Field experience with transformer solid insulation ageing markers

Summary

In recent years, methanol has emerged as a chemical marker for assessing transformer cellulose insulation ageing. This brochure examines various aspects related to methanol, including progress in recent research, users’ experience with taking measurements on in-service transformers and the challenges faced with respect to the measurement of methanol in transformers and the interpretation of results.

A round-robin on the measurement of alcohols (methanol and ethanol) in laboratories showed that an analytical technique based on gas chromatography is robust and provides acceptable results. Many utilities around the world already measure methanol in their transformers. However, factors such as the wide range of cellulose/oil ratios and the variations in transformer design and loading patterns make it impossible to establish a universally applicable “normal” methanol level. This is why it is important for users to establish a baseline for the typical methanol concentration of their fleet by comparing historical measurements and associating the data with sister units that have been removed for post-mortem analysis.

Additional informations

Authors

J. JALBERT, Convenor and Secretary (CA)

L. HERNANDEZ (ES), M.L. COULIBALY (FR), M.C. LESSARD (CA), B. DIGGIN (IE), L. LEWAND (US), C. LESAINT (NO), J. LUKIC (RS), L. MELZER (SE), R. MAINA (IT), Z. WANG (GB), M.A. MARTINS (PT), S. BHUMIWAT (NZ), R. MERTENS (BE), H. DING (GB), J. VAN PETEGHEM (BE), S. EECKHOUDT (BE), C. REHOREK (GB), K. FUTKUTARO (JP), M. RYADI (FR), D. HEPBURN (GB), F. SCATIGGIO (IT)

Corresponding Members
C. BEAUCHEMIN (CA), S. MATHARAGE (GB), M. GRISARU (IL), M. RODRIGUEZ (CA)

Keywords

power transformers, reactors, materials, emerging test techniques