Comprehensive Transformer Oil Analysis for Optimal Asset Health
Transformer Oil Diagnostics
Transformer oil holds critical information on the condition of the transformer from thermal and electrical faults to contamination and degradation of the oil. Without monitoring, these conditions can take a toll on the life of a transformer.
Transformer oil analysis provides a highly accurate indication of the internal condition of a transformer. Diagnostic tests offer insights into:
- Abnormal electrical or thermal activity
- Effects of transformer aging, including the condition of paper insulation – the primary indicator of potential transformer failure
- Information on the condition of the transformer and where it is in its lifecycle based on the transformer health index
- Cost-effective and efficient maintenance planning, refurbishment and replacement
Key benefits of Transformer Oil Analysis
- Assesses the internal condition of the transformer
- Helps calculate the probability of failure and end-of-life
- Identifies degradation before it leads to failure
- It is essential for effective maintenance and replacement strategies
- Allows testing to be done at low cost
- Offers excellent return on investment
Oil Diagnostic tests
EA Technology offers a wide range of analytical specification tests, coupled with expert interpretation and reporting systems. Typical testing on transformer units includes:
Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) | IEC 60567 |
Oil Quality | |
Moisture | IEC 60814 |
Acidity | IEC 62021 |
Breakdown Voltage Strength | IEC 60247 |
Furan Analysis (Paper Insulation Assessment) | IEC 61196 |
PCB Analysis | IEC 61619 |
Dissipation Factor (Power Factor) |
IEC 60247 |
Interfacial Tension (IFT) | ASTM D971 |
Viscosity | |
Density (Specific Gravity) | ASTM D1524 |
Colour & Appearance | ASTM D1500 |
EA Technology can also offer an additional range of bespoke testing such as:
Corrosive Sulphur | IEC 62535 |
DBDS | IEC 62697 |
Inhibitor Content (% DBPC) | IEC 60666 |
Flash Point and Pour Point |
These tests allow EA Technology to build up a bespoke testing programme that aims to meet all the specific requirements of our clients.
For more information on our diagnostic tests follow the links below.
Health Index Assessment for Transformers – Moving Towards a Condition Based Strategy
EA Technology has extensive experience of working with owners and operators of high voltage equipment to understand degradation and failure processes. One aspect of this work has been the development of Health Indices.
Health Indices for high voltage equipment combine relevant information on assets to derive a single number that gives an indication of overall degradation and proximity to end-of-life.
Health Index and Transformer Oil Analysis (Advanced Assessment)
By combining the oil analysis results with detailed background information, on-site survey results and unrivalled sector experience, EA Technology can produce a full Health Index assessment for each transformer. This information can then be used to make strategic investment decisions regarding repair, refurbishment and replacement programmes.
Transformer oil analysis can help in identifying which transformers could benefit from life extension measures and alert operators to potential problems before they lead to failure.
By moving from a time-based maintenance and replacement programme to a condition-based strategy, you can bring considerable cost and efficiency savings, while also increasing the reliability of supplies.
The Transformer Health Index Assessment Includes the Following Key Areas:
- DGA, Oil Quality and FFA analysis
- Current Health Index and probability of failure
- 10 year future Health Index and probability of failure
- Years to End-of-Life (EOL) assessment
- Graphical depiction of Health Indices for the transformer population
- Full written report of transformer details, results, discussion and recommendations
- Inclusion of on-site survey results, Partial Discharge Survey, Thermographic Survey and more
Download an example report on the link below.
Oil Diagnostic Suites for Transformer Oil Diagnostics:
The above standard testing is offered in specific diagnostic suites designed to provide the maximum condition information on the transformers. The standard test suites are designed for individual samples to deliver a routine set of oil analysis at low cost.
The health index suites are designed to provide maximum information on the oil analysis results, interpretation and integration into asset management techniques.
Download our information on our testing packages below.
Get in touch
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