ttf

'
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Publication
422
. -_v

r r c T R 0 T E c H NTr N
0 uT E
ERNATT0NALE
c 0 M M r s s rE
0N
- lS0)
(affili6e
d l'0rganisation
Internationale
deNormalisation
REC(lMMANllAT
DIEt lLNA C E I

INTERNATI(lN
EA
LE
L C T R ( l T E C H NCI C
t }AMLM I S S I ( } N
- lS0)
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forEtandardization
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0rganization
I E CR E C l l M M E N D A T I ( l N

Publication
422
-- Firstedition
Premibre
6dition

1973

pourlamaintenance
Guide
etIasurueillance
deshuiles
isolanles
enseruice

guide
Maintenance
andsuperuision

forinsulating
oilsinseruice

- Copyright
- all rightsreserved
Droitsde reproduction
r6serv6s

Bureau
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delaCommission
Electrotechnique
Internationale
1 , r u ed eV a r e m b d

Oendve,
Suisse
)

,}

R6vision de la pr6sente publication

Revision of this publication

L contenu technique des publications de la CEI est codstafiment revu par la Commission a.fin d'assure! qu'il reflete
bien l'tat actuel de 1atechnique,

The techrdcal content of IEC publications is kept under

constant review by the IEC, thus ensufing that the content
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I-s renseignements relatifs i ce travail de revision, i l'6tablissement des editions r6vises et aux mises i jour peuvent
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c 0 M M r s s r E0 tNr c T R 0 T E c H NTr N
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uERNATt0NALE
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NC E I

INTERNATI(lE
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IECREC()MMENIlATI(lN

422
Publicalion
t dition
P r e m i i r6ed i t i o-n F i r s e

1973

pourlamaintenance
Guide
etlasurueillance
isolantes
des
huiles
enseruice

guide
Maintenance
andsuperuision
forinsufaling
oilsinseruice

PERP''ST \KAAN
IIMBAGA

r..rtriiol-r..

{ETF,I\IAGAAN

No. Ageoda
t qW
Tanggal ,9

--9-

D r o i td
s e r e p r o d u c t ri o
en
s e r v 6- s C o p y r i g-hatl l r i q h t sr e s e r v e d
A u c u n ep a r t i ed e c e t t ep u b l r c a t r onne p e u t e t r e r e p r 0 r l U int ei L r t i l i s 6seo u s
N o p a r t o f t h r s p u b l i c a t r 0m
n a y b e r e p r o d u c eodr u t r l i z e di n a n y
q u e l q u ef o r m e q u e c e s o i t t r t p a r a u c u np r o c e d ed, l e c t r o n i q roi eu m E c a - f o r m t r r a n y m e a n s ,e l e c t r 0 n ioc r m e c h a n i c a l ,
i n c l u d i n gp h o t o c o p y i n g
n t q u ey, c o m p r i sl a p h o t o c o per tel e sm i c r o l i l m s a
, n sl ' a c c o redc r i td e l ' i c l i t e u r . a n d m i c r o f i l mw, i t h o u p
t e r m i s s i oi n w r i t i n gf r o m t h e p u b l i s h e r .

Bureau
Central
delaCommission
Electrotechnique
Internationale
1 , r u ed eV a r e m b d

6eneve,
Suisse

iii:Ji?,3450

- 3 -

CONTENTS
Page

FonrwoRo

PnrnlcE

Clause
1. Introduction

2. Scope

Oil deterioration and recommendedtests .

3.1. Deterioration of oils in service
3.2. Specialtests

7
7
l1

4. Frequency of examination of oils in service

13

5 . Action to be taken

13

6 . Criteria

15

7. Test methods .
7. 1. S am p l i n g.
7.2. Electric strength .
7.3. Water content .
7.4. Dielectric dissipation factor .
7.5. Resistivity
7.6. Neutralizationvalue
7.7. Sedimentand precipitablesludge
7. 8. F las h p o i n t .
7.9. Interfacialtension
7. 10. Dis s o l v e dg a s .
7. l l . C o l o u r .
7.12. Appearance.
7.13. Oxidation stability .
7.14. Compatibility .
7.15. Other field tests

l5
15
l5
t5
l5
17
l7
t9
19
t9
l9
19
t9
t9
l9

AppExorx A1 -

Application to oils in transformers

2l

AppeNolx A2 -

Application to oils in switchgear

23

General procedure for handling, reconditioning and replacing oil

25

Apprxolx B
F r c ung I

r7

32

- 5 -

INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION

MAINTENANCE AND SUPERVISION GUIDE

FOR INSULATING OILS IN SERVICE

FOREWORD
l) The formal decisionsor agreementsof the IEC on technicalmatters,preparedby TechnicalCommitteeson which all
the National Committeeshavinga specialinterestthereinare represented,
express,as nearly as possible,an international
consensus
of opinion on the subjectsdealt with.
2) They have the form of recommendationsfor international use and they are acceptedby the National Committees in
that sense.
3) In order to promote internationalunification,the IEC expresses
the wish that all National Committeesshould adopt
the text of the IEC recommendationfor their national rules in so far as national conditionswill permit.Any divergence
betweenthe IEC recommendations
and the correspondingnational rules should,as far as possible,be clearly indicated
in the latter.

PREFACE
This recommendation has been prepared by Sub-Committee10A, Hydrocarbon lnsulating Oils, of
IEC TechnicalCommittee No. 10, Liquid and GaseousDielectrics.
The drafts were discussedduring the meetingsheld in Tehran in 1969and in Brusselsin 1970.As a
result of this latter meeting a new draft, document l0A(Central Office)14,was submitted to the National
Committeesfor approval under the Six Months'Rule in October 1971.
The following countries voted explicitly in favour of publication:
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Czechoslovakia
France
Germany
Israel
Italy
Japan
Netherlands

Poland
Portugal
Romania
South Africa
Srveden
Switzerland
Turkey
Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics
United Kingdom
Yugoslavia

- 7

MAINTENANCE AND SUPERVISION GUIDE

FOR INSULATING OILS IN SERVICE

lntroduction
Many countries possesscodes for the maintenanceof insulating oils in service.A comparative
examination of these documents has made it possible to propose an International Guide. The
values of the various characteristicsmentioned therein should be consideredas indicative only.
In fact, for the proper interpretation of results, account has to be taken of various factors, such
as the conditionsof use,the type of equipment,and the generalprogressionof the oil's characteristics.Referenceshould also be made to the equipmentmanufacturer'sinstructions.
lt is not intendedthat the contentsof this documentshould give the full detailsof the instructions which are necessaryto deal with all types of oil-filled equipment of all sizes.The intention
is to give a common basis on which more complete codes may be prepared when these are
necessary.
In the present Guide, the causesof oil deterioration are discussed,and recommendationsare
made for the various tests. Indications are also given regarding the type of treatment to which
the oil should be subsequentlysubjected,if applicable.

2.

Scope
This Guide appliesto mineral oils, both uninhibitedand inhibited againstoxidation, in service,
under normal operating conditions, in transformers, switchgearand similar electrical equipment
where oil sampling is permissible.These oils are of the same type as those described in IEC
Publication 296: Specificationfor New Insulating Oils for Transformers and Switchgear.
Application of the recommendationsof this document to oil in transformers of low power or
voltage (< I MVA or { 36 kV) may require variation in the light of local economiccircumstances
(seepreliminary remark No. 2 in Appendix Al).

3.

Oil deterioration and recommendedtests

3.1

Deterioration of oils in service

In service, insulating oils are subject to normal deterioration due to the conditions of use.
For example, in many applications the oil is in contact with the air. It is therefore subject to
oxidation reactionsacceleratedby temperatureand the presenceof catalysts(solid iron and copper,
dissolvedmetallic compounds).
As a result, there is a changein colour, and acid products are formed. The dielectric dissipation
factor may increase and, at an advanced stage of oxidation, sepafation of sludge may occur.
In certain specialcases,other changesin the characteristicsof the oil may be a sign of abnormal
deterioration of certain other materials used in the construction of the equipment.
All these changes may affect both solid and liquid insulating materials, interfere with the
proper functioning of the electricalequipment,shortenits working life and, in somecases,increase
the no-load losses.

9 Any kind of deterioration of an oil is made evident by changesin one or more of the characteristicsmentionedbelow.
The appearanceof an odour and a change in colour, although not being of a decisivenature,
may, by comparison,give useful indicationsabout the trend of changein an oil.
The following contaminantsrnay be found in insulating oils in service.
3.1.1

Water
Water may originate from the atmosphereor be produced by the deterioration of insulating
materials.Its presenceis harmful; it may reducethe electricstrengthand the resistivityof the oil
and acceleratethe deteriorationof insulating paper.
Irlote. -- Resistivity and dissipation factor are adversely affected by undissolved water and to a much lesser extent
by water in solution, but a decrease of resistivity may sometimes be observed with no appreciable rise
in dissipation factor.

3.1.2

Solid porticles(i.e. sediment,seeSub-clause7.7.)

Solid particlesmay be classifiedinto four categories,accordingto their origin:
l) Insolubleoxidation or degradationproducts of solid or liquid insulatingmaterials.
2) Deteriorationproducts due to conditionsof serviceof the equipment:carbon, metal, metallic
ox id e s .
3) Various products resultingfrom inadequatecleaningof the equipmentbefore being put into
service.
4) Fibres of diverseorigins.
The presenceof theseparticlesnormally reducesthe electric strength of the oil and, in addition,
depositshinder heat-exchange,thus encouragingfurther deterioration of the insulating materials.

3.I .3

Polar substances
Theseare oil-soluble compounds resulting from oxidation of the oil itself, or from the solution
in the oil of externalcontaminantsor materialsused in the constructionof the equipment.
Measurementsof the dissipationfactor and to a lesserextent, resistivity and interfacial tension
of the oil enablesuch contaminationto be detectedand periodicallyassessed.
A comparisonof the rate of changeof the neutralizationvalue with that of one of thesethree
characteristicsgives, to some extent, an indication of the probable causeof the deterioration of
the oil. For example,a high value of dissipation factor associatedwith a low neutralizationvalue
may sometimesbe consideredas an indication of oil contamination other than of oil origin.
a) Dielectric dissipationfactor
This characteristicis very sensitiveto the presencein the oil of solublecontaminantsand ageing
products.Changesin this characteristicmay be monitored even when the oil is heavily contarninated.This determinationis thereforeof specialinterest.
b) Resistit,ity
For any given oil, there is generally a relationship betweendissipation factor and resistivity:
if the dissipation factor increases,there is a reduction in resistivity.
Useful additional information can be obtained when it is possibleto do the resistivity test at
both ambient temperatureand 90 "C. A satisfactoryresult at 90'C coupled with an unsatisfactory value at the lower temperature is an indication of the presenceof water or cold precipitable material, without undue chemical deterioration or general contamination.

ll -

Unsatisfactory results at both temperatures indicate a greater extent of contamination than

a poor value at the lower temperature only, and that the oil is therefore less likely to be
restored to a satisfactorylevel by drying and low temperature filtration.
The measurementof resistivity can be more easily carried out on site than that of dielectric
dissipation factor.
c) Interfocial tension
This characteristic changesfairly rapidly during the first stagesof ageing.Afterwards, the rate
of change decreasesas the values themselvesbecome lower.
For this reason, the results are difficult to interpret especiallywhen the oil is heavily contaminated.

3.1.4

Organic acidity
The acid products formed by the oxidation of the oil actively encourage deterioration of
insulating paper and pressboard.It is therefore essentialto detect and monitor this process.
The determination of organic acidity by measurement of the neutralization value is the most
convenientand direct method of assessing
the chemicalageingof an oil. The presenceof dissolved
COr in the oil (seeSub-clause3.1.6.)apparently increasesthis acidity, but dissolvedCO, content
is considerablyreduced if vacuum treatment is applied to the oil.

3.1.5

Precipitable sludge
This refers to sludge which is precipitated by adding n-heptane to the oil but which may be
subsequentlydissolved by the solvent specifiedin the test method (see Sub-clause7.7.2.). The
presenceof such a deposit, consisting of products formed at an advanced stage of oxidation, is
undesirableand is a premonitory sign of insoluble sludge.

3.1.6

Dissolved gases
Under normal serviceconditions, the production occurs of only small quantities of CO, CO,
and very small quantities of hydrogen and hydrocarbons. Large amounts of dissolved gases,
other than atmosphericcomponents, may be an indication of an incipient fault in the equipment.

3 . r . 7 Light hydrocarbons
Light hydrocarbons are formed during the degradation of oil under the influence of heat,
and/or electrical stresses.Large amount of these hydrocarbons may be an indication of an
incipient fault in the equipment. The presenceof some lower hydrocarbon deterioration products
may be detectableby measuringthe flash-point of the oil.

3.2

Special tests

3.2.r

Oxidation stability of inhibited oils

Inhibited oils do not deterioratemore than slightly as long as the active inhibitor is still present.
For a given oil, the induction period is generally proportional to the active inhibitor content,
provided that the inhibitor has been added to a new non-aged oil. The oxidation test for new
inhibited oils enablesthe induction period of an oil to be easily measuredby means of determination of volatile acids developed.
This test, applied to a used oil previously tested, will indicate to what extent the induction
period has been reduced.

t33.2.2

Compatibility of insulating oils

Compatibility tests may be required to deterrninethe feasibility of mixing rrew oils of different
type and origin or new oil with oil in service,if the make-up is more than 5\.
These tests are of particular interest in the case of inhibited oils.
The main characteristicsof the mixture, including oxidation stability, must not be lessfavourable than those of the worst individual oil.

4.

Frequency of examination of oils in service

This dependson the power, loading, construction and other serviceconditions of the equipment. Hence, it is not possible to lay down a general rule applicable to all types of oil-filled
equipment. By way of a guide, tables showing the application and frequency of tests suitable
for different types of equipment are given in Appendices Al and 42.
Generally, check measurementscan be carried out on the basis of paragraphs l), 2) and 3)
below, which apply particulary to transformer oils:
1) Check periodically characteristics,at intervals as suggestedin Appendix A1, unlessotherwise
defined by manufacturer.
2) It desired, check at more frequent intervals those characteristicsdeterminable on site.
3) If rapid deterioration or accelerationin the processof deterioration is observed,recommend:
a) to confirm the last value by means of a further test on a fresh sample;
b) to inform the manufacturer of the equipment;
c) to check the condition of the oil rnore frequently, according to the size of the equipment
and the degreeof deterioration observed.
As regards oil in switchgear,it may be sufficient to check the electric strength either periodically
or after a given number of operations.

5.

Action to be taken
The following casesare considered as a function of the degree of deterioration of the oil:
a) The characteristicsare normal: no action is necessary.
b) Only the value of the electric strength is too low: remove water and solid particles by reconditioning (e.g. filtering, centrifuging or vacuum dehydrating) (see Appendix B, Subclause83.2).
The efficacyof the treatment should be controlled. In casesof high humidity of transformer
oil, it may be necessaryalso to dry out the insulation of the active part of the transformer.
c) One or more characteristicsof the oil change rapidly: supplementary tests of the oil (see
S ub -c l a u s 4
e .3 ).
d) Several characteristicsare unsatisfactory: according to economic factors and local circumstances,it should be decided to examine the oil more thoroughly, to reclaim the oil or to
replaceit altogether.
In cases where oil is reclaimed or replaced, the equipment should be thoroughly flushed
before refilling, with special attention to the windings, to minimize contamination of the new
oil by ageing products (Appendix B).

15If the oil has beenreclaimed,its characteristicsshould be checkedand, if necessary,its oxidation

stability should be reinforced by addition of inhibitor.
The characteristicsof reclaimed oil should be verified after addition of inhibitor. if this is
applicable.
It is always advisable also to carry out a laboratory test before reclamation of the used oil
in order to ensurethat the treatment is appropriate.
Note-- Generalprocedurefor reconditioning
of oil by severalprocesses
is givenin AppendixB. A guideof
reclaiming
hasbeenpublished.*

6.

Criteria
The values of perrnissible lirnits for the different criteria listed in Appendices Al and A2
are given for guidance only and they should be interpreted in terms of the type and size of the
apparatus. Depending on such type and size, not all of the tests given in these Appendices need
to be done.
As a general rule, severalcharacteristicshave to be unfavourable in order to justify rejection
of an oil unless,of course,the electricstrengthis below the limits given. In such a case,irrespective
of the values of the other characteristics,appropriate action is essential.

7"

Test methods

7.1

Sampling
Under considerationbv IEC.

7.2

Electric strength
SeeIEC Publication 156: Method for the Determination of the Electric Strength of Insulating
Oils.

7.3

Water content
SeeISO Recommendation R 760.
Note.- Temperature
of the oil and transformeroperatingconditionsmust be notedat the time of sampling
(seeIEC sampling
rnethod).

7.4

D ielectric dissipation factor

See IEC Publication 250: RecommendedMethods for the Determination of the Permittivity
and Dielectric Dissipation Factor of Electrical Insulating Materials at Power, Audio and Radio
FrequenciesIncluding Metre Wavelengths,and IEC Publication 247: RecommendedTest Cells
for Measuring the Resistivity of Insulating Liquids and Methods of Cleaning the Cells.
Carry out the measurementat 90 "C and power frequency.

* See" IEEE Guide for Acceptanceand Maintenance

of Insulating Oil in Equipment ". Inst. of Elestrical and Electronics
Engineers- March 1969 (IEEE No. 64),

-t77.5

Resistit,ity
SeeI EC Publications93 : Recomntertded
Methods of Test for Volume and SurfaceResistivities
of E lec tri c a In
l s u l a ti n gMa te ri a l s ,a nd IE C P ubl i cati on24T.
Carry ont the nteasurement
at 90 'C after a d.c. voltagegradientof 250 V/mm has beenapplied
for one minute.
- Anothertcmperature
l''lote.
may bc chosen.(Seerelationship
"resistivity-ten-rperatLlrc",
Figurc 1, page32.)

7.6

Netrtralization yalue
S eeIEC Pu b l i c a ti o n2 9 6 , C l a u s eI l .

7.7

Sedinrcntantl precipitable sludge

7.7.1

Scope
This method coversthe detemrinationof sedimentand of precipitablesludgein usedinsulating
oils.
Sediment:any solid substaucewhich is insolublein the oil after dilution with n-heptaneand
in the solvent mixture mentionedbelow.
Precipitablesludge; oil deterioration prodircts or contarrir-rants,or both, which become
insoluble uporl dilution of the oil with n-heptaneunder prescribedconditions but which are
s olr , r b lien th e h e re u n d e r-me n ti o n esol
d ventrni xture.

7.1.2

Procedure
Thoroughlyagitatethe satttpleof used oil in the original container r.rntilany sedinelt is homoger r eou s lsyu s p e n d e idn th e o i l .
Weigh approximativelyl0 g of oil to the nearest0,1 g, in a stopperedconical flask apd introduce a volutne of n-heptanecorrespondingto l0 nrl for each granrmeof oil taken.
Tl-roroughlymix the sarnplerlnd solventand allow to stand il-rthe glassflask, in the dark, for
18-24hours.
If ersolid depositis observable,filter the solutionthrough a tared Grade 4 sinteredglasscrucible
with the assistance
of vacuum, rinsing the flask with lresh n-heptaneto ensurecompletetransfer
of the precipitateto the crucible. Wash the crucible ar-rdprecipitatewith heptaneuntil free from oil.
Allow any heptaneto evaporateand then dry the cruciblein an oven at 100-110'C for one hour,
cool in a desiccatorand weigh; calculatethe increasein weight of the crucible as a percentage
of the weight of oil taken. Denotethis value,representingthe total of insolublematerial suchas a
sedirrrentand precipitable sludge,as "A".
Dissolvethe precipitatedsludgein the crucible by treatrnentwith the rninirnum quantity of
Irlixtttre
a
of equal parts of toluene,acetoneand alcohol (either ethanol or isopropapolrnay be
Itsed.a purity of 95 \ being satisfactoryin either case), at approximately 50 'C, until no more
n'ill dissolve,aud collect the washingsin an accuratelytared flask. Distil offthe solvent; visual
exatninatiotrof the flask coutent at this stagewill show whether any residue(i.e. precipitable
s ludgein 1 h eo i l ) i s p re s e n t.
This n-raysltffice;if however a quantitativevalue is reqr-rired,
dry the flask in an oven at 100ll0'C for one hour, cool in a desiccatorand weigh. Calculatethe weight of residuein the flask
as a percentageof the weight of oil taken.
Denote such value as "8".
The difference"A-B", if any, will represent"sediment" in the oil.

- 1 9 7.8

Flash point (closed cup)

See IEC Publication 296A: First supplementto Publication 296 (page 25).
Field test: suitable equipment is commercially available.

7.9

Interfacial tension
SeeIEC Publication 296, Appendix.
Field test: interfacial tension of electrical insulating oils of petroleum origin against water
may be determined more easily in the field by the drop-weight method.*

7.10

Dissolvedgas
Under consideration.

7. ll

Colour
Any applicable National Standard for petroleum products may be used.
SeeISO RecommendationIS 2049.

7.12

Appearance
SeeIEC Publication296, Clause6.

7.13

Oxidation stability
Uninhibited oils: see IEC Publication 74: Method for Assessingthe Oxidation Stability
of
Insulating Oils.
Inhibited oils : under consideration.

7.14

Compatibility
The main characteristicsincluding oxidation stability are determined on a mixture of the
new
oil and the used oil. The ratio of this mixture is the same as that effectively chosen in practice.
If this ratio is not known at the laboratory, testsare to be made with a mixture containing
one part
of new oil and one part of used oil.

7.15

Other field tests

See referencein footnote, page 15.

* As examplea description this

of
method is given in ASTM Method D 22g5-6g.

-21 -

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-23-

APPENDIX A2
INTERPRETATION OF TESTS ON OIL IN SWITCHGEAR
AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS *
Characteristicmeasured:

Electric strength

Testmethod:

IEC 156

Test venue:

Field or laboratory
Equipment voltage

Permissible
limit:

>l7okv
< l70kv

Breakdown voltagerequired
> 30 kv
> 20kv

Frequencyof test:

Seemanufacturer'sspecification

Action if outsidepermissible
limit:

Reconditioningor replacementof the oil.

t Excluding tap changeequipmentof power transformers.

-25-

APPE,NDIX B

GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING, RECONDITIONING

AND REPLACING OIL

81.

Scope
The scope of this appendix is to give general principles that can be applied to l-randling,reconditioningand replacingof insulatingoils. The generalrnaintenancerules to be followed may
be found either in IEC publicationsissuedby those Committeesdealing with a given type of
equipment,or in manufacturer'sinstructions.
The rnain precautions to take in handling, replacing and for processingto improve characteristicsof the oil are described.
There are two types of cleaningprocesses:
a) Reconditioning:
This involvesa processto elirninate,only by physicalmeans,solid particlesfrom the oil and
to decreasewater content to an acceptablelevel.
b) Reclaiming:
This involves a processto eliminate from the oil all contarninants,insoluble and dissolved,
to obtain, at the end of the process,an oil with similar characteristicsto those chosen for
the new product.
In this appendix, only the caseof " Reconditioning" will be exarnined.The applicability of
the " Reclaiming" of the oil dependson economicand local factors which are not considered
in this document.
If " Reclaiming " is consideredto be desirable,recommendationsmay be found in a suitable
document (seefootnote, page 15).

B2.

Handling
To ensuresatislactoryservice,the utmost care in handling the oil before filling into the equip.,
ment is essential.Drums used for transport and storageshould be kept under cover. In practice,
owing to contamination in the containers,difficulty may be experiencedin maintaining the purity
of the oil when it is transferred from one vesselto another, and once a vesselor drum has been
filled with moist oil, it is difficult to clean. Oil-handling equipment (pipework, pumps) should
be kept clean and free from moisture. Before use, this equipment should be carefully inspected
to ensurethat it is free from dirt and water. and flushedwith clean oil.
When oil is stored in drums, these should be placed in such a position that there is a head
of oil on the bung or plug to prevent the entry of water during storage.However, it is recogmzed
that storageof oil in drums is not alwayssatisfactory,and transferof such oil to electricalequipment through a suitable treatment plant is recommended.This also applies to oil in drums
which have been bent or otherwise damased in transit or storase.

-2783.

Reconditioning *

83.l

General consideratiorts
The physicalmeansthat are usedfor removing water and solidsfrom oil include severaltypes
of filter, centrifugeand vacuum dehydrator.
The best choice of temperature for purification depends on circumstances.If vacuum treatrnent is employed to remove water, temperatures up to 80 oC are advantageous;if not, it is
advisable to limit the temperature to 60 oC to prevent oxidation. If it is desirable to reduce
precipitable sludge (or free water without vacuum treatment),cold treatment may be appropriate.

B3.2

Reconditioningprocesses

83.2.1

Filters
Filter devicesare generally based upon the principle of forcing oil under pressurethrough
absorbing material such as paper. Filters of this type are capable of removing contaminants in
suspension,but they cannot remove them effectively when they are dissolved or in colloidal
form. Thesedeviceswill not remove air and in fact tend to aeratethe oil. The water-removing
ability of the filter is dependant upon the dryness of the filter media. When filtering oil
containing water, the filter medium rapidly comes into equilibrium with the water content of
the oil. A continuousindication of the water content of the outgoing oil is very helpful to follow
the efficiencyof the process.

83.2.2

Centrifuges
Another means for separatingcontaminantsin suspensionis the continuous centrifuge.In
general, the centrifuge can handle a much greater concentration of contamination than can the
conventional filter but cannot remove some of the contaminants as completely as a filter. Consequently, the centrifuge is generally found in use for rough bulk cleaning where large amounts
of contaminatedoil are to be handled.
Frequently,the output of the centrifugeis put through a filter for the final clean up.

83.2.3 Vacuum dehydrators

The vacuum dehydrator is an efficient means of reducing the gas and water content of an
insulating oil to a very low value. There are two types of vacuum dehydrator, both of them
functioning at elevatedtemperaturefor a short time. In one method, the treatment is accomplished
by spraying the oil into a vacuum chamber; in another, the oil is allowed to flow over a series
of baffiesinside a vacuum chamber thus formins thin fllms.
If the oil contains solid matter, it is advisableto pass it through some kind of a filter befbre
processingunder vacuum.
The operation of vacuum dehydratorsis continuous.In addition to removing water, vacuum
dehydrators will degasthe oil and remove the more volatile acids.

* See reference in footnote, page

15.

-29-83.3

Application to electricalequipment

8 3 . 3 . 1 Direct purification
The oil is removed through a purilying plant into suitablecontainersand, when the electrical
equipment is to be refilled, passedthrough the purifier again into the equipment.This method
should be usedfor switchgear.It is suitable,too, for the smallertransformer,but care is needed
to ensurethat the core and windings are thoroughly cleaned.The oil-containinghousing of the
equipmentshould also be well cleaned,by meansof oil originating from the purifier. The direct
purification method requiresauxiliary oil containers,and drums are sclrnetimes
used.

83.3.2

Purificalion by circulation
The oil is circulated through the purifier, being taken frorn the bottom of the tank of the
electricalequipment and redeliveredto the top. The return delivery should be made smoothly
and horizontally at or near the surlacelevel to avoid, as lar as possible,mixing cleanedoil with
oil which has not yet passedthrough the purifier. The circulation method is particularly useful
f or r em o v i n g s u s p e n d e di n te rn a l c o n tami nati oni n equi pment,but al l adheri ngcontami nati on
will not necessarilybe rernoved.
Experiencehas shown that it is generallynecessaryto passthe total volume of oil thror.rghthe
purifier not lessthan three times, and equipmentof appropriatecapacityshould be chosenwitl-r
t his in m i n d . T h e fi n a l a mo u n tp a s s e dw i l l dependon the degreeof contami nati ou,and the process
must be continued until a sarnpletaken from the bottom of the electricalequipment,after the
oil has been allowed to settlefor a few hours, passesthe electricstrengthtest.
The circulation should preferablybe performedwith the electricalequipmentdead, and this is
essentialwhen using a purifier which aeratesthe oil. In an emergency,a transformermay be left
alive while circulation is proceedingprovided that there is a closed system of piping so that
aeration of oil is avoided, but this is not recommendedon transformersfor voltages above
I I kV. Aeration occurs mostly with centrifugal separators,other than those operating under
v ac uum ,a n d s h o u l d a e ra ti o nh a v e o ccurred,the oi l shoul d be al l ow edto stand for some ti me
before the equipmentis maclelive, accordingto the manufacturer'srecommendation.

84.

Replacement
The dirty oil is replacedwith cleanoil. This method is usefulwhen dealingwith small quantities
of oil in the smaller circuit-breakersand isolating-switchchambers.A small extra quantity of
clean oil is neededto rinse the interior of the tank and the immersedparts. It is essentialthat
the tank and the surfacesof conductorsand insulatorsbe kept free from fibres, and from moisture
from the hands of the working personnel;such moisture can easilyprovide sufficientcontamination to lower the electricstrensthof the new oil below standard.

There should be as little aerationas possibleduring the filling of tanks and, as far as possible,
the end of the deliverypipe should be held below the surfaceof the oil in order to avoid splashing;
alternatively,the tanks should be filled from the bottom. There should be a standingperiod of
not les sth a n o n e h o u r to a l l o w d e -a e rati onbeforecommi ssi orri ng
the equi pment.

3lB5.

Precautionsin the handlingand disposalof mineral insulatingoils

The oils with which the present document is concerned are mineral hydrocarbon (petroleum) oils.
Whilst no specialrisks are involved in the handling and use of mineral insulating oils (whether
inhibited or not), attention is drawn to the need for personalhygiene(washingof skin and clothing
which has come into contact with oil) by personneldealing with theseproducts.
When used oil has to be disposedof, certain precautionsare necessaryto avoid risk of environmental pollution.
In most countries, official advice is available on thesetopics and legal requirementsmust be
applied.
If the precautions and regulations applicable to handling and disposal of industrial and other
lubricants(e.g.automobilecrankcasedrainings)are appliedto mineral insulatingoils, no problems
should arise.

-321000

Acceptable

d
o
.9'
.ir; ;
'P-.F
q U ,

o(t
.O C)
EE.

Ma u v a i s
Bad

0.5

0.2
120
T e m p 6 r a t u r ed e l ' h u i l e ," C
-C
Oil temperature,

Frc. l. -

t.

Etat de I'huile isolanted6termin6par la r6sistanceen courant continu.

C o n d i ti o n o f i n s ul ati neoi l as determi nedbv d.c. resi stance.