Transformer oil – e-lesson #10 – Moisture dynamics
Hosted by: C.S. Narasimhan / Intermediate level
This lesson focuses on the critical topic of moisture dynamics in transformers. It explores the sources of moisture, including paper aging, leakages, and viscous flow, and explains how moisture levels constantly change due to temperature variations. The consequences of moisture presence are discussed, such as reduced dielectric strength, partial discharge activity, and bubble formation. The lesson covers methods for measuring moisture, including Karl Fischer titration and capacitive sensors, highlighting their limitations and the importance of proper sampling and testing procedures. The insulation system within transformers is examined, emphasizing the role of thin and cold insulation in moisture equilibration. The lesson sets the stage for a more detailed discussion on the application-related aspects of moisture in the next session.
The content of this lesson is fully vendor agnostic but it is sponsored by Ergon.
Attend this session to learn about the chemistry of the additives in oil, conferred benefits and pitfalls.
Keywords: transformer oil, testing, methods, gassing, DGA
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The lesson is conducted on the Mater’s level and after the live broadcasting, it stays available on demand. It is intended for utility engineers/chemists, transformer and oil manufacturers, students and faculty of educational institutes, oil testing laboratories, utility staff, etc.
The lesson #10 deals with moisture dynamics, i.e. changing equilibrium in a transformer and its interpretation on the asset health.
About the author
C.S. Narasimhan
Dr. Narasimhan is a Ph.D. in Chemistry with over 30 years of experience in Industrial R&D. While working as a technical director in a major oil company manufacturing transformer oils, he led project teams for developing and commercializing mineral oils for EHV applications and ester fluids. He is a member of several IEC and CIGRE committees dealing with transformer oils. He has several publications and patents to his credit.