{"id":2211,"date":"2015-09-18T05:46:11","date_gmt":"2015-09-18T05:46:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/oil.globecore.com\/?p=2211"},"modified":"2015-09-18T05:46:11","modified_gmt":"2015-09-18T05:46:11","slug":"silica-clay-for-transformer-oil-purification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aceite.globecore.com\/silica-clay-for-transformer-oil-purification","title":{"rendered":"Silica Clay for Transformer Oil Purification"},"content":{"rendered":"

Transformer oil is used in electric power transformers, high-voltage bushings and oil circuit breakers to transfer heat from the heated parts of the transformer. \u00a0Additionally, the oil is used as a liquid insulation to help insulate internal conducting parts of the transformer\u2019s windings and core. \u00a0Transformer oil protects the solid insulation from moisture by filling all the space inside the transformer\u2019s oil storage tank and serves as a diagnostic tool in determining the condition of the transformer. \u00a0In switching devices, oil is necessary to quench an unwanted and dangerous arc.<\/p>\n

Since oil filled electric devices are usually operated under heavy load conditions, transformer oil is exposed to a wide range of unfavourable factors such as: (1) temperature extremes; (2) atmospheric oxygen; and (3) flooding. \u00a0All these factors, either separately or together, will lead to the degradation of the performance characteristics of the insulating fluid and the solid insulation.<\/p>\n

Transformer oil can degrade quickly based on adverse conditions and consequently will become unable to perform its intended functions. \u00a0All this may result in serious consequences: \u00a0(1) accidents; (2) expensive equipment failures; and (3) unplanned outages. \u00a0Transformer oil samples therefore, should be taken regularly and analyzed to prevent such consequences. \u00a0The degradation of the rated values of transformer oil requires the oil to be dried, purified, and degassed to remove mechanical impurities, water, gasses and sludge.<\/p>\n

One of the most effective methods of transformer oil purification is through the use of adsorbents. \u00a0They are substances that are able to absorb the products of aging and moisture from insulating fluids. \u00a0Such natural materials as silica clay, bleaching clays, amorphous coal and activated carbon, silica gels, aluminum oxides and zeolites serve as adsorbents. \u00a0Natural adsorbents are eco-friendly and they are less expensive to obtain than artificial ones. \u00a0They have a high specific porosity and a high ability to perform adsorption. \u00a0Due to these characteristics, natural adsorbents are widely used in the industry.<\/p>\n

Silica clay is a natural material with high stability and high porosity. \u00a0Additionally, it does not swell when wet and is resistant to acids and alkalis. \u00a0Silica clay includes finely grained amorphous silica (76-88%) and a mixture of clay, sand and glauconite. \u00a0This rock may be of white, grey or even black color. \u00a0Microscopic studies have shown that silica clay is formed from opal grains and the remnants of silicon skeletons of organisms, consolidated by siliceous substances.<\/p>\n

One of the hypotheses of silica clay origin states that this material resulted from the structural transformations of diatomites and other suchlike materials. \u00a0Usually, a natural sorbent derives its name from the location of its deposits. \u00a0The bleaching characteristic of silica clay depends on the silica\/alumina ratio: \u00a0the higher the ratio, the higher the adsorption characteristics.<\/p>\n

Silica clay is recommended to be stored only in special dry rooms when humidity is controlled. \u00a0Prior to shipment, the substance grits are exposed to a thermal activation at between 150\u00ba\u0421 and 200\u00ba\u0421 with a subsequent sieving of small grains with a size of 3 mm on a special sieve. \u00a0The latter has 16 holes on 1 cm2 of the surface.<\/p>\n

Silica clay used for transformer oil purification should meet the following requirements:<\/p>\n