What are the transformer oil purification machines?

Transformer oil purification machines are specialized equipment designed to remove contaminants from transformer oil, ensuring that the oil maintains its insulating and cooling properties. These machines are used to purify oil by removing impurities such as water, dissolved gases, solid particles, and oxidation products, all of which can degrade the performance of transformers over time.

Here’s an overview of different types of transformer oil purification machines:

1. Vacuum Dehydration and Degassing Units

• Function: These machines primarily remove moisture and dissolved gases from transformer oil through a combination of heat and vacuum.
• Working Principle:
  • The oil is passed through a vacuum chamber, where pressure is lowered to allow water to evaporate at a reduced temperature. This process is also effective in removing dissolved gases like hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.
  • The oil is often pre-heated to enhance the dehydration process, and the vaporized moisture and gases are then removed from the system.
• Key Features:
  • Vacuum pumps and vacuum chambers for moisture and gas extraction.
  • Heating elements to assist in the evaporation of water.
  • Automatic controls for monitoring pressure, temperature, and flow rates.
  • Water and gas separation systems that ensure the contaminants are efficiently removed.
• Use Case: Ideal for treating transformer oils that have become contaminated with water or dissolved gases.

2. Oil Filtration Machines

• Function: These machines are designed to remove solid particles (dirt, dust, sludge, etc.) from transformer oil.
• Working Principle:
  • The oil passes through one or more filters that capture solid contaminants. The filtration system could use coarse filters to remove larger particles and fine filters to remove smaller particles.
  • Some machines use a multi-stage filtration system with different types of filter media, such as cellulose, fiberglass, or synthetic materials.
• Key Features:
  • Coarse and fine filtration stages to remove particles of different sizes.
  • Self-cleaning filters for automatic removal of trapped particles.
  • Filter monitoring systems to alert operators when filters need replacement.
• Use Case: Best for removing particulate contamination from oil, commonly used for oils with high levels of suspended solids.

3. Oil Regeneration Systems

• Function: These machines go beyond just filtering or removing water and gases. They regenerate and restore the properties of aged or degraded transformer oil.
• Working Principle:
  • These systems use adsorbent materials like activated clay, silica gel, or activated carbon to remove contaminants such as oxidation products, acids, and other chemical degradation byproducts in the oil.
  • The regeneration process often involves a combination of filtration, adsorption, and sometimes thermal treatment.
• Key Features:
  • Clay or activated carbon filters for chemical regeneration.
  • Thermal treatment systems to heat the oil to a specific temperature to accelerate the regeneration process.
  • Vacuum-assisted systems to enhance the removal of water and gases.
• Use Case: Suitable for restoring oil that has undergone significant degradation due to extended use or poor maintenance.

4. Centrifugal Oil Purification Machines

• Function: These machines use centrifugal force to separate solid contaminants from transformer oil, as well as to remove water in some cases.
• Working Principle:
  • The oil is rapidly spun inside a cylindrical drum, creating a strong centrifugal force. This force causes heavier contaminants (such as water and sludge) to move toward the outer edge of the drum, while the purified oil remains in the center.
  • Water separation: In some systems, water droplets are aggregated into larger drops and separated through centrifugal action.
• Key Features:
  • High-speed rotational elements for fast and efficient separation of solids and water.
  • Continuous separation for higher processing capacities.
  • Self-cleaning operation in some models to reduce maintenance needs.
• Use Case: Suitable for high-capacity applications and where rapid separation of large amounts of contaminants is needed.

5. Oil Polishing Machines

• Function: These machines focus on the final purification of transformer oil by removing very fine particles and residual contaminants after the primary purification processes.
• Working Principle:
  • The oil passes through high-precision filters or adsorption media that remove any remaining microscopic particles, oxidation products, or chemicals.
• Key Features:
  • Fine filtration (often down to 1 micron or smaller).
  • Activated carbon or other adsorbents to polish the oil and improve its quality.
  • High-efficiency filtration media for final-stage purification.
• Use Case: Typically used in the final step of oil purification to ensure that the oil meets the required cleanliness standards before being returned to the transformer.

6. Portable Oil Purification Machines

• Function: These are compact and mobile units designed for on-site oil purification and maintenance. They can be used to purify transformer oil at remote locations or during emergency situations.
• Working Principle:
  • These machines usually combine vacuum dehydration, filtration, and degassing in a single portable unit.
  • They are easy to move and operate in-field, offering flexibility for transformer maintenance.
• Key Features:
  • Portable design for ease of transport and field use.
  • Integrated filtration, dehydration, and degassing systems.
  • Compact and user-friendly with easy setup and operation.
• Use Case: Often used for on-site transformer maintenance and purification during emergency breakdowns or scheduled maintenance.

Key Types of Transformer Oil Purification Machines and Their Functions:

Conclusion:

Transformer oil purification machines play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of transformer oil and ensuring the proper functioning of transformers. Different machines cater to various needs such as removing particulate contamination, moisture, dissolved gases, and even regenerating aged oil. Selecting the right machine depends on the specific condition of the oil, the scale of the operation, and the type of contaminants present. Regular oil purification ensures that transformers operate efficiently, safely, and for a longer lifespan.