June 20, 2006 IEEE PC57.

130/D17

IEEE PC57.130/D17

Date June 20, 2006

Trial-Use Guide for the Use of

Dissolved Gas Analysis During
Factory Temperature Rise Tests for
the Evaluation of Oil-Immersed
Transformers and Reactors

Sponsored by the
Transformers Committee
of the
IEEE Power Engineering Society

Copyright © 2006 by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

Three Park Avenue
New York, New York 10016-5997, USA
All rights reserved.

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June 20, 2006 IEEEPC57.130/D17

Abstract: This trial-use guide is intended to apply dissolved gas analysis(DGA) performed on
oil-immersed transformers and reactors which have been subjected to factory temperature rise
tests. It contains recommended procedures for sampling, recommended actions based on
interpretation of results, and a bibliography of related literature.

Keywords: dissolved gas analysis, factory temperature rise tests

Introduction

(This introduction is not part of IEEE Std C57.130-2004, IEEE Trial-Use Guide for the Use of
Dissolved Gas Analysis During Factory Temperature Rise Tests for the Evaluation of Oil-
Immersed Transformers and Reactors.)

The evaluation of gases generated in oil-immersed transformers and reactors during factory
temperature rise tests is a useful method of detecting thermal problems. These thermal
problems may be due to abnormal leakage flux heating in the windings and leads, the magnetic
circuit, or in structural elements. They may also be caused by inadequate heat dissipation or
poor oil circulation within the core or windings, imperfect connections or contacts, excessive
paper insulation, or clogged or inadequate cooling ducts.

This trial-use guide was writtien with the understanding that, as additional experience is gained,
periodic reviews will be made to ensure that recommendations in this guide continue to be based
on the most up-to- date information.

Patents
Attention is called to the possibility that implementation of this standard may require use of
subject matter covered by patent rights. By publication of this standard, no position is taken with
respect to the existence or validity of any patent rights in connection therewith. The IEEE shall
not be responsible for identifying patents for which a license may be required by an IEEE
standard or for conducting inquiries into the legal validity or scope of those patents that are
brought to its attention.

Participants
The following is a list of participants in the working group that developed this trial-use guide:

Frank W. Heinrichs, Chair

Frank J. Gryszkiewicz, Co-Chair

Joseph J. Kelly Richard J. Musil Subhash Tuli

John G. Lackey T.V. Oommen Robert A. Veitch
Richard I. Lowe

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June 20, 2006 IEEEPC57.130/D17

Contents

1. Overview ....................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Scope ....................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Background Information ........................................................................................................................... 1

2. References ....................................................................................................................................................... 1

3. Procedures for obtaining samples of oil from the transformer for laboratory analysis ..................................... 2

4. Laboratory methods for analyzing the gas extracted from the oil ..................................................................... 3

5 Description ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

5.1 Temperature rise test interval .................................................................................................................... 3

5.2 Oil sampling before temperature rise test-sample 1 .................................................................................. 3
5.3 Oil sampling at end of temperature rise test-sample 2............................................................................... 3
5.4 Intermediate sampling ............................................................................................................................... 4

6. Determination of average component gas generation rate ................................................................................ 4

6.1 Determination of generated component concentrations ............................................................................ 4

6.2 Determination of average generation rates ................................................................................................ 4
6.3 Evaluation of gas generation rates............................................................................................................. 5

Annex A (informative) Bibliography........................................................................................................................ 6

TABLES

Table 1 Gas Generation Rate Guidelines................................................................................................................ 5

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June 20, 2006 IEEE PC57.130/D17

1. Overview

1.1 Scope

This document provides guidance in the application of dissolved gas analysis (DGA) to transformers and
reactors subjected to factory temperature rise tests. This document consists of evaluation procedures and
guidelines for acceptable levels of gases generated in conventional mineral-oil-filled transformers and
reactors during factory temperature rise tests.

1.2 Background information

The factory temperature rise test (formerly known as the heat run test) is performed in accordance with
IEEE Std C57.12.90 to determine whether the temperature rises of the windings, oil, and other components
meet design values. When testing power transformers, it is normally performed by the short circuit method;
therefore, the losses and corresponding heating produced by core flux are minimal and the superposition of
core and leakage flux during actual loading are not accurately represented by this test. On the other hand,
during much of this test, a transformer is operated at higher-than-rated current to simulate core losses.
During factory temperature rise tests, only the more serious design or manufacturing defects become
apparent and less severe conditions, which could lead to future problems in service, can escape detection.

The gas generation rate data contained in this trial-use guide is based on 95% confidence levels derived
from a somewhat limited database. This database has shown that the oil volume and voltage rating of the
transformer were not factors influencing the gas generation rates obtained. The Working Group hopes to
obtain more temperature rise test data to ensure that future revisions of this document will be based on the
most up-to-date information.

This document is, in general, an advisory document that provides guidance on the subject of DGA as it
applies to the factory temperature rise test. The ultimate decision on the evaluation of acceptable levels of
gas generated during the temperature rise test should be made by the user and manufacturer at the time of
test.

In view of the fact that this guide is written for trial use, it may also be applicable for performance during
overload temperature rise tests performed in accordance with IEEE Std C57.119. The gas generation rates
in this trial-use guide are not based on overload temperature rise tests as no data was available when the
guide was written. Therefore, they may not be applicable for evaluating overload temperature rise test
DGA data. This topic is left to be resolved by the user and the manufacturer at the time of testing. As
additional experience is gained, periodic reviews will be made to ensure that the guide is also applicable
for overload temperature rise tests.

2. Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any ammendments or corrigenda) applies.

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June 20, 2006 IEEEPC57.130/D17

ASTM D3612, Standard Test Method for Analysis of Gases Dissolved in Electrical Insulating Oils by Gas
Chromatography.1

ASTM D3613, Standard Practice for Sampling Electrical Insulating Oils for Gas Analysis and Determi-
nation of Water Content.

IEEE Std C57.12.00™, IEEE General Requirements for Liquid-Immersed Distribution, Power, and
Regulating Transformers.2

IEEE Std C57.12.90™, IEEE Test Code for Liquid-Immersed Distribution, Power, and Regulating
Transformers and Guide for Short-Circuit Testing of Distribution and Power Transformers.

IEEE Std C57.104™, IEEE Guide for the Interpretation of Gases Generated in Oil Immersed
Transformers.

IEEE Std C57.119™, IEEE Recommended Practice for Performing Temperature Rise Tests on Oil-
Immersed Power Transformers at Loads Beyond Nameplate Ratings.

3. Procedures for obtaining samples of oil from the transformer for

laboratory analysis
All samples of oil from electrical apparatus being taken for the purpose of dissolved gas-in-oil analysis
(DGA) should be taken in accordance with ASTM D3613. Duplicate samples are preferable.

The following gases should be measured during a DGA:

Hydrogen (H2)
Methane (CH4)
Ethane (C2H6)
Ethylene (C2H4)
Acetylene (C2H2)
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Oxygen (O2)
Nitrogen (N2)

The concentrations of combustible gases contained in the oil before the temperature rise test should be low
in order to accurately measure the limited volumes of gases usually generated during the test. No detectable
concentration of acetylene (C2H2) is acceptable. Because of the generally low gas concentrations generated
during temperature rise tests, identification of fault types by use of hydrogen and hydrocarbon gas
concentration ratios may not be valid.

The measurement of gas generation rates by DGA for temperature rise tests described in this trial-use guide
provides a new and more discriminating indicator of abnormalities previously undetectable by temperature
rise tests alone. The basis for this procedure is the presence of small but detectable quantities of
hydrocarbon gases (CH4, C2H2, C2H4, and C2H6) and hydrogen (H2) from decomposition of the oil, and
carbon oxides (CO and CO2) from the decomposition of cellulose. The generation rates of the hydrocarbon

1 ASTM publications are available from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West
Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, USA (http://www.astm.org/).
1 IEEE publications are available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 445 Hoes Lane, P.O. Box 1331,
Piscataway, NJ 08855-1331, USA (http://standards.ieee.org/).

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June 20, 2006 IEEEPC57.130/D17

and carbon oxide gases vary with temperature. Generation rates at normal design temperatures are quite
small but measurable. However, the abnormally high temperatures caused by localized overheating effects
significantly increase the generation rates of these gases, which are then compared to the established
guidelines for acceptable rates presented in this trial-use guide.

4. Laboratory methods for analyzing the gas extracted from the oil

For exact and generally applicable threshold or limiting values of concentrations or generation rates, it is
necessary to obtain uniform and high extraction efficiency for individual characteristic gases and to make
proper extraction efficiency corrections per ASTM D3612.

Determination of the individual dissolved gases should be made in accordance with ASTM D3612.

5. Description

A temperature rise test used to verify the thermal design of a transformer should be conducted in
accordance with IEEE Std C57.12.90 and any modifications agreed upon by the manufacturer and user.
DGA is then applied to oil samples drawn from the unit during the temperature rise test interval defined in
5.1. The generation rates for hydrogen (H2), hydrocarbon gases (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon
dioxide (CO2) are compared to the gas generation guidelines in Table 1 (see 6.3). These values are typical
for transformers tested at their nameplate rating. Temperature rise tests performed at loads beyond
nameplate rating may produce very different DGA results. Transformers equipped with gas detection
relays should be monitored. Any generated gas that accumulates in the relay chamber should be sampled
and tested. The gas generation rate guidelines in Table 1 should not be used for this.

5.1 Temperature rise test interval

The temperature rise test interval is the time interval between the time (t0) that the load is applied and the
time (tf) the load is shutdown.

5.2 Oil sampling before temperature rise test—Sample 1

Before the temperature rise test begins, and in accordance with Clause 3, an oil sample from a location as
near the direct path of the cooling oil as possible should be taken from the apparatus; however, such a tap
may not be provided. In this case, the sample should be taken from the bottom drain valve, which is the
universally acknowledged sampling point. This sample is identified as Sample 1.

5.3 Oil sampling during and at end of temperature rise test—Sample 2

The temperature rise test should continue for the specified time in IEEE Std C57.12.90. Depending on the
equipment design and the gas generating mechanism, the concentrations of generated gases may not reach
their maximum levels at the sampling point at exactly the same time as the load is shutdown (tf). For this
reason, there can be several procedures used by manufacturers to obtain the sample (Sample 2). Sample 2
could be taken in accordance with Clause 3 right after the load is shut down. It can also be taken anywhere

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June 20, 2006 IEEEPC57.130/D17

from 2-6 h after the load is shut down. The time when Sample 2 is taken should be agreed upon by the
manufacturer and user before the temperature rise test is started.

5.4 Intermediate sampling

To positively establish a trend and to detect faults that may initially exist and disappear during the test or
faults that may develop during the test, additional oil samples may be taken at regular intervals during and
after the test. These samples should be identified according to the time at which they were taken.

6. Determination of average component gas generation rates

As soon as possible after the temperature rise test is discontinued (preferrably within 24 hours), the gases
should be extracted from Samples 1 and 2 in accordance with Clause 4, and the generated components are
determined per 6.1. The component generation rates are determined per 6.2 using the temperature rise test
interval tf –t0 (5.1). The component generation rates are then compared to the gas generation rate guidelines
in Table 1 (see 6.3).

6.1 Determination of generated component concentrations

The generated hydrogen component {H2} is determined by subtracting the hydrogen [in parts per million
(ppm)] in Sample 1 from the hydrogen (ppm) in Sample 2.

The generated hydrocarbon component {HC} is determined by subtracting the sum (ppm) of CH4 + C2H4 +
C2H6 in Sample 1 from the sum (ppm) of CH4 +C2H4 +C2H6 in Sample 2. A generation component for
acetylene (C2 H2 ) is not included in the hydrocarbon (HC) component as the generation of any acetylene
during a temperature rise test is cause for serious concern.

The generated carbon monoxide component {CO} is determined by subtracting the CO (ppm) in Sample 1
from the CO (ppm) in Sample 2.

The generated carbon dioxide component {CO2} is determined by subtracting the CO2 (ppm) in Sample 1
from the CO2 (ppm) in Sample 2.

6.2 Determination of average generation rates

Generation rates for each component are determined by dividing the volume (ppm) of each generated com-
ponent by the heat run interval in hours (tf –t0).

The Generation Rates for each component are then:

[ H2 ] = { H2 } / tf – t0

[ HC ] = { HC } / tf – t0

[ CO ] = { CO } / tf – t0

[ CO2 ] = { CO2 } / tf – t0

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June 20, 2006 IEEEPC57.130/D17

6.3 Evaluation of gas generation rates

Although general guidelines for gas generation rates and recommended actions are given in this trial-use
guide, specific performance guarantees must be agreed upon by the purchaser and supplier prior to the
tests.

Table 1 contains guidelines for the component generation rates [H2], [HC], [CO], and [CO2].
Recommended action is given for Condition I (no problem detected), Condition II (possible problem); and
for Condition III (certain problem). Recommended action should be taken when any one or more
component rates exceed the guidelines.

The generation rates in Table 1 are applicable to transformers built in accordance with IEEE standards (65
°C AWR / 65 °C TOR / 80 °C HSR with an average ambient temperature of 30 °C). They may not be
applicable for higher operating temperatures and for overload temperature rise tests.

The gas generation rate guidelines contained in Table 1 are based on 95% confidence levels derived from a
somewhat limited database. This database has shown that the oil volume and voltage rating of the
transformer were not factors influencing the gas generation rates obtained. Some users of this trial-use
guide also believe that the type of processing used in the transformer dryout influences the CO generation
rate, but the database is not sufficiently detailed to document this effect. The Working Group hopes to
obtain more temperature rise test data to ensure that future revisions of this document will be based on the
most up-to-date information.

Table 1—Gas generation rate guidelines

Gas component Gas generation rate (ppm/h)

Condition I: No problem Condition II: Possible problem. Condition III: Certain problem.
detected.
Action: None Action: Test duplicate sample. Action: Manufacturer and
Investigate cause by reviewing customer conference. A thermal
temperature rise test results. fault exists. Corrective action
Advise customer. Extend test should be taken and temperature
duration. rise tests repeated.

[H2] <0.8 =>0.8 and <1.5 =>1.5

[HC] <0.5 =>0.5 and <1.0 =>1.0
[CO] <2.0 =>2.0 and <5.0 =>5.0
[CO2] <20.0 =>20.0 and <40.0 =>40.0

NOTE: (1) The presence of acetylene (C2H2) during a temperature rise test is cause for serious concern.

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June 20, 2006 IEEEPC57.130/D17

Annex A

(informative)

Bibliography

[B1] Canadian Electrical Association, Guide for Dissolved Gases in Oil Analysis for Transformers and
Reactors During Factory Test, Feb. 1989.

[B2] Feldbar et al., “Evaluation of thermal conditions of large transformers,” Paper 12-05, CIGRE, 1984.

[B3] Hurter and Viale, “Thermal aspects of large transformers, test procedures hot spot identification, per-
missible limits, their assessment in factory tests and service, overload limitations, rffects of cooling
system," Paper 12-13, CIGRE, 1984.

[B4] IEC 60567:1992, Guide for the sampling of gases and of oil from oil-filled electrical equipment and
for the analysis of free and dissolved gases.

[B5] Musil, J., and Foschum, H., “Application of dissolved gas analysis during factory testing of power
transformers,” Doble Client Conference, 47AIC80, Section 6, pp. 801–804, 1980.

[B6] Oommen, T. V., Moore, H. R., and Luke, L. E., “Experience with gas-in-oil analysis made during fac-
tory tests on large power transformers,” IEEE Transactions, Vol. PAS-101 No. 5, pp. 1048–1052, May
1982.

[B7] “Temperature-rise test on oil immersed transformers with analysis of gases dissolved in oil," Final
Report of Working Group 06, Study Committee 12, Electra, pp. 33–43, 1982.

[B8] “Thermal Aspects of Transformers,” Report of WG 09, Working Group 12.09, Electra, No. 161, Aug.
1995.

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