Regular oil analysis helps monitor the condition of engines, turbines and various other oil-lubricated equipment. The same can be said for transformer oil insulating several transformer equipment such as transformer ratio meter and other electrical distribution equipment.
Analysing transformer oils offers information about the oil. It enables the detection of other possible problems, such as contact arcing, ageing insulating paper and other faults that form an indispensable part of the affordable electrical maintenance program.
Ensures Transformer Reliability
There is a high demand for electric power distribution, and the failure risk of transformers and other oil-filled electrical equipment is small whenever a failure occurs and inevitably leads to higher repair costs, possible safety and longer downtime. Transformers are also expensive to replace regularly and must be properly maintained to improve their life expectancy.
Accurately monitoring the condition of the oil, suddenly occurring faults can be quickly discovered, and outages can potentially be avoided. An efficient way to maintain can be adopted, and the optimum interval levels can be determined for replacement.
A few checks are relatively simple: the gas relay operation, operation of the on-load tap-changer, and checks on oil leaks. However, routine oil analysis can detect the oil paper insulating system.
Moisture Content
Another essential function of transformer oil is to offer electrical insulation. An increase in moisture content can reduce the insulating properties of the oil, resulting in dielectric breakdown. It is essential with fluctuating temperatures as the transformer cools down, any dissolved water becomes free, resulting in poor insulating power and fluid degradation. Several transformers contain cellulose-based paper used as insulation in the windings.
Power factor
The power factor of insulating oil can be determined as the ratio of true power to apparent. A transformer's high power factor indicates significant power loss in the insulating oil due to polar components like water, oxidised oil and cellulose paper degradation.
Furans
The Furans derivatives are a measure of the degradation of cellulose paper. When the paper starts aging, its degree of polymerization reduces, thereby reducing its mechanical strength. The degree of polymerization of the paper can be directly related to the concentration of furan derivatives present in the oil. These derivatives are formed due to the breakdown of the polymeric structure of cellulose paper. The content of the furan derivatives is easy to measure in the oil using HPCL.
Conclusion
Like machinery oil analysis, electrical insulating oil analysis plays a crucial role in preventing unscheduled outrages in electrical transmission and distribution equipment by determining the condition of the equipment itself along with other vital components, including the oil’s condition and cellulose paper insulation.
Routine oil analysis is a must for oil-filled electrical equipment such as high voltage testing equipment, transformer ratio meter, circuit breaker, and voltage regulators. It should be a part of the maintenance programs.
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