Transformer oil is a vital component of power transformers and other oil-immersed electrical equipment. It serves as an insulator, a coolant, and a protection against corrosion and oxidation. Transformer oil also carries dissolved gases that can indicate the condition and performance of the transformer.
To ensure the reliability and efficiency of the transformer, regular oil sampling and testing are essential. Oil sampling is the process of collecting a representative sample of oil from the transformer for analysis. Oil testing is the process of measuring various physical, chemical, and electrical properties of the oil, such as dielectric strength, acidity, moisture content, and gas composition.
Oil sampling and testing can help detect and diagnose potential problems with the transformer, such as overheating, arcing, partial discharge, aging, contamination, and degradation. Based on the test results, appropriate actions can be taken to maintain or improve the oil quality, such as filtering, drying, degassing, or replacing the oil.
However, oil sampling and testing are only effective if they are done correctly. Improper sampling procedures can result in inaccurate or misleading test results that can compromise the transformer’s performance and safety. Therefore, it is important to follow the best practices for oil sampling to ensure reliable and consistent results.
What is Transformer Oil Sampling?
Transformer oil sampling is defined as the process of collecting a sample of oil from a transformer or other oil-immersed electrical equipment for analysis. The sample should be representative of the entire oil volume in the transformer and should not be contaminated by external factors.
Transformer oil sampling typically involves the following steps:
- Prepare a clean and dry sample container that is compatible with the oil, such as a glass or plastic bottle or syringe.
- Locate the transformer’s oil sampling valve, which is usually on the side of the transformer tank.
- Open the valve slowly and drain some oil into a waste container to flush out any debris or contaminants from the valve.
- Fill the sample container slowly and gently against the wall to avoid air bubbles. Fill it up to 95% of its capacity.
- Close the valve and cap the container securely to prevent leaks or spills.
- Label the container with relevant information, such as transformer identification, date and time of sampling, temperature of oil, and sampling point.
- Send the sample to a laboratory for analysis along with a sample request form that specifies the tests required.
When to Sample Transformer Oil?
The frequency of transformer oil sampling depends on several factors, such as:
- The type and size of the transformer
- The age and condition of the oil
- The operating environment and load
- The manufacturer’s recommendations
- The industry standards and regulations
In general, transformer oil sampling should be done at least once a year for routine monitoring. However, more frequent sampling may be required under certain circumstances, such as:
- After commissioning or installation of a new transformer or oil
- After maintenance or repair work on the transformer or oil
- After a fault or abnormal event involving the transformer or oil
- When there is a significant change in load or ambient conditions
- When there is an indication of deterioration or contamination of the oil
- When there is a need for verification or troubleshooting
How to Sample Transformer Oil Safely?
Transformer oil sampling involves working with energized electrical equipment and flammable liquids. Therefore, it is important to follow safety procedures to prevent accidents or injuries. Some of the safety precautions include:
- Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, and fire-resistant clothing.
- Use proper tools and equipment that are suitable for high-voltage applications.
- Avoid sampling in adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, fog, dust, or high humidity.
- Keep away from sources of ignition or heat near the transformer or oil.
- Dispose of waste oil and materials properly according to environmental regulations.
What are the Benefits of Transformer Oil Sampling?
Transformer oil sampling has many benefits for both the transformer and its owner. Some of these benefits are:
- It helps extend the life span and efficiency of the transformer by detecting and preventing potential problems before they become serious or irreversible.
- It helps reduce maintenance costs and downtime by optimizing maintenance schedules and interventions based on actual oil conditions rather than fixed intervals.
- It helps improve safety and reliability by reducing the risk of failures or faults.
What are the Methods of Transformer Oil Testing?
Transformer oil testing is the process of measuring various physical, chemical, and electrical properties of the oil to assess its quality and condition. Transformer oil testing can help identify and diagnose potential problems with the transformer, such as overheating, arcing, partial discharge, aging, contamination, and degradation.
Transformer oil testing can be done using a variety of methods, which include:
- Visual analysis: This method involves inspecting the oil for clarity, color, and the presence of foreign particles or cloudiness. The oil should be clear and transparent, without any signs of contamination or deterioration. The international standard for visual analysis is ASTM D1524.
- Dielectric breakdown voltage (BDV) test: This method involves applying a gradually increasing voltage between two electrodes immersed in the oil until the oil fails electrically. The BDV test measures the ability of the oil to withstand electric stress without breaking down. The higher the BDV, the better the quality of the oil. The international standard for the BDV test is ASTM D877, which specifies a minimum BDV of 35 kV for new transformer oil.
- Color analysis: This method involves comparing the color of the oil with a previous sample from the same transformer or a series of color standards. The color of the oil can indicate its degree of oxidation or contamination. The darker the oil, the worse its quality. The international standard for color analysis is ASTM D1500.
- Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) test: This method involves analyzing the gases dissolved in the oil using chromatography or spectroscopy techniques. The DGA test can detect and identify various gases that are generated by different types of faults or degradation processes in the transformer, such as hydrogen, methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and nitrogen. The DGA test can help diagnose the type and severity of the fault and provide early warning signs of potential failures. The international standard for the DGA test is ASTM D3612.
- Flashpoint or fire point test: This method involves heating the oil and measuring the temperature at which it ignites or sustains combustion. The flash point or fire point test can indicate the presence of volatile or flammable contaminants in the oil, such as fuel, solvent, or moisture. The higher the flash point or fire point, the safer the oil. The international standard for flash point or fire point tests is ASTM D92.
- Dissolved metals test: This method involves detecting and quantifying various metals that are dissolved in the oil using atomic absorption or emission spectroscopy techniques. The dissolved metals test can indicate the presence of corrosion products or wear particles in the oil, such as iron, copper, zinc, lead, tin, aluminum, or chromium. The dissolved metals test can help evaluate the condition of the transformer’s metal parts and identify potential sources of contamination. The international standard for dissolved metals tests is ASTM D7151.
- Furanic compound test: This method involves detecting and quantifying various furanic compounds that are formed by the degradation of cellulose insulation materials in the transformer using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) techniques. The furanic compound test can indicate
- the degree of degradation of the cellulose insulation in the transformer. The higher the furanic compound content, the worse the condition of the paper. The international standard for the furanic compound test is ASTM D5837.
- Interfacial tension test: This method involves measuring the force required to break a thin film of oil that is in contact with water. The interfacial tension test can indicate the presence of polar contaminants or oxidation products in the oil, such as acids, alcohols, or esters. The lower the interfacial tension, the poorer the quality of the oil. The international standard for interfacial tension tests is ASTM D971.
These are some of the most common methods of transformer oil testing, but there are other methods that can be used for specific purposes or applications, such as:
- Dissipation factor or power factor test: This method involves measuring the ratio of resistive to capacitive current in an oil sample under an alternating voltage. The dissipation factor or power factor test can indicate the dielectric losses or energy dissipation of the oil due to contamination or aging. The higher the dissipation factor or power factor, the lower the quality of the oil. The international standard for dissipation factor or power factor test is ASTM D924.
- Kinematic viscosity test: This method involves measuring the resistance to the flow of an oil sample at a given temperature. The kinematic viscosity test can indicate the fluidity and lubricity of the oil, which affects its heat transfer and circulation properties. The higher the kinematic viscosity, the thicker and more viscous the oil. The international standard for the kinematic viscosity test is ASTM D445.
- Flashpoint or fire point test: This method involves heating the oil and measuring the temperature at which it ignites or sustains combustion. The flash point or fire point test can indicate the presence of volatile or flammable contaminants in the oil, such as fuel, solvent, or moisture. The higher the flash point or fire point, the safer the oil. The international standard for flash point or fire point tests is ASTM D92.
How to Interpret Transformer Oil Test Results?
Transformer oil test results can provide valuable information about the condition and performance of the transformer and its oil. However, interpreting these results requires knowledge and experience, as well as comparison with previous results, manufacturer’s specifications, industry standards, and other relevant data.
Transformer oil test results can be used to diagnose various types of faults or problems with the transformer, such as:
- Thermal faults: These are caused by excessive heat or temperature rise in the transformer due to overloading, poor cooling, loose connections, winding faults, core faults, or external faults. Thermal faults can result in increased gas generation (especially hydrogen and methane), increased acidity and color, decreased dielectric strength and interfacial tension, and increased furanic compounds and dissolved metals.
- Electrical faults: These are caused by abnormal electrical phenomena in the transformer due to insulation breakdown, partial discharge, arcing, corona, lightning strikes, switching surges, or external faults. Electrical faults can result in increased gas generation (especially acetylene and ethylene), increased acidity and color, decreased dielectric strength and interfacial tension, and decreased dielectric strength and interfacial tension. The gas composition and ratio can help identify the type and severity of the electrical fault and provide early warning signs of potential failures. The international standard for dissipation factor or power factor test is ASTM D924.
- Moisture content test: This method involves measuring the amount of water present in the oil sample using various techniques, such as Karl Fischer titration, coulometric titration, or capacitance measurement. The moisture content test can indicate the degree of hydration or contamination of the oil and the paper insulation. The higher the moisture content, the lower the dielectric strength and the higher the aging rate of the insulation. The international standard for moisture content tests is ASTM D1533.
Conclusion
Transformer oil sampling and testing are important practices for monitoring and maintaining the transformer’s health and performance. By following the best practices for oil sampling and testing, one can obtain reliable and consistent results that can help detect and diagnose potential problems with the transformer, such as thermal, electrical, or mechanical faults, or contamination or degradation of the oil or the paper insulation. Based on the test results, appropriate actions can be taken to improve or restore the oil quality and condition, such as filtering, drying, degassing, or replacing the oil.
Transformer oil testing can be done using various methods that measure different physical, chemical, and electrical properties of the oil, such as dielectric breakdown voltage, color analysis, dissolved gas analysis, flash point or fire point, dissolved metals, furanic compound, interfacial tension, dissipation factor or power factor, kinematic viscosity, and moisture content. Each method has its own benefits and limitations, and requires knowledge and experience to interpret the results correctly. Transformer oil test results should be compared with previous results, manufacturer’s specifications, industry standards, and other relevant data to diagnose the type and severity of the fault and to plan remediation.
Transformer oil sampling and testing are essential for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the transformer and extending its life span. By performing regular oil sampling and testing, one can optimize maintenance schedules and interventions based on actual oil condition rather than fixed intervals. Transformer oil sampling and testing can also improve safety and reduce maintenance costs and downtime by reducing the risk of failures or faults. Therefore, transformer oil sampling and testing should be part of any transformer maintenance program.
