How does a transformer oil filter work?

A transformer oil filter is a device used to purify transformer oil. Its main function is to remove moisture, gas, solid particles and other impurities in the oil to maintain the insulation and cooling performance of the transformer oil and ensure the safe and stable operation of the transformer. The following is the working principle and main working steps of the transformer oil filter:

 Working principle of the transformer oil filter:

Transformer oil filter usually adopts vacuum dehydration, precision filtration and degassing technologies to separate and remove pollutants in the oil by physical methods. Its core principles include:

1. Vacuum dehydration: Use the vacuum environment to lower the boiling point of water, so that the water in the oil evaporates and is extracted.

2. Precision filtration: Remove solid particles and impurities in the oil through multi-stage filters.

3. Degassing: Remove dissolved gases (such as air) in the oil under vacuum conditions.

 Main working steps of the transformer oil filter:

1. Oil suction:

- Transformer oil is extracted from the transformer oil tank through the oil inlet pump and enters the filtration system.

2. Heating:

- The oil is heated by a heater, and the temperature is usually controlled between 50°C and 70°C. Heating can reduce the viscosity of the oil, improve fluidity, and promote the separation of water and gas.

3. Vacuum dehydration:

- The heated oil enters the vacuum separation chamber. Under vacuum conditions, the boiling point of the water in the oil is reduced, and it quickly evaporates into water vapor, which is then pumped out by the vacuum pump.

- This step can effectively remove free water and dissolved water in the oil.

4. Precision filtration:

- The oil passes through multi-stage filters (such as coarse filtration and fine filtration) to remove solid particles, colloids and other impurities.

- The accuracy of the filter is usually 1~5 microns, ensuring the high cleanliness of the oil.

5. Degassing:

- Under vacuum conditions, the gas dissolved in the oil (such as air) is separated and discharged to prevent the gas from affecting the insulation performance of the transformer.

6. Purified oil output:

- The pure oil after dehydration, filtration and degassing is transported back to the transformer oil tank or storage tank through the oil outlet pump.

7. Monitoring and regulation:

- The equipment is equipped with sensors and control systems to monitor the temperature, pressure, vacuum and cleanliness of the oil in real time to ensure an efficient and stable filtration process.

 Core components of the transformer oil filter:

1. Vacuum pump: used to create a vacuum environment to promote the separation of water and gas.

2. Heater: heats the oil to reduce viscosity and improve separation efficiency.

3. Filter: multi-stage filtration system to remove solid particles and impurities.

4. Vacuum separation chamber: separates water and gas under a vacuum environment.

5. Control system: automatically controls the operation of the equipment and monitors key parameters.

 Functions of transformer oil filter:

1. Improve insulation performance: remove moisture and impurities and restore the insulation strength of transformer oil.

2. Extend transformer life: Reduce the corrosion and damage of pollutants in the oil to the internal parts of the transformer.

3. Improve cooling efficiency: Clean oil has better thermal conductivity, ensuring good heat dissipation of the transformer.

4. Prevent faults: Reduce transformer failures and downtime caused by oil quality problems.

5. Environmental protection and energy saving: Reduce waste oil emissions and reduce operating costs through oil regeneration.

 Application scenarios:

- Transformer maintenance in power systems.

- Transformer oil regeneration and purification.

- Pretreatment before new oil injection.

- Oil treatment after transformer maintenance.

The transformer oil filter can significantly improve the quality of transformer oil through efficient dehydration, filtration and degassing technology, ensuring the safe, stable and efficient operation of the transformer, and is an indispensable and important equipment in the power system.