The Journal of CPRI,

Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2012 pp. 31–40

Analysis of Transformer Insulation by Tan Delta Testing Method

Dipak Mehta* and Hitesh R Jariwala**

This paper presents analysis of power transformer insulation by one fundamental insulation power
factor test, also known as Tan Delta. It is a routine test conducted at site to know the healthiness
of insulation in transformers. Out of 108 transformers tested for research work, case studies were
chosen for analysis purpose. Experimental data shows our experience on the measurement of Tan Delta
techniques of earthing systems and dryness of insulation in transformers. Result shows that the Tan
Delta testing method is very efficient method.

1.0 INTRODUCTION In this paper, main aim of the author is to show

that by knowing the rate of deterioration, we
Electrical properties of the insulating system can:
change due to age and continuous electrical
street. The principal contributor to the unexpected (a) predict the future unexpected breakdown of
breakdown of the high-voltage equipment is the the insulation of HV equipment;
insulation failure. Compared to the magnetic, (b) plan the maintenance schedule;
conducting and insulating materials which
form the basics of any electrical equipment, (c) repair the insulation before actual flashover,
the insulating material is more prone to service saving high cost of replacement of material
stresses like thermal stress, electrical stress, which will reduce the inventory well as delay
mechanical stress, environment stress, etc. in procurement at the last minute.

By measuring the electrical properties such as (d) After repair, quality of insulation can be
capacitance and Tan Delta regularly on periodical checked before returning the equipment to
basis, it is possible to ensure the operational service.
unexpected breakdown. Dissipation factor (e) We can find out if proper earthing of transformer
(Tan Delta) is one of the most powerful off- and core is not established.
line nondestructive diagnostic tool, to monitor
the condition of solid insulation of various
high-voltage equipments. 2.0 Basic Theory

Capacitance and Tan Delta values obtained on Tan Delta is the cotangent of the angle between
new insulation are treated as benchmark readings. the applied voltage and current [4], is directly
Then, by measuring and comparing the periodical obtained on capacitance–Tan Delta bridge
readings of the capacitance and Tan Delta of the (Figures 1 and 2). Tan Delta is a measure of
insulating material with the benchmark readings, insulation dielectric loss and not dielectric
one can know the rate of deterioration of the strength. Tan Delta of insulation depends on
health of the insulation [1]. water content and impurities [3].

*Manager, Electrical dept, Essar Oil Ltd., Refinery Site, 39 KM, Jamngar–Okha Highway, Vadinar-361305, Gujarat, India, Email: dcmehta@essar.com
**Associate Prof., Department of Electrical Engineering, SVNIT, Surat, Gujarat, India. Email: hrj@eed.svnit.ac.in
32 The Journal of CPRI, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2012

Following test mode used for testing [2]:

(a) UST: Ungrounded Specimen Testing
(b) GST: Grounded Specimen Testing
(c) Guard mode

4.0 EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT FOR POWER

TRANSFORMER

The Tan Delta Dissipation factor test conducted

according to the clause No. 10.10.3 in ANSI C
FIG. 1 BASIC CIRCUIT DIAGRAM FOR THREE 57 12.90. DF is very sensitive to temperature. DF
CAPACITANCE IN TRANSFORMERS (Tan Delta) values do not change with applied
voltage. The reference temperature commonly
used is 20° average oil temperature and ambient
temperature are recorded while testing. In case of
oil-filled transformers according IEEE-62 1995
[6] power factor between 0.5 % and 1.0 % may
be acceptable; however, power factor >1.0 %
should be investigated. Values of Correction
Factor K are listed below in Table 1 [7].

TABLE 1
CORRECTION FACTOR AS PER IEEE C57 12.90
FIG. 2 VECTOR DIAGRAM Test Temperature (°C) Correction Factor K
10 0.80
Hence, we can say that 15 0.90
20 1.00
Dissipation Factor = tan δ = Ir/Ic
25 1.12
30 1.25
3.0 TYPE OF TEST KIT USED FOR
35 1.40
RESEARCH WORK
40 1.55
For research work, 108 transformers were tested 45 1.75
through Delta-3000 Megger-sweaden make test 50 1.95
kit [9] below Figure 3 shows control unit for 55 2.18
Delta-3000 Test kit. 60 2.42
65 2.70
70 3.00

Factors affecting measurements of Tan Delta

are:
1. Oxidation, free water, wet particles,
contaminations and material incompatible are
all possible sources of high Tan Delta
2. Design characteristics of transformer main
factors of high Tan Delta
FIG. 3 DELTA 3000 TEST KIT MEGGER 3. Wrong connection and measurements
The Journal of CPRI, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2012 33

Tan Delta measurement should be regarded as TABLE 2

a diagnostic tool to evaluate the condition of
insulation. However, there are many factors TAN DELTA TEST RESULTS FOR CASE STUDY 1
contributing high Tan Delta. In most of cases, Insulation Test voltage
Sl. No. % PF
excessive moisture in insulation and dry out mode (kV)
processes affecting Tan Delta. But attached case 1 CHL 2 0.32
studies are mainly focusing on very important
2 CHL 5 0.33
factor, i.e. earthing condition and insulation. It
also includes loose earthing connection, open 3 CHG 2 0.91
grounding and wrong grounding method [1]. 4 CHG 5 0.94
Figure 4 shows equivalent circuit diagram for
5 CLG 2 0.42
two phase winding transformers
6 CLG 3 0.41

TABLE 3
OIL TEST AND IR-PI TEST FOR CASE STUDY 1
BDV (kV) 70.2
Water content (PPM) 18
IFT (mN/m) 38
NN (mg KOH/g) 0.021
FIG. 4 EQUIVALENT CIRCUIT
Resistivity (ohm-cm) 13.15
PF at 90°C 0.02
5.0 CASE STUDIES Flash point (°C) 156

Out of 108 transformers Tan Delta tested,

completed five transformer case studies were Table 4 shows IR and PI test results, which also
chosen for analysis purpose. show healthiness of transformer.

5.1 Case Study 1 TABLE 4

Transformer Rating: 20 MVA, 33/6.9 kV IR AND PI TEST RESULTS FOR

CASE STUDY 1
Above transformer is tested on 21/12/2010 for Top Oil temp 39 °C
Tan Delta test and Tan Delta value was found Combination 60 Sec 600 Sec PI
to be much higher of CHG mode for both 2 kV
and 5 kV as given in Table 2, all other values, HV to LV 12.5 G-ohms 18.0 G-ohms 1.44
found satisfactory and within limit according to HV to earth 9.2 G-ohms 12.0 G-ohms 1.30
IEEE-62 1995. LV to earth 5.0 G-ohms 7.0 G-ohms 1.40

After that, it is required to test transformer drying

out process to check whether transformer oil After that, it was decided to run this transformer
is contaminated or not. After necessary testing normally and above transformer is retested on
like oil test [8,5], insulation resistance test with 15/11/2011, almost after one year and test value
polarization index was conducted and found is found almost equal as compared with earlier
satisfactory according to IS: 1866-2005 [5]. Test results. Tan Delta test values are shown in below
results are shown in Table 3. Table 5.
34 The Journal of CPRI, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2012

TABLE 5 TABLE 6
RETESTED TAN DELTA TEST RESULTS FOR TAN DELTA TEST RESULTS FOR
CASE STUDY 1 CASE STUDY 2
Insulation Insulation Test Voltage
Sl No. Test voltage % PF Sl. No. % PF
mode mode kV
1 CHL 2 0.32 1 CHL 5 –0.1
2 CHL 5 0.33 2 CHL 10 –0.12
3 CHG 2 0.94 3 CHG 5 1.09
4 CHG 5 0.97 4 CHG 10 1.09
5 CLG 2 0.42 5 CLG 2 8.51
6 CLG 3 0.41 6 CLG 6 8.52

Hence, basically Tan Delta is a comparison This being a new transformer, it was expected
method, so here during one year of span, the that Tan Delta test values will be found below
rate of increase of Tan Delta is much lower as 0.5 %. However, Tan Delta values of high-voltage
given in Figure 5. So this transformer may be winding were at 1 % while that of a low-voltage
run as normal and yearly Tan Delta value shall winding was much higher at over 8 %. Inter-
be investigated. winding insulation exhibited negative Tan delta
values.

Above transformer is opened at workshop and

core earthing was found poor. The same was
rectified and Tan Delta test was repeated and a
comparison of the test data was made. Change in
Tan Delta values of all the three winding configu-
ration became normal and less than 0.5 %.

Table 7 Shows Tan Delta values before rectifi-

cation and after rectification.
FIG. 5 TAN DELTA VALUE FOR CHG AT 2 kV AND 5 kV

TABLE 7
5.2 Case Study 2 TAN DELTA TEST RESULTS FOR CASE
STUDY-2 AFTER RECTIFICATION OF
Transformer Rating: 31.5 MVA, 110/11 kV. PROBLEM

Above transformer was tested as a part of Test % PF after

Insulation % PF before
voltage rectifica-
routine test. Capacitance and Tan Delta test were mode rectification
kV tion
performed along with other low-voltage electrical
tests and SFRA. SFRA and other electrical CHL 5 –0.1 0.18
tests were indicative of normal condition of CHL 10 –0.12 0.18
the transformer. While C and TD test data were CHG 5 1.09 0.88
not looking normal, decrement in capacitance CHG 10 1.09 0.88
and abnormal Tan Delta values (negative) were
CLG 2 8.51 0.84
observed. Below Table 6 shows test results for
case study 2. CLG 6 8.52 0.83
The Journal of CPRI, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2012 35

Figure 6 shows graphical representation of results 5.3 Case Study 3

for before fault rectification.
Transformer Rating: 10 MVA, 66/11.5 kV
The transformer was scheduled for maintenance
work, e.g. replacement of gaskets, arrest of oil
leak and replacement of insulating oil, etc.
Capacitance and Tan Delta test as well as other
electrical tests were performed prior to the
maintenance work. Tan Delta was to be followed
up after the repair work on the transformer.
Tan Delta values found much higher than limit. Tan
Delta test results were indicative of deteriorated
condition of the dielectric given in Table 8.

TABLE 8
TAN DELTA TEST RESULTS FOR
CASE STUDY 3
Insulation Test
Sl. No. % PF
mode voltage kV
1 CHL 5 2.22
2 CHL 10 2.22
FIG. 6 TAN DELTA VALUES FOR BEFORE
RECTIFICATION AND AFTER RECTIFICATION 3 CHG 5 3.94
FOR CASE STUDY 2 4 CHG 10 3.94
5 CLG 2 3.69
6 CLG 6 3.69
Figure 7 shows core earthing assembly.

FIG. 7 POOR CORE EARTHING FOR CASE STUDY 2

36 The Journal of CPRI, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2012

Tan Delta value of high-voltage winding was at condition of the transformer. While Tan Delta
2.22 %, while that of a low-voltage winding was values were marginally higher than factory value.
at over 3.69 %, and value of inter winding was Table 10 shows test results for case study-4.
also 3.94 %. The above Tan Delta values were
measured before oil filtration. Tan Delta test was performed by disconnecting
all the lead at bushings of primary and secondary
Tan Delta test was repeated after repairing and oil windings. But disconnection at neutral lead
filtration on the transformer. Visible improvement was done near to the ground level, instead of
in Tan Delta values were seen in test results, as at the terminal of neutral bushing. This way
there was an improvement in the condition of the additional capacitance of support insulators
dielectric. featured in overall measurement of the winding’s
capacitance. Figure 9 shows neutral connection
Table 9 shows Tan Delta test values after at the end of transformer tank.
necessary filtration and overhauling.

TABLE 9
TAN DELTA TEST RESULTS FOR CASE
STUDY 3 AFTER NECESSARY FILTRATION
AND REPAIRING
Test % PF
Insulation % PF after
voltage before
mode rectification
kV rectification
CHL 5 2.22 0.95
CHL 10 2.22 0.95
CHG 5 3.94 1.27
CHG 10 3.94 1.27
CLG 2 3.69 0.81
CLG 6 3.69 0.81

FIG. 8 GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION FOR CASE

Figure 8 shows the graphical comparison for STUDY 3
Tan Delta values before and after repairing and
rectification.

5. 4 Case Study 4 TABLE 10

TAN DELTA TEST RESULTS FOR
Transformer Rating: 42 MVA, 132/11 kV. CASE STUDY 4
Insulation Test voltage
During testing above transformer, influence of Sl. No. % PF
mode kV
external connection is observed.
1 CHL 5 0.98
Above transformer was tested as a part of routine 2 CHL 10 0.98
test. Tan Delta test was performed along with
3 CHG 5 0.78
other low-voltage electrical tests. This being a
4 CHG 10 0.78
new transformer, it was expected that Tan Delta
5 CLG 2 0.52
test values will be found below 0.5 %. Other
electrical tests were indicative of comparable 6 CLG 6 0.52
The Journal of CPRI, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2012 37

A major reduction in Tan Delta values was also

seen in CH reading, as the support insulators
with dirty surfaces were excluded from the
measurements.

Table 11 shows comparison of Tan Delta value

before and after rectification of problem.

Figure 11 shows graphical comparison for Tan

Delta values before and after repairing and
rectification.

TABLE 11
TAN DELTA TEST RESULTS FOR CASE
STUDY 4 AFTER NECESSARY CORRECTION
IN NEUTRAL CONNECTION
Test % PF
FIG. 9 NEUTRAL CONNECTION REMOVED AT BOTTOM
Insulation % PF before
voltage after
OF TRANSFORMER TANK mode rectification
kV rectification
CHL 5 0.98 0.39
Lead at neutral was removed as shown in CHL 10 0.98 0.39
Figure 10 from the bushings terminal and the test CHG 5 0.78 0.16
was repeated. Test data exhibited decrement in
CHG 10 0.78 0.16
the measured capacitance, as the support insulates
were excluded from the measurement. CLG 2 0.52 0.22
CLG 6 0.52 0.22

FIG. 10 NEUTRAL CONNECTION REMOVED AT TOP FIG. 11 GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION FOR

OF TRANSFORMER TANK CASE STUDY 4
38 The Journal of CPRI, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2012

5. 5 Case Study 5 Table 14 shows IR and PI test results, which also

shows healthiness of transformer.
Transformer Rating: 4 MVA, 33/6.9 kV.

Above transformer is tested on 21/03/2011 for TABLE 14

Tan Delta test and Tan Delta values were found IR AND PI TEST RESULTS FOR CASE STUDY 1
much higher than CHL, CHG and CLG mode for
Top oil temp 39°C
both 2 kV and 5 kV as shown in Table 12.
Combination 60 Sec 600 Sec PI
HV to LV 140 M-ohms 125 M-ohms 0.89
TABLE 12
HV to earth 85 M-ohms 69 M-ohms 0.81
TAN DELTA TEST RESULTS FOR CASE STUDY 5
LV to earth 22 M-ohms 15 M-ohms 0.68
Insulation
Sl. No. Test voltage kV % PF
mode
1 CHL 2 3.2
From above Table 14 oil contamination test result
and IR and PI test result it is observed that PI
2 CHL 5 4.02 values and also other oil test results were found
3 CHG 2 31.1 to be very poor.
4 CHG 5 51.1
Hence, this transformer was opened at our
5 CLG 2 68.7 workshop and after physical verification of core
6 CLG 3 78.9 assembly, heavy water and other contaminations
were observed between HV and LV windings.
After necessary cleaning and heating cycle in
Now, according IEEE-62 1995 power factor oven, moisture content and other particles were
between 0.5 % and 1.0 % (20°C) may be removed and again Ten Delta test and other test
acceptable; however, power factor >1.0 % should were performed and results were found to be
be investigated. satisfactory as per Table 15.

After that, it is required to test transformer TABLE 15

drying out process to check whether transformer
RETESTED TAN DELTA TEST RESULTS FOR
oil is contaminated or not. After necessary
CASE STUDY 5
testing like oil test, insulation resistance test
with polarization index was conducted and found Test voltage
Sl. No. Insulation mode t PF
unsatisfactory according to IS: 1866-2005. Test kV
results are shown in Table 13. 1 CHL 2 0.42
2 CHL 5 0.43
3 CHG 2 0.72
TABLE 13
4 CHG 5 0.76
OIL TEST AND IR-PI TEST FOR CASE STUDY 5
BDV (kV) 15 5 CLG 2 0.56
Water content (PPM) 200 6 CLG 3 0.57
IFT (mN/m) 32
NN (mg KOH/g) 0.023 Figure 12 shows visual inspection of core
Resistivity (ohm-cm) 15.8 assembly.
PF at 90°C 0.5
Figure 13 shows graphical comparison for Tan
Flash point (°C) 164
Delta value of case study 5.
The Journal of CPRI, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2012 39

FIG. 12 VISUAL INSPECTION OF CORE ASSEMBLY

Tan Delta testing we can analyze transformer

insulation condition and condition of grounding
connection of transformer.

By measuring the electrical properties such as

capacitance and Tan Delta regularly on periodical
basis, it is possible to ensure the operational
unexpected breakdown. Dissipation factor
(Tan Delta) is one of the most powerful off-
line nondestructive diagnostic tools to monitor
the condition of solid insulation of various
high-voltage equipment.

FIG. 13 GRAPHICAL REPRESENTATION FOR CASE

STUDY 4
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

It is a matter of extreme honor and privilege

6.0 CONCLUSIONS for me to offer my grateful acknowledgment
to my guide Prof. H.R. Jariwala for providing
Tan Delta testing of transformer is an integral me a chance to work under their guidance and
part of condition assessment at factory and supervision, assisting with all kinds of support
at site for routine testing. Tan delta testing is and inspiration and valuable suggestions. I am
actually comparison method. From above all also thankful Essar Corporate University for
case studies, conclusion is derived that from financial support for this research work.
40 The Journal of CPRI, Vol. 8, No. 1, March 2012

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by Hodtum J B, AIEEE 27-30, 1940 AIEE
[1] “Failure analysis and diagnostics of power pacific cost convention.
transformer using dielectric dissipation [5] IS-1866:2005.
factor”, by Malpure B D and Baburao K
Crompton Greaves Limited, Mumbai. [6] IEEE-62 1955.
2008 International Conference, Beijing, [7] IEEE Standard C57.12.90-1999.
China.
[8] Dipak Mehta. “Condition monitoring of
[2] Manual on Transformers, CBIP 2006. power transformer by analyzing dissolved
gas analysis and oil contamination test”,
[3] Power Factor testing in Transformers by
Essar Oil Limited, Journal of Information
Alex Rojas-2006, IEEE PES Trans-
Knowledge and Research in Electrical
mission and Distribution Conference and
Engineering, Vol. 2, No. 1.
Exposition Latin America, Venezuela-1-424-
0288-3/06. [9] Delta-3000 Technical Manual by Megger.