The application of a molecular sieve for drying the insulation system of a power transformer in terms of improving its perational reliability

Abstract

The first research objective was the assessment of the selectivity of water and hydrogen adsorption by the 3A molecular sieve (MS) in the terms of the safety of using the DGA (Dissolved Gas Analysis) method as a diagnostic technique. The second objective was to demonstrate the efficiency of drying the insulation system consisting of cellulose insulation impregnated with various insulating liquids in terms of improving safety and extending the service life of power transformers. In order to achieve the assumed objectives, measurement systems were prepared and material tests were carried out, based mainly on chromatographic analyzes and measurements of water content using the Karl Fischer titration method. On the basis of the obtained test results and the conducted physical analyzes, the selectivity of MS sorption was shown and it was explained that the facilitator of the adsorption of water molecules is their polar nature related to their large dipole moment. The high efficiency of drying cellulose insulation impregnated with various insulating liquids using MS was also demonstrated.