Explore technical articles covering transformer oil testing, oil sampling, laboratory analysis, diagnostic interpretation, industry standards, and transformer reliability. We also share the latest news and spotlight our amazing employees who make it all possible!
We are proud to announce that Scott Reed, Founder and CEO of MVA, has been honored with the 2026 NETA Alliance Partner Recognition Award for his outstanding contributions to the electrical testing industry. The award recognizes individuals who advance electrical
Furan testing: a window into transformer insulation health When cellulose insulation in a transformer degrades, it produces furanic compounds that dissolve in the oil. Measuring these compounds gives us a critical insight into the condition of the cellulose insulation without
ASTM D971 Interfacial Tension of Oil against Water by Ring Method Interfacial tension is a fluid test used to determine the presence of oxidation by-products, polar contaminants, and other decomposition products. These can be acids, oxidation intermediate compounds, varnishes, and
Transformer insulating fluid acts as an insulator for electric and thermal capacities for many electrical equipment. Measurement of dielectric breakdown is a major way to measure the capability of a fluid to withstand electrical stress. In measuring dielectric breakdown, an
Specific Gravity testing or relative density is a measure of the density of transformer fluids relative to water, being scaled at 1.000. The value from testing is normalized to 15C/15C. With the introduction of different transformer insulating fluids such as
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
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
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
