The analysis of paper degradation products in transformer oil enables the assessment of aging insulating paper and the remaining lifetime of transformers. Key paper degradation products include furans, carbon oxides, water, and methanol, which dissolve in the oil over time. By analyzing these products through techniques like chromatography, the degree of polymerization of the paper can be estimated, indicating the aging condition of the paper and transformer. Regular analysis of these markers every 12-48 months helps utilities determine maintenance needs and replacement strategies for transformers.
The analysis of paper degradation products in transformer oil enables the assessment of aging insulating paper and the remaining lifetime of transformers. Key paper degradation products include furans, carbon oxides, water, and methanol, which dissolve in the oil over time. By analyzing these products through techniques like chromatography, the degree of polymerization of the paper can be estimated, indicating the aging condition of the paper and transformer. Regular analysis of these markers every 12-48 months helps utilities determine maintenance needs and replacement strategies for transformers.
The analysis of paper degradation products in transformer oil enables the assessment of aging insulating paper and the remaining lifetime of transformers. Key paper degradation products include furans, carbon oxides, water, and methanol, which dissolve in the oil over time. By analyzing these products through techniques like chromatography, the degree of polymerization of the paper can be estimated, indicating the aging condition of the paper and transformer. Regular analysis of these markers every 12-48 months helps utilities determine maintenance needs and replacement strategies for transformers.
The analysis of paper degradation products in transformer oil enables the assessment of aging insulating paper and the remaining lifetime of transformers. Key paper degradation products include furans, carbon oxides, water, and methanol, which dissolve in the oil over time. By analyzing these products through techniques like chromatography, the degree of polymerization of the paper can be estimated, indicating the aging condition of the paper and transformer. Regular analysis of these markers every 12-48 months helps utilities determine maintenance needs and replacement strategies for transformers.
What? The analysis of insulating paper degradation products in the oil enables the assessment of the ageing of the insulating winding paper. This is generally considered the criterion to estimate the ageing condition or residual life of a transformer.
Why? To determine the ageing condition of transformers. To trigger asset management decisions (replacement strategy and investments) and define appropriate maintenance actions to slow paper ageing. Oil Oxidation Paper Degradation Sludge
How? Temperature and Varnish Temperature
The primary factors in the ageing of insulating winding paper
in a transformer are the presence of oxygen and temperature Acids and humidity.These factors cause the winding paper to gradually Oil and Hydroperoxides Paper
lose its inherent properties such as mechanical strength.
As the paper ages, it forms ageing by-products such as furans, carbon oxides, water, and methanol which partially dissolve Oxygen Metal Catalysts Water Paper Chain Scisson
in the insulating oil. + Water
By analyzing and trending these paper-ageing by-products, Degree of polymerization
the ageing condition of the paper (expressed by its degree of polymerization or DPv) can be estimated.
Laborelec uses several chromatographic analyses:
> Determination of furanic compounds: through high-pressure liquid chromatography The degree of polymerization (DPv) is the number of glucose molecules in the cellulose polymer of insulating paper. The higher the DPv (or the longer the polymer equipped with ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV) and length) of the insulating paper, the greater its mechanical strength.
ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography coupled DPv new Kraft paper after drying: DPv end-of-life Kraft paper: DPv = ca. 1,000 DPv = ca. 250 (insufficient properties)
to a tandem quadrupole detector (UPLC-TQD)
> Determination of methanol content: a headspace extraction, coupled to a gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer detector (GC-MS) > Dissolved gasses analysis (DGA): gas chromatograph equipped with a Thermal Conductivity Detector and Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID/TCD)
To interpret the furan and methanol analyses
accurately, we complement the above-mentioned Several models (experimental or based on dismantling experiences) exist for correlating the concentration of 2-furfuraldehyde (2FAL) tests with other physico-chemical analyses such with the average DPv.
as water content and degree of acidity.
Analysis Method Required oil volume
Frequency of analysis: every 12 to 48 months Degree of polymerization IEC 60450
Dissolved gasses (**) IEC 60567/ASTM D3612 125 ml Furans IEC 61198 50 ml Methanol Laborelec method 50 ml Neutralization index, IEC 62021 25 ml acidity (**) Water content IEC 60814 25 ml
(**): Analyses performed under ISO 17025 accreditation—Measurement uncertainties available on demand
