Shrinathji Institute of Technology & Engineering, Nathdwara

Lab: High VOltage Engineering Lab

Experiment Number: 02 Pg No:1/4
Department of
Electrical
Engineering Code: 8EE7A Max. Marks:- IA: 30, Exam: 20

EXPERIMENT: 02

Objective: Determine dielectric strength of transformer oil.

Apparatus Required:- Transformer oil test kit, Transformer oil.

THEORY:-
The oil is poured in a container known as test-cell which has internal dimensions of 55 mm × 90 mm
× 100 mm high. The electrodes are polished spheres of 12.7 to 13 mm diameter, preferably of brass,
arranged horizontally with their axis not less than 40 mm above the bottom of the cell. For the test, the
distance between the spheres shall be 4 + 0.02 mm. A suitable gauge is used to adjust the gap. While
preparing the oil sample, the test-cell should be thoroughly cleaned and the moisture and suspended
particles should be avoided. Fig. 1.13 shows an experimental set-up for finding out the dielectric strength
of the given sample of oil. The voltmeter is connected on to the primary side of the high voltage
transformer but calibrated on the high voltage side.

Department of Electrical Engineering, S.I.T.E Page 1

 Shrinathji Institute of Technology & Engineering, Nathdwara
Lab: High VOltage Engineering Lab
Experiment Number: 02 Pg No:2/4
Department of
Electrical
Engineering Code: 8EE7A Max. Marks:- IA: 30, Exam: 20

The gap between the spheres is adjusted to 4 mm with the help of a gauge and the spheres are immersed
in oil to a depth as mentioned earlier. The voltage is increased gradually and continuously till a flash
over of the gap is seen or the MCB operates. Note down this voltage. This voltage is known as rapidly-
applied voltage. The breakdown of the gap has taken place mainly due to field effect. The thermal effect
is minimal as the time of application is short.

Next bring the voltage back to zero and start with 40% of the rapidly applied voltage and wait for one
minute. See if the gap has broken. If not, increase the voltage every time by 2.1/2% of the rapidly
applied voltage and wait for one minute till the flash over is seen or the MCB trips. Note down this
voltage.

Start again with zero voltage and increase the voltage to a value just obtained in the previous step and
wait for a minute. It is expected that the breakdown will take place. A few trials around this point will
give us the breakdown value of the dielectric strength. The acceptable value is 30 kV for 4 mm applied
for one minute. In fact these days transformer oils with 65 kV for 4 mm 1 minute value are available. If
it is less than 30 kV, the oil should be sent for reconditioning. It is to be noted that if the electrodes are
immersed vertically in the oil, the dielectric strength measured may turn out to be lower than what we
obtained by placing the electrodes in horizontal position which is the normal configuration. It is due to
the fact that when oil decomposes carbon particles being lighter rise up and if the electrodes are in
vertical configuration, these will bridge the gap and the breakdown will take place at a relatively lower
value.

DIELECTRIC STRENGTH OF TRANSFORMER OIL :-

Dielectric strength of transformer oil provides reliable operation of electrical equipment. Dielectric
strength of transformer oil, in turn, is mainly determined by the presence of fiber & water, so the
mechanical impurities and water in such oils must be completely absent. The dielectric strength of the
oil decreases with time.

Department of Electrical Engineering, S.I.T.E Page 2

 Shrinathji Institute of Technology & Engineering, Nathdwara
Lab: High VOltage Engineering Lab
Experiment Number: 02 Pg No:3/4
Department of
Electrical
Engineering Code: 8EE7A Max. Marks:- IA: 30, Exam: 20

DIELECTRIC STRENGTH OF OIL:-

The value is extremely sensitive to its hydration. Under the action of the electric field of the emulsified
oil droplets of water re drawn to places where the field strength is particularly high & where , in fact,
begins the development of breakdown.

Even more dramatically reduced dielectric strength of oil, if it is other than water, fiber contained
impurities. Under the influence of the field forces the wet fibers not only drawn in places where the field
is stronger, but arranged in the direction of line of forces, which greatly facilitates the breakdown of the
oil.

Dielectric strength of transformer oil is also known as breakdown voltage of transformer oil or
breakdown voltage of transformer oil. Breakdown voltage is measured by observing at what voltage,
sparking strength between two electrodes immerged in the oil, separated by specific gap. Low value of
BDV indicates presence of moisture content and conducting substance in the oil.

Procedure:

1. Study the enclose instructions on Transformer oil testing.

2. Switch on the test kit.

Department of Electrical Engineering, S.I.T.E Page 3

 Shrinathji Institute of Technology & Engineering, Nathdwara
Lab: High VOltage Engineering Lab
Experiment Number: 02 Pg No:4/4
Department of
Electrical
Engineering Code: 8EE7A Max. Marks:- IA: 30, Exam: 20

3. Slowly raise the voltage, and keep it at 30kV for one minute. At the end, record whether the oil
sample with stood 30kV for one minute. If it fails earlier, note the time it stood, 30kV. If it fails
at a voltage lower than 30kV, record that voltage as breakdown voltage.

4. Then raise the voltage till such time there is a break down, and record the breakdown voltage.

All the time take care not to exceed the maximum voltage of 60kV.

5. Remove the suspended particles due to breakdown with the help of glass tube provided.

6. Wait for 5 minutes.

7. Repeat steps 3 to 6, five times given a total of six observations.

8. Switch off the test kit.

Precaution:-

1. Transformer oil should be free from moisture content.

2. Gap should be premises.

3. Nobody should go near the H.T. bushing when the test being conducted.

4. Ignore the first one or two readings, as the air between the electrodes may not ionize.

5. The equipment must be grounded firmly.

6. The electrodes must be cleaned properly before and after the use.

7. Do not touch the equipment without grounding it with the grounding rod.

8. Before starting the experiment, make sure the electrodes are properly aligned and zero reading is
adjusted.

Result:-
The determination of strength of transformer oil have been done during experiment.

Department of Electrical Engineering, S.I.T.E Page 4