Key Components of a Transformer Oil Purifier

Transformer oil, a specialized dielectric fluid, plays a crucial role in the operation of electrical power systems. It acts as an insulator, coolant, and arc quencher. Over time, this oil can become contaminated with various impurities, such as water, gases, and solid particles, which can degrade its performance. Transformer oil purifiers are designed to remove these contaminants, restoring the oil to its original condition and ensuring the optimal operation of the transformer.

The Components of a Transformer Oil Purifier

A typical transformer oil purifier consists of several key components that work together to achieve purification:

Vacuum System:

1. Vacuum pump:Creates a vacuum within the purifier, lowering the boiling point of water and other volatile contaminants.


2. Vacuum chamber:The oil is placed in a sealed chamber where the vacuum is applied.


3. Condenser:Cools the vaporized contaminants, causing them to condense and be collected.

Filtration System:

1. Pre-filters:Remove large particles and debris from the oil.


2. Fine filters:Capture smaller particles, such as solid contaminants and oxidation products.


3. Membrane filters:These are often used for very fine filtration, removing particles down to the micron level.

Heating System:

1. Heaters:Used to raise the temperature of the oil, increasing the rate of evaporation of water and other volatile contaminants.


2. Temperature controls:Ensure that the oil is heated to the optimal temperature for purification.

Degasification System:

1. Degasifiers:These components help to remove dissolved gases from the oil, such as oxygen and hydrogen.

Absorption System:

1. Absorbents:Materials like silica gel or activated alumina are used to absorb polar contaminants like water and acids.

Control System:

1. PLC:Programmable Logic Controller that automates the purification process, monitoring parameters such as temperature, vacuum level, and flow rate.


2. Sensors:Measure various parameters and provide feedback to the PLC.


3. Human-machine interface (HMI):Allows operators to monitor the purification process and make adjustments as needed.

Oil Pump:

1. Circulates the oil through the purifier, ensuring that all parts of the oil are treated.

How the Purification Process Works

The purification process typically involves the following steps:

1. Pre-filtration:The contaminated oil is pumped into the purifier and passed through pre-filters to remove large particles.


2. Heating:The oil is heated to increase the vapor pressure of water and other volatile contaminants.


3. Vacuum:A vacuum is applied, causing the water and gases to vaporize and be removed by the condenser.


4. Filtration:The oil is passed through fine filters to remove solid particles.


5. Absorption:The oil is passed through a bed of absorbent material to remove polar contaminants.


6. Degasification:Dissolved gases are removed from the oil.


7. Cooling:The purified oil is cooled and returned to the transformer.

By effectively removing impurities, transformer oil purifiers help to extend the life of transformers, improve their efficiency, and enhance the overall reliability of electrical power systems.