Moisture in Transformer Insulation

Picture 1 shows how moisture is distributed throughout transformer insulation. Notice that the moisture is distributed according to temperature, with most moisture at the bottom and less moisture as temperature increases toward the top. This example shows almost twice the moisture near the bottom as there is at the top. Most service-aged transformers fail in the lower one-third of the windings, which is the area of most moisture. The area of most moisture is also the area of most electrical stress. Moisture and oxygen are two of the transformer’s worst enemies. It is very important to keep the insulation and oil as dry as possible and as free of oxygen as possible. Failures due to moisture are the most common cause of transformer failures. Without an accurate oil temperature, it is impossible for laboratories to provide accurate information about the M/DW or percent saturation. It will also be impossible for you to calculate this information accurately.

Picture 1: Water Distribution in Transformer Insulation


Experts disagree on how to tell how much moisture is in the insulation based on how much moisture is in the oil (ppm). At best, methods to determine moisture in the insulation based solely on DGA are inaccurate. The methods discussed below to determine moisture levels in the insulation are estimates, and no decision should be made based on one DGA. However, keep in mind that the life of the transformer is the life of the insulation. The insulation is quickly degraded by excess moisture and the presence of oxygen. Base any decisions on several DGAs over a period of time and establish a trend of increasing moisture.If the lab does not provide the percent M/DW, IEEE 62-1995 gives a method. From the curve (Picture 2), find the temperature of the bottom oil sample and add 5 ºC. Do not use the top oil temperature. This estimates the temperature of the bottom third (coolest part) of the winding, where most of the water is located.

Picture 2: Myers Multiplier Versus Temperature


From this temperature, move up vertically to the curve. From this point on the curve, move horizontally to the left and find the Myers Multiplier number. Take this number and multiply the ppm of water shown on the DGA. The result is percent M/DW in the upper part of the insulation. This method gives less amount of water than the General Electric nomogram (Picture 3).

Picture 3: Water Content of Paper and Oil Nomogram


This nomogram, published by General Electric in 1974, gives the percent saturation of oil and percent M/DW of insulation. Use the nomogram to check yourself after you have completed the method illustrated in Picture 2. The nomograph in Picture 3 will show more moisture than the IEEE method.
The curves in Picture 3 are useful to help understand relationships between temperature, percent saturation of the oil, and percent M/DW of the insulation. For example, pick a point on the ppm water line (10 ppm). Place a straight edge on that point and pick a point on the temperature line (45 ºC). Read the percent saturation and percent M/DW on the center lines. In this example, percent saturation is about 6.5%, and the % M/DW is about 1.5%. Now, hold the 10 ppm point and move the sample temperature upward (cooler) and notice how quickly the moisture numbers increase. For example, use 20 ºC and read the percent saturation of oil at about 18.5% and the % M/DW at about 3.75%. The cooler the oil, the higher the moisture percentage for the same ppm of water in the oil.
Do not make a decision on dry out based on only one DGA and one calculation, it should be based on trends over a period of time. Take additional samples and send them for analysis. Take extra care to make sure the oil temperature is correct. You can see by the nomogram that moisture content varies dramatically with temperature. Take extra care that the sample is not exposed to air. After using the more conservative IEEE method, if, again, subsequent samples show M/DW is 2.5% or more and the oil is 30% saturated or more, the transformer should be dried as soon as possible. Check the nomogram and curves above to determine the percent saturation of the oil. The insulation is degrading much faster than normal due to the high moisture content. Drying can be an expensive process, it is prudent to consult with others before making a final decision to implement dry out. However, it is much less expensive to perform a dry out than to allow a transformer to degrade faster than normal, substantially shortening transformer life.