How online transformer monitoring can empower asset managers working from home

Transformer monitoring is complex. Especially if you work from home. But the technology exists to implement more comprehensive remote transformer management.

Transformer DGA: Traditional versus Enhanced diagnostics

The advent of transformer monitoring has emerged and continues to develop at a rapid pace. Now ﬁrmly established as a mainstay of power transformer monitoring, online Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) is one of the most powerful tools in protecting against unexpected asset failures.

Applications, TransformersInsulect Team11 June 2020DGA, Transformer Monitoring

The best transformer fluids for underground, subterranean and tunnels

MIDEL ester fluids present the ideal solution for transformers in subterranean projects – including hydro power stations, underground storage facilities, mines, train tunnels and urban installations.

Powering critical industries with ester fluids

As the use of MIDEL grows worldwide, we are supplying an increasing number of industrial customers with our natural and synthetic ester fluids. Industrial customers include factories, warehouses, retail stores, hospitals.

Distribution transformers with natural and synthetic ester fluids

As distribution transformers are often located near or inside buildings, fire safety is a vital factor when choosing your transformer oil. MIDEL transformer fluids have a 100% fire safety record and are classified as K-class fluids.

Eco friendly energy with transformer ester fluids

Whether in a wind turbine nacelle, a sub-sea installation or in a hydro power station next to protected waterways, the transformers used in renewable energy assets are increasingly protected by MIDEL ester fluids.

Product News, Applications, TransformersInsulect Marketing1 June 2020Renewables

Safer, faster, greener trains with MIDEL fluids

MIDEL 7131 synthetic ester transformer liquid is the premier solution found on rolling stock and high speed trains worldwide. Size, weight and reliability are crucial performance factors in this sector.

Transformer ester fluids in marine applications

When transformers need to be deployed in, on, under or near bodies of water, MIDEL ester fluids deliver the preferred solution versus mineral oil.

Using natural and synthetic ester fluids in power transformers

Power transformers are critical assets in energy infrastructure, so fire safety and eco-protection are also prime considerations. That’s why the world’s leading utilities and transformer manufacturers turn to MIDEL ester fluids.

Product News, Applications, TransformersInsulect Marketing1 June 2020Power Transformers

Which transformer oils are compatible with MIDEL ester fluids for retrofilling?

Miscibility is an indication of the compatibility between different liquids. MIDEL 7131 synthetic ester and MIDEL eN natural ester fluids are fully miscible with transformer mineral oil, high molecular weight hydrocarbons and other transformer ester liquids.

Can Midel ester fluids heal existing insulation problems in a transformer?

Degradation of the solid cellulose insulation in transformers (insulation ageing) is irreversible. Thermal ageing of cellulose materials cannot be avoided – however it can be slowed. Retrofilling transformers with MIDEL fluids, can have a positive impact on the issue of paper ageing.

Which dielectric fluids classifications are important to understanding fire safety?

According to IEC 61936 transformers filled with K-class fluids can have reduced fire protection measures. In addition, certifiers such as FM Global provide a list of approved Less Flammable Transformer Fluids and guides for safe installation.

How do Midel ester transformers fluids perform in the cold?

There are a range of MIDEL fluids to suit various climatic conditions. The performance of each fluid under cold climate conditions can be characterised by the pour point.

If Midel ester fluids have high acid levels, how do I recondition my fluid?

Ester fluids can absorb large amounts of moisture with no reduction of breakdown voltage. They have a higher saturation point – and are more tolerant of water – than mineral oil. A comparison of the saturation curves of different fluids is shown below.

What happens to the performance of Midel fluids when they absorb moisture?

Ester fluids can absorb large amounts of moisture with no reduction of breakdown voltage. They have a higher saturation point – and are more tolerant of water – than mineral oil. A comparison of the saturation curves of different fluids is shown below.

How do I use dissolved gas analysis (DGA) with Midel ester fluids?

Using much the same oil sampling and analysis methods you would use for mineral oil. The gasses esters produce during electrical and thermal faults are the same as for mineral oil, but the quantities and relative amounts are slightly different.

What is the Power Factor of MIDEL ester fluids?

The dielectric dissipation factor of ester-based liquids is higher than that of mineral oil, due to the polar chemical structure of the ester. This in turn leads to higher power factor values for clean, dry insulation than would normally be seen with mineral oil.

Can I use Midel fluids to retrofill transformers at high voltages?

Although MIDEL fluids are suitable for higher voltage levels in specifically designed transformers, retrofilling depends upon the voltage and power rating. As a general guideline the table below can be utilised.

Is interfacial tension a meaningful property for MIDEL fluids?

Interfacial Tension (IFT) is routinely used as an indicator of polar contaminants in mineral oil and can be directly related to oil condition. For ester-based fluids IFT is less sensitive to polar contaminants and not so useful for ageing assessment.

How do you process and handle used transformer ester fluids?

Depending on their condition, Midel fluids can be reprocessed and reclaimed using similar equipment and methods to mineral oil.

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