Designation: D3487 − 09

Standard Specification for

Mineral Insulating Oil Used in Electrical Apparatus1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3487; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope Insulating Liquids Using Disk Electrodes

1.1 This specification covers new mineral insulating oil of D923 Practices for Sampling Electrical Insulating Liquids
petroleum origin for use as an insulating and cooling medium D924 Test Method for Dissipation Factor (or Power Factor)
in new and existing power and distribution electrical apparatus, and Relative Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Electri-
such as transformers, regulators, reactors, circuit breakers, cal Insulating Liquids
switchgear, and attendant equipment. D971 Test Method for Interfacial Tension of Oil Against
Water by the Ring Method
1.2 This specification is intended to define a mineral insu- D974 Test Method for Acid and Base Number by Color-
lating oil that is functionally interchangeable and miscible with Indicator Titration
existing oils, is compatible with existing apparatus and with D1275 Test Method for Corrosive Sulfur in Electrical Insu-
appropriate field maintenance,2 and will satisfactorily maintain lating Oils
its functional characteristics in its application in electrical D1298 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
equipment. This specification applies only to new insulating oil Gravity), or API Gravity of Crude Petroleum and Liquid
as received prior to any processing. Petroleum Products by Hydrometer Method
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as D1500 Test Method for ASTM Color of Petroleum Products
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this (ASTM Color Scale)
standard. D1524 Test Method for Visual Examination of Used Elec-
trical Insulating Oils of Petroleum Origin in the Field
2. Referenced Documents D1533 Test Method for Water in Insulating Liquids by
2.1 ASTM Standards:3 Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration
D88 Test Method for Saybolt Viscosity D1816 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of
D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Insulating Oils of Petroleum Origin Using VDE Elec-
Open Cup Tester trodes
D97 Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products D1903 Practice for Determining the Coefficient of Thermal
D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent Expansion of Electrical Insulating Liquids of Petroleum
and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscos- Origin, and Askarels
ity) D2112 Test Method for Oxidation Stability of Inhibited
D611 Test Methods for Aniline Point and Mixed Aniline Mineral Insulating Oil by Pressure Vessel
Point of Petroleum Products and Hydrocarbon Solvents D2300 Test Method for Gassing of Electrical Insulating
D877 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of Liquids Under Electrical Stress and Ionization (Modified
Pirelli Method)
D2440 Test Method for Oxidation Stability of Mineral
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D27 on Insulating Oil
Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gasesand is the direct responsibility of Subcom-
mittee D27.01 on Mineral.
D2668 Test Method for 2,6-di-tert-Butyl- p-Cresol and 2,6-
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2009. Published December 2009. Originally di-tert-Butyl Phenol in Electrical Insulating Oil by Infra-
approved in 1976. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D3487 – 08. red Absorption
DOI:10.1520/D3487-09. D2717 Test Method for Thermal Conductivity of Liquids
2
Refer to American National Standard C 57.106. Guide for Acceptance and
Maintenance of Insulating Oil in Equipment (IEEE Standard 64). Available from D2766 Test Method for Specific Heat of Liquids and Solids
American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, D3300 Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage of
NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
3
Insulating Oils of Petroleum Origin Under Impulse Con-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
ditions
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on D4059 Test Method for Analysis of Polychlorinated Biphe-
the ASTM website. nyls in Insulating Liquids by Gas Chromatography

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D3487 − 09
D4768 Test Method for Analysis of 2,6-Ditertiary-Butyl inhibitor added as necessary to return inhibitor content to its initial value.
Para-Cresol and 2,6-Ditertiary-Butyl Phenol in Insulating Attempts to dry apparatus containing appreciable amounts of free water
may result in a significant loss of inhibitor even at the conditions
Liquids by Gas Chromatography recommended above.
D5837 Test Method for Furanic Compounds in Electrical
Insulating Liquids by High-Performance Liquid Chroma- 3.3 additives—chemical substances that are added to min-
tography (HPLC) eral insulating oil to achieve required functional properties.
3.4 properties—those properties of the mineral insulating oil
3. Terminology which are required for the design, manufacture, and operation
3.1 Type I Mineral Oil—an oil for apparatus where normal of the apparatus. These properties are listed in Section 5.
oxidation resistance is required. Some oils may require the 4. Sampling and Testing
addition of a suitable oxidation inhibitor to achieve this.
4.1 Take all oil samples in accordance with Test Methods
3.2 Type II Mineral Oil—an oil for apparatus where greater D923.
oxidation resistance is required. This is usually achieved with
the addition of a suitable oxidation inhibitor. 4.2 Make each test in accordance with the latest revision of
the ASTM test method specified in Section 5.
NOTE 1—During processing of inhibited mineral oil under vacuum and
elevated temperatures, partial loss of inhibitor and volatile portions of 4.3 The oil shall meet the requirements of Section 5 at the
mineral oil may occur. The common inhibitors, 2,6-ditertiary-butyl unloading point.
para-cresol (DBPC/BHT) and 2,6-ditertiary-butyl phenol (DPB), are more
NOTE 2—Because of the different needs of the various users, items
volatile than transformer oil. If processing conditions are too severe,
relating to packaging, labeling, and inspection are considered to be subject
oxidation stability of the oil may be decreased due to loss of inhibitor. The
to buyer-seller agreement.
selectivity for removal of moisture and air in preference to loss of inhibitor
NOTE 3—In addition to all other tests listed herein, it is sound
and oil is improved by use of a low processing temperature.
engineering practice for the apparatus manufacturer to perform an
Conditions that have been found satisfactory for most inhibited mineral
evaluation of new types of insulating oils in insulation systems, prototype
oil processing are:
structures, or full-scale apparatus, or any combination thereof, to assure
Minimum Pressure suitable service life.
Temperature, °C Pa Torr, Approximate
40 5 0.04 4.4 Make known to the user the generic type and amount of
50 10 0.075 any additive used, for assessing any potential detrimental
60 20 0.15
70 40 0.3
reaction with other materials in contact with the oil.
80 100 0.75
90 400 3.0
5. Property Requirements
100 1000 7.5 5.1 Mineral insulating oil conforming to this specification
If temperatures higher than those recommended for the operating shall meet the property limits given in Table 1. The significance
pressure are used, the oil should be tested for inhibitor content and of these properties is discussed in Appendix X2.

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 D3487 − 09
TABLE 1 Property Requirements
Limit ASTM Test
Property Method
Type I Type II
Physical:

Aniline point, °C, min 63A 63A D611

Color, max 0.5 0.5 D1500
Flash point, min, °C 145 145 D92
Interfacial tension at 25°C, min, dynes/cm 40 40 D971
Pour point, max, °C −40B −40B D97
Relative Density (Specific gravity), 15°C/15°C max 0.91 0.91 D1298
Viscosity, max, cSt (SUS) at:
100°C 3.0 (36) 3.0 (36) D445 or D88
40°C 12.0 (66) 12.0 (66)
0°C 76.0 (350) 76.0 (350)
Visual examination clear and bright clear and bright D1524
Electrical:

Dielectric breakdown voltage at 60 Hz:

Disk electrodes, min, kV 30 30 D877
VDE electrodes, min, kV 0.040-in. (1.02-mm) gap 20C 20C D1816
0.080-in. (2.03-mm) gap 35C 35C
Dielectric breakdown voltage, impulse conditions D3300
25°C, min, kV, needle negative to sphere grounded, 145D 145D
1-in. (25.4-mm) gap
Gassing tendency, max, µL/min +30 +30 D2300
Dissipation factor (or power factor), at 60 Hz max, %: D924
25°C 0.05 0.05
100°C 0.30 0.30
Chemical:E

Oxidation stability (acid-sludge test) D2440

72 h:
% sludge, max, by mass 0.15 0.1
Total acid number, max, mg KOH/g 0.5 0.3
164 h:
% sludge, max, by mass 0.3 0.2
Total acid number, max, mg KOH/g 0.6 0.4
Oxidation stability (rotating bomb test), min, minutes — 195 D2112
Oxidation inhibitor content, max, % by mass 0.08F 0.3 D4768 or D2668G
Corrosive sulfur noncorrosive D1275
Water, max, ppm 35 35 D1533
Neutralization number, total acid number, max, mg 0.03 0.03 D974
KOH/g
PCB content, ppm not detectable not detectable D4059
A
The value shown represents current knowledge.
B
It is common practice to specify a lower or higher pour point, depending upon climatic conditions.
C
These limits by Test Method D1816 are applicable only to as received new oil (see Appendix X2.2.1.2). A new processed oil should have minimum breakdown strengths
of 28 kV and 56 kV for a 0.04 in. (1.02 mm) or 0.08 in. (2.03 mm) gap respectively.
D
Currently available oils vary in impulse strength. Some users prefer oil of a 145 kV minimum for certain applications, while others accept oil with impulse strength as
low as 130 kV for other applications.
E
Furanic compounds, as determined by Test Method D5837, are useful for assessing the level of cellulose degradation that has occurred in oil impregnated paper
systems. Specifying maximum allowable furan levels in new oils for this purpose should be by agreement between user and supplier.
F
Provisions to purchase totally uninhibited oil shall be negotiated between producer and user.
G
Both 2,6-ditertiary-butyl para-cresol (DBPC/BHT) and 2,6-ditertiary butylphenol (DBP) have been found to be suitable oxidation inhibitors for use in oils meeting this
specification.
Preliminary studies indicate both Test Methods D2668 and D4768 are suitable for determining concentration of either inhibitor or their mixture.

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 D3487 − 09
APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SUPPLEMENTARY DESIGN INFORMATION

X1.1 The following values are typical for presently used

mineral insulating oils. For oils derived from paraffinic or
mixed-base crudes, the apparatus designer needs to know that
these properties have not changed.
ASTM Test
Property Typical Values Method
Coefficient of expansion,/° C 0.0007 to 0.0008 D1903
from 25 to 100°C
Dielectric constant, 25°C 2.2 to 2.3 D924
Specific heat, cal/g, 20°C 0.44 D2766
− 3
Thermal conductivity, cal/ (0.30 to 0.40) × 10 D2717
cm·s·°C, from 20 to 100°C

X2. SIGNIFICANCE OF PROPERTIES OF MINERAL INSULATING OIL

X2.1 Physical Properties possibly result in flashover of conductors extending above the
oil level. See, for example, “The Significance of the Density of
X2.1.1 Aniline Point—The aniline point of a mineral insu-
Transformer Oils.”4
lating oil indicates the solvency of the oil for materials that are
in contact with the oil. It may relate to the impulse and gassing X2.1.7 Viscosity—Viscosity influences the heat transfer and,
characteristics of the oil. consequently, the temperature rise of apparatus. At low tem-
peratures, the resulting higher viscosity influences the speed of
X2.1.2 Color—A low color number is an essential require- moving parts, such as those in power circuit breakers, switch-
ment for inspection of assembled apparatus in the tank. An gear, load tapchanger mechanisms, pumps, and regulators.
increase in the color number during service is an indicator of Viscosity controls mineral insulating oil processing conditions,
deterioration of the mineral insulating oil. such as dehydration, degassification and filtration, and oil
impregnation rates. High viscosity may adversely affect the
X2.1.3 Flash Point—The safe operation of the apparatus
starting up of apparatus in cold climates (for example, spare
requires an adequately high flash point.
transformers and replacements).
X2.1.4 Interfacial Tension—A high value for new mineral X2.1.8 Visual Examination—A simple visual inspection of
insulating oil indicates the absence of undesirable polar con- mineral insulating oil may indicate the absence or presence of
taminants. This test is frequently applied to service-aged oils as undesirable contaminants. If such contaminants are present,
an indicator of the degree of deterioration. more definitive testing is recommended to assess their effect on
X2.1.5 Pour Point—The pour point of mineral insulating oil other functional properties.
is the lowest temperature at which the oil will just flow and X2.2 Electrical Properties
many of the factors cited under viscosity apply. The pour point
of − 40°C may be obtained by the use of suitable distillates, X2.2.1 Dielectric Breakdown Voltage, 60 Hz—The dielec-
tric breakdown voltage of a mineral insulating oil indicates its
refining processes, the use of appropriate long life additives, or
ability to resist electrical breakdown at power frequencies in
any combination thereof. If a pour point additive is used, it is
electrical apparatus.
necessary to make known the amount and chemical composi-
X2.2.1.1 Dielectric Breakdown—Disk Electrodes—The test
tion.
utilizing disk electrodes is useful in assessing the quality of the
X2.1.6 Relative Density (Specific Gravity)—The specific mineral insulating oil as received in tank cars, tank trucks, or
gravity of a mineral insulating oil influences the heat transfer drums. It is not sensitive enough to determine if an oil meets
rates and may be pertinent in determining suitability for use in the minimum acceptable breakdown strength needed for pro-
specific applications. In extremely cold climates, specific cessed oil used in some equipment.
gravity has been used to determine whether ice, resulting from X2.2.1.2 Dielectric Breakdown—VDE Electrodes—The
freezing of water in oil-filled apparatus, will float on the oil and VDE method (Test Method D1816) is sensitive to contami-
nants, such as water, dissolved gases, cellulose fibers, and

4
Mulhall, V. R., “The Significance of the Density of Transformer Oils,’’ IEEE
Transactions on Electrical Insulation, Vol 15, No. 6, December 1980, pp. 498–499.
DOI: 10.1520/D3487-09_WIP_#872079.

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 D3487 − 09
conductive particles in oil. Processing involves filtering, dehy- X2.3.4 Neutralization Number—A low total acid content of
dration, and degassing, which generally improve the break- a mineral insulating oil is necessary to minimize electrical
down strength of the oil. As a general guide, the moisture and conduction and metal corrosion and to maximize the life of the
dissolved gas content by volume in processed oils should be insulation system.
less 15 ppm and 0.5 % respectively. The minimum breakdown
X2.3.5 Oxidation Stability—The development of oil sludge
strength for as received oils is typically lower than that of
and acidity resulting from oxidation during storage, processing,
processed oils because of higher levels of contaminants.
and long service life should be held to a minimum. This
X2.2.2 Dielectric Breakdown Voltage–Impulse—The im- minimizes electrical conduction and metal corrosion, maxi-
pulse strength of oil is critical in electrical apparatus. The mizes insulation system life and electrical breakdown strength,
impulse breakdown voltage of an oil indicates its ability to and ensures satisfactory heat transfer. The limiting values in
resist electrical breakdown under transient voltage stresses accordance with Table 1, as determined by Test Methods
(lightning and switching surges). The functional property is D2112 and D2440, best achieve these objectives.
sensitive to both polarity and electrode geometry.
X2.3.6 Gassing—The gassing tendency of a mineral insu-
X2.2.3 Dissipation Factor—Dissipation factor (power fac- lating oil is a measure of the rate of absorption or desorption of
tor) is a measure of the dielectric losses in an oil. A low hydrogen into or out of the oil under prescribed laboratory
dissipation factor indicates low dielectric losses and a low level conditions. It reflects, but does not measure, aromaticity of the
of soluble contaminants. oil. Most oil-filled transformers are blanketed with nitrogen or
oxygen-depleted air. The gassing tendency of oil under nitro-
X2.3 Chemical Properties
gen does not directly relate to its gassing tendency under
X2.3.1 Oxidation Inhibitor Content—Oxidation inhibitor hydrogen. No quantitative relationship has been established
added to mineral insulating oil retards the formation of oil between the gassing tendency of an oil, as indicated by the
sludge and acidity under oxidative conditions. It is important to results of Test Method D2300, and the performance or life of
know if an oxidation inhibitor has been added to the oil and the that oil in service.
amount. 2,6-Ditertiary-butyl para-cresol and 2,6-ditertiary bu-
tylphenol have been found suitable for use in mineral insulat- X2.3.7 PCB Content—United States regulations specify
ing oils complying with this specification. It is anticipated that procedures to be followed for the use and disposal of electrical
other oxidation inhibitors will be accepted. apparatus and electrical insulating fluids containing PCB
(polychlorinated biphenyls). The procedure to be used for a
X2.3.2 Corrosive Sulfur—The absence of elemental sulfur particular apparatus or lot of insulating fluid is determined
and thermally unstable sulfur-bearing compounds is necessary from its PCB content. New mineral insulating oil of the type
to prevent the corrosion of certain metals such as copper and covered by this specification should not contain any detectable
silver in contact with the mineral insulating oil. PCB. A nondetectable PCB concentration measured by Test
X2.3.3 Water Content—A low water content of mineral Method D4059 provides documentation to permit the insulat-
insulating oil is necessary to achieve adequate electrical ing oil and apparatus containing it to be used without the
strength and low dielectric loss characteristics, to maximize the labeling, recordkeeping, and disposal restrictions required of
insulation system life, and to minimize metal corrosion. PCB-containing materials.

X3. CRUDE OILS, REFINING PROCESSES, AND SHIPPING CONTAINERS

X3.1 Crude Oils—Mineral insulating oils are presently X3.3 Shipping Containers—Mineral insulating oil is usually
refined from predominantly naphthenic crude oils. As the shipped in rail cars, tank trucks (trailers), or drums. Rail cars
supply of such crude oils diminishes, paraffinic or mixed base used for shipping mineral insulating oil are usually not used for
crudes may be used to provide mineral insulating oil for use in shipping other products and are more likely to be free of
electrical apparatus. As the new crudes are developed for this contamination. Tank trucks may be used for many different
use, additional tests peculiar to the chemistry of these oils will products and are more subject to contamination. Oil drums are
need to be defined. most often used for shipping small quantities. All shipping
X3.2 Refining Processes—Distillates from crude oils may containers, together with any attendant pumps and piping,
be refined by various processes such as solvent extraction, should be cleaned prior to filling with oil and should be
dewaxing, hydrogen treatment, or combinations of these meth- properly sealed to protect the oil during shipment.
ods to yield mineral insulating oil meeting the requirements of
this specification. The generic process should be specified upon
request.

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 D3487 − 09
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