How do you test PCBs in oil?

Testing for PCBs in oil can only be done by accredited laboratories to be defensible. Field test kits cannot reliably detect PCBs in used oil. As of 2017, sample analysis costs around $60 to $150 per sample, depending on your desired turnaround time.

What is PCB test of transformer oil?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants in insulating oil of a large number of transformers. A rapid and economical analytical method to detect PCB contamination is still required.

What is PCB contaminated oil?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are very toxic chemicals and persistent in the environment. Many transformers still contain traces of PCB-contaminated oil even after the oil has been changed several times.

What is PCB content in transformer oil?

Electrical insulating mineral oils in a number of transformers contain measurable amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). An EPRI project investigated four possible approaches for removing PCBs from contaminated mineral oil.

Why do we check oil in transformer?

Why is Transformer Oil Testing Important Determine essential electrical properties of transformer oil. Identify if a certain oil is suitable for future use. Detect whether regeneration or filtration is needed. Reduce oil costs and enhance component life.

Does Motor oil contain PCBs?

Although the manufacture of PCBs was banned in 1979 by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), PCB-containing used oil still shows up today—33 years later. PCBs are ubiquitous and are found frequently, especially in oil drained from electrical equipment (transformers, capacitors, etc.) and old hydraulic systems.

Which test is done for transformer oil?

The most important test that can be done on the liquid insulation of a transformer is an annual Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA). This test can give an early indication of abnormal behavior of the transformer. As the name implies, this test analyzes the type and quantity of gases that are dissolved in the transformer oil.

What is BDV testing?

BDV test means Breakdown Voltage Test. It is done for checking the dielectric strength of the oil of the Transformer. Dielectric strength means the maximum capacity to withstand voltage of insulating oil. For the purpose of BDV test, oil sample from Transformer is taken in a Sample Bottle.

How is polychlorinated biphenyls made?

With few exceptions, PCBs were manufactured as a mixture of individual PCB congeners. These mixtures were created by adding progressively more chlorine to batches of biphenyl until a certain target percentage of chlorine by weight was achieved.

Is transformer oil a hazardous material?

Rinsate may be considered a RCRA hazardous waste and must be disposed of with care and in compliance with federal, state and local regulations. Large empty containers, such as drums, should be returned to the distributor or a drum reconditioner.

How can you tell if a transformer has PCBs?

Some nameplates specify the brand of cooling liquid inside the transformer. If one of the brand names listed in Table 1 appears on the nameplate, the transformer contains PCBs.

What is ppm test of transformer oil?

PPM stands for Parts Per Million. It is used to measure the weight of moisture divided by the value of oil. The moisture content in oil lowers the insulating system dielectric strength that permits flashover to harm a transformer. For example, for mineral oil, a generally accepted maximum moisture content is 35 ppm.

Can PCBs in transformer oil be measured?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that are present in transformer oil are a common global problem because of their toxicity and environmental persistence. The development of a rapid, low-cost method for measurement of PCBs in oil has been a matter of priority because of the large number of PCB-contaminated transformers still in service.

What are PCB contaminated Transformers?

They are designated PCB transformers or PCB capacitors. Mineral oil transformers containing 50 ppm (0.005%) PCBs are designated PCB contaminated transformers. All of the above are regulated for use and disposal.

How do you test a mineral oil transformer for contamination?

Testing is the only way to determine whether or not a mineral oil transformer has been contaminated Dielectrics of mineral oil transformers and PCB transformers were often mixed during servicing resulting in transformers with mineral oil on the nameplates that may contain PCBs as a contaminant.

Why measure chlorine in transformer oil?

As indicated above, measurement of chlorine can be an excellent predictor for actual PCB contamination in transformer oil and other fluids of interest. X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) technology provides a reliable, fast and easy-to-use chlorine measurement methodology.