Support for the IDAX series of insulation diagnostic analysers
Interpreting test results
Megger’s IDAX software provides an analysis of moisture content, oil conductivity, and temperature corrected, line frequency PF/DF test results. It is important that you supply the insulation temperature of the asset under test for an accurate assessment.
For a new transformer, the moisture content in the solid insulation is commonly targeted to be less than 0.5 % by weight. As the transformer gets older, the moisture content will typically increase around 0.05 % per year for a sealed conservator transformer and by approximately 0.2 % per year for free-breathing transformers. In an old and/or severely deteriorated transformer, the moisture content can be greater than 4 %. The graph below provides moisture interpretation criteria by Megger and different standards bodies. In agreement between them is that moisture content above 2 % in a transformer requires attention.
Recommended criteria for assessment of water, given by percent by weight, in the solid insulation of transformers.
These acceptance criteria are somewhat ‘broad-brush’. Generally, for higher voltage class transformers, less percentage moisture by weight contamination can be tolerated.
The criticality of addressing a wet transformer is also elevated when the transformer is excessively loaded. When coupled with exposure to higher temperatures, such as those resulting from overloading, the transformer insulation may age rapidly. In addition, moisture awareness is a critical data point for system operators who may otherwise unwittingly cause a transformer winding failure through emergency switching and loading, if these activities result in an increase in temperature that exceeds a wet transformer’s bubble inception temperature.
