Drop of knowledge #4

Ecol laboratory – what happened in April?

1. 1. Testing of electrical insulating liquids – comprehensive assessment of transformer condition 🡪
2. 2. In May you can meet us 🡪
3. 3. Training and conferences 2024 – save the date 🡪
4. 4. Element of the month 🡪

1. Testing of electrical insulating liquids – comprehensive assessment of transformer condition

The main tasks of transformer oils are:

• dielectric insulation
• heat dissipation – cooling of the active part of the transformer
• protection of solid insulation (cellulose) against weathering

The advantages of regular testing of electro-insulating fluids (transformer oils) from equipment in service are:

• monitoring the ageing processes of oils and their insulating and cooling properties
• assessing the condition of equipment, e.g. a transformer, and its suitability for continued operation
• the possibility of avoiding failure, often with very serious economic consequences
• planning maintenance activities well in advance
• low testing costs compared to electrical measurements
• the possibility of taking samples from operating equipment

It is estimated that the electrical insulating fluid, and therefore the transformer oil, contains about 70% of the diagnostic information about the equipment, both about the condition of the oil itself, the transformer operation and the cellulose insulation. A comprehensive assessment of the condition of the equipment, using the example of a transformer, involves three main aspects of testing:

Correct collection and transport of samples

Only the correct collection of a representative sample makes it possible to carry out accurate, high-level tests and to draw the right diagnostic conclusions.

To ensure the highest quality of testing performed, Ecol’s Oil Laboratory has a dedicated sampling system for collection and safe transport to the laboratory.

If you are interested in the topic of testing electro-insulating fluids, you are welcome to contact Marek Kusz, Chief Diagnostic Engineer for Electro-insulating Fluids: tel: 512 705 221, email: m.kusz@ecol.eu

4. Element of the month

Hydrogen (H, Latin: hydrogenium) is a colourless and odourless gas, the most widespread element in the universe. Currently, it is also a promising energy carrier.

Thanks to its properties – very low density and viscosity and high specific heat and coefficient – it is used as a cooling gas for generators.

It dissolves in some metals and diffuses readily through some metals, porous bodies and rubber. Forms many chemical compounds, the most abundant of which are hydrocarbons, including oils.

Hydrogen is one of the key gases studied in electro-insulating liquids (DGAs).

Its concentration in the oil and its relationship to other combustible gases enables the diagnosis of thermal defects and discharges such as:

• partial discharge,
• overheating over a wide temperature range,
• complete rows.