1

Study of the vegetal oil as a substitute for

mineral oils in distribution transformer
A. R. Marulanda, Member, IEEE, M. A. Artigas, A. Gavidia, F. Labarca and N. Paz

Abstract--There are so many factors that negatively affect

distribution transformer operations, especially its electrical
insulation system. Traditionally mineral oil has been used as
insulating material, however, in the last years there is a growing
interest in using vegetable oil, these fluids are currently being
used in the range of small to medium distribution power
transformers. The purpose of this work is to determine
distribution transformer performance using natural ester
dielectric fluid compared to those with standard mineral oil. The
most significant factor that affects insulation material
deterioration is temperature increments due to overload. We
used the ASTM Standard Test Method for Analysis of Gases
Dissolved in Electrical Insulating Oil, to assess the aging of
transformer insulation paper in natural ester dielectric fluid
compared to that in conventional transformer oil. The results
showed that distribution Transformers using vegetable oil has a
useful life longer than others using mineral oil, roughly 42,86
percent.
Index Terms-- Insulation, Mineral Oil, Transformer, Vegetal Oil.

I. INTRODUCTION

LECTRICAL Industries, around the world, independently

of the type of property of their assets, public or private,
always have in common the necessity to improve their
services, using new technologies and studying new
alternatives to provide a better service.
The Distribution Transformer is, nowadays, the most
numerous elements in the electrical networks, therefore, any
alternative that increases or improves its operation, will
improve the electrical service and it has to consider in the first
place these equipments. Nevertheless, transformer distribution
operations constantly are under daily load variations,
overloads, climatic conditions and other factors, that can
affect its operation. In addition, all transformer during its
operation are under thermal, electrical and mechanical efforts,
which degraded the electrical isolation system (enamels and
paper), affecting the service offers by the company.
In spite of the described thing previously, during
transformer operations, the mineral oil allows that their
internal isolations remain preserved, causing that their
dielectric and cooling properties are more efficient; because it
transfers the internal heat generated in its coils towards the

A. Marulanda, M. Artigas, and A. Gavidia, are with Escuela de Ingeniera

Elctrica de la Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo-Venezuela (Email:
armarulanda@luz.edu.ve)
N. Paz and F. Labarca are with Energa Elctrica de Venezuela (Email:
flabarca@enelven.com.ve).

978-1-4244-2218-0/08/$25.00 2008 IEEE.

outside. For decades transformer electrical system isolations

have been evaluated from the economic, security and
environmental point of view, using total analyses of their
service life.
Chang and Lopez [1] presented a work where they analyze
the general influence of the materials and its characteristics in
transformers performance, mainly the influence of dielectric
coolants. Due to the high effectiveness of transformer designs
cooled by insulating liquids, the new progresses are oriented
to improve environmental and security characteristics of fire
resistant liquids (higher points of fire and combustion).
Almost all the inflammable liquids used in transformers,
belong to a well-known chemical group called halogen
hydrocarbons, typically with chlorine or fluorine. The halogen
dielectric liquids, mainly liquids of Askarel, promoted once by
their excellent characteristics of security against the fire, are
now undesirable due to their risks for humans and the
environment in accordance with the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
The transformer insulating liquids manufacturers, made a
more robust design, using the impregnating with mineral oil,
of the transformer parts in vaccum and pressure (VPI), that is
oil with hydrocarbons also, but this one does not have the
characteristics that the Askarel has.
However, once it becomes demonstrated that liquids with
ester natural (vegetable oil), naturally have a lower resistance
to the oxidation compared with mineral oils, advantage used
to improve its properties and consequently the effectiveness as
insulating liquid for transformers when they are implementing
in those.
In [2] the authors used accelerated aged in sealed systems
as the best way of simulates real aging in modern sealed
transformers, according IEEE [3]. The results of this work
shows that paper degradation can be determined by
measurements of the polymerization degree and tensile
strength. They found that thermally upgraded Kraft paper ages
considerably slower in the natural ester dielectric fluid than in
mineral oil under the same thermal stress.
In [4] the author describes the critical parameters regarding
insulated materials in transformers, and present data that have
been measured that also describe how the use of Natural Ester
can influence these parameters. In the other hand, [5]
addresses technical issues that need to be answered in
introducing a new dielectric insulating and cooling fluid for
distribution and power transformers.
In [6], it was presented a guide of technical specifications
where is described the characteristics of the dielectric fluid
(vegetable oil), later [7] presented the physical-chemistries

II. METHODOLOGY USED

During this phase of the investigation, the work is
developed in two parts and according to the sequence that is
explained next:
A. Under Real Condition Operations:
In this part an aging accelerated test is made to the
distribution transformers, these are:
Viscosity
Fire Point
dielectric breakdown voltage
and an analysis by gas chromatography, all this under
standardized rules, ASTM [9] - [11], COVENIN [12] - [14]
and IEEE [3], and [15], a transformer immersed in mineral oil,
and the other in vegetable oil, all this in order to analyze the
chemical and physical properties of both types of electrical
oils.
B. Under Simulated Conditions
Include the performance of heating tests to the insulating
paper according to IEEE norm [3], in order to analyze papers
degradation when it is immersed in mineral oil as well as in
vegetable oil.
III.

RESULTS

A. Transformers Aging Test

To do this test, two distribution transformer were selected,
one immersed in mineral oil and the other in vegetal oil, both
with the same electrical characteristics. Table I shows power,
voltage and nominal impedance of both transformers.
TABLE I
TRANSFORMER PARAMETERS
DATA
Oil
Power (kVA) Vp (kV) Vs (kV)
10
13.8
240
Vegetable
10
13.8
240
Mineral

TABLE II
ACCEPTANCE TESTS TO TRANSFORMERS
Open Circuit Test
Short Circuit Test
Pfe
Vimp
Pcu
Iexc
Oil
(Amp)
(W)
(V)
(W)
0.2
42
353
143
Vegetable
0.2
40
352
143
Mineral

%Z
2.7
2.7

RT
57.569
57.565

Table II shows the obtained values of the short and open

circuit tests like acceptance tests, guaranteeing this way that

the transformers have equal characteristics in initial

conditions. Each one of the transformers was overloaded in a
40% of their rated load, then, the resistance method was
applied [12], and when the thermal stabilization was obtained
in both transformers, it was determined that the coil
temperature of the immersed vegetal oil transformer was
approximately 179 C; whereas in the immersed mineral oil
transformer, the coil temperature reached levels approximately
of 191 C. According to [3], to those operation temperatures,
for the immersed vegetal oil transformer, it is consumed the
equivalent of one year of its useful life in 20 hours, whereas
for the immersed mineral oil transformer, the equivalent of
one year of useful life was reached in a period of 14 Hours.

Dynamic Viscosity, SSU

characteristics of the fluid and then, reviewed its general

properties [8], being this of great benefit and interest for its
use and applicability.
This paper provides a study of a new dielectric fluid
(vegetable oil) for distribution transformers, properties and
characteristics of this oil, and its effect on transformer
operations, also making the respective comparisons with the
dielectric oil used nowadays (mineral), where is analyzed this
fluid as a possible substitute of mineral oil in distribution
transformers.

Fig. 1. Dynamic Viscosity as a time function of useful oil life.

Next are presented each one of the data collected in the

viscosity test, specifically in the Dynamic and Kinematic
viscosity test.
1) Dinamic Viscosity Test
The dynamic viscosity of a dielectric oil represents the
proportionality between the effort of applied cut and the
relation of cut of a liquid, this one gives an idea of the greater
or smaller facility with which this oil flows through spaces
confined between solid surfaces. Fig. 1 shows that there is a
limit established for the mineral oil [13], and another limit for
the vegetable oil [11]. Also, as it is observed in Fig. 1, the
dynamic viscosity measured in both types of oils presents a
relatively constant behavior. Both types of oils are below their
maximum limits of dynamic viscosity; emphasizing the fact of
vegetal oil presents a greater difference between the measured
value and the maximum value stipulated by the norm. Reason
why the vegetable oil is more effective as heat dissipator when
it is moving by the internal parts of the transformer.
2) Kinematic viscosity Test
The kinematic viscosity represents the resistance that offers
the dielectric oil when flowing, under the action of gravity. As
it is observed in Fig. 2, the measured values corresponding to
the kinematic viscosity for both types of oils were from 0

years to 12 years below the established maximum limits for

each type of oil. As it is appreciated in Fig. 2, the kinematic
viscosity for the case of the vegetable oil, is lower to its
maximum limit in greater proportion than for the case of
mineral oil, giving to the transformer through the years of
useful life better conditions, as coolant.

stabilized relatively in an inferior value of its stipulated limit

[11], making it more resistant to fire.
4) Dielectric Breakdown Voltaje Test
The dielectric breakdown voltage is one of the most
important tests made to a dielectric oils. In Fig. 4, it is
appreciated that the measured breakdown voltage in each test
fulfils the minimum requirements established by the norm for
mineral oil [3], and for vegetable oil [11]. Nevertheless, it
must be emphasized that the dielectric breakdown voltage of
mineral oil takes superiors and inferiors values to the
minimum limit established, whereas in the vegetal oil, the
levels of dielectric breakdown voltage continuously increase;
improving with the years the useful life of the dielectric
strength of this oil.

Fig. 2. Cinematic Viscosity as a time function of useful oil life

3) Fire Point Test

The fire point is one of the most important aspects to
consider for the selection of a dielectric fluid; next it is
described the test results for both oils.

Fig. 4. Dielectric Breakdown Voltage as a time function of useful oil life.

According to data from aging test, fourteen hours of

overload represents a year of useful life of the transformer,
where as for the transformer with vegetable oil was reached to
20 hours. Analyzing the results, it is obtained that the useful
life of the transformer with vegetable oil is 42.86% higher
than the one with mineral oil.

Fig. 3. Fire Point as a time function of useful oil life.

In Fig. 3 it is observed that each type of oil presents a

different behavior; the fire point for the mineral oil remains
relatively constant with the course of the years of transformers
useful life, superior to the minimum value stipulated for this
oil [9]. Whereas for the vegetable oil in the beginning of the
useful life of the transformer, the fire point fell until becoming

B. Dissolved Gases Analysis by Gas Chromatography

The Analysis by Gas chromatography allows determining
the internal conditions of a transformer and the existence of
possible incipient faults that could cause great consequences
in it. To the aged oil samples, dissolved gas analyses were
performed by Gas chromatography, according to [10]. In
Table III, the maximum limits in parts per million are
indicated (ppm), according to the Norm IEEE C57.104 [15]
and the results obtained in this test for the mineral oil and the
vegetal oil.
The referring results to the test are in Fig. 5, for the mineral
oil; indicating the percentage of each dissolved gas, related to
the total amount of combustible gases. As it is appreciated the
levels of Carbon monoxide are elevated, whereas the levels of
the other gases are lower. According to the method used in

this test, it has happened an overheat of the transformer and

therefore of the insulating paper, taking place the generation
of Carbon monoxide in the indicated amounts, product of the
cellulose decomposition.

paper in vegetal oil, and others in mineral oil, as it is observed

in Fig. 7.
80
70,8

TABLE III

70

Gas
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Methane
Carbon
monoxide
Carbon dioxide
Ethylene
Ethane
Acetylene
Total of
Combustible
Gases
N.D: Not
Detected

Limit (ppm)
IEEE C57.104
100
--120

Vegetable Oil
(ppm)
54
6511.5
61522.6
17.8

Mineral Oil
(ppm)
16.1
13646.6
73146.5
10.6

350

37.5

240.1

2500
50
65
35

2138.5
4.1
275.1
N.D

3812.3
N.D
N.D
N.D

720

388.6

267.1

Total
Combustible
Gases (%)

Relative Parts (%)

OUTCOMES OF DISSOLVED GAS ANALISYS BY GAS CRHOMATOGRAPHY

60
50
40
30
20
10
0

13,9
9,6
4,6
Carbon Mon. Hydrogen Methane
1

1,1
Ethane

Acetylene

Fig. 6. Combustible Gases dissolved in Vegetable Oil.

7.06

9.09

In the same way, results for the vegetal oil are in Fig. 6, in
order to be able to establish conclusions of the internal
conditions of each transformer. In this case the amounts of
Ethane are predominant, and appears in greater proportion
than other gases, and according to the norm, the transformer
has undergone low overheats caused by overload conditions.
Showing that under the same overload conditions vegetable
oil has preserved the internal insulations, and it has efficiently
accomplish its function as coolant.

Fig. 7. Dielectric paper samples been prepared to perform the test.

Fig. 5. Combustible Gases dissolved in Mineral Oil.

C. Heating Test for Transformer dielectric Paper Samples

On the basis of the IEEE Method [3], which describes
aging of the insulating paper for transforming, there were
performed heating and aging tests to immersed samples of

These samples were exposed to a temperature of 170 C

(Fig. 8); however, making reference to the Standard IEEE
C57.91 which indicates, that when the transformer isolations
are exposed to those temperatures, the isolations useful life is
next to the 700 hours, and consequently the useful life of the
transformer; it must be mention that an important part of the
total life of the isolation transformers has been simulated with
the performed tests.
Table IV indicates based on the heating hours to 170 C,
the rupture forces (FR) in kilograms indicated by the IEEE
method [3] when the paper is immersed in vegetable oil
(FR_VN), also indicate the measured rupture forces (FR_V),
and the deviation between both values; which is below the
limits established by the norm [3], and therefore it is
considered acceptable.
In the same way Table V indicates the rupture forces for
the immersed mineral oil [3], (FR_MN), the measured forces
of rupture (FR_M), and the deviation between both values.

owns the capacity to cover majors loads exigencies without

incrementing excessively its temperatures, avoiding faults by
overload and therefore faults in the service. Because the
vegetal oil is natural and biodegradable, the regeneration and
discard costs decrease significantly. The tests showed that a
transformer with vegetable oil, has better benefits than those
with mineral oil, hence it is advisable to use vegetable oil as
well as insulation to improve the effectiveness of the
distribution transformers, prolong its useful life, lower failures
rates by overloading and ultimately improving service
conditions.
V. REFERENCES
[1]

Fig. 8. Dielectric Paper Samples immersed in each type of oil inside the
heating owen.

[2]

TABLE IV
NOMINAL AND MEASURED RUPTURE FORCES FOR VEGETABLE OIL.

t(Hours)
0
45
90
135
170
200
230

FR_VN (Kg)
11.5
11.239
10.815
10.455
10.245
10.036
9.931

FR_V (Kg)
11.5
11.1
10.9
10.3
10.2
9.9
9.8

Deviation
0
0.139
-0.085
0.155
0.0455
0.136
0.131

[3]
[4]

[5]
[6]

TABLE V
NOMINAL AND MEASURED RUPTURE FORCES FOR MINERAL OIL
t(Hours) FR_MN (Kg) FR_M (Kg) Deviation
0
11.5
11.5
0
45
9.148
9
0.148
90
7.945
7
0.945
135
6.958
6.1
0.858
170
6.273
6
0.273
200
5.750
5.5
0.250
230
5.123
5
0.123

Carefully analysing Tables IV and V, can be emphasized

that the necessary force to break the insulating paper, was
greater in all the periods in the vegetable oil, that means,
vegetable oil preserved in greater degree the insulating paper
compared with the immersed mineral oil paper, providing a
longer useful life to the isolations.

[7]
[8]
[9]
[10]

[11]

[12]
[13]

IV. CONCLUSIONS
The programmed tests were efficiently performed, which
allowed to analyze the properties and characteristics of each
type of oil, according to the programmed times. According to
the data collected in the aging tests, fourteen hours of
overload represent a year of useful life of the transformer,
whereas that for the transformer with vegetal oil 20 hours
represents a year of useful life. Analyzing the results it is
obtained that the useful life of the transformer with vegetal oil
is 42,86 % greater than the useful life of the transformer with
mineral oil.
Also the behavior of the insulating paper was analyzed
with the development of the other tests, based on the mineral
oil and of the vegetal oil. A transformer with vegetal oil FR3,

[14]
[15]

A. Chang and A. Lopez, Evaluacin de los parmetros elctricos para la

aceptacin de transformadores rebobinados tipo poste basado en anlisis
tcnicos y modelos de costos. Engineering Degree dissertation, Dept.
Potencia. Eng. Electric., Univ. Zulia, 2005.
C. Mcshane, K. Rapp, J. Corkran, G. Gauger and J. Luksich, Aging of
paper insulation in natural ester dielectric fluid, Transmission and
Distribution Conference and Exposition 2001.IEEE/PES, Vol.2, Nov
2001, pp 675-679.
IEEE Std C57.91 Guide for Loading Mineral-Oil Immersed
Transformers, IEEE, 1995.
T.Prevost, Dielectric properties of natural esters and their influence on
transformer insulation system design and performance, Transmission
and Distribution Conference and Exhibition 2005/2006 PES May 21-24,
2006, pp 30-34.
H. Moore, Requirements and expectations of natural ester fluids for
application in power transformers, Transmission and Distribution
Conference and Exhibition 2005/2006 PES May 21-24, 2006, pp 23-24
Cooper Power Systems, Specification Guide: insulated fluid resistant to
FIRE based on natural ester type Envirotemp FR3, Tech. Rep. B.
9708013S, 2005. [Online]. Available: : http://www.cooperpower.com.
Cooper Power Systems, Safety data sheet of material, Tech. Rep.
MSDS98082, 2005. [Online]. Available: http://www.cooperpower.com.
Cooper Power Systems, Envirotemp FR3 Fluid, Tech. Rep. B. B90000092, 2005. [Online]. Available: : http://www.cooperpower.com.
ASTM, Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points, ASTM
International Standards Worldwide ASTM D92, Cleveland Open Cup
Tester, 1989. [Online]. Available: http://www.astm.org/.
ASTM, Standard Test Method for Analysis of Gases Dissolved in
Electrical Insulating Oil by Gas Chromatography, ASTM International
Standards Worldwide ASTM D3612, 1996. [Online]. Available:
http://www.astm.org.
ASTM, Standard Specification for Natural (Vegetable Oil) Ester Fluids
Used in Electrical Apparatus, ASTM International Standards
Worldwide
ASTM
D6871,
2003.
[Online].
Available:
http://www.astm.org.
COVENIN, Transformer. Methods of tests, COVENIN 3172, 1995.
[Online]. Available: http://www.sencamer.gob.ve.
COVENIN Dielectric Fluid. Determination of the Kinematic Viscosity.
And calculation of the Dynamic Viscosity COVENIN 3627, 2000.
[Online]. Available: http://www.sencamer.gob.ve.
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para Lquidos Aislantes utilizando Electrodos de Disco, COVENIN
1403, 1979. [Online]. Available: http://www.sencamer.gob.ve.
IEEE Std C57.104-1991, IEEE Guide for the Interpretation of Gases
Generated in Oil-Immersed Transformers, IEEE, 1991..

VI. BIOGRAPHIES
Agustn Marulanda was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on January 7,
1970. He received his degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of
Zulia, Venezuela, in 1994, and his Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from
the University of Seville, in 2004. Currently he is an Associate Professor of
the Electrical School of the University of Zulia, since 1995. His primary areas
of interest are operations and economics of electrical systems and new
electrical markets.

6
Maria Artigas was born in Trujillo, Venezuela, on November 11, 1969.
She received her degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of
Zulia, Venezuela, in 1994, received her degree in Automatic Research Qualify
from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, in 2002, and she is candidate for
Ph.D. the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Currently she is an Associate
Professor of the Electrical School of the University of Zulia, since 1996. Her
current research involves the control, teleoperation and power systems.
Anyi Gavidia was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on June 14, 1977. She
received her degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Zulia,
Venezuela, in 2000, her degree in Industrial Project Management from Dr
Rafael Belloso Chacin University in 2007, and a Qualify in Teaching in
Higher Education from the University of Zulia in 2008. Currently she is an
Assistant Professor of the Electrical School of the University of Zulia since
2006 and she is actually studying a Masters in applied Physics. Her primary
areas of interest are electrical machines, virtual laboratories implementation
and power systems.
Freddy Labarca was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on 1983. He
received his degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Zulia,
Venezuela, in 2007. Currently he joins in Energa Elctrica de Venezuela
(ENELVEN). His primary area of interest is transmission line developed.
Nathaly Paz was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, on 1983. She received
her degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Zulia, Venezuela,
in 2007. Currently she joins in Energa Elctrica de Venezuela (ENELVEN).
Her primary area of interest is generating planning.