Management and Maintenance of Liquid Dielectrics

Monitoring and maintaining oil quality is essential in ensuring the reliable operation of oil-filled electrical equipment. Mineral oil in service is subject to deterioration due to the conditions of use. Eventually the oil may reach a state where it is no longer suitable for further use and cannot perform its function. A testing regime can allow corrective action to be taken prior to oil reaching this state and thus avoiding catastrophic failure of the equipment. Electrical power authorities and power companies use a code of practice established for this purpose. The common practice is to either replace or reclaim the oil. The management of oil - supply, storage and disposal – is currently a big issue due to the restrictions and environmental legislation imposed. Therefore, the equipment owner should make every effort to manage and minimize adverse impact on the environment by its activities. This paper discusses the latest techniques for managing oil in service and considers end of life decisions such as reclamation, replacement and disposal. There is a focus on options which are considered acceptable to the UK Environment Agency and current local legislations. The paper also discusses the PCB issue and management of risk by assessment for destruction and disposal of PCB.