Regeneration of Transformer Insulating Fluids Using Membrane Separation Technology

Leila Safiddine, Hadj-Ziane Zafour, Ungarala Mohan Rao and Issouf Fofana
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Leila Safiddine: Université Saad Dahlab Blida, Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Route de Soumaa, Blida BP 270-09000, Algeria
Hadj-Ziane Zafour: Université Saad Dahlab Blida, Laboratoire de Génie Chimique, Route de Soumaa, Blida BP 270-09000, Algeria
Ungarala Mohan Rao: Research Chair on the Aging of Power Network Infrastructure (ViAHT), University of Quebec in Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada
Issouf Fofana: Research Chair on the Aging of Power Network Infrastructure (ViAHT), University of Quebec in Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi, QC G7H 2B1, Canada

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 3, 1-13

Abstract: Oxidation of oil/paper insulation initiates premature aging and introduces carboxylic acids with eventual increase in oil acidity, which hampers the properties of the oil. In this paper, a membrane separation technology-based purification process for aged insulation oil has been evaluated and reported. The intent of the present study is to eliminate carboxylic acids, dissolved decay contents and other colloidal contamination present in aged oil and enhance the useful life of oil. The potential of the membrane treatment process has been demonstrated using Ultraviolet Visible Infrared Spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy diagnostic measurements for oil and membrane. Additionally, membrane retention properties like membrane flux, retention coefficient, sorption time and membrane mass have been analyzed to understand the treatment process. To further evaluate the performance of the membrane and effectiveness of the treatment process, acidity, dielectric dissipation factor, relative permittivity, and resistivity measurements of the oil before and after filtration have been also reported. The proposed membrane purification method has been tested for Algerian utility in-service oil samples. It is inferred that, membrane filtration method is a simple and effective method for treatment of aged oils and aids in extending the remnant life of the oil. The procedure is economically attractive because of increasing prices for transformer liquids, cost effective and environmentally sounds.

Keywords: transformers; insulation; regeneration; membrane separation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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