1. For all Power Transformer installed in Meralco (10MVA above) is it on ANSI or IEC Standard?

Meralco’s standard for power transformer specs is anchored mostly in IEEE, but
we normally cross reference this in some IEC standard since majority of accredited supplier
are based in Europe. We also use some ASTM Standard like in oil.

2. Will there be a probability of moisture ingress on new transformer?

The probability of moisture ingress even in new power transformer is never remote specially in
some construction like those that does not have a conservator. This is
main driver of some products like self-drying dehydrating breather, on-
line drying equipment etc. Even the On-Load tap changers of power transformer are usually
not provided by conservator bag but merely dehydrating breathers

If we will refer to standard (IEC or IEEE), there are different moisture content limits for different
PXF voltage class. But generally, what we follow is the 35-ppm max for mineral insulating oil in
our PXF’s. This moisture content from oil is used to determine/estimate the moisture of the solid
insulation where in most of the moisture of the transformer is contained.

3. When do you conduct Furans Analysis? Is this advisable even if we have conducted oil filtering
already?

Generally, Furans analysis should be conducted once the transformer is commissioned to

establish a baseline then once a year and from there determine/estimate the rate of Solid
insulation degradation (DP and % Life). Furanic compounds dissolved in the oil are very
unstable and are easily removed through ordinary filtration, vacuum degassing. So, altering the
oil invalidates the result of the furans analysis and makes the estimated DP (Degree of
polymerization) of the PXF higher.

4. What happens if the oil failed the IFT Test?

The significance of IFT - Interfacial Tension of the mineral insulating oil against water is to
determine oil contamination which may be due to oxidation or aging of the insulating oil and other
polar contaminants that might be unintentionally dissolved or suspended in the oil, this includes
cellulosic fibers, dissolved metals, etc. These contaminants may cause sludging inside the
transformer which may adversely affect transformers cooling systems (pumps, radiators, etc.).
 If the oil failed the IFT test but based on other parameter and age is still fine,
the owner can consider oil-regeneration. Selecting between oil replacement and regeneration
is more of economics in consideration What should be the recommended correction for
this? The owner can consider either oil replacement or regeneration depending on its option.
Oil replacement could be expensive but will last longer and can be done faster while oil
regen may take some time and could be less costly and environment friendly.

5. What is the recommended sampling rate/frequency for DGA as per standard?

As per IEEE C57-104, the minimum sampling for DGA is once a year, this also depends on the
condition, type and use of the transformer. The standard IEEE C57.104 also suggest sampling
interval based on the DGA results of the Transformers.

6. What is the difference between oil purification and oil regeneration?

Oil purification refers to physical processes (such as filtration, vacuum extraction/degassing and
heating) of removing oil impurities such as moisture, dissolved gasses and suspended
particles. This does not remove oxidation by products that is dissolved in the oil that causes the
oil to change its color, lower IFT and higher Neutralization or Acid number. Oil regeneration is
used to remove this oxidation by products and restore the insulating oil’s pristine condition (good
as new). This requires contact of the oil into a regenerating agent such as Fuller’s earth that
removes dissolved oxidation products through continues or several passes.

7. Related to GIS Testing

-For AC Resonance Test Requirements, kindly refer to IEC 62271-1.