WHAT IS YOUR

TRANSFORMER OIL
TELLING YOU ?
GOMATHY SETHURAMAN
TRANFORMER OIL
TESTING LABORATORY
16th June 2006

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Slide No. 1 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?

PRESENTATION OUTLINE
* INTRODUCTION
> TRANSFORMER OIL
> WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS ?
> TYPE OF TRANSFORMER OIL
> JOB SCOPE OF THE TRANSFORMER OIL
> TESTING TRANSFORMER OIL

* WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU?

* CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL
> CASE STUDY A
> CASE STUDY B
> CASE STUDY C
* CONCLUSION

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Slide No. 2 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?

TRANSFORMER OIL

CnH2n+2

• Composition of Mineral Transformer Oil

• Mixture of hydrocarbon compounds
» Naphthenic – 5, 6 or 7 carbon bonded in ring form
» Paraffin – carbon in straight chain
» Aromatic – 6 carbon bonded in ring form
» Heterocyclic – contains nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen

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Slide No. 3 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS ?

Naphthenic ( Cn) Paraffinic (Cp)

•Have good low temperature •Have poor low temperature

properties properties
•More soluble and volatile than •Less soluble and volatile than
paraffinic naphthenic

Aromatic (Ca) Hetero Atoms

x
•Are highly soluble • x = NH, S, O
•Co – exist in the oil

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Slide No. 4 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
TRANFORMER OIL CLASSIFICATION

Typical paraffinic oil Typical naphthenic oil

Classification of Transformer Oil

42 – 50 % Naphthenic Oil

Paraffinic compound 50 – 56 % Intermediate Oil

56 – 65 % Paraffinic Oil

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Slide No. 5 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
JOB SCOPE OF THE TRANSFORMER OIL?
ELECTRICAL INSULATION COOLING AGENT
 High breakdown voltage  Low viscosity
 High electrical resistivity  Low pour point
 Low dissipation factor  High flash point
 Low moisture

PROTECTING THE SOLID MESSENGER

INSULATION  Gassing tendency
 High resistance to  Ability to absorb
oxidation produced gasses
 High chemical stability under electric
 Low gassing tendency stress

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Slide No. 6 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
TESTING THE TRANSFORMER OIL?

PHYSICAL TEST CHEMICAL TEST ELECTRICAL TEST

1. Kinematics Viscosity 1. Dissolved Gas Analysis
2. Flash Point 2. Neutralization Value 1. Dielectric
3. Pour Point 3. Water Content Breakdown Voltage
4. Density 4. Carbon Composition 2. Dielectric
5. Interfacial Tension 5. Oxidation Stability Dissipation Factor
6. Appearance 6. Polychlorinated Biphenyl 3. Resistivity
7. Color 7. Furanic Compound
8. Metals-In-Oil
9. Inhibitor Content
10. Corrosive Sulphur
11. Copper Corrosion
12. Sludge and Sediment

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Slide No. 7 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
WHAT DOES ACCREDITATION MEAN?
Accredited Tests
1.Dissolved Gas Analysis
2.Neutralization Value
3.Water Content
4.Dielectric Voltage Breakdown
Accreditation : 5.Color
Is a process of evaluation
1. An institution to determine whether the institution meets the
standards set-up by the accrediting body.
2. The institution meets the standard
3. Granting recognition for meeting the standard requirements
4. Recognizes that the institution is competent to carry out
specific tasks.

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Slide No. 8 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL ?

Failure Investigation Project

1. CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE A
2. CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE B
3. CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE C

Executive Summary :
A number of failed instruments were brought to TNB Research
to be analyzed for the cause of failure.
The failed instruments were subjected to
• Electrical tests at the High Voltage Laboratory
• Oil test at the Transformer Oil Testing Laboratory
• Material and Visual test at the Advance Material Laboratory

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Slide No. 9 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
TEST DETAILS
List of Test
1) Colour (ASTM 1500)
2) Density (ASTM D 4052)
3) Dielectric Breakdown (IEC 156)
4) Dissolved Gas Analysis (IEC 567)
5) Moisture Content (IEC 814)
6) Neutralization Value (IEC 296)
7) Dissipation Factor (IEC 247)
8) Interfacial Tension (ASTM D 971 – 99a)
9) Kinematic Viscosity 40 °C (ASTM D 445)
10) Carbon type (ASTM 2140)

NOTE :
1) Three samples were taken from each failed unit.
2) All three samples were tested individually based on the International Testing Method
3) Test were conducted under the transformer oil testing guidelines / settings
4) Interpretation of test results are based on IEC 60422 and IEC 60599

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Slide No. 10 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE A
PROPERTY Average LIMIT (IEC 422)
TEST REMARK EVALUATION
(3 Samples) Transformer Oil
1 Colour L 1.5 1.0 – 2.5 GOOD •Oil does not meet
2 Density 0.8881 0.895 (max) NORMAL the required limits
Dielectric of IEC 422
3 21.7 30kV (min) LOW
Breakdown

4
Moisture
30 (max) HIGH
•High
112
Content concentration
5
Neutralization
0.14 0.3 (max) NORMAL moisture → Low
Value BDV value
Dissipation
6 Factor 0.0069 0.03 (max) NORMAL
(Tan Delta) •Low IFT value →
Interfacial
Presence of
7
Tension
15 24 (min) LOW contamination
8 Kinematic <11 HIGH
Viscosity 19.3 •High Viscosity →
9 Carbon Type Cp > Cn Cn > Cp Cp > Cn Poor heat insulation

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Slide No. 11 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE A

DISSOLVED LIMIT (IEC 60599)

AVERAGE REMARK EVALUATION
GAS ANALYSIS Transformer Oil
Hydrogen 260 300 NORMAL • High
Oxygen 7173 - - concentration
Nitrogen 46243 - - Ethane
Methane 69 30 High Methane
Carbon Monoxide 65 300 NORMAL Ethylene
Carbon Dioxide 900 High → Overheating
3796
Ethylene 10 High
Carbon dioxide
30
→ Cellulose /
Ethane 318 50 High Paper Insulation
Acetylene 2 2 NORMAL Degradation

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Slide No. 12 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE A

Visible sludge and moisture

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Slide No. 13 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE A

Contaminant Sludge

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Slide No. 14 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE A

Overheating Rusk mark due

burn mark to moisture
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Slide No. 15 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE A

Overheating Overheating
burn mark marks
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Slide No. 16 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE B

LIMIT (IEC 422)

TEST Average REMARK EVALUATION
Transformer Oil
1 Colour L 1.5 1.0 – 2.5 GOOD
2 Density (g/cm3) 0.8722 0.895 (max) NORMAL
Dielectric
3 9 30kV (min) LOW
Breakdown (kV) •High
A
Dissolved Moisture
54
concentration of
4
Content (ppm)
30 (max) HIGH
moisture →
B
Emulsified Moisture
393
Low BDV value
Content (ppm)
Neutralization
5 0.03 0.3 (max) NORMAL
Value( mgKOH/g)
Dissipation Factor
6 0.0081 0.03 (max) NORMAL
(Tan Delta)

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Slide No. 17 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE B

DISSOLVED LIMIT (IEC 60599) EVALUATION

AVERAGE REMARK
GAS ANALYSIS Transformer Oil
Hydrogen 8 300 Normal
Oxygen 46228 - -
• High
Nitrogen 80877 - -
concentration
Methane 4 30 Normal Carbon dioxide
Carbon Monoxide 20 300 Normal → Overheating
Carbon Dioxide 949 900 High → Cellulose /
Ethylene 3 10 Normal Paper Insulation
Ethane 50 Normal Degradation
20
Acetylene ND 2 Normal

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Slide No. 18 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE B

Visible sludge and moisture

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Slide No. 19 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE B

Overheating Contaminant
burn mark
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Slide No. 20 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE B

Overheating burn mark

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Slide No. 21 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE C

LIMIT (IEC 422)

TEST Average REMARK EVALUATION
Transformer Oil
1 Colour L 1.5 1.0 – 2.5 GOOD
2 Density (g/cm3) 0.8739 0.895 (max) NORMAL
Dielectric
•High
3 9 30kV (min) LOW concentration
Breakdown (kV)
moisture → Low
Dissolved Moisture BDV value
A 61
Content (ppm)
4 30 (max) HIGH
Emulsified Moisture •Two types of
B 613
Content (ppm) moisture
5
Neutralization
0.035 0.3 (max) NORMAL
→ Dissolved
Value( mgKOH/g) → Emulsified
Dissipation Factor
6 0.0075 0.03 (max) NORMAL
(Tan Delta)

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Slide No. 22 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE C

DISSOLVED LIMIT (IEC 60599) REMARK EVALUATION

AVERAGE
GAS ANALYSIS Transformer Oil
Hydrogen 12.5 300 Normal
Oxygen 42564 - - • High
Nitrogen 75302 - - concentration
Methane 4 30 Normal Carbon dioxide
Carbon Monoxide 27 300 Normal → Overheating
Carbon Dioxide 1136 900 High → Cellulose /
Paper Insulation
Ethylene 4 10 Normal
Degradation
Ethane 27 50 Normal
Acetylene ND 2 Normal

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Slide No. 23 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE C

Contamination Visible sludge

and moisture
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Slide No. 24 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE C

Overheating / burn mark on the cellulose / paper insulation

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Slide No. 25 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?
CSI OF TRANSFORMER OIL : CASE C

Contaminant Overheating
burn mark
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Slide No. 26 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?

CONCLUSION
• The reliability of a transformer oil depends on the basic character of the oil

The BETTER the OIL → The BETTER PERFORMANCE

• Transformer oil in an instrument is subjected to

HEAT
OXYGEN OXIDATION
WATER DEGRADATION
ELECTRICAL
COTAMINANTS

• BEST PRATICE
•Monitoring the performance of the transformer oil
•Deciding the type of test to be done.

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Slide No. 27 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research
 WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFORMER OIL TELLING YOU ?

CONCLUSION
WHY ONE SHOULD MONITOR THE TRANSFORMER OIL ?

• CHEAP AND FAST

•Testing the oil is cheaper than replacing a transformer
• EFFECTIVE and RELIABLE
•Test results can pin-point the fault (if ANY)
• MONITORING THE PERFORMANCE OF THE OIL
• Trending the rate of degradation of the oil

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Slide No. 28 Copyrights © 2005 TNB Research