Transformer oil is the lifeblood of electrical equipment like transformers, circuit breakers, and capacitors. Its primary functions are to insulate, cool, and suppress arcing. However, over time, this oil degrades, becoming contaminated with moisture, gases, solid particles, and soluble sludge. This contamination compromises the dielectric strength of the oil, leading to potential equipment failure, costly downtime, and even catastrophic fires. To combat this, the use of a transformer oil purifier is not just recommended; it is essential for maintaining grid reliability and extending the operational life of valuable assets.
A transformer oil filtration machine works on the principle of physically separating contaminants from the oil. The process typically begins with pre-filtration to remove large particulate matter. The oil then enters a heating chamber, where it is warmed to a specific temperature, usually between 45°C and 65°C. This heating process reduces the oil's viscosity and prepares it for the most critical stage: vacuum separation. In the vacuum chamber, the pressure is drastically reduced, which lowers the boiling point of water. The water and dissolved gases within the oil rapidly evaporate and are extracted by a vacuum pump system. Finally, the purified oil passes through fine filters, often achieving a filtration accuracy of 1 micron, before being returned to the equipment.
For large-scale operations or critical infrastructure, a comprehensive transformer purification plant is the optimal solution. Companies like YUNENG offer robust systems, such as their ZJA series, which are designed for high flow rates—from 1,800 to 18,000 liters per hour—making them suitable for everything from local substations to massive 500kV power transmission projects. These plants are engineered for more than just routine maintenance; they are vital for processing new oil before it enters service, which may contain impurities from storage and handling, and for rejuvenating oil during transformer installation or major overhaul through vacuum oil filling and hot oil circulation drying.
The benefits of implementing a regular purification regimen are immense. It restores the oil's dielectric strength, often guaranteeing results like a breakdown voltage (BDV) of ≥70 kV and water content of ≤5 ppm. This directly translates to enhanced operational safety, reduced risk of unexpected failures, and significant cost savings by deferring the need for expensive new oil. By investing in a high-quality transformer oil purification system, industries ensure the longevity of their electrical assets and the stability of the power supply.