Changes in Operating Characteristics of Transformer Oil under the Action of Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

The changes in physicochemical parameters such as specific resistance, viscosity, density, and formation of gaseous products H₂, CH₄, C₂H₄, C₂H₆, C₃H₈, C₄H₁₀, C₅H₁₂, and C₆H₁₄ with respect to the adsorbed dose in the interval of 29.7–237.6 kGy are studied. It is established that the chemical composition of transformer oil changes under the action of γ irradiation, which is accompanied by the changes in specific resistance, viscosity, and density of oil. The degree of conversion depends on the adsorbed dose and grows when it increases. The IR spectra show =C–H stretching vibrations, –C=C in-plane deformation vibrations, and –CH out-of-plane deformation vibrations of aromatic compounds. In addition, there are –C–H stretching vibrations and antisymmetric and symmetric –C–CH₃ deformation vibrations in alkanes. The IR absorption spectra are observed in the range of Δλ₁ = 2800–3300 cm^–1, Δλ₂ = 2000 cm^–1, Δλ₃ = 1350–1450 cm^–1, and Δλ₄ = 600–1200 cm^–1. The absorption band of Δλ₄ = 600–1200 cm^–1 is a smeared part of the spectrum with a number of weak absorption bands.