Drop of knowledge #8

Ecol laboratory – what was happening in August?

1. 1. Testing the dissolved gas content of electrical insulating fluids 🡪
2. 2. „Kolej na olej” – training starts on 11 september 🡪
3. 3. Updated 3D walk-through of our laboratory 🡪
4. 4. Upcoming conferences we are participating in 🡪
5. 5. Element of the month 🡪

1. Testing the dissolved gas content of electrical insulating fluids – DGA ⚡

DGA test and defects present in the transformer?

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is the most useful method for detecting the initial phase of defects, the development of which can lead to equipment failure. DGA diagnosis, is carried out on the basis of chromatographic examination of the dissolved gas content in oil.

🧪 Tested gases:

• Hydrogen – H2
• Methane – CH4
• Ethan – C2H6
• Ethylene – C2H4
• Acetylene – C2H2
• Propane – C3H8
• Propylene – C3H6
• Carbon monoxide – CO
• Carbon dioxide – CO2
• Oxygen – O2
• Nitrogen – N2

The gas concentrations, their dynamics of change, as well as their relationship to each other, provide a valuable source of information about the current technical state of transformers, transformers, switches and other electrical power equipment where electrical insulating fluids (mineral oils and esters) are used.

⚠️ Why the presence of gases in transformer oil?

The formation of gases in oil is related to the occurrence of energy phenomena such as superheat or discharge of a different nature and with different amounts of energy released. The energy dependence of the formation of individual gases is shown in the diagram. These relationships form the basis of the DGA method.

From analysis to diagnosis…

Internationally recognised diagnostic methods and algorithms such as Michel Duval’s triangles and pentagrams, methods based on Rogers, Doernenburg coefficients, IEC, IEEE, Cigre materials and scientific publications are used to make an accurate diagnosis of the operating condition of the equipment.

In order to ensure the highest quality of testing performed, Ecol’s Oil Laboratory has a dedicated sampling system, which allows samples to be taken and safely transported to the laboratory without the fluid being tested coming into contact with air.

2. “Kolej na olej” – training will take place on 11 september!

This is the last chance to sign up for our specialised ‘Railway to Oil’ training course on the key issues related to the operation of lubricants in locomotives.

In this workshop, you will gain vital theoretical knowledge and practical advice on how to avoid common problems and effectively diagnose breakdowns.

3. Updated 3D walk-through of our laboratory

We have updated our 3D virtual walkthrough so you can get a glimpse of our (as real as possible) laboratory space, as well as the research capabilities of each piece of equipment. We invite you to join us.

A 3D walk-through of our laboratory is available at the link below:

5. Element of the month

Oxygen (O, Latin oxygenium) –  is a colourless and odourless gas and is the most widespread element on Earth – the oxygen content of its crust is 46.4%. Oxygen in its free state occurs as two-atom molecules, O2, and three-atom molecules, ozone, O3. Oxygen is a paramagnet. Liquid oxygen is blue in colour.

Oxygen is included in a number of industrially important chemical compounds, such as:

• water,
• carbon dioxide,
• oxoacids,
• base,
• organic compounds.

It is also a component of most compounds of biological importance. Organic acids, esters and alcohols have been used in a wide range of lubricating products.

Oxygen is a highly electronegative element and, as a result, the molecules of hydrocarbon oxidation products exhibit high polarity, increasing the ability of oils to form emulsions and dissolve water.

In diagnostic practice, oxidation products of oils are an important indicator of the ageing processes taking place. Their content is related to indicators such as water content, acid number, interfacial tension, oxidation, DGA and others.