The life cycle of an oil-insulated transformer actually begins before the first time it is energised. The first step is to the select the desired transformer, and hence the oil used to fill it. When purchasing the machinery, the proprietor is required to draw up comprehensive, precise and rigorous lists or requirements, dealing with critical issues of both a technical and contractual nature. Similarly, the choice of insulating fluid must be made on the basis of a number of factors such as type of transformer, cost, ambient temperature (min, max), environmental considerations, etc.
Upon taking receipt of the oil, the proprietor of the transformer must ensure that it complies fully with the requested specifications before accepting it and using it to fill the transformer.

There may be cases where, as a result of changes in the mode of production, an oil changes its formula over time, similarly, the additivation type and methods adopted by the manufacturer may mean that it is not possible to guarantee that the formula is identical from one batch to the next.
We recommend requesting the manufacturer to provide a "fingerprint" of the oil, indicating the carbon profile of the fluid that has been supplied, since this is the only way to be certain of the type of oil in question.

During the "oil acceptance" phase, Sea Marconi can assist the proprietor both in selecting the most suitable oil for his/her requirements and when checking the newly received oil.
Specifically, Sea Marconi can provide the following services:

• A. sampling oil drums or tanks (in line with specific protocols), analysing oil, and certifying the results of the analyses. The properties to be checked are indicated in IEC 60296 ed. 4 2012, plus any additional properties (e.g . Total corrosive sulphur, fingerprinting, copper deposition tests, additives, compatibility testing and simulation)

• B. diagnosing critical issues with oil in drums or tanks

• C. drafting a final report with an opinion on the conformity of the insulating oil, indicating reasons for any critical issues and recommending appropriate countermeasures.

? How long can I keep the oil drums in stock before using the oil in the transformer? And how should they be stored?

Contact us for information about storing the oil drums.

? Have you divided the oil sample into three lots for subsequent checks?
Contact us for information about the correct sampling procedures.

? Have you noticed free water in the upper parts of drums?
Contact us for a quality control of the oil in question.

Why choose Sea Marconi?

- Sea Marconi has developed the sector's largest private database , which makes it possible to compare the oil delivered by the producer (a single producer may distribute up to 30 different types of oil) with that ordered by the proprietor, and hence check that it conforms to the required specifications.

- Thanks to our accredited and state of the art analysis procedures, we are able to analyse the oil not only by means of the basic tests indicated in the technical standards, but also by implementing the most up to date tests (e.g. corrosion problems) that can provide solutions to critical issues not yet published in the standards.
- Availability of a complete field kit set for initial screening of the oil directly in the field (PCB, acidity and total corrosive sulphur screening)

Regulatory requirements

IEC 60296 ed. 4.0 - 2012-> Fluids for electrotechnical applications - Unused mineral insulating oils for transformers and switchgear
IEC 62770 ed. 1.0 - 2013-> Fluids for electrotechnical applications - Unused natural esters for transformers and similar electrical equipment
IEC 61099 ed. 2.0 - 2010-> Insulating liquids - Specifications for unused synthetic organic esters for electrical purposes
IEC 60836 ed. 2.0 - 2005-> Specifications for unused silicone insulating liquids for electrotechnical purposes
IEC 60588-1 ed. 1.0 - 1977-> Askarels for transformers and capacitors. Part 1: General (NOTE: PCB liquids, historical reference not for new applications according to Functional international and local regulation such as Stockholm Convention)
Askarel is no longer in production. Its production and marketing are prohibited under the Stockholm Convention and local regulations. Historical reference standard
IEC 60376 ed. 2.0 - 2005-> Specification of technical grade sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) for use in electrical equipment
IEC 62701 ed.1 - 2014(Document 10/908/FDIS Project: IEC 62701 APPROVED) -> Fluids for electrotechnical applications - Recycled mineral insulating oils for transformers and switchgears
More details on the IEC website