With good insulating and cooling properties, transformer oil is a useful electrical item. You might need it for your high-voltage capacitors, bright lamps, circuit breakers and so on.
So, it is natural for you to plan to buy this useful component. Anyways, here you need to remember one thing. The oil quality matters and if you don’t buy quality oils, it may damage the appliances. Also, you won’t get the desired results.
Hence, buying high-quality transformer oil is a must. In this article, we will talk about what transformer oils are, their types and grades as also their BDV and how to check the transformer oils’ quality.
Transformer Oil: What it is?
Also known as insulating oil, it is an oil that comes with excellent insulating and cooling properties, which can be stable at high temperatures. The most important use of these oils is to insulate and cool transformers. However, the overall functions are insulation, suppressing arcing and corona discharge and cooling agents.
Moreover, they are often used in appliances like wet transformers, high-voltage capacitors, switches, circuit breakers, etc. Additionally, such oils cover the core and windings of transformers. Thus, it prevents cellulose-based insulation and wiring from oxidising and corroding while also retaining their efficiency.
Which Kind Should You Choose?
Transformer oils are usually mineral oil-based. The major types are-
- Naphthenic Oil
- Paraffinic Oil
Naphthenic Oilis derived from very low n-paraffin or wax crudes. The pour point of this oil is lower than the paraffinic type. But, it is more readily corroded than other oil types. The sludge oxidation product for this oil is quite soluble in water. It also comes with an aroma at low temperatures.
On the other hand, Paraffinic Oil is derived from crudes with a high amount of wax or n-paraffin. It has a lower oxidation rate than Naphtha oil. The sludge is insoluble and gathers at the tank’s bottom point.
You can also classify transformer oil in another way. They are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 is used in items where normal oxidation resistance is needed. For higher resistance, type 2 can be used.
Other alternatives of mineral oils are also available these days. They are Pentaerythritol tetra fatty acid natural and synthetic esters. The mineral oil has a potential risk of fire hazards, these alternatives are sued in areas with high fire risks.
Transformer Oil Grades and their BDV (Breakdown Voltage)
These oils are often graded in line with international standards. One such example is IEC 60296. Within these graded standards, there is usually a wide range of classes.
These classes define various aspects of transformer oil. They are additives, usage, LCSET or Lowest Cold Start Energizing Temperatures and more.
Before you buy the oil, consult with a reliable professional regarding which grade is good for you. And while buying, make sure to check the grade.
BDV, or Breakdown Voltage, is a way to determine the dielectric strength of a transformer oil. It differs depending on the oil’s type and condition. The higher the BDV value, the fewer contaminants are in it.
Depending on the moisture level within the oil, the minimum breakdown voltage ranges from 30-40 kV. Learn about your oil’s BDV while buying it.
Checking the Quality of Transformer Oil
This is a vital step in buying transformer oils in India or other places. You should follow a complete oil testing process to check the quality of the transformer oils.
You can opt for the Breakdown Voltage Testing procedure. In it, only the BDV is measured. If the value is low, the oil’s quality is not up to the mark.
The tests can be classified into a few types. They are:
- Dissolved gas analysis
- Analysis of PCB
- Furan analysis
- General physical and electrical tests
General electrical and physical tests include factors like:
- Colour and Appearance
- BDV
- Water Content level
- Acidity components
- Dielectric Dissipation Factor
- Level of Resistivity
- Sludge
- Flash Point
- Kinematic Viscosity
- Pour Point
- Density
Some examples of tests are ASTM D3612 (dissolved gas analysis), ASTM D5837 (Furnaic compounds), ASTM D924 (Liquid power factor), ASTM D1169 (resistivity), D1524 (visual examination), etc.
Buying Quality Transformer Oils: Quick Points to Remember
The essential points to consider before buying quality transformer oils are:
- Be clear about your requirement.
- Learn about the oil’s features.
- Find a reliable place to buy the oil.
- Check the grades and BDV of the oil.
- Test the oil and be sure of its quality.
Paying attention to the quality of the transformer oil saves you from undue hazards in the future. And for it, you should focus on the points mentioned above.
Anyways, now, you can opt for on-site testing instead of a long lab testing process. So, buying quality transformer oils is now easier!
Buy Transformer Oil online a L&T-SuFin
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