Transformer oil is also known as insulating oil for its impressive electrical insulating properties, and it is also very stable at high temperatures.
This oil is vital in keeping those machinery and equipment running for more extended periods. Most engineers use the transformer oil as a form of coolant to keep the machinery at stable temperatures and eventually extend its life span. They are also used to preserve tools like windings which are fully submerged in the oil.
In almost every company, a machine unexpectedly breaking down can lead to productivity and even monetary loss over the downtime. Hence, transformer oil is a crucial necessity for most engineering companies.
Similarly, it’s key to ensure every one of your equipment is always in optimal condition – be it an electrical generator or motor. Ensuring routine checks and maintenance like generator or electric motor rewinds can maintain an equipment’s working condition and even extend its lifespan in the long run.
Therefore, it’s vital to make sure that every one of your transformer’s parts are functioning or have their necessities met. In this case, picking a transformer oil of excellent quality and maintaining it can help in ensuring smooth transformer operation. Read on to know more about this oil and its importance in optimal equipment performance.
Electrical properties of transformer oil
One way to analyse the transformer oil’s electrical properties is to take a look at its dielectric strength. In simple terms, the transformer oil’s dielectric strength is also known as the breakdown strength (BDV) of the oil.
The lower the BDV of your power transformer oil, the more moisture and conducting substances the oil has. There are also many portable BDV measuring kits you can get to keep track of your transformer oil, dielectric strength.
If you own a transformer, it is crucial that you test the transformer oil’s BDV routinely. When using the portable BDV measurement kit, it is recommended that you take a measurement between 3 and 6 times of the same sample of oil and then take the average of the readings.
Doing power transformer oil testing regularly will lead to a longer lifespan of your transformer especially since this is one of the best ways to confirm the health of your oil and the test can also be carried out easily on site.
Acidity of the transformer oil
It is common for your transformer oil to develop acidic properties over time. However, this can be harmful to the quality of the oil, especially when the level of acidity is not neutralised frequently. As the acidic value in the oil increases over time, it significantly decreases the insulation of the oil and it might not be able to cool the transformer properly.
Additionally, the build-up of acid in the oil will also accelerate the rusting process of your transformers. This can cause unexpected breakdowns and cause serious implications from its downtime.
As such, it’s important to select the right type of transformer oil from the start. For instance, you should consider opting for as it’s able to ensure designers lessen electrical clearers and strengthen cooling performance to make transformers more compact.
Conclusion
These are the key information that will help you gauge the health of your transformer oil as well as know when to filter your transformer oil. You would also be able to prevent any possible breakdowns of your transformer.
The condition of your electrical transformer aside, you also have to ensure the overall performance of your workplace – which applies to equipment like switchgears, electric motors, and generators. Schedule routine inspections like electric motor and generator overhauling for a consistent overview of your equipment’s performance to determine the next course of action.