provides a diagnosis, with a low
percentage of wrong diagnoses.

High Quality There are no indeterminate diagnostics

Application
using the Triangle method.

36
The Duval Triangle: (per IEC 60599 Guidelines)

PD = Partial Discharges
D1 = Discharges of low energy
D2 = Discharges of high energy

T1 = Thermal fault, < 300 °C

T2 = Thermal fault, >300 °C and <700 °C
T3 = Thermal fault, >700 °C

DT = Discharge or Thermal
indeterminate zone

Gas percentages add to 100%

- 2 gases indicates problem
- 3rd gas confirms

37
Triangle Method FAQ’s

How have fault zones been

defined in the Triangle?

01 02 03

They are based on a The root cause of the The Triangle was tested
large number of cases failure was determined with all these cases and
of faulty transformers in and matched to the correctly identifies the
service which have DGA data. zone that matches the
been inspected visually. root cause of failure at
a very high percentage.

38
Triangle Method FAQ’s

In the Triangle method, why not use

Hydrogen (H2) rather than Methane
(CH4) to represent low energy faults?

01 02

CH4 provides better overall H2 diffuses much more rapidly than

diagnoses for all types of faults hydrocarbon gases from transformer oil.
This will affect gas ratios using H2 but
not those using hydrocarbon gases.

39
Using the Triangle Method

STEP 1 STEP 2

If, for example, the DGA First

lab results are: calculate:
Methane, CH4 = 100 ppm CH4 + C2H4 + C2H2 = 300 ppm
Ethylene, C2H4 = 100 ppm
Acetylene, C2H2 = 100 ppm

STEP 3

Then calculate the relative % of each gas:

Relative % of CH4 = 100/300 = 33.3 %

To verify that the calculation was done

correctly, the sum of these 3 values should
always give 100%, and should correspond
to only one point in the triangle
Relative % of C2H4 = 100/300 = 33.3 %
Relative % of C2H2 = 100/300 = 33.3 %
These values are the triangular coordinates to
be used on each side of the triangle.

40
Using the Triangle Method

DUVAL TRIANGLE (IEC 60599-2007-05)

ZONE FAULT INDICATION

T1 Thermal fault, ≤300 °C

T2 Thermal fault, >300 °C, ≤700 °C

T3 Thermal fault, >700 °C

D1 Discharges of low-energy

D2 Discharges of high-energy
Combination of thermal faults
DT
and discharges
PD Partial discharge

41
Using the Triangle Method

The calculation of For those familiar with Software from vendors

triangular coordinates can
easily be done manually,
or with the help of a small
algorithm or software
computer graphics, it is
also possible to develop
a software displaying the
point and the fault zones
graphically in the triangle
is available and MS
Excel worksheets can be
found on the web.

42
 07

DGA Diagnostics
Examples

43
Example #1 Gas Levels

Reading Acetylene Methane Ethylene

1 0.4 118 105

2 0.8 120 110

3 1.1 130 117

4 1.1 148 120

C2H4 C2H2 CH4

47.00% 0.18% 52.82%
47.66% 0.35% 51.99%
47.16% 0.44% 52.40%
44.59% 0.41% 55.00%

44
Example #1 Results

Duval Triangle analysis shows

T2 fault condition (in range of
300-700 ⁰C) increasing in
direction of T3 ( greater than
700 ⁰C)

Duval Triangle as shown in the IEC 60599 Gas Guide.

45
www.lumasenseinc.com