Significance of Transformer Oil Testing

Dr. P K Maiti
Central Power Research Institute, Sector V, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700 091

Abstract: Transformer is one of the vital components in power transmission and distribution
system. Life of this costly component can be extended beyond 40 years or even upto 50 years or
so through regular maintenance that includes several chemical, electrical and physical
techniques. Most of the electric power utilities adopt regular analysis of insulating oil samples as
a basic requirement of transformer maintenance program. Thermal, electrical and mechanical
faults may occur in transformer due to local overheating, hot spot, eddy current and leakage flux,
partial discharge, arcing etc. Each of these faults imparts very specific stress on liquid and solid
insulation resulting in formation of unique degraded products that are being present in liquid
dielectric medium permanently or for a considerable period of time. There can be a big list of the
degraded materials so produced but the most important materials are acids, aldehydes, ketones,
alcohols, furans, sludge, fibers and gases. Presence of these materials changes the basic property
of the oil. Analysis of these changes in oil properties as well as the estimation of these oxidative
degraded products present in oil is a powerful tool for assessing the health condition of the
transformer. In the present paper, various techniques for analyzing changes in oil parameters and
presence of degraded products are discussed through case studies. Two case studies are presented
for depicting the effect of change in oil parameter, two case studies are devoted for explaining
role of DGA and three case studies are discussed towards assessing status of solid insulation.

1.0 Introduction:

Transformers are the vital component of power transmission and distribution system.
Transformers are also important equipment in industries like power generation units, steel and
aluminum industries, chemicals and fertilizer industries. In order to provide a reliable and
continuous supply of electricity to the consumers, trouble free operation is essential. A large
numbers of consumers covering a huge area are affected due to any disorder in transformer. So, it
is very necessary to monitor health condition of transformer for maintaining uninterrupted supply
of electric power. The discontinuity may happen due to occurrence of faults in circuit breakers
and transmission lines but transformer is found to be most vulnerable. The internal condition of
transformer gets deteriorated as a result of its exposure to thermal, mechanical, electrical and
chemical stresses during their operation [1], increasing risk of failure. Therefore, maintenance of
transformer with a minimum failure is the challenging task of electric power utilities [2-3].
Several diagnostic and monitoring procedures and tools are available for preventing unexpected
failure and reducing time of outage from service. The most common diagnostic and monitoring
techniques used are Dissolved Gas Analysis, Oil Parameter Analysis, Furan Analysis, Dielectric
Response Measurement, Partial Discharge analysis, Winding Displacement and Deformation
assessment, Infrared Thermography etc. [2-4]. It is universally accepted that the life of a power
transformer largely depends on the condition of the paper – oil insulation system [5-6]. It is
experienced that the majority of failures that occurs in a transformer can be effectively diagnosed
through systematic analysis and monitoring of transformer oil. Adequate standards are available
for proper monitoring of liquid dielectrics as given in Annexure I. Among these, there are about
20 numbers of tests for analyses of transformer oil shown in Table 1 are most commonly in
practice.

Table 1 List of important Indian Standards used for transformer oil analysis including assessment
on incipient fault and status of solid insulation.

Sl. Standard No Publicatio Reaffirme Title

No. n Year d Year
1 IS 10593 2006 2016 Mineral Oi-impregnated electrical equipment in services - Guide to the
interpretation of dissolved and free gases analysis
2 IS 12177 1987 2018 Methods of Tests for Oxidative Ageing of Electrical Insulating Petroleum Oils
by Open Beaker Method
3 IS 12422 2017 0 Unused Hydrocarbon Based Insulating Liquids - Test Methods for - Evaluating
the Oxidation Stability (First Revision)
4 IS 12463 1988 2008 Inhibited mineral insulating oils
5 IS 12958 1990 2016 Oxidation stability of inhibited mineral insulating oil by rotating bomb -
Method of test
6 IS 13567 1992 2008 Determination of Water in Insulating Liquids and in Oil-impregnated Paper
and Pressboard by Automatic Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration - Method of
Test
7 IS 15668 2006 2016 Mineral insulating oils - Methods for the determination of 2-furural and related
compounds
8 IS 1866 2017 0 Mineral Insulating Oils in Electrical Equipment Supervision and Maintenance
Guidance
9 IS 335 1993 2010 New insulating oils
10 IS 6103 1971 2016 Method of test for specific resistance (resistivity) of electrical insulating
liquids
11 IS 6104 1971 2016 Method of test for interfacial tension of oil against water by the ring method
12 IS 6262 1971 2016 Method of Test for Power Factor and Dielectric Constant of Electrical
Insulating Liquids
13 IS 6792 2017 0 Insulating Liquids - Determination of the Breakdown Voltage at Power
Frequency - Test Method (Second Revision)
14 IS 6855 2017 0 Method of Sampling Insulating Liquids (Second Revision)
15 IS 9434 1992 2008 Guide for sampling and analysis of free and dissolved gases and oil from oil-
filled electrical equipment
16 IS 16084 2013 Mineral Insulating Oils - Determination of Kinematic Viscosity at very Low
Temperatures
17 IS 16085 2013 Mineral Oil-Filled Electrical Equipment - Application of Dissolved Gas
Analysis (DGA) to Factory Tests on Electrical Equipment
18 IS 16086 2013 Insulating Liquids - Determination of the Dielectric Dissipation Factor by
Measurement of the Conductance and Capacitance - Test Method
19 IS 16497 2017 0 Test Methods for Quantitative Determination of Corrosive Sulphur
: Part 1 Compounds in Unused and Used Insulating Liquids Part 1 Test Method for
Quantitative Determination of Dibenzyldisulfide (DBDS)
20 IS 16310 2017 0 Insulating Liquids - Test Method for Detection of Potentially Corrosive
Sulphur in Used and Unused Insulating Oil
2.0 Properties of Liquid Dielectrics:

Among the various parameters described in Table 1 some specific parameters of liquid dielectrics
are considered as most essential for assessing the serviceability of the oil. The properties of
liquid dielectrics are classified as:

1. Electrical properties: Dielectric strength, specific resistance, dielectric dissipation factor.

2. Chemical properties: Water content, acidity, sludge content.
3. Physical properties: Inter facial tension, viscosity, flash point, pour point.

2.1 Electrical Properties of Liquid Dielectrics

Dielectric Strength of Liquid Dielectrics

Dielectric strength of liquid dielectrics or Break down voltage (BDV) is the voltage in kV at
which electric sparking starts between two electrodes immerged in the oil with a specific gap of
2.5 mm. It is the ability of the oil to withstand electric stress without failure. Low value of BDV
indicates presence of contaminants such as water, dirt, or other conductive liquid or particles.
For measuring BDV of transformer oil, BDV measuring kit is used. Oil to be tested is placed in a
cell containing one pair of electrodes placed with a gap of 2.5 mm (in some cases the gap is 4
mm). The voltage is increased at a rate of 2 kV/s and reading is taken as BDV where sparking
starts between the electrodes. The measurement is carried out for 3 to 6 times for the same
sample of oil and the average value of these readings is reported as BDV of the oil tested. Clean
and dry oil shows relatively high BDV though the oil may not be completely free from any
contamination. This is due to the fact that the quantity of contaminants present between the
electrodes is not large enough to affect the average breakdown voltage of the liquid. It is reported
that careless sampling and testing technique has been the source of 99 percent of “bad” dielectric
readings [7].

Specific Resistance of Transformer Oil

The specific resistance of transformer oil is a measure of its dc resistance between opposite sides
of a cubical block of 1 cm3 of oil at 500 V dc. The measurement is carried out through any one of
four types of cells specified in IS 6103 [8]. The specific resistance of oil is reported in unit of
ohm-cm at a specific temperature. Specific resistance is temperature sensitive and with increase
in temperature the resistivity of liquid dielectrics decreases rapidly. The temperature at which the
referee test is made should be mutually agreeable to the purchaser and the manufactures.
Resistivity measurements can be carried out at desired temperatures. For acceptance tests, it is
generally made at 90oC, while for routine testing; it is generally made at room temperature or 90o
C. In some research investigations, tests may be made at considerably higher temperature. Low
value of resistivity is indication of high concentration of conductive contaminates like free ions
and charges particles in the insulating oil.
Dielectric Dissipation Factor of Tan Delta of Transformer Oil

The Tan Delta or power factor of insulating oil is the cosine of the phase angle between an ac
voltage applied and the resulting current. It indicates the dielectric loss of the insulating oil or
energy that is dissipated as heat. The tan delta test is widely used as an acceptance and
preventive maintenance test for liquid dielectrics. A high tan delta of aged service oil is
indication of degradation, contamination, or both along with water, carbon particle, or
degradation products. For mineral oil, the power factor of new oil should not exceed 0.002 at 90o
C. Service-aged oil with a power factor in excess of 0.2 should be further analyzed in a
laboratory to determine the cause of the high power factor. Oil with a tan delta in excess of 1.0
may cause operational hazard and should not be useful for even lower voltage capacity
transformers. The oil with very high tan delta is to be either reconditioned or replaced.

2.2 Chemical Parameters of Transformer Oil

Water Content in Transformer Oil

Water content in transformer oil is extremely undesirable as it reduces the dielectric properties of
transformer oil. Water may be present in transformer oil in the form of free water, physically
dissolved water and chemically bonded water. There is a saturation limit for water in oil at
specific temperature and free water gets separated from oil if the amount of water exceeds the
limit. This occurs due to lowering in operating temperature of a transformer having solid
insulation with excess water. Aged transformer oils contains large amount of polar oil decay
products. These polar materials stabilize water molecules through hydrogen bonding and micelle
formation. The physically adsorbed water in paper reduces drastically the insulating properties of
the oil causing risk in safe functioning of the transformer. Chemically bound water is produced
through reactions between oxidized compounds present in highly aged oils at high temperatures.
This form of water is released at higher temperatures causing extensive reduction of insulation
property of oil. It is very difficult to remove chemically bonded water. The polar materials like
acids, carbonyls, alcohols are needed to remove from oil prior to removal of water.

The water present in transformer oil also adversely affects solid insulation of core and winding.
Paper being highly polar and hygroscopic absorbs the maximum amount of water from oil which
affects insulation property paper as well as reduces its life. Water content of oil increases due to
release of water from paper insulation when the transformer is being operated at elevated
temperature. The water content in oil is allowed up to 50 ppm as recommended by IS 335:1993
RA 2010 [9]. Advanced technique like Karl Fisher Coulometric Titration is useful for accurate
measurement of water content especially when it is at a low level.

Acidity of Transformer Oil

The acid neutralization number is estimated through titrometric determination of the amount of
acidic compounds present in the oil. The amount of potassium hydroxide (KOH in mg) required
to neutralize the acid in one gram of oil is termed as acid number. Acidity of transformer oil
increases with ageing. Presence of contaminants like paints, varnish may also increase acidity of
oil. Acidity of oil is responsible for decreasing insulation property of oil, increasing water
solubility of oil, deterioration of solid insulation, acceleration in oxidation process of oil,
corrosion of iron and other metallic components in transformers etc.

2.3 Physical Parameters of Transformer Oil

Inter Facial Tension of Transformer Oil

Interfacial tension is similar to surface tension where cohesive forces between liquid molecules
at the interface of oil and water are involved. The molecules at interface do not surrounded by
similar molecules and as a result they cohere more strongly to those directly associated with
them. The dissimilarity of molecules is more at an interface of water and good oil and so IFT is
relatively high. However, at the interface between water and aged oil with more polar contents
and greater hydroscopic property, the molecular dissimilarity is reduced and consequently lower
IFT is observed. Transformer oil should have specific IFT value that depicts its quality,
cleanliness and free from polar impurities. Interfacial tension between the water and oil interface
is typically measured in Dyne/cm or milli-Newton/meter. IFT is useful to assess the extent of
polar contaminants and degraded products the oil contained. Good and new oil generally exhibits
high interfacial tension whereas the old shows lower IFT.

Flash Point of Transformer Oil

Flash point of transformer oil is the lowest temperature at which it gives up adequate quantity of
gaseous component to form an ignitable mixture in air. This mixture provides a momentary flash
when it is subjected to a flame under specified condition. Flashpoint is considered as an
important parameter of transformer oil because it depicts the possibility of fire hazard in the
transformer. So it is desirable to have a very high flash point of transformer oil. In general it is
more than 140oC. Flash point test is carried out in Pensky-Martens closed cup apparatus as per ASTM
D3828 and IS 1448 [P:20] :1998.

Pour Point of Transformer Oil

The minimum temperature at which the liquid dielectrics start flowing under the prescribed
conditions is known as the pour point. Pour point is an important property especially for
geometric locations where the ambient temperature is very low. The oil temperature of
transformers installed in those places may fall below the pour point causing cessation of
convection flow with a significant hindrance in cooling processes. Therefore, pour point is
preferred as low as possible so that oil can start flow even at low temperatures. Paraffin-based
oil exhibits a higher value of pour point as compared to Naphtha based oil. The ambient
temperature at majority of places in India is much above 0oC and so both the oils can be used
safely. The wax content of oil greatly influences its Pour Point. Due to higher wax content of
Paraffin-based oil, it shows higher pour point.
Viscosity of Transformer Oil

Viscosity is a measure of the resistance of oil to continuous flow without any external forces. The
oil should have good mobility so that it is effectively transfer heat generated at winding and core
through the transformer’s radiator. Transformer oil with low viscosity is preferred as it exhibits
less resistance to the conventional flow and hence does not affect the cooling of the transformer.
Viscosity of any liquid increases with decrease in operating temperature. But the rate of increase
varies from one liquid to other. Low viscosity is essential for transformer oil but it is equally
important that the rate of increase is as less as possible with a decrease in temperature.

3.0 Experimental Results and discussions:

The petroleum or mineral oil based transformer oil samples considered for this presentation are
tested for various parameters following the procedure and guidelines as per IS:335[9] and
IS:1866 [10]. IS:335 is applicable for new transformer oils whereas IS:1866 is for insulating oil
filled in new transformer and transformer in service. As the present paper is on significance of
testing of transformer oil, the oil samples selected are in such a way that the importance of
testing can easily be explained and can be conclusive based on the oil parameters studied.

3.1 Studies on new oils:

The testing procedure as per guidelines of IS 335:1993 RA 2010, an Indian standard dedicated on
testing of new mineral based transformer oil was for followed for analyzing selected oil samples,
results of which is shown in Table 2. All the 3 oil samples tested were clear, transparent and free
from visible suspended particles with reasonably high Interfacial Tension. Apart from Interfacial
Tension, Acidity and Tan Delta are found to be well within the limits defined by the standard.
The oils A, B and C may be considered as reasonably good as a new transformer oil based on
considering the basic tests generally in practice as stated above. But with the analyses of these
oils for all important parameters as per guideline of IS 335 specifically Oxidation Stability and
accelerated ageing study through open beaker method, the quality of oils can easily be assessed.
The oil samples tested can be graded in a descending order of their quality as Sample C, Sample
B and Sample A, Sample C being superior as Sample A as inferior in quality.

3.2 Studies on Service Oils:

The insulating oils of transformers in service are periodically monitored for assessing their status
of quality as per the test procedure guided by IS 1866:2017/IEC 60422:2013. For service oil
parameters like Acidity, IFT, Tan Delta, Resistivity, BDV, Water Content, Flash Point and Sludge
Contents are analyzed for assessing the deterioration in oil quality and for establishing a trend of
such degradations. Table 3 represents comparison of oil properties of 3 transformer oils tested.
Comparison of the results for these parameters of the oils tested was sufficient enough to classify
them as Inferior, Moderate and good as shown in Table 3. Instead of 3 grades, transformer oils in
service can be classified into 5 to 6 grades for a meaningful grouping of large numbers of
transformers that are in operation with electric power utilities like WBSETCL, WBSEDCL,
OPTCL, DVC, Power Grid etc. Simple computational methods can be used for such
classification [11] and the utility can easily chalk out actions needed like filtration, reclamation
and replacement programs for long terms and short terms basis. Routine condition monitoring of
transformer oil along with computational methods can be useful for asset management also.

Table 2 Results of 3 oil samples tested as per IS 335

SI. No. Parameter Sample A Sample B Sample C

1 Density 0.832 0.827 0.833
2 Viscosity 16.3 14.5 19.4
3 IFT 42 41 50
4 Flash Point 156 150 177
6 Acidity 0.0290 0.011 0.0058
7 BDV 70 54 47
8 Tan Delta 0.0018 0.0013 0.00078
Dielectric 2.04 2.03 2.01
constant
9 Resistivity 60 75 170
90oC 3300 3000 5600
27oC
10 Water 8 11 12
11 OS: 0.19 0.13 0.019
Acidity
12 OB:
Resistivity 75 900 2450
27 C 6.9 25 90
90 0.0051 0.0038 0.00099
Tan Delta 0.039 0.028 0.014
Acidity

3.3 Studies for Internal Health Assessment of Transformer through DGA:

Analysis of Transformer oil is useful as predictive and maintenance tool for estimating health of
transformer. Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) along with analysis of other physic-chemical and
electrical parameters of the insulating oil is helpful in evaluating health of transformers. Any
fault inside the transformer causes degradation of insulating oil and /or paper producing gases
that remained dissolved in oil. The type and amount of gas produced is related to fault occurred.
Therefore, estimation of these gases being generated is very handy for initiating any preventive
maintenance program. Utmost care is needed for sampling of oil for DGA as very important
maintenance decisions are being taken based on DGA reports. DGA of the transformer oil is to
be conducted at least twice in a year. National and International available for sampling, testing,
and analyzing the results are IS: 9434-1992 (RA 2013) & IS 10593-2006 (RA 2016)/IEC60599-
1999, ASTM D3613, ASTM D3612, and ANSI/IEEE C57.104 etc. [ 12-16 ].

Table 3 Comparison of oil property of 3 transformer oils

SL. Test for Permissible Limits Inferior Moderate Good

No.
1 IFT 15 (Min) 14 29 46
2 Flash 140 150 152 158
Point decrease by 15 0 (Max)
3 Acidity 0.3 (Max) 0.14 0.024 0.0040
4 BDV 40 (Min) 41 48 66
5 Tan delta 1.0 (Max) 0.31 0.022 0.00084
6 Resistanc 0.1(Min) 0.066 7.6 52
e
7 Moisture 40 (Max) 24 18 8

The main reason for formation gases in a transformer in service are electrical and thermal
stresses. Formation of various gases is observed at minor quantity in all transformers even those
are considered as very healthy transformers. Petroleum based transformer oil is a mixture of
several hydrocarbons. So, breakdown mechanism of the oil under electrical and thermal stress is
a complex process. The major gases produced considered as key gases are Hydrogen (H2),
methane (CH4), acetylene (C2H2), ethylene (C2H4), and ethane (C2H6). Also, degradation of paper
insulation produces methane (CH4), hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide
(CO2). Quantity of these gases produced is useful for understanding the internal health condition
of transformer as shown in Table 4 and Table 5. In this paper, two cases of trend analysis of
DGA, of a very healthy transformer and a transformer with severe fault are discussed.

Table 4. Dissolved gas concentration limit for interpretation of fault level as per ANSI/IEEE
C57.104
Dissolved gas concentration limit (ppm)

Carbon Carbon Interpretation

Hydrogen Methane Acetylene Ethylene Ethane TDCG
monoxide dioxide
(H2) (CH4) (C2H2) (C2H4) (C2H6) (*)
(CO) (CO2)

100 120 1 50 65 350 2500 720 Satisfactory

2500 - 721 - Fault may be

101 - 700 121 - 400 2-9 51 - 100 66 - 100 351 - 570
4000 1920 present

401 - 101 - 4001 - 1921 - Fault probably

701 - 1800 10 - 35 101 - 200 571 - 1400
1000 150 10000 4630 present
Continued
>1800 >1000 >35 >200 >150 >1400 >10000 >4630
operation could
 result in failure

Table 5 Permissible concentration of gases in healthy transformer (Transformer Union AG)

GAS <4 YEARS 4-10 YEARS >10 YEARS
HYDROGEN 100-150 200-300 200-300
METHANE 50-70 100-150 200-300
ETHANE 30-50 100-150 800-1000
ETHYLENE 100-150 150-200 200-400
ACETYLENE 20-30 30-50 100-150
CO 200-300 400-500 600-700
CO2 3000-3500 4000-5000 9000-10000

DGA were conducted in every four months of oil taken from a faulty 315 MVA 400/220/33 kV
Transformer. The results of the measurements are shown in Figure 1. It is seen from the Figure
that the rate on increase of ethylene gas is relatively higher than other 2 gases methane and
ethane. In order to get a quantitative evaluation of the rate, linear curve fitting was performed. If
a linear growth is considered for simplifying the situation, it is observed that the rate of increase
of Ethylene, Methane and Ethane was 8.8, 4.8 and 2.3 ppm per day. This rate of increase in key
gas concentrations can be considered as very high and the fault condition of the transformer is
considered as severe one. Among the key gases, acetylene is the most dangerous as it is
generated due to arcing. As DGA did not show significant amount of acetylene, the fault need not
be considered as most severe even though the gas generation is very high.

Figure 1 DGA Trend analyses shows severity in a 315 MVA 400/220/33 kV Transformer,
analysis conducted for a period of one year.

5000
4500
4000
3500
Time, Days

3000 Methane

2500 Ethane

2000 Ethylene

1500
1000
500
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Table 6 shows the DGA analysis of a 330 MVA 400/16.5 kV Transformer, for a period of one
year. It is seen that there is no significant change in concentrations of any key gas. The
transformer is considered as very healthy. However, it is required to monitor the transformer
through DGA at least twice in a year. It is to be noted that to maintain the transformer in this
state of healthiness, annual oil parameter testing is equally important.

Table 6 DGA Trend analysis shows healthiness in a 330 MVA 400/16.5 kV Transformer,analysis
conducted quarterly

Time in Months
Gases Initial 4 8 12
Methane 1 1 1 1
Ethane ND ND ND ND
Ethylene 1 1 1 1
Acetylene ND ND ND ND
Hydrogen 2 2 3 6
O2 11034 10867 10599 10400
N2 37173 38986 37874 38035
CO 7 13 16 17
CO2 189 233 332 315

3.4 Studies on Assessment of Solid Insulation through Furan Analysis:

Papers in different forms are used as solid insulation in transformer. It is reported [17] that the
remaining life of an old transformer in service mostly depends on the mechanical strength of
solid insulation. Measurement of tensile strength and degree of polymerization (DP) are followed
for evaluating solid insulation. DP value of 150-250 is considered as end-of-life of paper
insulation. It is required to remove paper samples from suspect place of the transformer for
measurement of DP and is only possible during transformer repairs. The simplest way of
measuring the condition of solid insulation is through analysis of furan present in oil. Paper on
degradation produces furanic compounds that remained dissolved in transformer oil. Furan
Analysis is carried out as per IS 15668: 2006 (RA 2016)/IEC 61198 : 1993 [18].

The average DP of paper insulation can be estimated through measurement of type and amount
of furans present in an insulating oil sample. The abnormality in stress the transformer
experienced can also be judged by measuring amount and types of furan compounds present in
oil. Table 7 describes the reason for formation of various furan compounds. The amount of furan
present in transformer oil is also been correlated to DP values and status of overall solid
insulation of the transformer as shown in Table 8. Formation of Carbon monoxide and carbon
dioxide is also related to a considerable extent to degradation of solid insulation. Therefore,
measurement of Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide through DGA can generally be considered
as supporting tests.

The present paper describes three cases of furan analysis like normal increase in furan
concentration, very high increase and correlation of furan with other oil parameters as shown in
Table 9, Table 10 and Table 11 respectively. Table 9 depicts Furan Analysis Results of a 235
MVA, 15.75/230 kV Transformer. It is observed that over the studied period of 3 years, there was
no significant increase in furan concentration though the initial concentration was at higher side.
The transformer studied was about 30 years old and formation of about 600 – 700 ppb of furan
can be considered as an example of very normal deterioration of solid insulation.

Table 7 Type of Furanic compounds produced

5-Hydroxymethyl-2- 5H2F Oxidation

furaldehyde
Furfuryl alcohol 2FOL High Moisture
2-Furaldehyde 2FAL Overheating, old faults
2-Furyl methyl ketone 2ACF Rare, lighting
5-Methyl-2-furaldehyde 5M2F Local, severe overheating

Table 8 Significance of Furan concentration and DP values.

Furan Content DP Value Significance

(ppm)
0-0.1 1200-700 Healthy transformer
0.1-1.0 700-450 Moderate
deterioration
1-10 450-250 Extensive
deterioration
>10 <250 End of life criteria

Table 10 shows Furan analysis results of a 16/11.2 MVA, 15.75/6.6 kV Transformer for a period
3 years. It has been seen that during the period of observation, a significant increase in
concentration of furan was observed. The transformer under study was also very old with a
service length of above 30 years. The analysis indicated a rapid deterioration of solid insulation.
It may not be easy to improve in heath condition of solid insulation of this transformer through
dehydration. The process of dehydration can only lengthen the life of the transformer to some
extent.

Table 9 Furan Analysis Results of a 235 MVA, 15.75/230 kV, Transformer

Characteristics Results Results Results

 Sl. Furanic Compounds, August 2014 August 2016 August 2017
No. ppb
1. 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-
0 0 0
Furfural
2. 2-Furfuryl Alcohol 0 0 0
3. 2-Furfural 510 670 740
4. 2-Acetylfuran 0 0 0
5. 5-Methyle-2-Furfural 0 0 0
Total 510 670 740

Table 10 Furan Analysis Results of a 16/11.2 MVA, 15.75/6.6 kV Transformer

Characteristics Results Results Results

Sl. Furanic Compounds, January August 2016 August 2017

No. ppb 2015
1. 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-
0 0 0
Furfural
2. 2-Furfuryl Alcohol 0 0 0
3. 2-Furfural 660 1040 1210
4. 2-Acetylfuran 0 0 10
5. 5-Methyle-2-Furfural 0 0 0
Total 660 1040 1220

Table 11 shows Furan analysis results along with other important oil parameters of 1.25 MVA,
6.6/0.433 kV Transformers. Though all these transformers are of similar age and rating, a
variation in furan contents is observed. If the transformer Tr.4 is kept out of analysis, then it can
be infer that acidity, IFT and moisture content may have influence on degradation of solid
insulation.

4.0 Conclusion:

The oil samples with an appearance of clean, colorless and free from visible suspended particles,
supposed to be considered as new transformer oil were compared for their oil properties. Most of
the parameters tested showed very promising results to accept all these 3 oils as good quality
new oil. But by carrying out two special tests like i) Oxidative ageing by open beaker method as
per IS 12177:1987 RA 2018 and ii) Determination of oxidation stability as per Annex C of IS
335:1993 RA 2010, difference between the quality of the oil was very distinctively assessed. It
can be inferred from this case study that special tests like accelerated ageing should be
recommended for selecting oil for transformers of higher capacities or for sensitive or
strategically important transformers such as those are associated with generators in large power
plants, if not for transformers of all categories.

Table 11 Correlations of Furan Analysis Results with oil parameters of 1.25 MVA, 6.6/0.433 kV
Transformers

Tr. 1 Tr. 2 Tr. 3 Tr. 4 Tr. 5 Tr. 6

Furan 350 280 430 160 140 130
Interfacial 15 17 15 16 24 24
tension
Flash Point 162 158 162 160 161 162
Acidity 0.18 0.16 0.19 0.15 0.061 0.062
BDV 43 37 26 48 34 36
Tan delta 0.15 0.087 0.11 0.086 0.071 0.068
Dielectric 2.11 2.10 2.10 2.08 2.07 2.07
constant
Resistance 0.092 0.18 0.13 0.22 0.38 0.38
1.3 1.9 1.5 2.1 2.7 2.9
Water Content 29 26 35 25 24 25
Viscosity 23.7 22.1 23.9 22.3 21.3 20.1

Routine testing of oil parameters as per IS 1866:2017/ IEC 60422:2013 is useful for taking up
necessary maintenance activities like filtration, reclamation or replacement of oil. It can be
effectively utilized for classifying large number of transformers in power utilities for initiating
preferential actions in batches. This can also be useful for asset management.

Periodic DGA provides information on the internal condition of transformers whether it is

healthy or having faults, type and severity of faults etc. Trend analysis is more informative
compared to stand alone data.

Furan analysis provides information on overall condition of solid insulation. The first 2 case
studies presented on furan analysis explained the severity in deterioration of solid insulation
whereas the last case study is for finding cause of varying degradation rate of solid insulation. It
is observed that properties like acidity, IFT and moisture content have greater influence on
deterioration of solid insulation.

References:

[1] M. Ali, C. Eley, A. M. Emsley, R. Heywood and X. Xiao, “Measuring and

understanding the ageing of kraft insulating paper in power transformers,” IEEE Electr.
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[2] M. Wang, A. J. Vandermaar, K. D. Srivastava, “Review of Condition Assessment of

Power Transformers in Service” (IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, Vol. 18, No. 6,
2002, pages 12-25).

[3] Z. Gao, J. McCalley, “A Transformer Health Assessment Ranking Method – Use of

Model Based Scoring Expert System” (North American Power Symposium, 2009,
pages 1-8).

[4] H. Gago, E. Palazuelos, J. I. Anguas, S. Quintin, “New approach of maintenance of

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[5] K. Baburao, N. M. Bhangre, A. M. Wagle, A. Venkatasami, S. E Chaudhari, “The

experience of DP and furan in remnant life assessment of power transformer” Condition
Monitoring and Diagnosis, CMD, pages 555-558, 2008.

[6] L. Chaohui, Z. Bide, Y. Yuchun, “The Aging Diagnosis of Solid Insulation for Oil-
Immersed Power Transformers and Its Remaining Life Prediction” (Asia-Pacific Power
and Energy Engineering Conference (APPEEC), 2010, pages 1-3).

[7] A Guide to Transformer Oil Analysis by I.A.R. Gray Transformer Chemistry Services.

[8] IS 6103:1971 RA 2016, Method of test for specific resistance (resistivity) of electrical
insulating liquids.

[9] IS 1866:2017 RA 0/ IEC 60422:2013, Mineral Insulating Oils in Electrical Equipment

Supervision and Maintenance Guidance.

[10] IS 335:1993 RA 2010, New insulating oils.

[11] Dr. P.K. Maiti, Assessment of aged Insulating Oil of Transformer in Service for
Ranking of Health Condition, Proceedings of Seminar on “Recent Trends in Insulating
Fluids for Electrical Equipment” 1st and 2nd February 2018, Organized by Dielectric
Materials Division, CPRI Bangalore.

[12] IS 9434:1992 RA 2008, Guide for sampling and analysis of free and dissolved gases
and oil from oil-filled electrical equipment.

[13] IS 10593-2006 RA 2016/IEC 60599:1999, Mineral Oi-impregnated electrical

equipment in services - Guide to the interpretation of dissolved and free gases analysis.

[14] ASTM D3613-98, Standard Practice for Sampling Insulating Liquids for Gas Analysis
and Determination of water Content, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, ASTM, West
 Conshohocken, PA, 2001.

[15] ASTM D3612 - 02(2017), Standard Test Method for Analysis of Gases Dissolved in
Electrical Insulating Oil by Gas Chromatography, Annual Book of ASTM Standards,
ASTM, West Conshohocken, PA, 2001.

[16] IEEE Std C57.104-2008 (Revision of IEEE Std C57.104-1991) - IEEE Guide for the
Interpretation of Gases Generated in Oil-Immersed Transformers, 3, Park Avenue, New
York, NY 10016-5997, USA, 2 February 2009.

[17] Inderpreet Kaur, Preetinder Singh, Residual Life assessment with DGA, Furan content
in transformer oil and Degree of polymerization of solid insulation International
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[18] IS 15668: 2006 (RA 2016)/IEC 61198: 1993, Mineral insulating oils - Methods for the
determination of 2-furural and related compounds.