Joshua Roberts

Circuit breaker oil cleaning refers to the removal of contaminants, including dirt, sludge, carbon deposits, and moisture, from the oil to restore its performance. Cleaning is often part of the filtration and purification process.

Common aging tests include the Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT) for simulating short-term aging during mixing and laying, and the Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) test for simulating long-term aging over the pavement’s service life. These tests assess changes in properties like viscosity and stiffness to predict performance deterioration.

In addition to the Megger testing for transformers, there are several other essential oil testers used in the industry to assess the quality and condition of insulating oils. Globecore offers a comprehensive range of oil testing equipment designed for various applications. Key types of oil testers include:

1. **Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) Testers**: These instruments analyze the gases dissolved in transformer oil to detect potential faults within the transformer. They help identify issues such as overheating or arcing.

2. **Furan Analysis Testers**: Used to evaluate the paper insulation condition by measuring furan compounds in the oil, indicating degradation levels.

3. **Dielectric Strength Testers**: These testers measure the breakdown voltage of insulating oils, ensuring they meet safety standards for effective insulation performance.

4. **Moisture Content Analyzers**: Essential for determining water content in transformer oils, as excess moisture can significantly affect insulation properties.

5. **Acidity Testers**: These devices measure acid levels in transformer oil, which can indicate oxidation and contamination over time.

6. **Color and Clarity Analyzers**: Assessing color changes in oil can provide insights into its condition and any potential degradation processes occurring within.

7. **PCB Testing Equipment**: For older transformers, it’s crucial to test for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) due to their environmental impact and regulatory requirements.

Globecore’s advanced testing solutions ensure accurate diagnostics and maintenance of industrial oils

Transformer bushing monitoring systems continuously track critical parameters like partial discharges, capacitance, and power factor. Sensors are installed on the bushings to detect electrical discharges, temperature changes, and oil leaks. These systems provide real-time data to maintenance teams, allowing early detection of faults before they lead to failure.

Signs of Hydraulic Oil Degradation include changes in color, increased viscosity, presence of sludge or deposits, elevated acidity levels, and increased moisture content. Color Changes from clear or amber to dark brown or black indicate oxidation and contamination. Increased Viscosity can result from the formation of oxidation byproducts, affecting oil flow and lubrication efficiency. Sludge and Deposits within the oil suggest significant contamination and chemical breakdown, which can clog filters and damage components. Elevated Acid Number signifies the presence of acidic compounds that can corrode metal parts and degrade seals. High Moisture Content reduces the oil’s dielectric strength and accelerates corrosion. These signs can be detected through regular oil sampling and testing, utilizing methods such as Karl Fischer titration for moisture, titration for acid number, and visual inspections for color and particulate matter. Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) can also identify gases indicative of oil degradation. Early detection of these signs allows for timely maintenance actions, such as purification, filtration, or oil replacement, to prevent system damage and ensure continued hydraulic system performance.

Transformer oil dehydration removes moisture from silicone oil, which is critical because even small amounts of water can significantly reduce dielectric strength and promote electrical discharges. By extracting moisture through vacuum dehydration or other drying methods, the oil’s insulating properties are restored and maintained. This process enhances transformer reliability, prevents corrosion of internal components, and extends the service life of both the oil and the transformer. Dehydration is a vital part of oil maintenance, ensuring optimal performance and safety.

The silicone oil purification process typically involves the following steps:

Heating the Oil: The silicone oil is heated to reduce its viscosity, which enhances the efficiency of subsequent purification steps.

Vacuum Dehydration: The heated oil is subjected to vacuum conditions to remove moisture and dissolved gases. The reduced pressure lowers the boiling point of water, causing it to evaporate at lower temperatures.

Filtration: The oil passes through a series of filters with decreasing micron ratings to remove particulate contaminants. This multi-stage filtration captures both large and fine particles.

Degassing: Any remaining gases are extracted from the oil using a degassing chamber. This step improves the oil’s dielectric strength.

Adsorption Treatment: Adsorbent materials, such as activated alumina or molecular sieves, are used to remove acidic compounds and other dissolved impurities.

Cooling: The purified oil is cooled to the appropriate operating temperature before being returned to the transformer.

Quality Testing: Samples of the purified oil are tested to ensure that key parameters like moisture content, dielectric strength, and acidity meet the required standards.

By following these steps, the purification process restores the insulating and cooling properties of silicone oil, ensuring optimal transformer performance.