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Environment Analytical & Testing Products About us
Contact Us Phone: 91-175-2393551 / 2393605 Fax: 91-175-2393548 For general information please email us at coordinator@thaparresearch.org |
Transformer and Furnace Oil Analysis
Transformers are the most critical and costliest equipment in power distribution. The present day transformers are operated at rated load and many a time at overload. Therefore, it becomes necessary that the condition of the transformers be monitored regularly to assess the faults so that preventive/ corrective actions are taken. Condition monitoring also helps in the assessment of the residual life of the transformer so that users are not caught unaware.
Life of the transformer can be indicated by the condition and rate of deterioration of insulation. The main insulating materials in the transformer are transformer oil and the kraft paper. Due to thermal and electrical stresses both the materials degrade giving rise to reaction products that can be used for monitoring the extent of damage or incipient faults. The rate of deterioration further depends on the operational conditions. These conditions include loading pattern, incipient faults, preventive maintenance and design philosophy.
Oil Testing - Used as well as New have their usefulness. New oil testing is required to check the suitability of it for using in Transformer, as new oil should meet certain specifications laid down by Transformer Manufacturer or BIS. Testing of used oil is required for condition monitoring of Transformer and to determine the life of Transformer. Testing of Transformer Oil using Furanic Compound Analysis is considered as reliable indicator of integrated and cumulative degradation of cellulosic material prresent in the transformer. The furan data on a transformer fluid measure the average decay integrated over the entire volume of the transformer .
The measurement of Degree of Polymerization (DP) of paper is also an indicator of aging of paper taken from a specific and localized place. DP value of paper taken out from different places of Transformer varies considerably. The extent of variation of DP from top to bottom of windings can vary upto 50% due to thermal profile of the transformer. In the event of failure in any portion of winding insulation. DP analysis can help in identifying location where cellulosic materials need refurbishment/ replacement.
Oil and Insulating Paper Testing Facility at Thapar Centre for Industrial Research & Development
The facility offers testing of new and used Transformer oil, insulating paper as per national and international standards. TCIRD has been providing this service to a few customers including Punjab State Electricity Board.
The tests for Used and New Transformer Oil as well as Furnace oil are conducted as per BIS. Analysis for paper is done as per BIS and Tappi Test Method
Major Instruments/Equipment
BDV Tester, Specific Resistance Meter, Dissolved Gas Analyzer, Interfacial Tensometer, K.F. Titrator, Tan Delta Measuring Equipment, Viscometer, Flash Point & Pour Point Apparatus, Oxidation Stability Measuring Equipment, Burst Strength Tester, Tensile Strength Tester etc.