Most high-voltage transformers, cables, switches and capacitors use insulating oils to dissipate thermal energy and insulate conductive parts at different voltages. They must have a very high dielectric breakdown strength to avoid damage from electric stress. BDV test is a quick and accurate way to check the quality of insulating oil. It can detect moisture content, impurities and acidity level of the oil.

Temperature

A Dielectric oil breakdown voltage meter is a test mechanism that can be used to evaluate the condition of insulating liquids. Its purpose is to determine the dielectric strength of a sample of insulating liquid using two electrodes. It can be used to check if the oil is in good condition and if it has been contaminated or sludged up.

The temperature of the oil is important because it affects how the molecules interact with the electric field. The higher the temperature, the more ions and electrons are ionized, and this decreases the dielectric strength.

In addition, the thickness of the oil also influences its dielectric strength. Thicker oils have a lower dielectric strength than thinner ones. A thicker oil also has a higher viscosity, which increases the amount of energy it takes to break down the material. This can cause damage to the insulation and reduce the effectiveness of the oil.

Pressure

Using microprocessors, this transformer oil dielectric strength breakdown voltage tester can complete all the testing operations according to the standard and custom tests. It can be equipped with a wide variety of oil cups to meet the specific needs of different users. Its insulating oil test cup desktop structure is easy to operate and has many safety features.

Moisture in the oil can significantly reduce its breakdown voltage. This is because water molecules, which are polar, easily form a conductive bridge between electrodes under the action of an electric field. This ruins the insulation properties of the oil.

The high-voltage switch-off function of this tester works within 10 seconds after the arc is formed, which ensures the operator’s safety. It also prevents unnecessary pollution of the sample by carbonisation. All these features make it an ideal choice for a variety of insulating oil testing applications.

Moisture

Moisture is one of the main factors that affects the breakdown voltage of oil. When the moisture content in the oil is high it will cause the oil to bridging the gap between the electrodes which results in a reduced BDV. Moisture in the oil can also lead to contamination by various acids and conducting particles which will weaken the strength of the insulating oil.

Ideally the oil should be vacuum filtered when there is excessive moisture in it. The other option is to change the oil.

The insulating oil tester is designed for the accurate determination of the dielectric strength of insulating liquids poured in electric apparatuses like transformers, etc. The test can be conducted on-site or in the laboratory. It is highly efficient and reliable. It is available in different models and can be easily customized to suit your application. The device is easy to operate and comes with a user-friendly interface. It is ideal for both laboratory and field use for commissioning and maintenance tasks.

Impurities

Insulating oil is used in liquid-filled high-voltage electrical equipment such as transformers, circuit breakers, switches and capacitors to dissipate thermal energy and insulate conductive elements at different voltages. It is important that insulating oils have a low impurity level and a high breakdown voltage. To check these properties, specialized equipment known as a breakdown voltage meter is used to test the oil.

The impurities present in the oil influence the results of BDV testing. Water, for example, is a sensitive impurity that has a great impact on the breakdown voltage of the oil. The polar molecules of water are easily elongated by electric fields and arrange themselves along the direction of the force, thus forming a conductive bridge.

The aging products of the oil also affect the breakdown voltage. These contaminants contaminate the oil and cause it to lose its quality as an insulator. They also cause the dielectric constant of the oil to increase over a period of time.

Wrapping It Up

Insulating oil is used in liquid filled high voltage equipment such as transformers, power circuit breakers, bushings and power capacitors to dissipate heat and insulate conductive elements. The performance of the oil can deteriorate with age and contamination. This insulating oil breakdown voltage tester (also known as spark meter) is easy to use, fully automatic and provides repeatable results. It can be used in the laboratory and on site for commissioning or maintenance testing.