Transformer Oil Analysis And Fluid Testing

DISSOLVED GAS ANALYSIS (DGA) TEST OF TRANSFORMER OIL

Every transformer needs periodic maintenance, oil testing, and analysis to determine any potential problems, before a transformer’s performance is compromised. Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) transformer oil testing is considered to be the best method for determining a transformer’s overall condition. RESA Power’s highly skilled technicians have expertise in the DGA universal standard of oil testing.

Benefits of DGA

Regular testing and DGA analysis of transformer oil are critical to the ongoing maintenance and support of a transformer’s health. DGA testing has the following advantages:

• Advanced warning of developing faults;
• Status checks on news and repaired units;
• Convenient scheduling of repairs;
• Monitoring of units under potential overload conditions.

Leave it to the Professionals

DGAs should be conducted by a trained professional, like RESA Power’s certified technicians. Our experts will assist in recognizing issues on both new and older power components and systems, which include for example (but are not limited to):

• Rate of gas production – A sudden increase in key gases (such as hydrogen or Acetylene). Note: the rate of increased gas production is more important in evaluating a transformer than the amount of gas
• Thermal fault – The generation of any amount of gas in ppm indicates high energy arcing and can possibly generate a very hot thermal fault (1000 degrees Celsius)
• Acetylene levels – Determination of the level of acetylene in the transformer. For example, if acetylene is generated by internal arcing, sampling should be taken weekly to determine if there is an additional generation of If no additional acetylene is found and the level is within the accepted IEEE standard, the transformer may continue in service. If, however, there is an increase of acetylene levels, the transformer has an internal arc and should be taken out of service. This is because operating a transformer with a high amount of acetylene is extremely hazardous.

RESA Power respects the delicate balance between systems and supportive testing. Our transformer oil testing and analysis services are designed so that you can trust working with the experts at RESA Power. Your critical transformer preventative maintenance needs ensures the safety of your team and the reliability of your equipment.

Physical, Chemical, and Electrical Dielectric Fluid Quality

RESA Power is uniquely capable of addressing the most critical requirements of power systems’ reliability, operability, and efficiency. Part of this holistic approach to power maintenance includes the consideration of specific properties or parameters of insulating oil for transformer oil testing. These properties of transformer oil include electrical, chemical, and physical aspects. All need to be analyzed and tested for quality.

Electrical properties include: dielectric strength, gassing tendency, and dielectric dissipation factor (or power factor).

Chemical properties include: water content, acidity, and sludge content.

Physical properties include: interfacial tension, viscosity, flash point, and pour point.

Diagnostic Testing for Transformer Fitness

Customers that incorporate RESA Power’s electrical, chemical and physical transformer oil testing avoid unscheduled maintenance and repair costs. Let RESA Power ensure your transformers are fit for compliance standards and meet safety guidelines that will provide you with peace of mind.

Electrical Dielectric Diagnosis

When testing electrical properties RESA Power, technicians utilize diagnostic methods that measure dielectric levels. These tests provide crucial evidence of changes in the condition of the insulation. The results and tracking of this critical data increase the longevity of the transformer and prevent system failures.

RESA Power utilizes dielectric testing to test a transformer’s reaction, duration and breakdown during an analysis using voltage rates. We test the durability of the insulating barrier materials in transformers while analyzing the resistance to various harmful voltage levels. Results are not only important to safeguarding material damage, but also important to reducing injuries due to faulty equipment.

Chemical Testing

Water, gas, and particles in the transformer’s insulation system will negatively impact the transformer’s longevity. These are tested thoroughly by RESA Power to reduce damage and limit equipment downtime.

Moisture or water content in transformer oil is highly undesirable, affecting the dielectric properties of the oil adversely. Water content in oil also affects the paper insulation of the core and winding of a transformer. Another chemical property that can affect transformer performance is acidity: if transformer oil becomes acidic, the water content in the oil becomes more soluble, deteriorating the insulation properties of the paper as it is winding. Acidity can also accelerate the oxidation process and the rusting of iron in the presence of moisture

Physical Fitness Analysis

The physical properties of transformer oil are analyzed by RESA Power with a focus on the following elements: interfacial tension, flash point, pour point, and viscosity.

In general, good-quality, new oil generally exhibits high interfacial tension. It is also desirable to have a very high flash point; over 145 degrees is considered acceptable. The best pour point is the minimum temperature at which oil starts to flow under standard test conditions. Therefore, higher pour points are desirable in colder temperatures, but it also depends upon the type of oil being used (e.g. Paraffin-based oil necessitates higher pouring temperatures than Naphtha-based oils).

By analyzing the physical properties of transformer oil, RESA Power can ensure that the transformer is operating properly and identify any issues that may be affecting its performance. Additionally, by monitoring these properties over time, we can detect early signs of deterioration that may lead to transformer failure. In short, transformer oil testing is an essential part of maintaining a safe and reliable electrical system.