1.

Introduction: - Transformer is one of the vital links in the power system for
satisfying conversion of system from one level to the other for suitable use by
the utilities. To maintain the satisfactory operation of this equipment, proper
care should be extended to the basic insulation i.e OIL for its selection in the
transformer. So, the utility engineers must have to understand the influence of
different oil parameters when selecting the insulating oils and stipulate the use
of right quality standard grade transformer oil for the safe and trouble free
functioning of the transformer. This chapter has covered the data and suitable
information regarding transformer oil and described in different section.

2. Properties of Transformer Oil: - The transformer oil should have following

properties for appropriate use in the equipments.
2.1 High electric strength, impulse strength and volume Resistivity.
2.2 Low dielectric dissipation factor.
2.3 High specific heat and thermal conductivity.
2.4 Excellent chemical stability and gas absorbing properties.
2.5 Good low temperature flow properties and low viscosity
2.6 Low volatility and flash point.
2.7 Low solvent power.
2.8 Low density.
2.9 Good arc quenching properties.
2.10 Non-flammable & non-toxic.
2.11 Cheap & easily available

3. Co-Relation of the properties and different functions

By considering the properties as described above, the different function of oil for
the use in electrical equipment can be described as follows
3.1 Electrical functions
3.1.1 High Dielectric Strength ( higher BDV)
3.1.2 High Resistivity ( High Specific Resistance )
3.1.3 Low Loss Factor( Low Tan delta Value )
3.2 Cooling Functions
3.2.1 Low viscosity
3.2.2 High thermal conductivity
3.2.3 High specific heat
3.2.4 Low density
3.3 Chemical Functions
3.3.1 Low water content
3.3.2 Low pour point
3.3.3 High flash point
3.3.4 Low acidity
3.3.5 Non corrosive
3.3.6 High resistance to oxidation, chemically stable

3.4 Safety & Environmental Functions

3.4.1 Bio-degradable
3.4.2 Non-Toxic

4. Manufacturing Practices of Oil:

4.1 Paraffinic base crude predominantly paraffinic hydro carbon, high
wax and bitumens.
4.2 Naphthenic base crude predominantly naphthenic & aromatic, less wax, more
bitumens.
4.3 Mixed base crude intermediate between paraffin and naphthene.
4.4 The first step for manufacture of insulating oil is the fractional distillation of
crude.
4.5 Oil is manufactured by refining of petroleum feed stocks. The groups of this
oil can be represented as ( Paraffinic, Napthenic and Aromatic) and
manufacturing practice can also be grouped in the following methods

4.6 Some information of Transformer oil

4.6.1 Naphthenic oil ;- This oil is rich in bitumen and oxidation nature results
sludge but soluble in oil and does not affect the insulation
4.6.2 Paraffinic oil:- Easily available in India rich in gas oil, gasoline and wax .
Sludge is not soluble and precipitates at bottom. Due to wax content, this
oil has high pour point.
4.6.3 Inhibited oil - Oil containing a minimum of 0.08% and maximum of 0.40
% anti-oxidant additive together with other additives
4.6.4 Uninhibited oil - Oil containing no anti-oxidant additive, but which may
contain other additives.

5. Method of Oil production by different countries.

Sl Countries Type of Crude Method of Refineries

1 AUSTRALIA NAPHTHENIC SOLVENT REFINING,
HYDROGEN TREATMENT
2 BELGIUM Same Same
3 CANADA Same Same
4 FRANCE Same Same
5 IRELAND Same Same
6 JAPAN NAPHTHENIC Same
/PARAFFINIC
MIXED
7 KOREA Same SOLVENT REFINING,
HYDROGENATION
8 MEXICO NAPHTHENIC Same
9 NORWAY Same Same
10 CHINA Same Same
11 SOUTH Same Same
AFRICA
12 SCOTLAND Same SULPHURIC ACID
13 ROMANIA PARAFFINIC SOLVENT REFINING,
HYDROGEN TREATMENT
14 SPAIN PARAFFINIC SULPHURIC ACID/ CLAY
PROCESS/ HYDROGENATION

6. Some New advance in Transformer oil

6.1 SILICONES
 6.2 FLOUROCARBON
6.3 RTemp FLUIDS
6.4 ESTERS-BASED ON VEGETABLE OILS

7. Standards used for transformer oil

7.1 IS 335 – 1993 - Recommended Limits of unused un-inhibited Mineral oil (New
oil)
7.2 IS-12463/1988 – Specification for inhibited mineral insulating oils.
7.3 IS 1866 – 2000 Practice for electrical maintenance and supervision of mineral
insulating oil in equipment.
7.4 IEC 60296- 2003 - Fluids for electro-technical applications – Unused mineral
insulating oils (New oils)
7.5 IEC 60422 - 1989 Supervision and maintenance guide for mineral insulating
oils in electrical equipment (used oil)
7.6 IEEE STD. C57.104-1991: DGA STUDY OF TRANSFORMER OIL

8. METHODS OF TRANSFORMER OIL PRODUCTION

CRUDE OIL

DISTILATION
ACIDIFICATION HYDROGENETION
SOLVENT
ALKALI TREAT EXTRACTION

CLAY TREAT CLAY TREAT CLAY TREAT

FILTRATION FILTRATION FILTRATION

TRANSFORMER
OIL
9. CHEMICAL DECOMPOSITION OF HYDROCARBONS

RH R* + H
Hydrocarbon) (Free radical)
RO2*
R* + O (Peroxy radical)
RO2* + RO2*H+ R*
RH (Hydro per oxide)

2 RO2* Oxidation products

R* + RO2* (Higher Temperature metal
2 R* Ions as catalyst favors the reaction)
10. CHARACTERISTIC REQUIREMENTS OF IS, IEC, & BS SPECIFICATION FOR UNIHIBITED
TRANSFORMER OIL DATA

Sl CHARACTERISTICS IS:335 IEC-296 IEC-296 BS-148 BS-148

No 1993 CLASS-1 CLASS-II CLASS-I CLASS-II
1 APPEARANCE Oil should be clear, transparent, free from suspended mater and sediments
2 DENSITY gm/cc Max@ 29.5 0 c 0.85- 0.88 0.895 0.895 0.895 0.89
3 Kin. Visco. CSt Max 27 @270 c 16.5 @ 40 0 c 11.0@ 40 0 c 16.5 @ 40 0 c 11.0@ 40 0 c
800 @ - 15 0 c 1800 @ - 15 0 c 800 @ - 15 0 c 1800 @ - 15 0 c
4 Inter facial Tension( N/m Min. 0.04 N. R N. R N. R N. R
5 Flash Point 0 C Min. 140 140 130 140 130
6 Pour Point 0 C Min. -6 -30 -45 -30 -45
7 BDV KV/cm Min.
New Unfiltered 30 30 30 30 30
After Filter 60 50 50 As Delivered As Delivered
8. Tan Delta @ 90 0 C Max. 0.002 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
9 Resistivity Ohm-cm .
@ 90 0 C Min 35х1012 N. R N. R N. R N. R
@ 270 C Min. 1500х1012
10 Oxi. Stability 164 Hrs
1. Neutralization Value 0.4 0.4 0.4 1.2 1.2
(mg KOH/ gm Max)
2. Sludge Cont. (% / wt Max) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.8 0.8
11 Neutralization Value
1. Total Acidity(mg KOH/ gm ) 0.03 Max 0.03 Max 0.03 Max 0.03 Max 0.03 Max
2. Inorganic Acidity Nil - - - -
Sl CHARACTERISTICS IS:335 IEC-296 IEC-296 BS-148 BS-148
No 1993 CLASS-1 CLASS-II CLASS-I CLASS-II
12 Corrosive Sulphur Non- Non- corrosive Non- Corrosive Non- Non- Corrosive
Corrosive corrosive
13 Oxi. Inhibitor 0.05% Max Not-Detectable Not-Detectable Not- Not-Detectable
Detectable
14 Water Content (ppm) Max Bulk / 50 40 40 20/30 20/30
Drum Delivery
15 S.K. Value Under - - - -
Consideration
16 Accl. Ageing Test (Open Beaker
Method with Copper Catalyst)
1. Tan Delta @ 90 0 C Max. 0.2
2. Resistivity Ohm-cm. @ 90 0 C 0.2х1012 Min N. R N. R N. R N. R
3. Resistivity Ohm-cm. @ 27 0 C 2.5х1012 Min
4. Total Acidity 0.05
5. Sludge Cont. (% / wt Max) 0.05
17 Gassing Tendency at 50 Hz after - - - +5 +5
120 min., mm3/min. Max
18 Total PCB Con. mg/Kg - - - Not- Not-Detectable
Detectable
19 Total Furan mg/Kg Max - - - 1.0 1.0
20 Poly cyclic Aromatic Wt%, Max - - - 3.0 3.0
11. CHARACTERISTIC REQUIREMENTS OF IS, IEC, & BS SPECIFICATION FOR INHIBITED
TRANSFORMER OIL DATA
Sl CHARACTERISTICS IS: IEC-296 IEC-296 BS-148 BS-148
No 12463/1988 CLASS-1A CLASS-IIA CLASS-IA CLASS-IIA
1 APPEARANCE Oil should be clear, transparent, free from suspended mater and sediments
2 DENSITY gm/cc Max@ 29.5 0 c 0.89 0.895 0.895 0.895 0.89
3 Kin. Visco. CSt Max 27 @270 c 16.5 @ 40 0 c 11.0@ 40 0 c 16.5 @ 40 0 c 11.0@ 40 0 c
800 @ - 15 0 c 1800 @ - 15 0 c 800 @ - 15 0 c 1800 @ - 15 0 c
4 Interfacial Tension 0.04 0.04 @ 250 c 0.04 @ 250 c - -
( N/m Min.
5 Flash Point 0 C Min. 140 140 130 140 130
6 Pour Point 0 C Min. -6 -30 -45 -30 -45
7 BDV KV/cm Min.
New Unfiltered 30 30 30 30 30
After Filter 60 50 50 As Delivered As Delivered
8. Tan Delta @ 90 0 C Max. 0.002 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
9 Resistivity Ohm-cm .
@ 90 0 C Min 35х1012 - - - -
@ 270 C Min. 1500х1012
11 Neutralization Value
1. Total Acidity 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.08 0.08
(mg KOH/ gm Max)
2. Inorganic Acidity Nil - - - -
12 Corrosive Sulphur Non- Non- Corrosive Non- Corrosive Non- Non- Corrosive
Corrosive Corrosive
Sl CHARACTERISTICS IS: IEC-296 IEC-296 BS-148 BS-148
No 12463/1988 CLASS-1A CLASS-IIA CLASS-IA CLASS-IIA
10 Oxi. Stability 164 Hrs
1. Neutralization Value 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.25 0.25
( mg KOH/ gm Max)
2. Sludge Cont. 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.01 0.01
(% / wt Max)
3. Volatile Acidity Max - 0.28 0.28 - -
Oxi. Stability 500 Hrs
1. Neutralization Value - - - 1.5 1.5
(mg KOH/ gm Max)
2. Sludge Cont. (% / wt Max) - - - 1.0 1.0
13 Oxi. Inhibitor 0.3 0.15-0.4 0.15-0.4 0.3 0.3
14 Water Content (ppm) Max Bulk / 50 30/40 30/40 20/30 20/30
Drum Delivery
15 Accl. Ageing Test (Open Beaker N. R N. R N. R N. R
Method with Copper Catalyst)
1. Tan Delta @ 90 0 C Max. 0.2
2. Resistivity Ohm-cm. @ 90 0 C 0.2х1012 Min
3. Resistivity Ohm-cm. @ 27 0 C 2.5х1012 Min
4. Total Acidity 0.05
5. Sludge Cont. (% / wt Max) 0.05
16 Gassing Tendency at 50 Hz after - - - +8 +8
120 min., mm3/min. Max
17 Total PCB Con. mg/Kg - - - Not Not-Detectable
Detectable
18 Total Furan mg/Kg Max - - - 1.0 1.0
19 Poly cyclic Aromatic Wt%, Max - - - 3.0 3.0
12. +HIGH QUALITY TRANSFORMER OILS FOR POWER TRANSFORMERS
Sl CHARACTERISTICS ASTM D 3487 HVDC DIN 57370 AUSTRALIAN
No TYPE-1 SPEC. VDE 0370 AS 1767.1 CLASSI/II
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

1 APPEARANCE CLEAR &BRIGHT

0
2 DENSITY gm/cc Max 0.91 @ 15 c 0.885 @ 20 0 c 0.895 @ 200 c 0.895 @ 200 c
3 Kin. Visco. CS t (SUS) Max
@ 100 0 c 3 (36) - - -
@ 40 0 c 12 (66) 11 25 @ 20 0 c 16.5/11
@00c 76 (350) - - -
@ -15 0 c - - - 800/-
@ -30 0 c - 1800 1800 -/1800
4 IFT @ 25 0 c N/m Min 0.04 0.04 - 0.04
5 Flash Point 0 C Min. (PMCC) 145 140 130 140/130

0
6 Pour Point C Max. -40 -30 -30/45
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES

1 BDV KV Min.
Before / After Filtration 30/50 30/50 30/50 30/50
2 BDV Impulse, @ 25 0 c, KV
Min. Needle Neg. to Sphere 145 150 - -
grounded (25.4mm gap)
3 Gassing Tendency at 50 Hz +15/+30
after 120 min., mm3/min. Max
4 Tan delta @60 Hz 0.05 @ 25 0 c 0.005 @ 90 0 c 0.005 @ 90 0 c 0.005 @ 90 0 c
Sl CHARACTERISTICS ASTM D 3487 HVDC DIN 57370 AUSTRALIAN
No TYPE-1 SPEC. VDE 0370 AS 1767.1 CLASSI/II
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

1 Oxi. Stability Max.

1. 72 Hrs Sludge % Mass 0.15 - - -
TAN mg KOH/ mg 0.5 - - -
2. 164 Hrs Sludge % Mass 0.3 0.03 0.6 0.1
TAN mg KOH/ mg 0.6 0.15 0.3 0.4
2 Ageing Resistance as per Badder
(140 Hrs / 110 0 c)
Saponification No. mg KOH /mg - - 0.6 -
Sludge Cont. wt%, Max - - 0.05 -
Tan delta @ 90 0 c Max - - 0.18 -
3 Oxi. Stability Max. (Rotating 195 - - -
Bomb Test ) Minutes Min.
4 Oxi. Inhibitor % Mass/Max 0.08-0.3 - - 0.15-0.4
5 Corrosive Sulphur Non- Corrosive Non- Corrosive Non- Corrosive Non- Corrosive
6 Water Content (ppm) Max 35 10 - 30(Bulk)/40 (Drum)
7 1. Total Acidity 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03
(mg KOH/ gm Max)
8 PCB Content ppm Nil Nil Nil Nil

9. Total Aromatic Content % Max - 12 - -

10 Total Sulphur Content % Max - 0.15 - -

13. TEST ON TRANSFORMER OIL IN SERVICE
Sl. CHARACTERISTICS Voltages Test Method PERIODICITY PERMISSBLE
1 BDV 145 KV & ABOVE IS 6792/1992 After filling or 50 KV (Min.)
72.5 TO < 145 KV (Ave. of 6 Values refilling prior to 40 KV ( Min. )
< 72.5 KV with 2.5 mm gap energizing then after 3 30 KV ( Min. )
Months and after one year
2 WATER CONTENT 145 KV & ABOVE IS 335/1993 After filling or 25ppm
BELOW 145 KV refilling prior to energizing 35ppm
then after 3
months and after one year
3 SP. RESISTANCE @ ALL VOLTAGES IS 6103 /1971 After filling or 0.1 х 1012
90 0 c IN Ohm -cm Refilling prior to Min.
Energizing then after 3
Months and after 2 years
4 TAN DELTA @ 145 KV & ABOVE IS 6262/1971 After filling or 0.2
90 0 c MAX BELOW 145 KV Refilling prior to 1.0
Energizing then after 2 years
5. Neutralization Value ALL VOLTAGES IS 1448 ( Pt 2) -DO- 0.5 mg KOH/gm
1. Total Acidity MAX 1967
6 SEDIMENT OR ALL VOLTAGES APPENDIX-A -DO- NO SLUDGE
PRECIPITATE SLUDGE IS 1866/1983
7 FLASH POINT -DO- IS 1448 -DO- DEC. OF 15 0 c
PART-21, 1992 FROM INITIAL
VALUE, MIN.
125 0 c
8 IFT @ 27 0 c MIN. -DO- IS 6104 /1971 -DO- 0.018 N/m
9 DGA 145 KV & ABOVE 1S 9434/1992 After filling or REFER IS
refilling prior to 10593/1993/DGA
Energizing then after 3 CHART
Months and after one year
14. APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION OF TESTS ON OIL IN TRANSFORMERS AS PER IS: 1866 –
1983
Sl. Characteristic Equipment Permissible limit, satisfactory Action if outside permissible
No. voltage for use limit
1 Specific resistance at All 0.1х1012 Recondition it the value of
90° c ohm-cm, min dielectric dissipation factor
permits, reclaim if not
2 Dielectric dissipation > 145 kv 0.2 Reclaim
factor at 90° c, max < 145 kv 1.0

3 Neutralization value, All 0.5 Reclaim

mg / KOH / g
4 Precipitate sludge All No perceptible sludge Reclaim
5 Flash point All Decrease in flash point 15°c Reclaim after checking causes
(max) of the initial value,
minimum value 125° c
6 Interfacial tension at All 0.015 Reclaim
27°c, n/m, min

7 Electric strength 145 kv + 50kv min Recondition

above
< 145 kv 40 kv min
> 72.5 kv 40 kv min
< 72.5 kv 30 kv min

8 Water content ppm > 145 kv 25ppm Recondition

< 145 kv 35ppm
15. Recommended limits of unused mineral oil filled in new power transformer
Particulars Highest System Voltage
<72.5 KV 72.5 KV to 170 KV >170 KV
Density @ 29.5° C (g / cc), max 0.89 0.89 0.89
Flash point, (° C), max 140 140 140
Neutralisation value, mg / KOH /g 0.03 0.03 0.03
Water content, ppm, min 20 15 10
Interfacial tension, N/m, min 35 35 35
Dielectric Dissipation Factor @ 90° C, max 0.015 0.015 0.010
Resistivity, ohm-cm, min 6x1012 6x1012 6x1012
Breakdown voltage, kV, min 40 50 60
Neutralisation value, Mg.KOH/g, min 0.4 0.4 0.4
Sludge (% by Mass), max 0.1 0.1 0.1

16. Service Oil Test and information obtained as per IS 1866:2000

Sl. TESTS INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM TEST
1 Interfacial Tension Sludge present in the oil.
2 Neutralisation Number Acid present in the oil
3 Moisture content (ppm) Reveals total water content or cellulosic deterioration.
4 Flash point Sudden drop in flash point indicates, unsatisfactory working of transformer
5 Sludge Indicated deterioration
6 DDF Presence of moisture, resins, varnishes or their products of oxidation in oil
7 Dielectric strength Conductive contaminants and moisture present in the oil.
8 Resistivity Indicative of conducting impurities.
9 Dissolved Gas Analysis Reveals ppm of combustible gases in the oil to assess the internal condition
17. CLASSIFICATION OF OIL IN SERVICE AS PER IS 1866:2000

GROUP DESCRIPTION
Group-1 This group contains oils that are in satisfactory condition for continued use.
Group II This group contains oils that require reconditioning for further service. (Low BDV and High water
content).
Group-III This group contains oils in poor condition that it can restore satisfactory properties only after reclaiming.
Insulating oils this group should be reclaimed or replaced depending on economic considerations
Group-IV This group contains oils, in such poor state that it is technically advisable to dispose of them

18. TESTING PRACTICES AND OTHER LIMIT FACTORS OF TRANSFORMER OIL

Sl Parameters Testing Methods Test method Limits Remarks

1 Density It is the ratio of mass of the liquid IS 148(Pt16)- 0.85- .89 Very Low value may cause
to the unit volume at the given 1977 Max. limit 0.89 ice to freeze upon the oil
temperature (Unit gm/cc) Method: - Very high value may cause
1. Hydrometer low heat dissipation
Method
2.Density Bottle
Method
ISO-3675(but
ISO 12185 as
well accepted)
2 Kinematic It is the resistance of oil to flow IS: 1448 27 @270 c It acts as the index to the
Viscosity under specified conditions like (Part 25) – 1976 coolant influence, heat
pressure head oil. The unit is cst IEC-61868 transfer and temperature rise
(CENTISTOKES). in the instrument.
3 Pour point It is the lowest temperature at ISO-3016 -6 0 c It is to considered for the
which the oil stops to flow under IS: 1448 places where extremely cold
standard condition. Unit is ( 0 c ) (P: 10) – 1970 weathers prevail.
4. Interfacial It is the measurement of ISO-6295 0.040 IFT indicates the polar
Tension (IFT) molecular attractive force IS: 6104 – 1971 contamination of oil and drop
(N/m) – Min between their unlike molecules at in value indicates the
the interface of oil and water symptoms of oil degradation
Unit = N/m. and accumulation of
contaminants, oxidation
products, or both.
5 Flash point The minimum temperature at IS: 1448 (p: 21) – 140 0 c Low value – risk of fire in
ºC which oil vaporizes and becomes 1970 Transformers
flammable. Unit is ( 0 c ) ISO- 2719
(Pensky-Martens
closed cup )
6 Neutralisation It is the value of KOH in mg to IEC-62021-1 New Oil < 0.03 Higher value indicates the
Value neutralize 1 gram of insulating mg KOH / g presence of acidic materials
oil. SERVICE OIL in oil and in turn may damage
- < 0.5 the insulation property
mg KOH / g
7. Oxidation The resistance property of oil to IEC-61125 Total Sludge % Higher the value of stability
Stability resist for its oxidation nature is by weight < 0.1 minimises sludge deposition,
called Oxidation Stability. electrical property losses,
Presence of oxygen in oil and metal corrosion, electrical
chemical reaction with copper faults and enhances the life
winding results oxidation and the
by-product such obtained is
SLUDGE.
8 Water It is the measurement of water IEC-60814 Depends upon Higher value may cause the
Content content in the oil in terms of the utility. degradation of oil after
availability in parts per million. Value limit charging causing oxidation
Accurate measurement by 25ppm and deterioration of
Automatic Coulometric Karl insulation.
Fischer titrator
 9 Corrosive Detection of sulphur compounds Presence of sulphur
Sulphur in oil by discoloration of sopper compound increases the
surface in contact with oil at degradation of the winding.
elevated temperature
Orange red, multi-coloured -
non-corrosive
2. Black, gray or brown -
corrosive
10 BDV Ability to with stand to the IEC-60156 Depends upon Lower value than the limit
electrical stresses between the the KV class of may cause the rupture of
specified distances of electrode. voltage solid insulation and
Unit in Kv ionization current. Low value
of BDV indicated presence
of Contaminants / Moistures
/ Conducting particles
11 DDF Dissipation factor/loss factor IEC-60247 or New oil @ 90º High value of DDF leads to
(Dielectric (Tan delta)is defined as the ratio IEC-61620 at C= 0.002 increased
dissipation of resistive component(Ir) of 90ºC Oil in service 1. Heating leading to thermal
factor, Tan current to that of capacitive @ 90ºC runway
delta value ) current (Ic) flowing in an For > 145KV 2. Corrosion & oxidation
insulating material = 0.2 3. Water solubility and
For < 145KV emulsifying power
= 1.0
12 Resisitivity DC resistance of volume of oil of IS 6103 /1971 0.1 х 1012 Reduction of value indicates
(Specific unit cross sectional area and unit Min. presence of moisture, acidity
resistance) length. Unit expressed in Ohm- and solid contaminants.
cm

19. CONCEPTS OF RECONDITION AND RE-CLAIMATION

19.1 RECONDITIONING OF OIL: - This is the process by which the used oil is filtered with pressure and
temperature. Vacuum is the practice used for the suction of the water/moisture from the insulation with processed
filtration. Because of filtration and dry vacuumisation, the contaminated particles, moistures and certain dissolved
gasses are dragged out from the oil

19.2 RECLAIMATION OF OIL:- This is the process by which the used and service oil is retreated by absorbent
materials and special chemicals to reclaim the original property of the oil. Different special methods are used for
the reclaimation and the revival of the original property is attained to some extent and the reclaimed oil becomes
suitable for use for the important equipments, depending upon the category of property the oil claimed. By such
the following materials are removed. (ACIDS, SLUDGE, DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS, PARTICLES,
MOISTURE, DISSOLVED GASES)

19.3 SOME RECLAMATION METHODS :- Followings are some methods that are adopted for the reclamation of
the transformer oil
19.3.1 Batch Process
19.3.2 Percolation Process

19.4 NORMAL METHODS OF RECLAMATION:- By the process of reclamations, the earth fuller material plays
the role of initial step. Then the same was heated to the suitable temperature of 150 0 C for approximately 2 Hours.
The discarded oil is then mixed at 600 C for 2 Hours. Then the process is allowed to settle at ambient for 16 Hours
for the filtration under vacuum to obtain the reclaimed oil. Now the process of chemical treatment is encouraged
by addition of DBPC (2-6-Ditertiary-Butyl Para Cresole) to the suitable as required to the system

20. SOME LIMITATIONS THAT USED FOR ASTM STANDARD

 Test Practices Acceptable Questionable Un- Purpose
acceptable
BDV KV ≥ 30 29 - 25 < 25 Ability of oil to with stand electric stres
(ASTM D-877)
Interfacial tension ≥ 32.0 31.9 - 28 < 27.9 Measures tension between oil & water
Nm/m (ASTM D971) layer. Used to detect polar contamination
and insulating ageing
Neutralization No < 0.05 0.06 – 0.10 > 0.10 Acidic compounds produced by oxidation
mgKOH/g (ASTM of oil and degradation of solid insulation
D974)
Color ASTM D ≤ 3.5 -- > 3.5 Visual indication of serious contamination
1500 & 1524 or degradation
Dissipation factor At Healthiness of insulation system
25 0C < 0.1% 0.1 – 0.3% > 0.30%
At 100 0C < 2.99% 3.0 – 3.99% > 3.0%

21. DISOLVED GAS ANALYSIS( DGA )

21.1 Introduction: - Transformer oil is the constituent of hydro carbon molecules. These molecules being in the
bonding format remain intact to certain temperature. Due to any reason if the temperature rises, then the bonding
splits and the molecules in gas form dissolves to the transformer oil. Now as per the availability of the gas, the
temperature and nature of fault inside the transformer can be guessed. DGA can provide the indication of the fault
and expected nature to the transformer in the form of interpretation by the rules as described in different methods.
Few of such methodology have been described below. Low energy faults, with less temperature split weak H-C
bonds, in which hydrogen remains as the main gas. Higher temperatures are needed for splitting C-C bonds, results
the evolution of gases like Ethane, methane and ethylene, Acetylene
 21.2 INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
21.2.1 DOERNENBURGE RATIO METHOD
SUGGESTED CH4/H2 C2H2/C2H4 C2H2/CH4 C2H6/C2H2
FAULT
DIAGNOSIS
Thermal > 1.0 < 0.75 <0.3 >0.4
Decomposition
Corona (Low <0.1 - <0.3 > 0.4
intensity P.D)
Arching (High >0.1 >0.75 >0.3 <0.4
intensity P.D) <1.0

21.2.2 ROGER’ S RATIO METHOD ( METHOD-1)

SUGGESTED FAULT C2H2/C2H4 CH4/H2 C2H4/C2H6
DIAGNOSIS
Normal 0.1to 1.0 < 0.1 <1.0
Low Energy Density <0.1 <0.1 <1.0
Arching
Arching 0.1 to 3.0 0.1 to 1.0 >3.0
(High intensity P.D)
Low Temp. Thermal <0.1 0.1 to 1.0 1.0 to 3.0
Thermal >700 0 c <0.1 >1.0 1.0 to 3.0
Thermal <700 0 c <0.1 >1.0 >3.0

21.2.3 ROGER’ S RATIO METHOD ( METHOD-1I)

SUGGESTED FAULT DIAGNOSIS CH4/ C2H6/ C2H4/C C2H2/
H2 CH4 2H6 C2H4
If CH4 /H2 <0.1, then P.D other wise Normal 0 0 0 0
Deterioration
Slight Over Heating Below 150 0 c 1 0 0 0
Slight Over Heating Below 150 0 c to 200 0 c 1 1 0 0
Slight Over Heating Below 200 0 c to 300 0 c 0 1 0 0
General Conductor Overheating 0 0 1 0
Circulating Currents / Overheated 1 0 1 0
Flashover without power flow urrent 0 0 0 1
Tap Changer selector breaking current 0 1 0 1
Arc with Power flow 0 0 1 1
REMARKS
Ratio <1.0 is taken as 0, Ratio >1.0 is taken as 1
A given Ratio can be taken for Diagnosis if the concentration of one gas is at least equal to the
limit values as below Value in ppm
H2=200, CH4= 50, C2H6=15, C2H4=60, C2H2=15
21.2.4 NEW GUIDE LINES AS PER CIGRE TASK FORCES
KEY RATIOS Values Possible fault
C2H2/C2H6 >1 Electrical Discharge
CH4/H2 >10 Partial discharge
C2H4/C2H6 >1 Thermal Fault
CO2/CO >10 Over Heating of Cellulose
<3 Degradation of Cellulose by Electrical fault

21.2.5 DGA INTERPRETATION AS PER ABOVE RATIO (CIGRE TASK

FORCE)
Ratio Possible Fault and Action
Code
K1 & R1 NO ACTION, TRANSFORMER IS PROBABLY HEALTHY
K2 & R2 TRNSFORMER MOST PROBABLY FAULTY, ADDITIONAL
ANALYSES NEEDED
K1 &R2 POSSIBLE INCIPIENT FAULT, ADDITIONAL ANALYSES NEEDED
K2 & R1 POSSIBILITY OF MORE THAN ONE FAULT, FURTHER
INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Code R1 for all the ratios are below the limits
Code R2 for any ratio is larger than the limit
Code K1, if any concentration of all gases below the limits
Code K2, if key concentration of at least one gas is higher than the limits

21.2.6 DGA INTERPRETATION AS PER IEC-60599/1999

21.2.6.1 Type of Faults and its Designations
Designations Meaning
PD Partial discharge:- Partial Discharge is a localized electrical discharge that
only partially ruptures the insulation with out causing
D Energy Discharge: - Due to over heating and problem, certain energy
discharges from the insulation and in turn deteriorates the same.
T Thermal Fault: - Fault due to temperature, effect of Over heating.
D1 Discharges of low energy:- In oil or/and paper, evidenced by large
carbonized perforations through paper or carbon particles in oil
D2 Discharges of high energy: - In oil or/and paper, with power follow-
through, evidenced by extensive destruction and carbonization of paper.
Metal fusion at the discharge extremities, extensive carbonization of oil and
in some cases tripping of the equipment, confirming large current follow-
through
T1 Thermal faults in oil or/and paper, below 300 deg C
T2 Thermal faults in oil or/and paper, above 300 deg C
T3 Thermal faults in oil or/and paper, above 700 deg C if there is strong
evidence of carbonization of the oil
21.2.6.2 Co-Relation of Designation and Basic Gas ratio
Designation CHARACTERISTIC C2H2/C2H CH4/H C2H4/C2H
s S FAULT 4 2 6
PD PARTIAL <0.01 <0.1 <0.2
DISCHARGES
D1 DISCHARGES OF >1 0.1-0.5 >1
LOW ENERGY
D2 DISCHARGES OF 0.6-2.5 0.1-1.0 >2
HIGH ENERGY
T1 THERMAL FAULT- <0.01 >1 <1
T<300ºC
T2 THERMAL FAULT <0.1 >1 1- 4
300 ºC<T<700 ºC
T3 THERMAL FAULT <0.2 >1 4
T > 700ºC

21.2.7 KEY GAS METHOD

Sl SUGGESTED FAULT Major key gas Minor Key Gas
DIAGNOSIS
1. 1.Over Heating of Oil C2H4 > 150ppm C2 H6 (10-20%)
2.Thermal Degradation/ (60-70 %) C H4 (10-20%)
Decomposition of Oil
2. 1. Power Discharge H2 (60-70%), >100ppm CH4 (5-10 %),
2. Arching in Oil C2H4 (30-40 %), > 30 C2H4 (3 –5 %)
3. .Electric Discharge ppm C2H6 (1.5 – 3 %)
3 1.Internal Corona H2 (80 –90 %), > 100 CH4 (10-15 %),
2. Partial Discharge ppm C2H4 (0.1–0.5
%), C2H6 (0.5- 1.0
%)
4 Hot spot in oil CH4 (50 –60 %) , > 50 H2 (40 – 60 %),
ppm C2H4 (0.1 – 0.5
%), C2H6 (0.5- 1.0
%)
5. 1. Over heating of Solid CO (90 –95 %) , > 350 H2 (5-10 %),
Insulation ppm C2H6 (1 –2 %),
2. Thermal ageing of oil CH4 (2 - 5 %)
6. 1. Arching in Cellulose CO (50 –60 %), > 350 H2, CH4, C2H2,
2. Decomposition of ppm C2H4, C2H6
Insulation CO2 ((50 –60 %), > 350 Rest %
ppm
21.2.8 MAJOR KEY GASES BY DECOMPOSITION OF CELLULOSE
AND OIL
Cellulose/Oil Temp. Conditions Key Gases
Oil Overheated 3000C to10000C Methane (CH4), Ethane
(C2H6) Ethylene(C2H4)
Organic acids
Oil Electrical stress (Partial discharge) Hydrogen (H2)
Arcing to 10000C Acetylene (C2H2)
Cellulose Overheated >1500C CO, CO2 and H2O

21.2.9 MAJOR KEY GASES AS PER THE FAULT CONDITION

Sl FAULT Conditions Key Gases
1 Thermal condition involving Methane, Ethane, Ethylene, and small amount of
the oil Acetylene
2 Partial Discharge Hydrogen, Methane and small amount of
Acetylene and Ethylene
3 Sustained arcing Hydrogen, Acetylene and Ethylene
4 Thermal condition involving Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide
the paper
5 Corona in Oil Hydrogen
6 Corona in Cellulose Hydrogen, Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide
LOW TEMP HIGH TEMP
7 PYROLYSIS in Oil CH4, C2H6 C2H4, H2 (CH4, C2H2)
8 PYROLYSIS in cellulose CO2 (CO) CO (CO2)

21.2.10 CIGRE Method (Electra No. 186, Oct 99) - Key gas concentration and
indication
Sl Characteristics gas Concentration ( ppm) Indications
1 C2H2 > 20 Power discharge
2 H2 > 100 Partial discharge
3 ∑CxHy > 1000 Thermal fault
> 500
4 Cox > 10000 Cellulose degradation
Gas Concentration ratios
Sl Ratio Value Indication
1 C2H2/C2H6 >1 Discharge
2 H2/CH4 > 10 Partial discharge
CO2/CO > 10 Cellulose overheating
<3 Cellulose degradation
4 C2H2/H2 > 2 (with C2H2 > 30) Fault gases from OLTC
21.2.11 GAS SOLUBILTY IN OIL BY VOLUME AND
Gas %
Solubility
Hydrogen 7
Nitrogen 8.6
Carbon monoxide 9
Oxygen 16
Methane 30
Carbon dioxide 120
Ethane 280
Ethylene 280
Acetylene 400

21.2.12 METHOD RECOMMENDED BY (ETRA- Electra Technology

Research Association)

1000
A: Arc Discharge
A B: Discharge
100 C: Partial discharge
C2H2 D: Overheating > 7000C
10 or heating + discharge
B E: Over heating < 3000C
C2H6 F: Over heating
1.0 3000C – 7000C
G: Overheating > 7000C
C D
0.1

0.01
E F G

0.1 1.0 4 10 100 1000

C2H4/C2H6
21.2.13 METHOD RECOMMENDED BY ( DUVAL’S TRINGLE)
21.2.14 DGA as per IEC 599 Method
Code of Range of Ratios
C2H2 CH4 C2H4
/C2H4 /H2 /C2H6
Ratios of Characteristic gases
< 0.1 0 1 0
0.1 – 1 1 0 0
1-3 1 2 1
>3 2 2 2
Case Typical examples
0 No fault 0 0 0 Normal ageing
1 PD of low energy density 0 0 0 Discharges in gas-filled cavities resulting from incomplete
impregnation
2 PD of high energy density 1 1 0 As above, but leading to tracking or perforation of solid
insulation
3 Discharges of low energy 1-2 0 1-2 Continuous sparking in oil between bad connections diff.
(See note 1) potential or to floating potential. Breakdown coils to earth.
4 Discharge of high energy 1 0 2 Discharges with power follow-through. Arcing –
breakdown of oil between windings or coils to earth.
5 Thermal fault of low temp. 0 0 1 General insulated conductor overheating
<1500C (See Note 2)
6 Thermal fault range 150–3000C. 0 2 0 Local overheating of the core due to concentration of flux.
(See note 3) Increasing hot spot temperatures; varying from small hot
7 Thermal fault ( 300 – 7000C 0 2 1 spots in core, shorting links in core, overheating of copper
8 Thermal fault > 7000C (See note 0 2 2 due to eddy currents, bad contacts/joints up to core and tank
4 circulating currents
Note1:- Ratio C2H2/C2H4 and C2H4/C2H6 to rise from a value between 0.1 and 3 to above 3 as the spark develops in intensity.
Note 2 :- Gases come mainly from the decomposition of the solid insulation; that explains the value of the ratio C2H4/C2H6.
Note 3 : Ratio CH4/H2 is normally about 1; the actual value above or below unity is dependent on many factors such as design of oil
preservation system, actual level of temperature and oil quality.
Note 4 :- An increasing value of the amount of C2H2 may indicate that the hot point temperature is higher than 10000C.
21.2.15 TOTAL DISSOLVED COMBUSTIBLE GAS LIMITS (TDCG)
TDCG LIMITS in ppm INTERPRETATIONS

(0 – 720) Satisfactory operation – Unless individual gas

acceptance values are exceeded
(721 – 1920) Normal Ageing / Slight Decomposition Unless
individual gas acceptance values are exceeded
(1921 – 4630) Significant Decomposition fault is to be monitored
>4630 Very Substantial decomposition of oil. Immediate
action to be taken

21.2.16 Acceptable limits of Dissolved Gasses ( As collected from different

conferences)
Sl Gasses in ppm Age of Transformers in Years
0-5 6-10 11-15 >15
1 Hydrogen 100 100 100 100
2 Carbon Di-oxide 9000 9000 9000 15000
3 Carbon Monoxide 500 700 1500 1500
4 Methane 70 70 200 200
5 Ethane 40 40 200 200
6 Ethylene 40 100 200 200
7 Acetylene 10 10 20 50

21.2.17 Normal Practice of Sampling for DGA study

Periodicity Purpose

Just before the For initial record for the future comparison
commissioning/
Energisation
1 day after the charging Immediate response of the insulation and the materials
15 days after the charging Response of materials and insulation with loading of
the transformer.
3 Months after the Re-occurrence of gas and continuous monitoring of the
charging gas
Then after every 6 To maintain the data and response of gas evolution in
months/ one year the oil.
depending upon the
serious of gas
evolvement.
21.2.18 FEATURES FOR CORRECT DGA INTERPRETATION
TECHNIQUES
Some times DGA interpretation becomes critical in practice due to the
availability of different methods and rules. So to bring any confirmatory
and correct analysis following points should be followed during
interpretation.
21.2.18.1 Follow the correct method of sampling procedure, based on IEC 60567.
21.2.18.2 Gas extraction should be done by accurate gas chromatography for which
98% of gases could be collected for analysis
21.2.18.3 Correct method of Interpretation, considering the normal use of rules
should be followed. For reference shake, other practices can only be
compared. Standards like IEC 60599, IEEE C:57:104/1991 may be
followed.
21.2.18.4 At least one gas concentration above the typical value or limit is the
indication for DGA study. Then gas ratios are to be used for expected
fault analysis.
21.2.18.5 When more than one gas crosses the limit, then critical eventuality to be
studied and status of cellulose and paper insulation to be projected for
fault analysis. If necessary the criticality may be reported as the shut
down of the system for detail study
21.2.19 Most important:
21.2.19.1 Use the particular method of Interpretation technique
21.2.19.2 Key gas concentration to be analyzed up to its limit ( At least any one
gas should have to cross the limit for DGA study)
21.2.19.3 Criticality to be viewed seriously

21.3 CONCEPTS ON FURFURALDYHIDE ANALYSIS

21.3.1 Concepts:- Practically the solid insulation of transformer contains
cellulose paper, that causes de-polymerization and aggravates by presence
of moisture, resulting the formation furanic compounds. Thermal
degradation of oil-paper insulation system yields different amounts of
furanic derivatives, the most common being 2-furfuraldehyde. The main
advantage of using furan analysis as a diagnostic tool is that these
compounds are degradation products specific to paper and can not be
produced by oil. New paper under normal running conditions generates
furfural at the rate of 1.7 ng/g of paper/hour. The rate of production
increases with increasing degree of degradation to 0.5 mg/g of paper in
about 100,000 hours or 15-20 years.
21.3.2 Acceptable Level :- <0.1 mg/l – acceptable, >0.1 mg/l – questionable and
0.25 mg/l – unacceptable. In terms of ppb( parts per billion ), when this
value becomes more than 250 ppb , the oil should be reclaimed.
21.4 CONCEPTS ON DEGREE OF POLYMERISATION ( DP)
21.4.1 Concepts:-When cellulose is overheated, the polymer chains break and
furans release into the oil. The polymerization is counted as the bond and
accounted for the comparison purpose as DP. For new paper this vale
ranges between 1200-1400. This value of dropping to 200-250 is
considered as critical and counted as the end of life of paper. Different
methods can be computed for the estimation of DP and discussed below.
21.4.2 Computation methods :-
21.4.2.1 % of residual life = (DP-1200) x100 / 1200-200, when considered as the
DP value of new paper being 1200 and end life value being 200.
21.4.2.2 Co-relation of FURAN and DP: - Both furan contents and DP are related
for the computation of residual life of the paper and the transformer. The
formula and the table described can be referred for the calculation
Log (fur) = -1.83 + 0.058T where T is the residual life
Correlation between furan concentration and DP
Total furan level (ppb) Range of DP Recommended rest period
(months)
100 444-1200 12
101-250 333-443 6
251-1000 237-332 3
1001-2500 217-236 1
>2500 <217 Failure likely

21.5 CONCEPTS ON PARTIAL DISCHARGE ( PD)

21.5.1 Concepts:-This phenomenon is a local electrical discharge that causes the
release of charge from the surface, due to deterioration of insulation
surface. So the insulation starts to get ionize and reduces the actual
insulation path between the conductors. Different methods are available to
measure of PD from the insulation.
21.5.1.1 Electrical detection method:- By the application of Power frequency
voltage, called PDIV (Partial Discharge Inception Voltage), certain
charge is allowed to develop, across the insulations. Then the developed
charge is discharged by decreasing the voltage called PDEV (Partial
Discharge Extinction Voltage). According to the pattern of PDIV and
PDEV; the status of insulation is determined.
21.5.1.2 Acoustic Method:- Because of the fault in the transformer, the solid
insulation parts being heated, produces acoustic waves. By this method
the sensors that fixed on the inner wall of the transformer, receive the
signals for analysis of the fault by computing machines.

21.5.2 PD Level and their Critical Stages (as per CIGRE WG 12.18)
 lassification to be developed to support caution and alarm Critical Stages and Alarms
levels
ielectric Condition PD Levels Caution evels Alarm
efect-free 10-50 pC First warning signal: First fault
ormal deterioration < 500 pC q >500-1000 pC signal:
oor impregnation 1000 – 2000 pC q >> 2500 C
ong term destructive 2500 pC in paper Signal of defective Critical condition:
nization >10,000pC in oil condition: q>> 1,00,000
arge (3-5 mm in dia) air/gas 1000 – 10,000 pC q > 1000 – 2500 pC 10,00,000 pC
ubbles in oil
aper moisture upto 3-4% and 2000-4000 pC and
levant level in oil reduction of PD inception
voltage by 20%

21.6 OTHER INFORMATIONS

DISINTIGRATION OF RELATION OF EVOLVED GAS

TRANSFORMER OIL AT WITH TEMPERATURE
ORD. TEMP
GAS % TEMP. IN 0 C GAS
C02 1.17 >120 METHANE (CH4)
Heavy Hydro 4.86 >120 ETHANE (C2H6)
Carbon
O2 1.36 >150 ETHYLENE (C2H4)
CO 19.21 >700 ACETYLENE (C2H2)
H2 59.10
N2 10.10
CH4 4.2
Total 100