Transformer Oil Analysis: Identification &

Management of Abnormal Conditions

Philip Reilly
Oil Services Consultant | Ampcontrol
OVERVIEW

Presentation Details

• Importance of correct sampling methodology.

• Application of DGA to mineral and non-mineral oil filled

transformers.

• Testing and interpretation of results to evaluate the condition of

the liquid and solid insulation.

• Available actions to further investigate & manage problems.

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TRANSFORMER SAMPLING

Sampling Oil From Transformers & OLTC

• A high-quality sample is required if you want an accurate condition assessment of your asset

• Use the correct equipment

• Follow the correct procedure

• Avoid rain or strong winds

• JSEA

• ASTM D923 – 15

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TRANSFORMER OIL TESTING

Laboratory Assessment of Transformer Oil Samples

• Dissolved Gas Analysis

• Liquid Insulation condition assessment

• Breakdown voltage
• Moisture
• Acid
• Interfacial Tension
• Oxidation Inhibitor
• Particle Count (ISO4406)
• Corrosive Sulphur

• Solid Insulation condition assessment

• Furan Analysis

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TRANSFORMER OIL TESTING

References for Interpretation of test data

Dissolved Gas Analysis
IEEE C57.104 2019. Guide for Interpretation of Gases Generated in Oil Immersed Transformers.
IEC 60599 2015. DGA Guide Mineral Oil Impregnated Electrical Equipment in Service
IEEE C57.146 Guide for the interpretation of Gases Generated in Silicone Immersed Transformers
IEEE C57.155 Guide for Interpretation of Gases Generated in Natural Ester and Synthetic Ester-Immersed Transformers
IEEE C57.139 - 2015 Guide for Interpretation of Gases in On Load Tap Changers
Partial Discharges in Transformers. CIGRE WG D1.29 (2017)
Advances in DGA Interpretation. CIGRE WG D1/A2 (2019)
Condition assessment of power transformers. CIGRE WG A2.49 (2019)

Liquid Insulation
IEC 60422 Ed. 4.0 Mineral Insulating Oils in Electrical Equipment.
IEEE C57.106 – 2015 - Guide for Acceptance and Maintenance of Insulating Mineral Oil in Equipment.
IEEE C57.147-2018 – Guide for Acceptance and Maintenance of Natural ester Insulating liquid in Transformers.
Horning, M.et al. Transformer Maintenance Guide, Third Edition, Transformer Maintenance Institute, S. D. Myers Inc., 2004.
Copper Sulphide Long term mitigation and risk assessment – CIGRE WG A2.40 (2015)

Solid Insulation
Ageing of liquid impregnated cellulose for power transformers. CIGRE WG D1.53 (2018)

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TRANSFORMER CASE STUDY

Transformer Case Study – 0.5 MVA / 11kV / YOM 1936

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TRANSFORMER CASE STUDY

Identifying Failure Modes with DGA

Fault Definition
D2 Discharges of high energy
D1 Discharges of low energy
T3 Thermal T > 700 oC
T2 Thermal 300 < T < 700 oC
T1 Thermal < 300 oC
O Overheating < 250 oC
PD Corona Partial Discharge
S Stray Gassing of oil < 250 oC
C Possible paper carbonisation > 300 oC Advances in DGA Interpretation. CIGRE WG D1/A2 (2019)

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TRANSFORMER CASE STUDY

High Temperature Heating –5 MVA / 66kV / YOM 1998

Duval Triangle 1 Duval Triangle 5

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TRANSFORMER CASE STUDY
High Temperature Heating –5 MVA / 66kV / YOM 1998
Dissolved Gas Analysis
‘T3 Fault - high temperature heating ( > 700 °C) is indicated.
This assessment us supported by Duval Triangle 1, 5
Gas levels have increased since the previous test. An increasing gas rate of change is normally
associated with a deteriorating condition.
Examples of T3 faults include large circulating currents in tank and core, minor circulation
currents in tank walls created by a high uncompensated magnetic field, loose connections in
the HV winding circuit, overheated bushing connection, lead joint, winding exit lead or in the
winding. The risk of dielectric failure of the paper increases if burning (carbonisation) of the
paper occurs. The presence of any acetylene in the sample points to the severity of the fault,
the involvement of electrical contacts, arc discharges between windings as paper punctures
due to degradation from burning.
Recommendations
Monitor rates of generation of ethylene & acetylene.
Review any recent electrical test data / visual inspection reports to assist with understanding
the cause of the DGA gassing issue.
If further increases in gas levels occur consider electrical testing to investigate the cause of
the DGA gassing issue:
Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA) to investigate winding faults.
Winding Resistance test throughout the tapping range to identify a bad lead joint, loose
connections, broken strands, burnt leads in the HV winding, and high contact resistance in
tap changer.
Turns Ratio to identify a short circuit in the windings.
Capacitance and Dielectric Dissipation Factor (or Power Factor) to identify moisture in the
windings and winding deformation.
If further increases in gas levels occur consider an internal inspection / videoscope to
investigate the cause of the DGA gassing
Thermography survey to identify tank, bushing connections or bus duct overheating. Also to
verify correct operation of transformer cooling system, including the transformer radiators to
identify low oil level, flow obstruction, a closed valve.
Particle Count testing to monitor carbonisation of the oil insulation
Furan analysis to monitor effect of heating upon the paper insulation.
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TRANSFORMER CASE STUDY

Onsite Internal Inspection

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TRANSFORMER CASE STUDY

Workshop Internal Inspection

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TRANSFORMER CASE STUDY

High Temperature Heating - Natural Ester

DISSOLVED GAS ANALYSIS TEST RESULTS
700

600

500
Gas Levels ppm

Hydrogen
400
Methane
Ethane
300 Ethylene
Acetylene
200

100

0
Nov-19 Mar-20 Nov-20
Duval Triangle 3 FR3

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TRANSFORMER CASE STUDY

Elevated Acid – 4.5 MVA / 33kV / YOM 1984

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TRANSFORMER CASE STUDY

Acid in Transformers

• Hydrocarbons react with oxygen to produce Carboxylic acid

and other acids

• Low molecular weight acids will degrade paper

- Formic, acetic and levulinic

• Degradation of paper insulation by acid increases when the

moisture content of the paper insulation is elevated

• High molecular weight acids remain dissolved in the oil and

produce sludge… problems with sludge

• Paper degradation will reduce life of a transformer

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TRANSFORMER CASE STUDY

Elevated Acid in Transformers - Recommendations

• Oil reclamation (filtration)

• Internal inspection to check for the presence of

sludge

• Monitor operating temperature and DGA

• Regular Furan Analysis

• Thermography

• Oxidation Inhibitor

• Water levels

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MAINTAINING CONTROL OF CONDITION / LIFE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

Oil Reclamation – Life Extension

• Remove / reduce soluble and insoluble polar

contaminants

• Acid removal via Fullers Earth

• Oil, windings and cooling system can be cleared of

acid & sludge

• Oil is returned to ‘as new’ specifications:

• Rate of degradation of paper insulation reduced by

removal of acid and water

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AGEING PROCESS OF PAPER INSULATION

Cellulose Ageing Process

• The ageing of paper insulation limits transformer life expectancy

• Temperature, water and oxygen can accelerate rate of ageing:

• Doubles for every 6-8 oC increase

• Free access to air reduce expected life by factor of 2
• 2% H2O content in paper reduce expected life by a factor of 10
• Some low molecular weight acids accelerate the degradation
of cellulose by moisture

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 Questions?

Oil Analysis reports indicated a problem?

FStech@ampcontrolgroup.com
Thank You