Oil Testing

Expert Diagnosis and Efficient Follow-up

Today's competitive and deregulated markets demand longer life and greater reliability from aging electrical transmission equipment. Oil analysis is an important part of any Predictive Maintenance (PDM) or Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) program for fluid-filled electrical equipment.

GE offers laboratory testing of transformer fluids, also called dielectric fluids or insulating liquids. Using oil quality (also known as routine, screen, or comprehensive testing) and dissolved gas analysis (DGA), we provide expert diagnostic interpretation of the fluid condition and operational health of the following equipment:

  • Transformers
  • Load tap changers (LTCs)
  • Oil circuit breakers (OCBs)

Because GE is a manufacturer of transformers, performs on-site service and testing, and operates a global network of transformer repair facilities, our laboratory has access to unmatched resources for diagnostic interpretation and any follow up services you may require.

Transformer Oil Testing and Fluid Types

Dielectric fluid testing is the most critical and cost-effective testing available to monitor the health of liquid-filled electrical equipment. Routine screen testing of dielectric fluids confirms that the fluid is capable of performing the primary functions of insulating and cooling. Dielectric fluid testing falls into the following categories:

Critical Tests
  • Dissolved gas analysis (DGA); (Oils, Silicone, R-Temp fluids only)
  • Dielectric strength (D-877 or alternatively D-1816)
  • Dissolved water content (Karl Fischer Titration)
  • Visual condition
  • Viscosity (askarel fluids)
Aging / Oxidation Tests
  • Neutralization (acidity)
  • Color
  • Interfacial surface tension (IFT)
  • Furans
  • Inhibitors
Fluid Type Identification
  • Refractive index (also detects mixture of fluids)
  • Specific gravity
  • Viscosity (also affects cooling ability of fluid)

DGA is the most important test on oil, R-temp and silicone fluids for the detection of many internal faults, operator errors, external fault events or assembly errors.

Download Information

For More Information

Find a service center that performs Transformer services

Related Information