FacilitiesOil Lab

The transformer oil laboratory is equipped with the latest test equipment to screen new as well as in-use transformer oil of both mineral and silicone type. It is certified to ISO/IEC 17025 standard for chemical and biological testing and is as established as the transformer plant itself, having been in continuous operation for > 30 years. Besides testing for our own transformers, we also perform tests of other makes both in Singapore as well as from overseas. Its function is analogous to that of a blood test laboratory in that a sample of blood can reveal the health condition and abnormality of a person, but in this case that of a power transformer from its oil.

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) for oil transformers
Transformer oil characteristics tests

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) for oil transformers

For Mineral & Silicone Oil Transformers

The Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) is a very efficient tool that helps to assess and monitor the condition of transformers by analyzing dissolved gases found in the mineral or silicone oil.

Through DGA, any abnormal condition in transformers can be detected. It can give a warning about an impending problem, facilitate an early diagnosis and increase the chance of finding an appropriate remedy. Other benefits of DGA include the prevention of major failures of transformers, monitoring of overloaded transformers and convenient scheduling for transformer repairs.

Our dissolved gas analyzer can process 12 mineral and silicone oil samples sequentially. In total 9 dissolved gases are monitored

	Non-Combustible Gases
1.	Nitrogen	N₂
2.	Oxygen	O₂
3.	Carbon Dioxide	CO₂

	Combustible Gases
1.	Carbon Monoxide	CO
2.	Hydrogen	H₂
3.	Methane	CH₄
4.	Ethane	C₂H₆
5.	Ethylene	C₂H₄
6.	Acetylene	C₂H₂

Transformer oil characteristics tests

We also perform oil characteristics tests which complement the DGA in evaluating the internal conditions of a power or distribution transformer. The oil characteristics tests complement the DGA in evaluating the internal conditions of a power transformer. It is highly recommended to perform these oil tests together with DGA.

1.Water Content

This gives an indication of the water content in the paper insulation material. Overly high water content in the paper will adversely affect the ageing process of the paper, leading to irreversible damage that may cause an electrical breakdown in the transformer. Water is produced through oxidation of the oil as well as the paper.

2. Volume Resistivity

Volume resistivity is very sensitive to various contaminants and ageing materials.

3. Dielectric Strength

This is a measure of the ability of the insulating oil to withstand electrical stress. The level of breakdown voltage is dependent on both the water and particle contents in the oil. Water and particles are created when oil and paper deteriorate.

4. Total Acid Value

This value indicates the acidity of the oil. An elevated or increasingly elevated value indicates that the oil has started to oxidize. Acids also promote the degradation of the paper insulation (catalytic action).

The oil characteristics tests complement the DGA in evaluating the internal conditions of a power transformer. It is highly recommended to perform these oil tests together with DGA.

For business inquiry, please contact Meiden Sales at:

Tel: (65)62688222

Fax: (65)62688222

For technical inquiry, please contact Meiden Transformer at:

Tel: (65)62681819

Fax: (65)62687662