United Power Services, Inc.

May 20, 2012

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Insulating Fluid Analysis

One of the most cost effective ways to monitor the internal condition of electrical equipment is to annually test a sample of the insulating fluid from the unit. Accurate evaluation of test results can help extend the useful lifetime of the electrical apparatus and aid in preventing an unexpected failure of the equipment. Analysis of a wide variety of insulating liquids is offered in accordance with ASTM and industry standards to meet our client's needs. Laboratory services are offered on a Customer Mail-In or On-Site Sampling basis as requested.

Standard Screen Analysis

Water, Sludge and Acid are three of the most destructive agents in your transformer. These contaminants can affect not only the oil, but the paper insulation & windings. Water & acid can cause premature paper degradation shortening transformer life. Sludge can cause severe overheating and transformer failure.

Tests Include:

Dielectric Strength ASTM D877 & D1816

Neutralization Number (Acid) ASTM D974

Interfacial Tension (IFT) ASTM D971

Color ASTM D1500

Visual ASTM D1524

Specific Gravity ASTM D1298

Moisture Content (Karl Fischer) ASTM D1533

Dissolved Gas Analysis

This test measures the combustible and non-combustible gases dissolved in the insulating fluid. It can indicate arcing, overheating, insulation deterioration or electrolysis of water.

Hydrogen H2 Carbon Monoxide CO Methane CH4 Carbon Dioxide C02
Ethylene C2H4 Nitrogen N2 Ethane C2H6 Oxygen 02 Acetylene C2H2

Furan Analysis

Furan testing determines the quantity of furans present in insulating fluids. Furan trending can aid in determining the aging rate of the paper insulation caused by degradation of the cellulose.

Other Tests

Viscosity (D445)

Fire Point (D92)

Flash Point (D92)

Pour Point (D97)

Refractive Index (D1807)

Metals in Oil (ICP)

Metal in oil is a diagnostic tool for determining the location of an incipient fault in transformers, regulators and tap changers. Evaluation of metal type and dissolved gas analysis results may assist in locating the problem.

Inhibitor Content (D4768)

Inhibitor slows the natural decay of mineral oil. Proper levels of inhibitor can prevent damage to your transformer insulating system. UPSI analyzes for both DBPC and DBP inhibitors.

PCB Testing (D4059)

Oils
Soils
Water

Gas Chromatography is used to determine each Aroclor^® type of PCB as well as the total PCB concentration present in the insulating fluid. Results are reported in ppm allowing for appropriate record keeping, reporting, handling and disposal of fluid and electrical apparatus per EPA guidelines.

Power Factor Testing (D924)

at 25^oC
at 100^oC