Why is transformer oil purification essential? - HERING VPT
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Why is transformer oil purification essential?

Why is transformer oil purification essential?

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Transformer oil deterioration and degradation describe the adverse physical and chemical processes within the insulating liquid over its lifetime which negatively impact its performance and longevity.

Our HERING RCPS Reactivation Clay Polishing System is an ideal base oil finishing treatment for oils that have been pre-treated by vacuum distillation or wipe-film evaporation or suchlike front end processes. The system uses the specially manufactured HERING PHÖNIX clay as an adsorbent which can be reactivated and reused up to 500 times before needing to be replaced. Our RCPS clay finishing treatment is a low operating cost, moderate capital investment alternative to other base oil finishing treatment methods which rewards you with high quality group I and group II base oils.

Transformer oil deterioration must be minimized

The largest share of load bearing transformers operated around the world are filled with liquid – called the transformer oil. The transformer oil used in most transformers is a type of petroleum-based hydrocarbon which has been chosen due to its high dielectric strength and chemical stability.

Transformers in power distribution and transmission have to function reliably and as efficient as possible for many years to recoup the high upfront costs. For a long and efficient lifetime of the transformer, the quality of the transformer oil plays a key role.[1] The quality of the mineral oils and other dielectric fluids decreases during operation due to deterioration of the liquids.[2]

Transformer oil deterioration is caused by moisture and oxidation

Deterioration is mainly due to contamination, overheating, electrical stress, and oxidation. There are two main mechanisms occurring in the transformer oil during operation which cause deterioration.

The most common mechanism causing deterioration is moisture contamination. Moisture, and hence water, is present in the transformer oil as tiny droplets (emulsion) or free water at the bottom (demulsified water). Demulsified water contamination can be easily handled by extracting it through filtering or centrifugal treatment. The removal of emulsified water requires vacuum dehydration.[2]

Both the emulsified and demulsified form of water have profound effects on the insulating properties of the transformer oil as they reduce the dielectric strength of the liquid. Some of the dissolved water also gets absorbed over time by the paper insulation of the transformer which badly affects the insulation’s properties. This water content in the paper insulation is especially difficult to remove. Removing the moisture requires drying out with heat and vacuum.[2]

The second, less common deterioration occurs because of oxidation. This type of transformer oil deterioration is slower than that caused by moisture alone, but its effects can be more serious.

Oxidation results in acids in the transformer oil as well as increased formation of sludge. The oxidation speed highly depends on temperature. Transformers operated in high temperature climates, therefore, are especially susceptible to this type of oxidation.

To keep oxidation to a minimum, oxygen must be excluded from the transformer as much as possible. Oxygen can interact with the transformer’s inner workings as atmospheric oxygen and as oxygen occurring in moisture. Therefore, gaskets and seals must be maintained regularly and the water content needs to be kept as low as possible through vacuum dehydration using oil purifying plants.[2]

The ageing of the transformer and especially its paper insulation can be minimized by preventing the deterioration of the transformer oil and thus extending the transformer’s life expectancy significantly.[3]

References

[1] T. Rouse, “Mineral insulating oil in transformers,” Ieee electrical insulation magazine, vol. 14, iss. 3, p. 6–16, 1998.

[2] P. Gill, Electrical power equipment maintenance and testing, CRC press, 2008.

[3] J. Sabau and R. Stokhuyzen, “The electrochemical stability of mineral insulating oils,” in Electrical insulating materials: international issues, ASTM International, 2000.

Fight transformer oil deterioration now with our transformer oil purification product line or the even more comprehensive HERING transformer oil regeneration systems. We will customize our systems to your specific requirements to get the most out of your transformers.

Are you rather interested in full scale transformer drying ovens for a more advanced treatment of your transformer? Then, our Hering transformer drying oven product line might be the right choice for you.

Still not found what you were looking for? Take a look at our products page for our most popular products or get in touch for customized solutions. We will build the right product for you!

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