Transformer Oil – e-lesson #5 – Condition monitoring of oils in transformer service

This lesson provided an overview of the condition monitoring of mineral oils used in transformer service. It discussed the importance of properly filling new transformers with oil and ensuring compatibility when topping up. The lesson covered the key aging parameters to monitor, such as dielectric strength, water content, acidity, and interfacial tension, and explained how to interpret the limits defined in the IEC 60422 standard. The presentation highlighted the need to correlate and corroborate different oil parameters to assess the overall condition, and recommended actions like reconditioning or reclamation when limits are exceeded. It also mentioned upcoming revisions to the IEC standard that will impact water content monitoring. The lesson emphasized the criticality of regular oil testing and not waiting until parameters deteriorate before taking action.