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Best Ways to Test Transformer Oil

"What is the best transformer oil testing equipment?"

Several variables must be considered in order to answer this question, including your budget, the volume of samples to be tested and the need for real-time continuous monitoring.

Cost is generally the first consideration. Like most business decisions, a cost/benefit analysis should be conducted to determine whether testing is a valid expense. Sadly, in many cases, once the cost of testing or testing equipment is calculated, the answer typically is, “We can’t afford that now.” The idea often is then put on the back burner where it eventually withers and dies.

However, if you compare the cost of testing or testing equipment to the cost of a replacement transformer, labor to remove and reinstall, and most importantly the cost of downtime, how can you afford not to perform testing?

The next consideration should be whether the volume of samples is sufficient to justify the cost of onsite testing equipment and personnel. In most cases, the sample volume is not enough to warrant this expense. In these cases, a third-party lab must be selected that can perform the following tests for in-service transformer oils: interfacial tension (ASTM D971), acid number (ASTM D664), dielectric breakdown voltage (ASTM D877 or D1816), Karl Fischer water (ASTM D1533), oxidation inhibitor (ASTM D4768 or D2668) and dissolved gas analysis (ASTM D3612).

In addition, the following tests should be conducted upon receipt: liquid power factor (ASTM D924), specific resistance (ASTM D1169), corrosive sulfur (ASTM D1275), gassing tendency (ASTM D2300), oxidation stability (ASTM D2440) and particle count (ASTM D6786).