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DGA test

Dissolve gas analysis

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34 views3 pages

DGA test

Dissolve gas analysis

Uploaded by

9853318441
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA)

Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) is a diagnostic technique used to assess the condition of oil-
filled electrical transformers. It involves analyzing the gases dissolved in the transformer’s insulating
oil, which can provide early detection of faults or abnormalities inside the transformer. Over time, the
insulation and oil may break down due to heat, electrical discharges, or other stresses, producing
certain gases. These gases dissolve in the oil and, by identifying their concentrations and types, it is
possible to detect various types of transformer issues.

Why DGA is Important


When a transformer experiences faults or degradation, the oil and insulating materials inside
decompose, releasing gases. These gases dissolve in the oil, and by measuring the concentrations
and types of these gases, engineers can detect various types of electrical and thermal faults. The
goal is to identify these faults early to prevent transformer failure, minimize downtime, and improve
the overall reliability of the power system.

Gases Produced and Fault Types


Different fault conditions produce specific types of gases. The key gases and their typical
associated faults include:

Hydrogen (H₂): Typically linked to partial discharges and low-energy discharges.


Methane (CH₄): Indicates overheating in oil and can also indicate low-energy discharges.
Ethylene (C₂H₄): Points to thermal faults involving oil, especially at higher temperatures.
Acetylene (C₂H₂): Strongly associated with high-energy discharges or arcing.
Ethane (C₂H₆): Indicates oil overheating.
Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): These gases indicate thermal decomposition of
the paper insulation (cellulose degradation).

Fault Types Detected by DGA


DGA can detect the following types of faults:-
Partial Discharge: Low-energy electrical discharge that leads to the breakdown of insulation
materials, generating hydrogen.
Discharges of Low Energy: These faults, such as corona discharges, produce gases like
hydrogen and methane.
Discharges of High Energy (Arcing): These occur due to high-energy electrical faults,
producing acetylene, hydrogen, and methane.
Thermal Faults: These range from low-temperature overheating to high-temperature faults.
Thermal decomposition of oil produces methane, ethylene, and ethane. Paper degradation
produces carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

DGA Techniques
Several techniques and methods are used to interpret DGA results. The most common are:
a) Key Gas Method
This method uses specific gases as key indicators of certain faults. Each fault produces a
unique combination of gases in particular concentrations. By identifying which gases are present and
in what amounts, engineers can diagnose the fault type. For example:
High levels of acetylene (C₂H₂) suggest arcing.
High hydrogen (H₂) indicates partial discharges.
b) Rogers Ratios
The Rogers Ratio Method uses specific gas ratios to categorize the fault. Four main gas ratios
are typically calculated:
CH₄/H₂
C₂H₆/CH₄
C₂H₄/C₂H₆
C₂H₂/C₂H₄
The values of these ratios help in identifying the type of fault, such as partial discharge, low
or high-energy arcing, or overheating.
c) Duval Triangle
The Duval Triangle is a graphical method where the concentrations of methane (CH₄),
ethylene (C₂H₄), and acetylene (C₂H₂) are plotted inside a triangle diagram. The location of the point
within the triangle helps in identifying the fault type. The Duval Triangle is effective for diagnosing
common faults like arcing, overheating, and partial discharges.
d) IEC Ratio Method
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has developed a ratio method based on
five specific ratios of gas concentrations. The IEC method is widely used, and fault identification is
based on comparing the actual gas ratios to predefined values.

Gas Generation Rates


Besides the concentration of gases, the rate at which they are generated is also important.
Rapid gas generation may indicate a sudden fault or an ongoing serious condition, while slow
generation can indicate a minor fault or normal aging. DGA results should be compared with past
measurements to understand whether the condition is stable or worsening.

Sampling and Testing


Sampling Frequency: Transformers should be monitored regularly, with the frequency
depending on their criticality and operating conditions. For critical transformers, monthly or quarterly
DGA sampling is often recommended.
Sampling Procedure: It is essential to collect oil samples in a clean and controlled manner to
avoid contamination, which could lead to inaccurate results.
Analysis Methods: DGA is typically performed using gas chromatography, which can accurately
measure the concentrations of dissolved gases.
Limitations of DGA
While DGA is highly effective, it has some limitations:
Cannot locate faults: DGA indicates the presence of a fault, but not its precise location.
Small leaks and external issues: Issues like oil leaks or external contamination may cause
abnormal gas readings that are unrelated to internal transformer faults.
Transformer load influence: Some gases may be produced naturally under normal load
conditions, so it is essential to interpret DGA results in the context of transformer loading history.

Combining DGA with Other Diagnostic Tools


To gain a comprehensive understanding of a transformer’s condition, DGA is often combined
with other diagnostic methods like:
Furan Analysis: Indicates paper insulation degradation.
Partial Discharge Testing: Helps pinpoint the location of electrical discharges.
Moisture Analysis: Determines moisture levels in the oil and insulation.

Action Based on DGA Results


After analyzing the DGA data, the condition of the transformer can be categorized into
different states:
Normal: Gases within normal levels for a healthy transformer.
Warning: Gas levels indicate a potential issue that requires further monitoring or investigation.
Critical: High gas levels indicate a serious fault requiring immediate action.

***

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