Oil Parameter Testing

And
Dissolved Gas in oil Analysis
(DGA)
 TYPE OF INSULATING OIL
 Insulating oil also called mineral oil/ transformer oil
 Mineral oil, most popular basically a petroleum fraction,
based on carbon type composition
 Synthetic Oils : Askerels,
 Silicon fluids etc
 Used as coolant, transformer of heat generated and
insulating medium for Transformer, Reactor, CT and
CVT etc.
 Crude oil is the raw material from which Insulating oil is
produced
 TYPE OF INSULATING OIL
 Crude oil – Divided into two (Light and Heavy)
 Paraffinic (rich in gas oil, gasoline, and gases, light)
 Naphthenic (rich in bitumen & heavy)
TYPE OF INSULATING OIL

 Naphthenic (rich in bitumen & heavy)

 Preferred even though they are more easily oxidized
compared to paraffinic oils.
 Because the oxidation products (also called sludge)
of naphthenic oils are soluble in oil, thus not effecting
the transformer cooling.
 Now a days easily available in India
 Cost of Paraffinic is at par with Naphthenic
 TYPE OF INSULATING OIL
 Paraffinic (rich in gas oil, gasoline, and gases, light)
 Sludge is not soluble in paraffinic oil and it precipitates in
the bottom of transformer and obstructs the cooling.
 Earlier in India generally paraffinic oil was used because
of its availability. But now both oil are available in the
market. Now transformer manufacturer supply oil
according to customer requirement.
 TYPE OF INSULATING OIL
 Other problems with paraffin based oil is its high pour
point (-6 0C) due to wax content but this doesn’t effect its
use in our country due to predominantly warm climatic
conditions prevailing in India.
 But now due to improvement in oil refinery process,
paraffin oil with low pour points is also available.
 TYPE OF INSULATING OIL
 Inhibited oil - Oil containing a minimum of 0.08% and
maximum of 0.40 % anti-oxidant additive together with
other additives
 Uninhibited oil - Oil containing no anti-oxidant additive,
but which may contain other additives – most preferred
oil.
 TYPE OF INSULATING OIL
 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) - Unused mineral oil
shall be free from PCB
 PCBs originates from synthetic insulating oil liquids.
Classified as Hazardous waste and requires special
methods for disposal. .
 Mixability- same class, same group, same LCSET
(Lowest cold start energizing temp).
 10 % is allowed
 Oil – Sampling procedure – IEC 60475/ 60567
 Standard on Insulating Oil

 IS 335 – 1993 (Bureau of Indian Standard) -

Recommended Limits of unused Mineral oil filled in
New Power Transformer (New oil)
 IS 1866 – 2000 Code of Practice for electrical
maintenance and supervision of mineral insulating
oil in equipment.
 IEC 60296- 2003 (International Electro Technical
Commission)- Fluids for electro-technical
applications – Unused mineral insulating oils for
transformer and switchgears (new oils)
 Standard on Insulating Oil

 IEC 60422 - 1989 Supervision and maintenance guide

for mineral insulating oils in electrical equipment (used
oil)
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Electrical Properties
 AC BDV (kV rms)-Min - Dielectric Strength
 Dielectric Dissipation Factor (Tan delta) at 90ºC-Max
 Resisitivity (Specific resistance) at 90ºC-Min
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Chemical Properties
 Oxidation Stability (Uninhibited Oil): Sludge – Max
 Moisture content –(ppm) Max
 Neutralization Value mg KOH/gm –Max
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Physical Properties
 Viscosity at 27ºC-Max – cSt
 Appearance
 Density gm/cc – Max
 Pour point ºC – Max
 Interfacial Tension (IFT) (N/m) –Min
 Flash point ºC – Min
 High thermal conductivity
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 AC BDV (kV rms)- Min at Power Frequency

 Indicate its ability to resist/ withstand electrical stress in

electrical equipments.
 BDV of oil is the ac voltage, which causes spark between
two electrodes (Diameter 12.5-13 mm) placed in the oil
under test at a standard distance(2.5 mm ± 0.05 mm).
 Indicative of solid impurities and water content present in
the oil.
 Measured in accordance with IEC-60156
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Dielectric Dissipation Factor (DDF) Tan Delta at 90ºC-
Max (no unit)
 Measure of imperfection of dielectric nature of oil.
 Dielectric loss caused by the oil
 Increased DDF can indicate contamination of the oil by
moisture, particles, or soluble polar components or poor
refining quality.
 For a good oil tan-delta should be as less as possible
 Measured in accordance with IEC-60247 or IEC-61620
at 90ºC
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Resisitivity (Specific resistance) at 90ºC-(Ohm-cm)
Min
 DC resistance of volume of oil of unit cross sectional
area and unit length
 High value is desirable
 Varies greatly with temperature, resistivity reduces with
increase in temperature.
 Reduces considerably due to presence of moisture,
acidity and solid contaminants.
 Specific Resistance is measured using a mega-ohm
meter with internal DC voltage source
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Oxidation Stability (Uninhibited Oil) Sludge – Max
 The resistance of oil to its oxidation is called Oxidation
Stability of oil.
 Presence of oxygen (dissolved in oil) and heat with
copper of the windings acting as catalyst causes oil to
slowly oxidize.
Details of Insulating Oil Parameters

 Gives rise to acidity and sludge formation and can be

minimized as a results of high oxidation stability
leading to longer life time by minimizing sludge
deposition, electrical property losses, metal
corrosion, electrical faults, and maximizing insulation
life.

 Essential to carry out oxidation stability test when

mixing of two different types of oils or the
transformer is being topped up with more than 10%
of the total volume of oil.

 Measured in accordance with IEC-61125

 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Moisture content –(ppm) Max

 Presence of water in oil is highly undesirable as it affects

adversely the dielectric properties of oil
 The water present in oil also affects the solid insulation
of transformer.
 Accurate measurement by Automatic Coulometric Karl
Fischer titrator
 Measured in accordance with IEC-60814
 Can be improved by filtration
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Acidity (Neutralization Value) mg KOH/gm – Max

 Expressed in mg of KOH required to neutralise the acids

present in a gram of oil
 Oil should be neutral and free from any acidic
compound.
 Acids are harmful to the solid insulation
 Measured in accordance with IEC-62021-1
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Viscosity at 27ºC-Max – cSt(mm2/s)

 Influences heat transfer and therefore the temp. rise of

equipment.
 Low viscosity – easier oil circulates leading to improved
heat transfer
 Very sensitive to temp. Increases with decrease in temp.
 Measured in accordance with ISO-3104 or IEC-61868
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Appearance
 A visual inspection – oil sample in transmitted light under
a thickness of approx. 10 cm and ambient temp.
indicates the presence of visible contaminants, free
water, suspended matter.
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Density gm/cc – Max

 Low enough to avoid, in cold climates, that ice resulting

from the freezing of free water is floating on the oil
surface and possibly leading to fault conditions
developing in flashovers of conductors.

 Measured in accordance with ISO-3675(but ISO 12185

as well accepted)
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Pour Point ºC – Max

 Lowest temperature at which it just flows under standard

test conditions
 Important particularly for the places where extremely
cold weathers are encountered.
 If oil temperature falls below its pour point, it'll stop
flowing and transformer cooling may therefore be
affected
 Measured in accordance with ISO-3016
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Interfacial Tension (IFT) (N/m) – Min

 Between the water and oil interface is the way to

measure molecular attractive force between the
molecules of water and oil
 Low IFT sometimes indicates the presence undesirable
contaminants
 Measured in accordance with ISO-6295
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Flash point ºC – Min (> 140 °C)

 Flash point is the minimum temperature at which oil

gives sufficient vapors, which can be inflamed
 Safe operation of electrical equipment requires an
adequately high flash point.
 Measured in accordance with ISO-2719(Pensky-Martens
closed cup procedure)
 IS 335 – 1993 (New Oil)
 Density at 29.5  C, Max.- 0.89 g / cm
 Kinematic Viscosity at 27  C, Max - 27 cst
At 40  C, Max < 9 cst
 Interfacial Tension (IFT) 29.5  C, Min - 0.04 N/m
 Flash point, Pensky Martin (Closed) , Min - 140  C
 Pour point, Max.- 6  C
 Acidity, Neutralisation Value
– Total Acidity, Max.- 0.03 mg KOH / g
– Inorganic acidity/Alkalinity – NIL
 Corrosive Sulphur - Non - Corrosive
 IS 335 – 1993 (New Oil)
 Di-electric Strength (Breakdown Voltage) Min
– New unfiltered oil - 30 KV , rms
– After filtration – 60 KV , rms
 Dielectric Dissipation Factor (Tan ) DDF at 90  C ,
Max. – 0.002
 Specific Resistance (Resistivity)
– At 90  C , Min. – 35*10 -cm
– At 27  C , Min. - 1500*10 -cm
 IS 335 – 1993 (New Oil)
 Oxidation Stability
– Neutralisation Value after Oxidation, Max. - 0.40 mg KOH / gm
– Total sludge after oxidation ,Max.- 0.10 % by weight
 Ageing Characteristics after accelerated ageing (Open
Breaker method with copper catalyst)
 Specific Resistance (Resistivity)
– At 27  C , Min. - 2.5*10 -cm
– At 90  C , Min. - 0.2*10 -cm
 DDF at 90  C , Max - 0.2
 Total Acidity, Max.- 0.05
 Total Sludge Value, Max. % by weight - 0.05
 IS 335 – 1993 (New Oil)
 Presence of Oxidation Inhibitor Max. - 0.05 % treated as
absence of oxidative inhibitor
 Water content-New unfiltered oil - 50 ppm
After filtration - 15 ppm
 PCB Content - < 2 ppm
 S.K. Value - 4 to 8 %
 Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) - Not
applicable
 Acceptance value prior to
charging after filling oil (400kV)
 As per IS 1866- 2000

 BDV (kV rms) - 60 kV (Min.)

 Moisture content - 15 ppm (Max.)
 Tan delta at 90 ºC - 0.05 (Max.)
 Resisitivity at 90 ºC - 1*10 -cm (Min.)
 Interfacial Tension (IFT) - 0.03 N/m (Min.)
 Details of Insulating Oil Parameters
 Powergrid Mandatory Test

 BDV (kV rms)-Min- Dielectric Strength

 Dielectric Dissipation Factor (Tan delta) at 90ºC-Max
 Moisture content –(ppm) Max
 Neutralization Value mg KOH/gm –Max
 Interfacial Tension (IFT) (N/m) –Min
 Limits of Insulating Oil Parameters
 RECOMMENDED LIMITS FOR INSULATING OIL
FILLED IN POWER TRANSFORMER / REACTORS IN
1866-2000

Appearance Clear & transparent free

from suspended matter or
sediments

Interfacial Tension (IFT) 0.015 N/m, Min (Powergrid

Min. Norm -0.018 N /m)
 Insulating Oil Parameters

Flash point, Min 125  C Min

Max Max. Decrease of 15C /
year
Total Acidity (Neutralization 0.3 mg KOH/g max
value), Max (Powergrid Norm - 0.2 mg
KOH/g)
Di-electric Strength Above 170 kV : 50 kV
(Breakdown Voltage) BDV 72.5 KV- 170 kV: 40KV
Min Below 72.5 kV : 30 kV
 Insulating Oil Parameters

Dielectric Dissipation Above 170 kV - 0.2 Max

Factor (Tan ) DDF at
90C, Max
Specific Resistance
(Resistivity)
At 90C, Min 0.1 * 10 -cm
At 20C, Min 1.0 * 10 -cm

Water Content, Max Above 170 kV : 20 ppm

Max
 Insulating Oil Parameters

72.5kV - 170 kv : 40 ppm

Max
Below 72.5 kV – No free
moisture at room
temperature
Sediment & Sludge No sediment or precipitable
sludge (Below 0.02 % by
mass)
Dependency between the water content
in mineral oil and cellulose paper
 Why DGA ?

1. INSULATING MATERIALS AT HIGHER TEMPERATURES AND AT

ELECTRICAL FAULTS BREAKDOWN LIBERATE GASES.

2. DISTRIBUTION OF THESE GASES CAN BE RELATED TO TYPE OF

FAULTS AND RATE OF GAS GENERATION CAN INDICATE THE
SEVERITY OF FAULT :

3. OBVIOUS ADVANTAGES THAT DGA CAN PROVIDE ARE

• ADVANCE WARNING OF DEVELOPING FAULTS.

• DETERMINING THE IMPROPER USE OF UNITS
• STATUS CHECKS ON NEW & REPAIRED UNITS
• CONVENIENT SCHEDULING OF REPAIRS
• MONITORING OF UNITS UNDER OVERLOAD
 BASICS OF DGA

ORIGIN OF FAULT GASES :

1. CORONA OR PARTIAL DISCHARGE

2. PYROLYSIS OR THERMAL HEATING
3. ARCING

• THESE THREE CAUSES DIFFER MAINLY IN THE INTENSITY

OF ENERGY DISSIPATION PER UNIT TIME PER UNIT
VOLUME BY FAULT.

• MOST SEVERE INTENSITY OF ENERGY DISSIPATION

OCCURS WITH ARCING LESS WITH HEATING AND LEAST
WITH CORONA
 TEMPERATURES AT WHICH
GASES EVOLVE

METHANE (CH4) > 1200 C

ETHANE (C2H6) > 1200 C

ETHYLENE (C2H4) > 1500 C

ACETYLENE (C2H2) > 7000 C

 FAULT GASES

CLASSIFIED IN 3 GROUPS

1. HYDROCARBONS AND HYDROGEN

METHANE CH4 ETHANE C2H6
ETHYLENE C2H4 ACETYLENE C2H2
HYDROGEN H2

2. CARBON OXIDES
CARBON MONOXIDE CO
CARBON DIAOXIDE CO2

3. NON-FAULT GASES
NITROGEN N2 OXYGEN 02
 FAULT GASES Vs TYPE OF MATERIAL INVOLVED
AND TYPE OF FAULT

1. CORONA
A) OIL H2
B) CELLULOSE H2, CO, CO2

2. PYROLYSIS LOW TEMP. HIGH TEMP.

A) OIL CH4, C2H6 C2H4,H2(CH4,C2H2)
B) CELLULOSE CO2 (CO) CO (CO2)

3. ARCING H2, C2H2 (CH4, C2H6, C2H4)

 SOLUBILITY OF GASES IN TRANSFORMER
OIL BY VOLUME

HYDROGEN 7.0% (LEAST SOLUBLE)

NITROGEN 8.6%
CARBON MONOXIDE 9.0%
OXYGEN 16.0%
METHANE 30.0%
CARBONDIAOXIDE 120.0%
ETHANE 280.0%
ETHYLENE 280.0%
ACETYLENE 400.0% (MOST SOLUBLE)
 FAILURE ANALYSIS AND DGA

1. INSTANTANEOUS FAILURES THAT CANNOT BE PREVENTED BY

DGA

FLASHOVER WITH POWER FLOW THROUGH

2. SERIOUS FAILURES, DEVELOPING WITHIN SECONDS AND NOT

DETECTED BY DGA

BROKEN OR LOOSE CONNECTION IN A WINDING WHICH LEAD

TO SMALL ARC WHICH BURNS THE SOLID INSULATION
 FAILURE ANALYSIS AND DGA (CONTD)

1. DETERIORATED CONDUCTOR INSULATION PAPER

LEADING TO INTERTURN FAULT

2. BROKEN LOOSE OR DAMAGED DRAW ROD IN A

BUSHING CAUSING SPARKING AND ARCING WITHIN
TUBE

3. BUSHING EXPLOSION LEADING TO FIRE

 FAILURE ANALYSIS AND DGA (CONTD)

3. DETECTABLE FAULTS BY DGA

3.1 WITHIN WINDING

A) SHORTING OF PARALLEL WIRES IN A BUNCH

CONDUCTOR WITHIN A COMMON PAPER COVERING

B) LOST POTENTIAL CONNECTIONS TO SHIELDING

RINGS, TORROIDS- FLOATING POTENTIALS,
SPARKING TO GROUNDS

C) CONDITIONS PARTIAL DISCHARGES BETWEEN

DISCS OR CONDUCTORS DUE TO CONTAMINATED
LOCAL OIL-LEADING TO FLASHOVER
 FAILURE ANALYSIS AND DGA (CONTD)

3.2 CLEATS AND LEADS

A) BOLTED CONNECTIONS, PARTICULARLY BETWEEN

ALUMINIUM BUSBARS, IF THE SPRING WASHERS DO
NOT SUSTAIN THE NEEDED HIGH PRESSURE

B) ALL GLIDING MOVING CONTACTS FORMING BAD

JOINTS DUE TO AGEING
 FAILURE ANALYSIS AND DGA (CONTD)

3.3 IN THE TANK

A) HEATING OF TANK PART, BOLT ETC. DUE TO

MAGNETIC FIELD

B) OVERHEATING DUE TO DOUBLE GROUNDING OF

THE CORE

C) DAMAGED INSULATION BETWEEN COVER SUPPORT

POINT DUE TO CLOSED LOOP
 FAILURE ANALYSIS AND DGA (CONTD)

3.4 SELECTOR SWITCH

A) CARBONISATION OF SELECTOR SWITCH CONTACTS AND HOTSPOT

FORMATION

B) GAP BETWEEN SELECTOR SWITCH CONTACTS

3.5 CORE

A) SHORTING AT BURRS OF LAMINATIONS

B) FAILURE OF BOLT INSULATION
 DGA INTERPRETATION

A) NEW GUIDELINES - CIGRE TASK FORCES 15.01.01/.03

1. KEY RATIOS

KEY RATIO NO.1 - C2H2 / C2H6 (ACETYLENE/ETHANE)

INDICATION : ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE
FAULT IF >1

KEY RATIO NO.2 - H2 / CH4 (HYDROGEN/METHANE

INDICATION : PARTIAL DISCHARGE
FAULT IF > 10
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)

KEY RATIO NO.3 - C2H4 / C2H6 (ETHYLENE / ETHANE)

INDICATION : THERMAL FAULT
IF > 1

KEY RATIO NO.4 CO2 /CO (CARBONDIOXIDE / CARBON MONOXIDE

INDICATION CELLULOSE DEGRADATION
>10 OVERHEATING OF CELLULOSE
< 3 DEGRADATION OF CELLULOSE
BY ELECTRICAL FAULT
(TO CONFIRM BY FURFURAL ANALYSIS, IEC 61198)
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)

KEY RATIO NO.5 C2H2 / H2 (ACETYLENE/HYDROGEN)

INDICATION : INTANK TAPCHANGER

 2 AND CONCENTRATION OF C2H2

 30 PPM
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)

2. KEY GAS CONCENTRATIONS

KEY GAS KEY GAS CONCEN INDICATION

TRATION (PPM) - SUSPECT
C2H2 > 20 POWER DISCHARGE
H2 >100 PARTIAL DISCHARGE
CXHY (C1, C2, C3) >1000 THERMAL FAULT

CXHY (C1, C2) >500 THERMAL FAULT

COx >10000 CELLULOSE

(X = 1,2) DEGRADATION
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)

3. PROCEDURE
DENOTE
R1 IF ALL RATIOS ARE BELOW THE LIMITS

R2 IF ANY RATIO IS LARGER THAN THE LIMIT

K1 IF KEY CONCENTRATION OF ALL GASES BELOW

THE LIMITS

K2 IF KEY CONCENTRATION OF ATLEAST ONE GAS IS

HIGHER THAN THE LIMIT
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)

K1 & R 1 NO ACTION, TRANSFORMER IS PROBABLY

HEALTHY
K2 & R2 TRNSFORMER MOST PROBABLY FAULTY,
ADDITIONAL ANALYSES NEEDED

K1 &R2 POSSIBLE INCIPIENT FAULT, ADDITIONAL

ANALYSES NEEDED

K2 & R1 POSSIBILITY OF MORE THAN ONE FAULT,

FURTHER INVESTIGATION NEEDED
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)

• IEC 60599/1999- Types of faults

 PARTIAL DISCHARGE(PD)

 DISCHARGES OF LOW ENERGY (D1) in oil or/and paper, evidenced by

large carbonized perforations through paper or carbon particles in oil (as
in OLTC diverter operation)

 DISCHARGES OF HIGH ENERGY (D2) in oil or/and paper, with power

follow-through, evidenced by extensive destruction and carbonization of
paper. Metal fusion at the discharge extremities, extensive carbonization
of oil and in some cases tripping of the equipment, confirming large
current follow-through
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)

• IEC 60599/1999- Types of faults (Contd.)

 THERMAL FAULTS (T1) in oil or/and paper, below 300 deg

C if the paper has turned brownish
 THERMAL FAULTS (T2) in oil or/and paper, above 300 deg
C if the paper has carbonized
 THERMAL FAULTS (T3) above 700 deg C if there is strong
evidence of carbonization of the oil, metal discoloration (800
deg C) or metal fusion (>1000 deg C)
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEC 60599

THREE BASIC GAS RATIOS

CASE CHARACTERISTICS FAULT C2H2/C2H4 CH4/H2 C2H4/C2H6

PD PARTIAL DISCHARGES <0.01 <0.1 <0.2
D1 DISCHARGES OF LOW ENERGY >1 0.1-0.5 >1
D2 DISCHARGES OF HIGH ENERGY 0.6-2.5 0.1-1.0 >2
T1 THERMAL FAULT-T<300ºC <0.01 >1 <1
T2 THERMAL FAULT 300 ºC<T<700 ºC <0.1 >1 1- 4
T3 THERMAL FAULT T > 700ºC <0.2 >1 4
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEC 60599

1.2 SIMPLIFIED SCHEME OF INTERPRETATION

CASE C2H2/C2H4 CH4 /H2 C2H4 /C2H6

PD <0.2

D >0.2
T <0.2
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEC 60599

2. 90% TYPICAL CONCENTRATION VALUES

Values in microlitres per litre (ppm)
Tr Sub- H2 CO CO2 CH4 C2H6 C2H4 C2H2
type

NO OLTC 60-150 540-900 5100 – 40-110 50-90 60-280 3-50

13000

COMMUNI 75 – 150 400-850 5300- 35-130 50-70 110-250 80-270

CATING 12000
OLTC
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEC 60599

3. RATES OF GAS INCREASE (NORMAL VALUES) :

HYDROGEN <5
METHANE <2
ETHANE <2
ETHYLENE <2
ACETYLENE <0.1
CARBON MONOXIDE <50
CARBONDIOXIDE <200
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEC 60599

1.3 CO2 / CO RATIO :

IF INCREMENTED RATIO <3
• PAPER DEGRADATION SUSPECTED
• ASK FOR FURANIC COMPOUND ANALYSIS OR DP

1.4 O2 / N2 RATIO :

• REFLECTS AIR IF RATIO CLOSE TO 0.5

• IF RATIO LESS THAN 0.3 EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF OXYGEN
DUE TO OIL OXIDATION AND/OR PAPER AGEING

1.5 C2H2 / H2 RATIO :

• HIGHER THAN 2 TO 3 INDICATES OLTC CONTAMINATION
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)

(C) IEEE STD. C57.104-1991

1. KEY GAS METHOD

1.1 THERMAL - OIL

PRINCIPAL GAS – ETHYLENE (C2H4)

DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS INCLUDE ETHYLENE &

METHANE TOGETHER WITH SMALL QUANTITIES OF
HYDROGEN AND ETHANE. TRACES OF ACETYLENE
MAY BE FORMED, IF THE FAULT IS SEVERE OR
INVOLVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEEE STD. C57.104-1991

1.2 THERMAL - CELLULOSE

PRINCIPAL GAS CO

LARGE QUANTITIES OF CO2 & CO ARE EVOLVED FROM

OVERHEATED CELLULOSE HYDROCARBON GASES,
SUCH AS METHANE AND ETHYLENE WILL BE FORMED IF
THE FAULT INVOLVES AN OIL IMPREGNATED
STRUCTURE
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEEE STD. C57.104-1991

1.3 ELECTRICAL - CORONA

PRINCIPAL GAS - HYDROGEN

• LOW ENERGY ELECTRICAL DISCHARGES PRODUCE H2

AND CH4 AND SMALL QUANTITIES OF C2H6 AND C2H4.

• COMPARABLE AMOUNTS OF CO & CO2 MAY RESULT FROM

DISCHARGES IN CELLULOSE
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEEE STD. C57.104-1991

1.4 ELECTRICAL - ARCING

PRINCIPAL GAS - ACETYLENE

• LARGE QUANTITIES OF H2 & C2H2 ARE PRODUCED WITH

MINOR QUANTITIES OF CH4 & C2H4.

• CO2 & CO MAY ALSO BE FORMED IF THE FAULT

INVOLVES CELLULOSE

• OIL MAY BE CARBONISED

 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEEE STD. C57.104-1991

2. USE OF GAS RATIOS

• ATTRIBUTED TO DOERNENBURG AND ROGERS

• ARRAY OF 5 RATIOS
R1 = CH4 / H2
R2 = C2H2 / C2H4
R3 = C2H2 / CH4
R4 = C2H6/C2H2
R5 = C2H4 / C2H6
• RATIOS 1, 2, 3 & 4 - DOERNENBURG
• RATIOS 1,2,5 - ROGERS
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEEE STD. C57.104-1991

DOERNENBURG RATIO METHOD

VALUES OF KEY GASES COMPARED WITH FOLLOWING AS

CONCENTRATIONS (L1 IN PPM) AND IF AT LEAST ONE OF THE GAS
CONCENTRATIONS EXCEEDS THE LIMITING VALUES, THE UNIT IS
CONSIDERED FAULTY

KEY GAS CONCENTRATION (L1) IN ppm

H2 100
CH4 120
CO 350
C2H2 35
C2H4 50
C2H6 65
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEEE STD. C57.104-1991
DOERNENBURG RATIO METHOD

DETERMINE RATIOS OF KEY GASES AS FOLLOWS :

THE RATIO PROCEDUREIS VALID IF AT LEAST ONE OF THE GASES IN

EACH RATIO R1, R2, R3 & R4 EXCEEDS LIMIT L1, OTHERWISE UNIT SHOULD
BE RESAMPLES.

Suggested Fault CH4/H2 C2H2/C2H4 (R2) C2H2/CH4 C2H6/C2H2 (R4)

Diagnosis (R1) (R3)
Thermal > 1.0 < 0.75 <0.3 > 0.4
Decomposition
Corona (Low < 0.1 NS <0.3 >0.4
intensity PD)
Arcing (High >0.1 < 0.75 > 0.3 < 0.4
intensity PD) <1.0
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
IEEE STD. C57.104-1991

ROGERS RATIOS FOR KEY GASES

Case C2H2/C2H4 CH4/H2 C2H4/C2H6 Suggested Fault

(R2) (R1) (R5) Diagnosis
0 <0.1 >0.1 <1.0 UNIT NORMAL
<1.0

1 <0.1 <1.0 <1.0 LOW ENERGY DENSITY

ARCING-PD
2 0.1 - 3.0 0.1 - 1.0 >3.0 ARCING-HIGH ENERGY
DISCHARGE
3 <0.1 >1.0 1.0-3.0 LOW TEMP. THERMAL
4 <0.1 >1.0 1.0-3.0 THERMAL < 700 ºC
5 <0.1 >1.0 >3.0 THERMAL > 700 ºC
 Summery of Various Interpretation
Technique for DGA Data

• Individual Fault Gases Acceptable Norms

• Total Dissolved Combustible Gas (TDCG) limits
• IEC 599 Method
• IEEE Standard C: 57.104/1995
Key Gas Method
Ratio Methods
Doernenberg Ratio Method
Rogers Ratio Method
• Trend Analysis
 LIMITS SET BY VARIOUS
AGENCIES

VARIOUS FAULT GASES (IN PPM BY VOL.)

SOURCES
H2 CH4 C2H6 C2H4 C2H2 CO CO2 TCG
IEEE-
Generator 140 160 115 190 11 580 -- 1296
Trfr*
Transmissio 100 120 65 50 35 350 2500 720
n Trfr
CIGRE** 28.6 42.2 85.6 74.6 -- 289 3771 520
DOBLE 100 100 60 100 5 250 -- 610

Manufactur
er-New Tr 200 100 100 150 15 500 -- 1065
Values after 250 200 200 300 35 1000 --
6 to 7 yrs

* Un revised figures ** Corrected values 1978

 KEY TO SUCCESSFUL DGA INTERPRETATION

• WELL DOCUMENTED SAMPLING PROCEDURE

BASED ON IEC 60567
• EFFICIENT GAS EXTRACTION SYSTEM (WITH
MORE THAN 98% OF GAS EXTRACTION)
• ACUURATE AND PRECISE GAS
CHROMATOGRAPH
• WELL TRAINED MANPOWER TO CONDUCT
THE TESTS
• DOCUMENTATION OF DGA DATA AND ITS
INTERPRETATION
 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE

INTERPRETATION

• REVIEW ABSOLUTE VALUE

• TREND ANALYSIS
• GRID CONDITION (O/V, LOADING PATTERN ETC)
• UNIT DESIGN
• USE OF STANDARD INERPRETATIN METHODS LIKE IEC
60599, IEEE ETC
 DGA INTERPRETATION

RECOMMENDED METHOD OF DGA INTERPRETATION :

• REJECT OR CORRECT INCONSISTENT DGA VALUES

• CALCULATE RATE OF GAS INCREASE SINCE LAST ANALYSIS

• IF ALL GASES ARE BELOW TYPICAL VALUES OF GAS

CONCENTRATIONS AND RATES OF GAS INCREASE, REPORT AS
“NORMAL DGA / HEALTHY EQUIPMENT”
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE

• IF AT LEAST ONE GAS IS ABOVE TYPICAL VALUES OF GAS

CONCENTRATIONS AND RATES OF GAS INCREASE
CALCULATE GAS RATIOS AND IDENTIFY FAULT USING
TABLE. CHECK FOR EVENTUAL ERRONEOUS DIAGNOSIS.

• IF NECESSARY SUBTRACT LAST VALUES FROM PRESENT

ONES BEFORE CALCULATING RATIOS, PARTICULARLY IN THE
CASE OF CO, CO2.
 DGA INTERPRETATION (CONTD.)
RECOMMENDED PRACTICE

• IF DGA VALUES ARE ABOVE TYPICAL VALUES BUT BELOW

10XS (S = DETECTION LIMIT) CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED
WHEN CALCULATING GAS RATIOS AT LOW LEVELS. KEEPING
IN MIND THE POSSIBLE VARIATIONS RESULTING FROM THE
REDUCED PRECISION

• DETERMINE IF GAS CONCENTRATIONS AND RATES OF GAS

INCREASE ARE ABOVE ALARM VALUES. VERIFY IF FAULT IS
EVOLVING TOWARDS FINAL STAGE. DETERMINE IF PAPER IS
INVOLVED.
 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE

 FACTORY DGA

BEFORE AND AFTER

 TEMP RISE TEST
 DI-ELECTRIC TEST
 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE

SAMPLING FREQUENCIES

 BEFORE COMMISSIONING
 24 HOURS AFTER 1ST CHARGING
 15 DAYS AFTER 1ST CHARGING
 ONE MONTH AFTER 1ST CHARGING
 3 MONTHS AFTER 1ST CHARGING
 THEREAFTER EVERY SIX MONTHS

 ON-LINE DGA EQUIPMENTS CAN BE INSTALLED ON SOME OF

THE CRITICAL TRANSFORMERS
 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE

• STORAGE OF HISTORICAL DATA IN

COMPUTERISED DATABASE FOR FAST
RETRIEVAL AND EASY COMPARISON

• AUTOMATED INTERPRETATION THROUGH

CUSTOM BUILT SOFTWARE
 POWERGRID Practice of DGA

 POWERGRID has NABL accredited oil laboratories at

Hyderabad and Durgapur for oil testing.
 In POWERGRID, we usually monitor our transformers
and reactors on half yearly basis for DGA as well as oil
analysis
 POWERGRID has experienced DGA committee for
giving recommendation of outage of transformer or
increase in frequency of sampling, which takes into
account design, age, service history, gas production rates
etc. before arriving at any conclusion.
 DGA CASE Studies

• Case Study – 1: 400kV 17 MVAR Bus Re

actor
• Case Study - 2: 400/220kV 315 MVA Aut
otransformer
• Case Study – 3: 400/220kV 315 MVA Au
totransformer
 CASE STUDY : 1- 400 kV, 17 MVAR . 1
PHASE BUS REACTOR

• THE REACTOR WAS COMMISSIONED IN SEPT’91

• THE REACTOR SHOWED HIGH LEVEL OF FAULT GASES DURING

ROUTINE DGA TESTS DURING DEC’96

• THE REACTOR DEGASSED AS PER MANUFACTURERS

RECOMMENDATIONS DURING JANUARY 97

• AFTER DEGASSING WITHIN 48 HOURS GASES ROSE TO ALARMING

LEVEL

• WITHIN ONE MONTH HYDROGEN, ETHYLENE AND ACETYLENE

LIMIT VIOLATED

• THE REACTOR WAS TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE AND OPENED FOR

INTERNAL INSPECTION IN APRIL 97
CASE STUDY : 1- 400 kV, 17 MVAR . 1
PHASE BUS REACTOR

Sample No. Sample Dt. H2 CH4 C2H4 C2H6 C2H2

1 04.03.96 14 10 8 6 0
2 08.06.96 307 58 96 10 76
3 15.09.96 399 32 49 6 30
4 28.09.96 253 24 35 4 20
5 31.10.96 280 106 168 22 79
6 01.02.96 196 88 140 19 66
7 01.02.96 224 88 126 17 54

16.67 MVAR BUS REACTOR

450
F A U L T G A S E S IN P P M

400

350

300 H2
CH4
250
C2H4
200
C2H6
150 C2H2
100

50

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
S AMPLE NO
CASE STUDY : 1- 400 kV, 17 MVAR . 1
PHASE BUS REACTOR
DATA AFTER DEGASSING

Sam ple
Sam ple No. Dt. H2 CH4 C2H4 C2H6 C2H2
1 06.01.97 12 0 2 0 0
2 09.01.97 19 35 105 16 45
3 24.01.97 60 52 127 19 54
4 08.02.97 88 64 156 23 96
5 26.02.97 142 50 111 17 53

DGA DATA AFTER DEGASSING

180
160
140 H2
120 CH4
100 C2H4
80 C2H6
60 C2H2
40
20
0
1 2 3 4 5
SAMPLE N0
 CASE STUDY :1- 400 kV, 17 MVAR . 1 PHASE
BUS REACTOR

FINDINGS DURING INTERNAL INSPECTION

• THE STRESS SHIELD OF 400KV BUSHING HAD SLIPPED FROM

ITS HOLDERS EXPOSING THE INSULATED LEAD WHICH WAS
OFFSET FROM THE CENTRE OF THE SHIELD AND TOUCHING
THE BOTTOM OF THE SHIELD

• OVER HEATING MARKS WERE SEEN ON THE STRESS SHIELD

AND ALSO ONTHE 400KV LEAD AT THE LOCATION WHERE THE
LEAD IS TOUCHING
 CASE STUDY : 1 17 MVAR BUS REACTOR
FINDINGS OF INTERNAL INSPECTION DUE TO
HIGH DISSOLVED GASES

The fallen Stress Repair in Progress

Shield and Arcing
mark on it
 DGA Case Study-2
315-MVA, 3-phase, 400kV/220kV Auto-
Transformer

• Commissioned in Nov-1990

• DGA results were normal till 1996. Subsequently DGA results

started rising trend.

• Ratio Analysis indicated Thermal fault of high temperature (>700

degC)

• Degassed (only partially) in Aug’00. Again showed increasing trend

of fault gases.

• Internal Inspection and rectification carried out in Oct-2000.

• Unit presently in service satisfactorily

 DGA Case Study - 2

Sample Date TGC(%) N2 (%) O2 (%) H2 CH4 C2H4 C2H6 C2H2 CO CO2
13.04.96 5.75 0 0 30 11 14 5 1 19 1378
13.11.97 7.5 6.05 0.94 120 73 97 38 0 115 3533
13.02.98 6.55 5.3 0.76 119 100 145 45 0 109 2544
12.02.99 9.75 6.78 1.24 176 209 357 78 0.7 150 7671
12.08.99 8 5.53 0.84 239 329 538 94 2.3 162 9871
02.02.00 8.75 5.97 0.93 472 528 1070 182 11.7 170 9657
05.06.00 9.5 6.21 1.1 452 633 1246 198 14.5 172 10740
06.08.00 6.25 4.46 1.24 43 57 147 26 1 18 1448
20.10.00 7.75 5.59 1.52 95 144 290 34 4.3 38 2759
09.12.00 7 5.67 1.58 0 1 2 0 0 14 155
11.05.01 5.75 4.15 1.11 7 5 9 2 0 39 679
 DGA Case Study-2

1400 16

14
1200

12

1000
10

800 8 H2
CH4
6 C2H4
600
C2H6
4
C2H2
400
2

200
0

0 -2
28/10/95 15/05/96 01/12/96 19/06/97 05/01/98 24/07/98 09/02/99 28/08/99 15/03/00 01/10/00 19/04/01
 DGA Case Study-2
Findings of Internal Inspection

• Shorting of shunt (between winding and top

Yoke) with core

• Carbon deposits on the insulation (between shunt

and core) and on the shunt
 DGA Case Study-3
315MVA, 400/220kV, 3-phase Auto-
Transformer

• commissioned on 21.06.1991.
• Tie-in-resistor was incorporated in the transformer
by manufacturer in Dec’2001
• After re-commissioning the fault gases had shown
steady rise
• On sample-dated 01.06.2003, fault gas level in this
ICT had a sharp rise (C2H2 – 24.5 PPM).
• Internal inspection was carried out on 05.06.2003
• Internal Inspection revealed that earthing of core by
copper strip to end frame was not proper. The
welding between one rectangular small pieces of
stainless steel to end frame was found to be broken.
 DGA Case Study-3 (Results)

S da te H2 C H4 C 2 H4 C 2 H6 C 2 H2
31/01/02 65 101 163 18 1.9
27/02/02 73 140 235 28 3
27/03/02 88 172 311 39 2.7
18/09/02 90 226 339 49 3.1
21/10/02 88 299 541 70 2.7
22/11/02 101 308 542 72 2
14/03/03 103 319 448 73 6.1
29/05/03 251 581 974 139 14.29
01/06/03 462 988 1707 250 23.5
13/06/03 134 221 390 47 7.7
15/06/03 297 423 717 69 15.3
17/06/03 331 463 798 88 13.8
19/06/03 270 485 908 106 14.4
23/06/03 298 451 780 98 16
01/07/03 309 453 760 94 13.6
 DGA Case Study-3

1800 25
1600 H2
1400 20
1200 CH4
1000 15
C2H4
800 10
600 C2H6
400 5
200 C2H2
0 0
31/01/02

31/03/02

31/05/02

31/07/02

30/09/02

30/11/02

31/01/03

31/03/03

31/05/03
DGA Case Study-3
 DGA Case Study-3

• The problem was rectified at site and charged

on 14.06.2003.
• After charging, again fault gases started
increasing.
• DGA problem still continuing.
• Some problem with the tap selector switch
suspected by manufacturer
• Tap position changed from 16 to 9
• The fault gases initially increased which seems
to be getting stabilized and there is no
appreciable increase in fault gases at present.
• The transformer is kept under close DGA
monitoring
Thank You