Transformer Oil Condition

Monitoring: The Role of Tan Delta

Introduction

The health of power transformers is critical for ensuring reliability and continuity in electrical supply
systems. Regular monitoring and analysis of transformer oil, which acts as an insulating medium, help
detect early signs of wear or contamination. Among the many tests performed to assess transformer oil
quality, the Tan Delta test, also known as Dielectric Dissipation Factor (DDF) or Power Factor (PF), is a key
method used to evaluate the dielectric properties of transformer oil. This test, alongside other standards
such as ASTM D924 and IEC 60247, is integral in determining the insulating strength and overall quality of
the oil.

Tan Delta Test: An Overview

The Tan Delta test, also referred to as Loss Angle or Dielectric Dissipation Factor (DDF), is an electrical test
that measures the quality of insulating oil used in transformers. By determining the oil’s ability to store and
dissipate electrical energy, this test highlights impurities, aging, and contamination in the oil. The test
works by applying an alternating current (AC) voltage to a test cell containing transformer oil and
measuring the total current that flows through the oil.

In an ideal situation, the insulating oil should behave like a near-perfect capacitor with a current flow that
is 90 degrees out of phase with the applied voltage. However, if contaminants are present, they reduce the
insulating properties of the oil, allowing for an additional resistive current to flow. The degree to which this
current deviates from the ideal is represented by the Loss Angle (δ), and its tangent (Tan Delta) is
calculated to determine the level of contamination.

Working Principle

In the Tan Delta test, an AC voltage is applied to a test cell, and the total current flowing through the oil is
measured. This total current consists of two components: a capacitive current (IC) and a resistive current
(IR). The capacitive current is associated with the energy storage capacity of the oil, while the resistive
current arises from impurities or degradation within the oil that lead to losses. These losses, measured as
watts, are proportional to the magnitude of the resistive current. The total current deviates from the ideal
90-degree phase shift, and the extent of this deviation is used to calculate the Tan Delta value, a crucial
indicator of oil quality.

If the Tan Delta value is close to zero, the oil has excellent insulation properties. However, an increasing Tan
Delta indicates contamination or degradation. The test is conducted at two different temperatures—
typically at ambient temperature and at 90°C. This temperature-based testing helps reveal contaminants
that might be undetectable at lower temperatures, such as moisture.
Relevance of ASTM D924 and IEC 60247

The ASTM D924 and IEC 60247 standards define the testing procedures for measuring the dielectric
dissipation factor (DDF), relative permittivity, and resistivity of insulating oils. These methods provide
detailed guidelines for preparing test samples, calibrating equipment, and conducting the Tan Delta test
under controlled conditions.

1. ASTM D924 outlines the test method for dielectric dissipation and resistivity of insulating liquids. It
details the procedure for applying an AC voltage to the oil, measuring the phase shift between current and
voltage, and calculating the dissipation factor. This method helps identify oil quality and aging
characteristics.

2. IEC 60247 specifies the measurement of dielectric dissipation factor, relative permittivity, and
resistivity of insulating liquids at different temperatures, typically ambient and high temperature (90°C).
This dual-temperature testing is vital for detecting moisture and other contaminants that may not
manifest at lower temperatures.

3. IEC 61620 focuses on measuring dissipation factor at low frequencies (down to 0.01 Hz), which can
reveal oil degradation with more precision, especially for transformer oils that exhibit subtle dielectric
losses over time.

4. BS 5737 emphasizes transformer oil testing and maintenance by providing guidelines on oil purity,
performance, and regular testing requirements to ensure transformer reliability.

5. JIS C2101 from Japan outlines specific methods for testing the dielectric properties of insulating oils,
focusing on both resistivity and dissipation factor measurements at varied temperatures, aiding in
identifying any impurity affecting the insulation system.

6. VDE 0380-2 from Germany offers comprehensive guidelines for dielectric testing of transformer oils
with emphasis on assessing dielectric losses and their impact on transformer safety and performance.

7. IS 6262 is the Indian Standard for dielectric testing of transformer oils and aligns with international
standards to ensure consistency in oil testing across different regions.

Resistivity and Its Importance

Another critical indicator of oil quality is resistivity, which measures how strongly the oil opposes the flow
of electrical current. Low resistivity indicates a higher degree of contamination, while high resistivity is
associated with pure oil with strong insulating properties. The ASTM D924 and IEC 60247 standards both
specify procedures for resistivity testing, which involves applying a DC voltage to the oil sample and
measuring the resulting current after one minute. The test is conducted using direct and reverse polarity to
ensure accuracy.

High resistivity and a low Tan Delta value are indicative of good oil quality. Conversely, low resistivity
combined with a high Tan Delta suggests the presence of impurities such as moisture, acids, or particles
that degrade the oil’s insulation properties.

Detecting Contamination in Transformer Oil

The primary sources of contamination in transformer oil are oxidation, moisture, and excessive heat.
Oxidation, a chemical process that results in the formation of acids and sludge, leads to a decrease in oil
quality and can be detected by increased Tan Delta values. Moisture, particles, and fibers also contribute
to higher Tan Delta readings, as these contaminants reduce the oil’s ability to insulate effectively.

High values of Tan Delta combined with reduced resistivity indicate that the oil contains polar
contaminants, which increase the risk of transformer failure. Regular testing according to ASTM D924, IEC
60247, and other international standards allows for the early detection of these contaminants and enables
corrective action, such as oil replacement or purification, to be taken before irreversible damage occurs.

Preventing Transformer Failures

Excessive heat and electrical stress are the main causes of transformer oil degradation. As the oil
deteriorates, its ability to insulate and transfer heat diminishes, leading to further increases in temperature
and accelerating the degradation process. This vicious cycle can eventually result in catastrophic
transformer failures, including explosions in extreme cases.

By conducting regular Tan Delta and resistivity tests, utility companies can monitor the condition of the oil
and take preventive measures to avoid costly transformer failures. The dual-temperature Tan Delta test is
particularly effective at detecting moisture, which evaporates at high temperatures and can lead to
flashovers or other dangerous conditions if not addressed.
IEEE C57.106 specifies

Conclusion

Oil condition monitoring through Tan Delta testing and other methods like resistivity measurement plays a
crucial role in ensuring the reliability of power transformers. Adhering to international standards like ASTM
D924, IEC 60247, and others ensures consistency and accuracy in test results, enabling effective detection
of oil contamination and degradation. Regular testing and maintenance can prevent transformer failures,
reduce downtime, and extend the operational life of transformers, safeguarding the electrical
infrastructure.