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4 Essential Things You Need to Know about Transformer Oil

Transformer oil helps in insulation, works as a cooling agent, dissipates heat, and also comes with other benefits. Along with traditional naphtha oil and paraffinic oil, nowadays, many other alternatives are also available.

This article discusses four usually unknown aspects of transformer oils, which are

1. Transformer oil vs. Synthetic Fluids
2. The History of Mineral Transformer Oils
3. The Precautions for Transformer Oil Breakdown Voltage Test
4. The Reasons for Choosing a Reliable Company for Buying the Oil

Transformer Oil vs. Synthetic Fluids

Although most transformers today still use mineral oils, alternatives are available too. Various synthetic fluids can replace mineral oil as they come with a high fire point. i.e., over 300 degrees C. Also, they have higher flash points than regular mineral oils.

So, they are ideal for use in indoor areas and other places where you can face potential fire hazards. Pentaerythritol tetra fatty acid natural and synthetic esters are the most popular alternatives to mineral transformer oils.

The alternatives, including synthetic fluids, are biodegradable, which makes them more acceptable among people. Anyways, their costs are a little higher than regular mineral oils. For this reason, some people still cannot opt for it wholeheartedly.

Why and How Mineral Transformer Oils came into use

The history of the mineral transformer oils you see today traces back to the mid-1880s. Previously, transformers were built without any oil in them. They were small and dry. In 1887, Elihu Thomson started using oil in them.

He used oil to disperse the heavy heat from the transformer's core platform. Thus, he aimed to increase the longevity of the machines. Also, he realised the necessity of insulation.

Eventually, transformer oil was invented and new types of oil are constantly emerging besides mineral oils.

Precautions for transformer oil breakdown voltage test

It is well-known that to ensure the oil's quality, you must run a BVD test. BVD stands for Breakdown Voltage Test. However, taking certain precautions is essential for the test, which are as follows:

Precautions to be taken for sampling

1. You should not take samples at the dead corners where the oil flow is insufficient.
2. Seal the sample properly until it is used in the test.
3. You should perform sampling on sunny days.
4. Wash the sample bottle well with detergent and distilled water.
5. For oil-filled equipment, you should take samples from the lower valve.

The precautions for BVD tests

1. Make sure that the test shell is grounded well before the test begins.
2. You should rinse the electrode surface in the tester with transformer oil, which is already qualified.
3. Check the distance between the tester electrodes with a standard feeler gauge.
4. You must rinse the test cup 2-3 times first and then take the sample of the oil.
5. The transformer oil must stand in the cup for at least 5 to 10 minutes to remove the air bubbles inside it.
6. The tester's boosting speed should not be very fast. Around 3000V/s is appropriate in this matter.
7. Maximum test breakdown voltages are as follows: 35KV for 35KV; 110KV~220KV for 40KV and 330KV and above for 60KV.
8. Every test must be stirred for 60 seconds, and then it should be left to stand for 5 minutes.

Why You Should Choose a Reliable Brand for Buying Transformer Oil

All oils, however, are not of the same quality. Hence, buying the oil from a reliable brand ensures its quality and benefits. Some of them are:

• The company provides a wide range of transformer oils, including suitable grades conforming to benchmarks and international standards.
• The oils are developed through efficient R&D efforts.
• Reliability regarding performance is ensured with them.
• The high-quality oil ensures a long lifespan for the transformer machines.

Before You Go

While buying the oil, be sure about all essential details, including grades, acidic components, water content etc. Run the BVD test and check its quality through other necessary tests. Thus, you can buy the best quality products.

Buy Transformer Oil online at L&T-SuFin

However, if you're eager to buy high-quality transformer oils, L&T-SuFin has some exceptional varieties for you. Check them out to know more about best rates and logistics and financial support the platform provides to make your buying easier.

by L&T SuFin

A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Quality Transformer Oils in India

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:

1. Dissolved gas analysis
2. Analysis of PCB
3. Furan analysis
4. 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!

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by L&T SuFin

Types Of Transformer Oils and Their Characteristics: All you need to know

If you ever learn about the components of fluorescent lamps, high-voltage capacitors, or oil-filled wet transformers, you will hear about transformer oils. It insulates, works as a coolant, and has many other functions.

Anyways, you might think of buying them for your household or other reasons. Before you purchase them, here are some details about them to help you choose the right one.

This article discusses the various types and features of insulating oils or transformation oils.

What Makes Transformer Oils Different from Other Machinery Oils?

A transformer oil remains stable even at high temperatures. Due to its excellent insulating features, the oil is often used in various electrical appliances.

The critical properties are:

• High dialectic strength that ensures lesser power loss.
• Specific resistance that provides better insulation values.
• Transformer oil is known to be a high-performance lubricant.
• Its standard thermal stability and high flash point reduce evaporation losses.
• Even in adverse conditions, it shows excellent ageing characteristics.
• The temperature range for transformer oil is wider than many other similar products.
• The dielectric dissipation factor for tan delta is another crucial electrical property of transformer oil.
• The moisture or water content in the transformer oil can affect the winding of a transformer and the core's paper insulation.
• The harmful acidic content in it makes it less useful as it makes the water content more soluble in the oil.

The Two Types of Transformer Oils

Usually, transformer oils are based on mineral oils. The two main types are:

• Naphthenic Oil
• Paraffinic Oil

Naphthenic Oil

It is a mineral oil derived from specific crudes with very low n-paraffin or wax. The features are:

• The pour point of this oil is lower than the paraffinic type due to its low wax content.
• It is more really corroded than other oil types.
• The boiling point is, on average, 425 degrees C.
• The oxidation product or sludge is more soluble in water for it than in paraffin-based oils.
• It comes with aromatic items at low temperatures.

Paraffinic Oil

It is another mineral oil derived from special crudes with a high amount of wax or n-paraffin. The features of the oils are:

• The boiling point is approximately 530 °C.
• It has a lower oxidation rate than Naphtha oil.
• The sludge is insoluble and remains at the tank's bottom.
• The pour point is higher than naphtha oil due to its high wax content.

There is another way to classify transformer oil- type 1 and type 2. Type 1 transformer oil is used in appliances where normal oxidation resistance is needed. For higher resistance, type 2 is used.

Types of Mineral Oil Alternatives Used in Transformers

Although mineral oil has been a primary component of transformer oils for ages, alternatives are also popular. Pentaerythritol tetra fatty acid natural and synthetic esters are common mineral oil alternatives.

When a transformer leaks even a few drops of mineral oil, it can cause a fire. Due to this risk, people prefer to use these alternatives. They have a high fire point, i.e., over 300 degrees C. You can use them in high-fire-risk areas such as indoors.

Anyways, they are biodegradable. Moreover, they cost a little more than regular mineral transformer oils.

Researchers are currently working on developing vegetable-based formulations. Also, they are trying to develop nanofluids to be used in transformer oils since nanofluids can help to improve the stability and other properties of a transformer oil.

Testing Transformer Oil

The oil testing process can be classified into Furan analysis, PCB analysis, general electrical and physical tests, and dissolved gas analysis.

Regardless of its type, you must test a few factors in any transformer. It helps to understand the performance ability of the oil. The factors are as follows:

• Standard specification for the mineral oil used in the apparatus
• The voltage of dielectric breakdown
• Liquid power factor of the oil
• The specific resistance of the oil
• Interfacial tension
• Visual appearance
• Corrosive sulfur
• Kinematic Viscosity
• Density
• The number of acidic components

Transformer Oil testing is important in numerous ways and also helps to determine the essential properties of the oil.

Also, it makes sure whether the oil can be used in the future or not. It detects if regeneration of filtration is required. Moreover, it prevents untimely failures and improves safety also.

Buy Transformer Oil online at L&T-SuFin

Transformer oil can last up to 30 years or more if you buy it after proper testing. So, if you are planning to buy high-quality transformer oils, don't forget to check out what the L&T-SuFin site has to offer. The oils are available at reasonable rates and L&T SuFin also provides financial and logistic support to ensure that the product is promptly delivered to your doorstep.

by L&T SuFin