Evaluation of light crude oil for transformer application

Abstract

A sample of light distillate cut of crude oil of Saudi origin has been solicited and evaluated to be adopted as insulating oil. The sample was procured from a commercial local refinery. The conduction current (both quasi- and burst), gas liquid chromatography, IR spectroscopy analysis and the effect of an additive were investigated and compared with the result of a typical commercial transformer oil. It is shown that - after typical chemical treatment -this light distillate cut can be a potential base for producing insulating oils. Further laboratory tests are under examination.