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Lab Services Analytical Solutions

Transformer Signature

When a new transformer is commissioned, establishing the Time Zero conditions is essential to start building the transformer’s analysis history. This package includes the key tests to run every time a new unit is put in place.

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The recommended tests in this package include:

Dissolved Gas Analysis
Key gases detected: H2 (Hydrogen), O2 (Oxygen), N2 (Nitrogen), CH4 (Methane),
CO (Carbon Monoxide), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), C2H4 (Ethylene), C2H6 (Ethane), C2H2 (Acetylene).
DGA as per ASTM D3612.

Water Content
Water reduces the insulation capacity of the oil, excessive moisture accelerates
the decomposition of the paper insulation.
Moisture in Oil content test as per ASTM D1533.

Furan Content
Furanic compounds are produced as the paper insulation deteriorates;
measuring the concentration of those compounds gives an indication on the
condition of the paper insulation.
Furan content as per ASTM D5837.

ASTM Package
Physical, Electrical and Chemical tests including: visual examination,
dielectric breakdown, acidity, interfacial tension, density and color.
All as per their specific ASTM test methods.

Oxidation Inhibitor
Oxidation occurs and inhibitor is consumed, controlling the inhibitor content
extends the life of the oil by preventing sludge formation.
Oxidation Inhibitor test as per ASTM D4768.

Power Factor 25°C and 100°C
Dissipation Factor is key for determining the presence of contaminants that cause
power losses in the oil.
Power Factor at 25°C and 100°C as per ASTM D924.

PCB Analysis
Polychlorinated Biphenyl content, Morgan Schaffer performs this analysis under
accreditation by the SCC. Results are recognized worldwide as being equivalent to
any accredited laboratory that is signatory to ILAC.
PCB analysis as per ASTM D4059.

Fault Determination

This basic package, is the first step when trying to locate and identify a specific transformer problem. The results from these tests will allow you to determine what other tests are required to be performed in order to have a clear understanding of your transformer’s actual condition.

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Dissolved Gas Analysis
Key gases detected: H2 (Hydrogen), O2 (Oxygen), N2 (Nitrogen), CH4 (Methane),
CO (Carbon Monoxide), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), C2H4 (Ethylene), C2H6 (Ethane), C2H2 (Acetylene).
DGA as per ASTM D3612.

Water Content
Water reduces the insulation capacity of the oil, excessive moisture accelerates the decomposition of the paper insulation. Moisture in Oil content test as per ASTM D1533.

Furan Content
Furanic compounds are produced as the paper insulation deteriorates; measuring the concentration of those compounds gives an indication on the condition of the paper insulation. Furan content as per ASTM D5837.

Metals in Oil
High energy faults can generate metal particles of various kinds and establishing the concentration of these metal particles will help to narrow down the list of components involved in the fault.

Routine Tests

It is recommended to perform routine tests at least once a year in order to monitor the health of your transformers. Faults can occur at any stage of your transformer’s life and evolve rapidly. Testing your transformers on a regular basis will allow you to detect any unforeseen change…

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The recommended tests in this package include:

Dissolved Gas Analysis
Key gases detected: H2 (Hydrogen), O2 (Oxygen), N2 (Nitrogen), CH4 (Methane),
CO (Carbon Monoxide), CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), C2H4 (Ethylene), C2H6 (Ethane), C2H2 (Acetylene).
DGA as per ASTM D3612.

Water Content
Water reduces the insulation capacity of the oil, excessive moisture accelerates the decomposition of the paper insulation. Moisture in Oil content test as per ASTM D1533.

Furan Content
Furanic compounds are produced as the paper insulation deteriorates; measuring the concentration of those compounds gives an indication on the condition of the paper insulation. Furan content as per ASTM D5837.

ASTM Package
Physical, Electrical and Chemical tests including: visual examination, dielectric breakdown, acidity, interfacial tension, density and color. All as per their specific ASTM test methods.

Transformer Commissioning

When a new transformer is commissionned, Morgan Schaffer recommends that the following test package be performed immediately.

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The recommended tests in this package include:

  • Dissolved Gas Analysis
  • ASTM Package
  • Oxidation Inhibitor
  • Water content
  • Power Factor 25°C and 100°C
  • Furan Content

Oil Qualification

Prior to accepting reprocessed oil, it is recommended to perform the tests depicted in this package.

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Corrosive Sulfur
Corrosive Sulfur can lead to catastrophic failure of transformers by corroding copper on other metals; this test shows if the oil is corrosive or non-corrosive. Corrosive Sulfur Test as per ASTM D1275-B.

DBDS Content
Recent studies have identified dibenzyl disulfide (DBDS) as a corrosive sulfur compound. Presence of DBDS is a complementary key analysis to ASTM D-1275-B.

Special Tests

We offer special transformer oil tests that allow you to have a more comprehensive view of your transformer oil condition. These tests can be run annually, bi-annually, or depending on the parameters evolution, a shorter sampling frequency may be required.

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Reprocessed Oil
The recommended tests in this package include:

  • Dissolved Gas Analysis
  • Moisture Content
  • ASTM package
  • Power Factor 25/100

New Oil Acceptance
The recommended tests in this package include:

  • Particle count ISO 4406
  • Sediments and soluble sludge ASTM D 1698
  • Steam emulsion number ASTM D 1935
  • Pour point ASTM D 97
  • PCB Analysis (ASTM D-4059)
  • Moisture content (ASTM D-1533)
  • Standard tests (mineral oils) Jar sample required
  • Dielectric 2 mm ASTM D 1816
  • Power Factor @ 25°C – jar sample required (ASTM D-924)
  • Power Factor @ 100°C – jar sample required (ASTM D-924)
  • Inhibitor (Anti-Oxidant) content (ASTM D-4768)
  • Metal Analysis – 20 ml vial required
  • Viscosity at 100°C (D-445)
  • Viscosity at 40°C (D-445)
  • Corrosive sulfur (ASTM D 1275)
  • Flash Point (ASTM D92)

Waste Lot Elimination
PCB analysis should be performed on every lot prior to elimination in order to ensure you meet gouvernemental regulations.