INVESTIGATION INTO HYDROGEN PRODUCTION AS A RESULT OF NATURAL ESTER DEGRADATION
This month’s Featured Technical Paper is from the Proceedings of the 2024 International Conference of Doble Clients. The paper is titled: Investigation Into Hydrogen Production as a Result of Natural Ester Degradation.
Abstract
This paper provides information on the degradation of in-service soy-based natural esters (hereafter called natural ester or NE). Although other natural esters composed of rapeseed (canola) and sunflower extract may act similarly, they are different chemically and the information to date suggests they may be more oxidatively stable. Although comparisons to mineral oil are made as that is the most ubiquitous electrical insulating liquid in the installed transformer base, the degradation mechanisms are different in that as these esters tend to become more viscous as they polymerize with oxidative aging. This paper is an attempt to alert the user of possible signs of natural ester degradation, actions to take, including possible scrapping of the aged natural ester if it is past the point of recovery. Oxygen and temperature are the primary drivers for the degradation of this insulating liquid. For a long insulating liquid life, oxygen exposure should be minimized with proper maintenance and retaining a sealed system.
Doble Service Agreement Clients
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