Destruction of Dibenzyl Disulfide in Transformer Oil

ABSTRACT Dibenzyl Disulfide (DBDS) is one of several sulfur compounds known to cause copper corrosion in transformers under certain circumstances. Remedial processes such as adsorbents, absorbents, and oil change-out have been known to reduce the concentration of DBDS in the oil.  However, if not destroyed or removed below several mg/kg (ppm), the breakdown of the […]

What is DGA Testing?

Dissolved Gas Analysis, or DGA Testing, is one of the sharpest sticks in the tool bag of analyses used in a predictive/preventative maintenance plan by transformer oil testing. The insulating fluids used in transformers and related equipment are used because of their high dielectric strength and chemical stability. However, conditions and faults within the equipment […]

Methodologies for PCB Analysis of Transformer Oil

Before their manufacture was banned in 1979, PCBs were used widely in electrical equipment, including transformers and fluorescent light ballasts. Many transformers still contain traces of PCB-contaminated oil even after the oil has been changed several times. Because of Federal and State regulations, PCB content is frequently required when servicing or disposing of electrical equipment containing […]

Maintaining Transformer Oil Through Hot Oil Reclamation

Maintaining transformers is not a new idea, but funding for transformer maintenance services continues to decline. The accounting structure incentivizes the purchase of new transformers. Globally, demand for new transformers has lead times extending up to three years. Unless there are enough spare transformers in inventory, it only makes sense to have a robust maintenance […]