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How to deal with turbid transformer oil?

Time:2025-04-09 14:56:51  Reading volume:

When transformer oil becomes turbid, it indicates that the oil has been contaminated and needs to be dealt with promptly. The following are the system's treatment methods and suggestions:

Analysis of turbidity causes

1. Water contamination (the most common cause)


- Free water mixing (oil-water separation state)


- Excessive dissolved water (transparent but high water content)


2. Solid impurity contamination


- Metal particles (equipment wear)


- Fiber materials (aging of insulation materials)


- Dust particles (poor sealing)


3. Oil aging


- Oxidation products (increased acid value)


- Carbides (partial discharge generation)

Treatment plan selection

(I) Mild turbidity treatment

Applicable conditions: The oil color is slightly turbid, and there is no visible suspended matter


1. Vacuum oil filtration treatment


- Equipment: Vacuum oil filter


- Parameter settings:


- Temperature: 60-65℃


- Vacuum degree: ≤-0.095MPa


- Treatment time: 3-5 cycles


2. Precision filtration


- Filter element selection:


- Primary: 20μm


Fine filtration: 5μm

- Circulation mode: full flow circulation

(II) Moderate turbidity treatment

Applicable conditions: obvious turbidity, visible suspended matter

1. Pretreatment

- Sedimentation separation (standing for 24-48 hours)

- Plate and frame filtration (removal of large particles)


2. Deep treatment

- Coagulation separation (demulsification)

- Vacuum dehydration (deep water removal)

- White clay adsorption (removal of colloid)

(III) Severe turbidity treatment

Applicable conditions: black oil color, large amount of precipitation

1. Regeneration treatment

- Process flow:

Sedimentation → filtration → white clay adsorption → vacuum dehydration → fine filtration

- Regeneration agent dosage: 3-5% activated white clay


2. Oil change standard (when any of the following conditions are met)

- Acid value > 0.1mgKOH/g

- Breakdown voltage < 30kV

- Dielectric loss > 4%

Key control indicators

1. Water control:

- Standard after treatment: ≤15ppm (below 110kV)

- Ultra-high voltage standard: ≤10ppm


2. Cleanliness:

- NAS level ≤6

- Particle size ≤5μm


3. Electrical performance:

- Breakdown voltage ≥50kV (new oil standard)

- Dielectric loss ≤0.5% (90℃)

Precautions

1. Safety matters:

- Oil filter temperature does not exceed 70℃

- Explosion-proof protection of the vacuum system

- Fire prevention measures in the working area


2. Quality control:

- Sampling and testing every 2 hours

- Key monitoring:

- Changes in water content

- Breakdown voltage

- Changes in acid value


3. Environmental protection requirements:

- Waste oil is treated as hazardous waste

- Professional filter element recycling

- Leakage prevention during treatment

Preventive measures

1. Daily maintenance:

- Regular replacement of respirator silicone

- Oil level monitoring (to prevent condensation)

- Sealing inspection (once a year)


2. Monitoring plan:

- Routine test (once every six months):

- Micro-water test

- Chromatographic analysis

- Dielectric loss test

- Special test (if necessary):

- Particle size test

- Metal content analysis


3. Storage requirements:

- New oil storage:

- Special oil tank

- Nitrogen protection

- Moisture-proof measures

Economic evaluation

1. Treatment cost comparison:

- Oil filter regeneration: about 20-30% of the new oil price

- Oil change cost: new oil price + treatment fee


2. Decision-making suggestions:

- Oil quality compliance rate > 70%: choose regeneration

- Oil quality compliance rate < 50%: oil change is recommended


Transformer oil turbidity treatment needs to choose a suitable solution according to the degree of pollution. Mild turbidity can be solved by vacuum oil filtration, and severe pollution needs to be considered for regeneration or oil change. During the treatment process, various indicators must be strictly controlled, and preventive measures must be taken to ensure the long-term stable operation of the transformer. It is suggested to establish a sound oil management system to achieve the transformation from "post-event handling" to "pre-event prevention".

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