Last February 2012 the 4th edition of norm IEC 60296 “Fluids for electrotechnical applications – Unused mineral insulating oils for transformers and switchgear” has been published. This norm, among other things, addresses the compilation of specifications and analytical methods referred to new mineral insulating oils. The oils in question are those used in transformers, switches and other similar electrical equipment in which the oil provides an insulating and heat dissipation function. Edition 4 of IEC 60296 includes some important novelties with respect to the previous one, among them:
- specifications for sulphurised corrosive compounds that could cause the deposit of copper sulfide in the transformer (passivated and non-passivated oils);
- definition of the additives in the oil;
- re-establishment of a missing note for oxidation.
Sea Marconi is able to respond fully to the new indications of 60296 and has been providing for quite a while a support to Customers for the compilation of technical specifications or purchasing terms for new oils. At the same time, Sea Marconi is able to suggest to Customers the most appropriate diagnostic package allowing the verification of the compliance of the supply of oil with the requisites of the norm. These inspections are very important; the oil for the first impregnation is, in effect, one of the first steps for the operational life of the equipment; it is the correct or the wrong start of the Life Cycle Management (LCM).
