Among the many existing oils, transformer oils are especially notable. It should immediately be noted that they are unsuitable for lubrication. Transformer oil (GOST 982080) is used for other purposes - for filling transformers, oil switches and reactive equipment.
Functions of transformer oils
Any transformer oil (and there are several types) performs certain tasks. For example, such:
- Isolates live parts and components of power transformers.
- It removes heat from parts that heat up during operation.
- Protects working elements from moisture.
Transformer oil: characteristics
This substance has the following properties:
- Low pour point (-45 ). This makes it possible to use the product in a variety of conditions.
- Low viscosity, which allows them to perform heat dissipation from overheated elements.
- Oxidation resistance. Due to this, they are able to maintain their properties for a long time.
Methods for processing transformer oils
Any oil, especially used for jet engines, before operation requires cleaning from all kinds of mechanical impurities and moisture. Otherwise, it simply will not cope with its task. Today, there are several cleaning methods. Let's consider them in more detail.
- Centrifugation treatment . Cleaning occurs when a substance is exposed to centrifugal force. Typically, this procedure is used for devices whose voltage is not more than 35 kV. This cleaning is also called preliminary.
- Filtering processing . Transformer oils are passed through special porous partitions. It is on them that all unnecessary impurities are retained.
- Adsorption treatment . Adsorbents are added to the substance, most often zeolites, which absorb water very well.
- Vacuum processing . First, transformer oils are heated, and then sprayed. For this purpose, a degasser is used. Cleaning is carried out in two steps, but the result is an absolutely pure product.
Transformer oils and the environment
During the operation of a substance, harmful impurities and oxidation products usually accumulate in it. Such transformer oils cannot perform their functions and require replacement. A used product must be either recycled or disposed of.
If you do not destroy transformer oils, this is fraught with many environmental problems. They can pollute the environment. The ingress of oil into water bodies adversely affects the biological species living in it and the quality of the water. In addition, this substance is prone to fire. This can lead to fires and the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere, which is dangerous for human and animal life. Therefore, transformer oils are either recycled in order to clean them of impurities and aging products, or they are destroyed.
As you can see, despite all the useful properties, this substance can be dangerous. Therefore, it requires caution when working with it.