An appraisal of tests and standards for the evaluation of electrical insulating fluids

128 Pages·2015·6.19 MB·English

by  Miller, David B.

NBSIR 76-1054
An Appraisal of Tests and
Standards for the Evaluation of
Electrical Fluids
Electricity Division
Institute for Basic Standards
National Bureau of Standards
Washington, D. C. 20234
May 14, 1976
Final Report
Prepared for
Energy Research and Development Administration
Electric Energy Systems Division
Contract No. E(49-18) - 2052

NBSIR 76-1054
AN APPRAISAL OF TESTS AND
STANDARDS FOR THE EVALUATION OF
ELECTRICAL INSULATING FLUIDS
Electricity Division
Institute for Basic Standards
National Bureau of Standards
Washington, D. C. 20234
May 14, 1976
Final Report
Prepared for
Energy Research and Development Administration
Electric Energy Systems Division
Contract No. E(49-18) - 2052
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Elliot L. Richardson, Secretary
James A. Baker, III, Under Secretary
Dr. Betsy Ancker-Johnson, Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Ernest Ambler. Acting Director

AW APPRAISAL OF TESTS AND STANDARDS FOR THE EVALUATION OF
ELECTRICAL INSULATING FLUIDS
David B. Miller, Principal Investigator, Purdue University,
Consultant to Electricity Division, NBS; Vincent E. Bower,
F. Ralph Kotter and Oskars Petersons, Electricity Division, NBS;
and Merritt M. Birky, Clayton M. Huggett and Andrej Macek, Fire
Science Division, NBS

Table of Contents
Page
1 Summary 1
.
1.1 Introduction
]_
1.2 Appraisal and Recommendations 2
1.3 Acknowledgments 6
2. Status of Test Tech—niques and Standards for New 8
Insulating Fluids A Summary
2.1 "Askarel-class" Transformers 8
2.2 "Askarel-class" Capacitors 10
2.3 Available Insulating Fluids 10
2.3-1 Fluid Characteristics 10
2.3.2 Test Techniques and Standards 11
2.3.3 Flammability 11
2.3. )4 Toxicity 12
2.3-5 Degradability 13
2.1+ The Scope and Influence of Government Regulations ih
2.5 The Scope and Influence of Insurance and Fire Code 15
Regulations
3. Appraisal and Recommendations 17
3.1 Electrical Tests on Fluids 17
3.2 Flammability Tests for New Fluids 19
3.2.1 Flash and Fire Points 20
3-2.2 Oxygen Index 21
3.2.3 Autoignition Tests 21
3.2.U Spray Flammability Tests 21
3.2.5 Arcing Tests 22
3.3 Toxicity Tests on Fluids 22
3.3.1 Appraisal 22
3.3.2 Recommendations 2k
3.1+ Recommendation on Degradability and Biodegradability 25
Tests
—
3.5 Insulation System Tests and Standards Transformers 26
3-5.1 Insulation System Tests 26
—
3.5.2 Standards Transformers 28
i
Page
—
3.6 Insulation System Tests and Standards Capacitors 29
3.6.1 Insulation System Tests 29
—
3.6.2 Standards Capacitors 31
3-7 Standards, Regulations, Codes 32
3.8 References 35
Appendix
Status
A.l "Askarel-class" Transformers 36
A.1.1 Description of the "askarel-class" of 36
Transformers
A.l.2 Sources and Consequences of Transformer Tank 38
Rupture
A.l. 3 Transformer System Testing k2
'
A.l.h Alternatives to Askarels in "askarel-class" U3
Transformers
A.l. 5 Test Techniques and Standards Used by 1+5
Manufacturers and Users to Evaluate Fluid-
Filled Transformers
A.1.6 References ^9
A.2 "Askarel-class" Capacitors 52
A.2.1 Description of the "askarel-class" of 52
Capacitors
A.2.2 Probability and Consequences of Rupture 53
A.2. 3 Full Capacitor Arc Testing 5^
A.2.U Effect of Alternative Fluids on Design and 55
Testing of the Full Capacitor Unit
A.2. 5 Test Techniques and Standards Used by 57
Manufacturers and Users to Evaluate Fluid-
Filled Capacitors and Cables
A.2.6 References 60
A. 3 Dielectric and Insulating Fluids 6l
A. 3.1 Available Fluids 6l
A. 3.2 Standards Relating to the Testing of Available 73
Fluids
A. 3. 3 Test Techniques By Which Electrical Properties 75
are Evaluated
A.3.U Test Techniques By Which Fluid Flammability is 76
Evaluated
ii
Page
A. 3. 5 Some Test Techniques for the Evaluation of 8l
the Toxicity of Dielectric Fluids
A. 3. 6 Test Techniques By Which Degradability is 97
Evaluated
A. 3-7 References 10U
A.h The Scope and Influence of Government Regulations 108
A.U.I Environmental Regulations 108
A.h.2 Poisonous Ingredients in Foods 109
A.h. 3 Occupational Health 110
A.U.U Transportation 112
A.U.5 Solid Waste Disposal 115
A. 5 The Scope and Influence of Insurance and Fire-Code ll6
Requirements
iii