DGA Interpretation

POWER GRID CORPORATION OF INDIA LTD.
s s s s. .. .H H H H. .. .7 77 7. . . . H4s H4s H4s H4s 7 7 7 7 / DGA INTERPRETATION PROCEDURES

DOC NO: D-2-04-06-01-01, P PH/ FIRST REVISION
DOC NO: D-2-04-06-01-01, P PH/ FIRST REVISION Page 1 of 14
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 The transformer undergoes electrical, chemical and thermal stresses during its service life
which may result in slow evolving incipient faults inside the transformer. The gases
generated under abnormal electrical or thermal stresses are hydrogen(H
2
), methane(CH
4
),
ethane(C
2
H6), ethylene(C
2
H
4
), acetylene(C
2
H
2
), carbon monoxide(CO), carbon
dioxide(CO
2
), nitrogen(N
2
) and oxygen(O
2
) which get dissolved in oil. Collectively these
gases are known as FAULT GASES, which are routinely detected and quantified at
extremely low level, typically in parts per million (ppm) in Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA).
Most commonly method used to determine the content of these gases in oil is using a
VACUUM GAS EXTRACTION APPARATUS AND GAS CHROMATOGRAPH as shown in
the photographs below:
Photo 1:Gas Chromatograph for DGA (HP 5890 + ) Photo 2:Gas Extraction Apparatus-Varion make
Photo 3:
DGA through Head Space Sampler - AGILENT G
1888 Headspace Sampler & AGILENT 6890 Gas
Chromatograph
Separate Gas Extraction Apparatus is not
required in this chromatograph
1.2 DGA is a powerful diagnostic technique for detection of slow evolving faults inside the
transformer by analyzing the gases generated during the fault which gets dissolved in
the oil. For Dissolved Gas Analysis to be both useful and reliable, it is essential that
sample taken for DGA should be representative of lot, no dissolved gas be lost during
transportation and laboratory analysis be precise and accurate. Oil sampling procedure
based on IEC 60567 has been standardized in POWERGRID and currently being used
by all Sites for oil sampling (given as APPENDIX X in Doc. No. D-2-03-XX-01-01).
Effective fault gas interpretation should basically tell us first of all, whether there is any
incipient fault present in the transformer? If there is any problem, what kind of fault it is?
Whether the fault is serious and the equipment needs to be taken out of service for
further investigation? DGA can identify deteriorating insulation and oil, hot spots, partial
discharge, and arcing. The health of oil is reflective of the health of the transformer itself.
DGA analysis helps the user to identify the reason for gas formation & materials
involved and indicate urgency of corrective action to be taken.
1.3 POWERGRID has constituted DGA Committee having representatives from CC/Engg.,
CC/OS and two oil laboratories (i.e CIOTL, Hyderabad & IOTL, Durgapur), which does
the analysis of DGA data of Transformers and reactors periodically (normally bimonthly)
and decides the critical transformer/ reactors on which more attention is to be given
through its DGA record notes. The criteria for interpretation of DGA data depends on
experience from failed transformers, engineering judgment, transformers with incipient
faults, laboratory simulations and statistical studies. The interpretation of DGA results is
enhanced by including specific information on a particular transformer and its past DGA
history. There is no simple litmus paper type of approach with black and white
answers for resolving the DGA problems and sometimes it needs to be supplemented
by additional specialized tests like FRA, RVM etc.
2.0 INTERPRETATION METHODS
Many techniques for the detection and the measurement of gases have been
established. However, it must be recognized that analysis of these gases and
interpretation of their significance is at this time not a science, but an art subject to
variability. Their presence and quantity are dependent on equipment variables such as
type, location, and temperature of the fault; solubility and degree of saturation of various
gases in oil; the type of oil preservation system; the type and rate of oil circulation; the
kinds of material in contact with the fault; and finally, variables associated with the
sampling and measuring procedures themselves. Because of the variability of
acceptable gas limits and the significance of various gases and generation rates, a
consensus is difficult to obtain. The principal obstacle in the development of fault
interpretation as an exact science is the lack of positive correlation of the fault-
identifying gases with faults found in actual transformers.
This guide is, in general, an advisory document. It provides guidance on specific
methods and procedures to assist the transformer operator in deciding on the status and
continued operation of a transformer that exhibits combustible gas formation. However,
operators must be cautioned that, although the physical reasons for gas formation have
a firm technical basis, interpretation of that data in terms of the specific cause or causes
is not an exact science, but is the result of empirical evidence from which rules for
interpretation have been derived. Hence, exact causes or conditions within transformers
may not be inferred from the various procedures. The continued application of the rules
and limits in this guide, accompanied by actual confirmation of the causes of gas
formation, will result in continued refinement and improvement in the correlation of the
rules and limits for interpretation.
Following interpretation methods are general guidelines used by DGA committee for
the purpose of identifying critical units in POWERGRID:
2.1 Individual Fault Gases Acceptable Limits
To ensure that a transformer (with no measured previous dissolved gas history) is
behaving normal, the DGA results are compared with the gassing characteristics
exhibited by the majority of similar transformers or normal population. As the transformer
ages and gases are generated, the normal levels for 90% of a typical transformer
population can be determined. From these values and based on experience, acceptable
limits or threshold levels have been determined as given in table 1 below:
Table 1: Ranges of 90% typical concentration values (all Types of Transformers)
As per IEC 60599 /1999
Transformer
Sub Type
FAULT GASES (in l/l)
H2 CH4 C2H6 C2H4 C2H2 CO CO2
No OLTC
Communicating
OLTC
60-150
75-150
40-110
35-130
50-90
50-70
60-280
110-250
3-50
80-270
540-900
400-850
5100-13000
5300-12000
NOTE 1- The values listed in this table were obtained from individual networks. Values on other
networks may differ.
NOTE 2- Communicating OLTC means that some oil and /or gas communication is possible
between the OLTC compartment and the main tank or between the respective conservators. These
gases may contaminate the oil in the main tank and affect the normal values in these types of
equipment.
NO OLTC refers to transformers not equipped with an OLTC, or equipped with an OLTC not
communicating with or leaking to the main tank.
NOTE 3- In some countries, typical values as low as 0.5 l/ l for C2H2 and 10 l / l for C2H4 have
been reported.
2.2 Total Dissolved Combustible Gas (TDCG) limits
The severity of an incipient fault can be further evaluated by the total dissolved
combustible gas present. Limits for TDCG are as given in table 2 below. An increasing
gas generation rate indicates a problem of increasing severity and therefore we should
resort to shorter sampling frequency for close monitoring of fault gases.
Table 2: Action based on TDCG limits (IEEE standard C: 57.104-1991)
TDCG LIMITS, PPM ACTION
< or = 720 Satisfactory operation, Unless individual gas acceptance values
are exceeded
721-1920 Normal ageing/ slight decomposition, Trend to be established to
see if any evolving incipient fault is present.
1921-4630 Significant decomposition, Immediate action to establish trend to
see if fault is progressively becoming worse.
>4630 Substantial decomposition, Gassing rate and cause of gassing
should be identified and appropriate corrective action such as
removal from service may be taken.
NOTE: TDCG value includes all hydrocarbons, CO & H2 and does not include CO2 which is not a
Combustible gas.
2.2.1 The relationship of evolved gas with temperature and type of fault is shown in table 3 & 4:
Table 3: Relationship of evolved gases with temperature
Relationship with temperature
Methane (CH
4
) > 120 C
Ethane (C
2
H
6
) > 120 C
Ethylene (C
2
H
4
) > 150 C
Acetylene (C
2
H
2
) > 700 C
Table 4: Associated faults with different fault gases
Associated faults with different gases
Oil Overheating : C
2
H
4
, C
2
H
6
, CH
4
Traces of acetylene with smaller quantity of Hydrogen may be evolved
Overheated Cellulose : CO
Large quantity of Carbon-Di-Oxide (CO
2
) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) are
evolved from overheated cellulose. Hydrocarbon gases such as Methane and
Ethylene will be formed if the fault involves an oil impregnated structure.
Partial discharge in Oil (Corona): H
2
, CH
4
Ionization of high stressed area where gas / vapour filled voids are present or
wet spot produces Hydrogen and methane and small quantity of other
hydrocarbons like ethane and ethylene. Comparable amounts of carbon mono-
oxide and di-oxide may result due to discharges in cellulose.
Arcing in Oil : C
2
H
2
, H
2
Large amount of Hydrogen and acetylene are produced with minor quantities of
methane and ethylene in case of arcing between the leads, lead to coil and high
stressed area. Small amounts of carbon mono-oxide and di-oxide may also be
formed, if fault involves cellulose.

It is well known that there is no definite DGA interpretation method in the world, which
can indicate the exact location and type of the fault. The different interpretation methods
only provide guidelines to take an engineering judgment about the equipment. Apart from
the DGA results various other factors are taken into consideration such as past history of
the transformer, grid condition, loading patterns etc.
2.3 INTERPRETATION TECHNIQUES AS PER STANDARDS
Several well- known methods/criteria (like Rogers ratio, IEC 60599, Dornenberg, Key gas
etc.) are being used by utilities to interpret the DGA results, based mostly on the relative
concentrations (i.e. ratios) of the constituent gases. These ratios generally give an
indication of the existence and nature of a problem. Some of the interpretation methods
used for DGA are discussed here in brief:
2.3.1 IEC 60599 METHOD
This method is applicable only when the fault gas results are ten times the sensitivity
limit of the Gas Chromatograph (GC). As per IEC 60567 the sensitivity limit for the GC
should be 1 ppm for all the hydrocarbons and 5 ppm for Hydrogen. In this method three
ratios viz. C
2
H
2
/C
2
H
4
, CH
4
/H
2
& C
2
H
4
/C
2
H
6
are used for interpretation. Each ratio is
assigned a code depending upon the range of values of ratios. These codes in different
combinations are then used for diagnosis of type of fault such as PD (D
1
-low energy or
D
2
-High energy), thermal faults of various temperatures (T
1
<300C, 300C<T
2
<700C &
T
3
>700C) as given in table 5 below. PD is exhibited by possible X-wax deposition on
paper insulation, or of the sparking type, inducing pinhole, carbonized perforations
(punctures) in paper, which, however, may not be easy to find; Typical D1 fault is
exhibited by larger carbonized perforations through paper (punctures), carbonization of
the paper surface (tracking) or carbon particles in oil (as in tap changer diverter
operation); discharges of high energy (D2), in oil or/and paper, with power follow-
through, evidenced by extensive destruction and carbonization of paper, metal fusion at
the discharge extremities, extensive carbonization in oil and, in some cases, tripping of
the equipment, confirming the large current follow-through; T1 faults turns paper brown
whereas in T2 evidence of carbonization is also seen. In T3 faults, strong evidence of
carbonization of the oil, metal coloration (800 C) or metal fusion (>1 000 C) is present.
Table 5 : DGA Interpretation Table (Source IEC 60599 1999)
Case Characteristic Fault C
2
H
2
C
2
H
4
CH
4
H
2
C
2
H
4
C
2
H
6
PD Partial discharges NS <0.1 <0.2
D1 Discharges of low energy >1 0.1 0.5 >1
D2 Discharges of high energy 0.6 2.5 0.1 -1 >2
T1 Thermal fault
T < 300C
NS
1
>1 but NS
1
<1
T2 Thermal fault
300C < 1 < 700C
<0.1 >1 1-4
T3 Thermal fault <0.2
2
>1 >4
NOTE 1 In some countries, the ratio C2H2 / C2H6 is used, rather than the ratio CH4
/H2. Also in some countries, slightly different ratio limits are used.
NOTE 2 The above ratios are significant and should be calculated only if at least one of
the gases is at a concentration and a rate of gas increase above typical values.
NOTE 3 CH4 / H2 <0.2 for partial discharges in instrument transformers.
CH4/H2 <0.007 for partial discharges in bushings.
NOTE 4 Gas decomposition patters similar to partial discharges have been reported as
a result of the decomposition of thin oil film between over-heated core laminates at
temperatures of 140 C and above.
1. NS = Non- significant whatever the value
2. An increasing value of the amount of C2H2 may indicate that the hot spot
temperature is higher than 1000C
Table 6: Typical faults in power transformers based on IEC 60599-1999
Type Fault Examples
PD Partial discharges Discharges in gas-filled cavities resulting from incomplete impregnation,
high-humidity in paper, Oil super saturation or cavitations, and leading to
X-wax formation.
D1 Discharges of low
energy
Sparking or arcing between bad connections of different or floating
potential, from shielding rings, toroids, adjacent disks or conductors of
winding, broken brazing or closed loops in the core.
Discharges between clamping parts, bushing and tank, high voltage and
ground within windings, on tank walls.
Tracking in wooden blocks, glue of insulating beam, winding spacers,
Breakdown of oil, selector breaking current.
D2 Discharges high
energy
Flashover, tracking, or arcing or high local energy or with power follow-
through
Short circuits between low voltage and ground, connectors, windings,
bushings and tank, copper bus and tank, windings and core, in oil duct,
turret. Closed loops between two adjacent conductors around the main
magnetic flux, insulated bolts of core, metal rings holding core legs.
T1 Thermal fault
t<300 C
Overloading of the transformer in emergency situations
Blocked item restricting oil flow in windings
Stray flux in damping beams of yokes
T2 Thermal fault
300 C <t<700 C
Defective contacts between boiled connections (particularly between
aluminium, busbar), gliding contacts, contacts within selector switch
(pyrolitic carbon formation), connections from cable and draw-rod of
bushings.
Circulating currents between yoke clamps and bolts, clamps and
laminations. In ground wiring, defective welds or clamps in magnetic
shields.
Abraded insulation between adjacent parallel conductors in windings.
T3 Thermal fault
t>700 C
Large circulating currents in tank and core
Minor currents in tank walls created by a high uncompensated magnetic
field
Shorting links in core steel laminations.
Typical faults detectable through DGA in transformers are given in Table 6 given above.
Please note: 1. X wax formation comes from Paraffinic oils (paraffin based).
2. The last overheating problem in the table says "over 700 C. Recent laboratory discoveries have
found that acetylene can be produced in trace amounts at 500 C, which is not reflected in this
table. We have several transformers that show trace amounts of acetylene that are probably not
active arcing but are the result of high temperature thermal faults as in the example. It may also be
the result of one arc, due to a nearby lightning strike or voltage surge.
3. A bad connection at the bottom of a bushing can be confirmed by comparing infrared scans of the
top of the bushing with a sister bushing. When loaded, heat from a poor connection at the bottom
will migrate to the top of the bushing, which will display a markedly higher temperature. If the top
connection is checked and found tight, the problem is probably a bad connection at the bottom of
the bushing.
2.3.2 IEEE Method (as per standard C57.104-1991)
2.3.2.1Evaluation of Possible Fault by Key Gas Method:
Characteristic Key Gases have been used to identify particular type of fault.
Laboratory simulations and comparison of results of DGA tests combined with
observations from the tear down of failed transformers have permitted the development
of a diagnostic scheme of the characteristic gases generated from thermal and electrical
(Corona and arcing) deterioration of electrical insulation. Table 7 given below lists the
key gases for the conditions of arcing, corona, overheating in oil and overheating in
paper in the order of decreasing severity.
Table 7: Key gases associated with typical fault
Fault type Key gases
Arcing Acetylene (C2H2), Hydrogen (H2)
Corona Hydrogen (H2)
Overheated Oil Ethylene (C2H4), Methane (CH4)
Overheated Cellulose Carbon Mono-oxide (CO) and Dioxide (CO2)

2.3.2.2 Evaluation of Transformer Condition Using Individual and TDCG Concentrations
A four-level criterion has been developed in the Standard IEEE Standard (C57-104) to
classify risks to transformers, when there is no previous dissolved gas history, for
continued operation at various combustible gas levels. The criterion uses both
concentrations for separate gases and the total concentration of all combustible gases.
The four IEEE conditions are defined below, and gas levels are in table 8 following the
definitions.
Condition 1: Total dissolved combustible gas (TDCG) below this level indicates the
transformer is operating satisfactorily. Any individual combustible gas exceeding
specified levels in table 8 should have additional investigation.
Condition 2: TDCG within this range indicates greater than normal combustible gas
level. Any individual combustible gas exceeding specified levels in table 8 should have
additional investigation. A fault may be present. Take DGA samples at least often
enough to calculate the amount of gas generation per day for each gas. (See table 8 for
recommended sampling frequency and actions.)
Condition 3: TDCG within this range indicates a high level of decomposition of
cellulose insulation and/or oil. Any individual combustible gas exceeding specified levels
in table 8 should have additional investigation. A fault or faults are probably present.
Take DGA samples at least often enough to calculate the amount of gas generation per
day for each gas.
Condition 4: TDCG within this range indicates excessive decomposition of cellulose
insulation and/or oil. Continued operation could result in failure of the transformer
Table 8Dissolved Key Gas Concentration Limits in Parts Per Million (ppm)
Status
Hydroge
n (H2)
Methan
e (CH4)
Acetylene
(C2 H2)
Ethylene
(C2H4)
Ethane
(C2H6)
Carbon
Monoxide
(CO)
Carbon
Dioxide
(CO2)1 TDCG
Condition 1 100 120 35 50 65 350 2,500 720
Condition 2 101-700
121-
400
36-50 51-100 66-100 351-570
2,500-
4,000
721-
1,920
Condition 3 701-
1,800
401-
1,000
51-80 101-200 101-150 571-
1,400
4,001-
10,000
1,921-
4,630
Condition 4 >1,800 >1,000 >80 >200 >150 >1,400 >10,000 >4,630
1 CO2 is not included in adding the numbers for TDCG because it is not a combustible gas.
CAUTION:
Transformers generate some combustible gases from normal operation, and condition numbers for
dissolved gases given in IEEE C-57-104-1991 (table 8 above) are extremely conservative.
Transformers can operate safely with individual gases in Condition 4 with no problems, provided
they are stable and gases are not increasing or are increasing very slowly. If TDCG and individual
gases are increasing significantly (more than 30 ppm per day [ppm/day]), an active fault is in
progress. The transformer should be de-energized when Condition 4 levels are reached.

A sudden increase in key gases and the rate of gas production is more important in evaluating
a transformer than the accumulated amount of gas. One very important consideration is
acetylene (C2H2). Generation of any amount of this gas above a few ppm indicates high-
energy arcing. Trace amounts (a few ppm) can be generated by a very hot thermal fault (500
degrees Celsius (C) or higher). A onetime arc, caused by a nearby lightning strike or a high
voltage surge, can also generate a small amount of C2H2. If C2H2 is found in the DGA, oil
samples should be taken weekly or even daily to determine if additional C2H2 is being
generated. If no additional acetylene is found and the level is below the IEEE Condition 4, the
transformer may continue in service. However, if acetylene continues to increase, the
transformer has an active high-energy internal arc and should be taken out of service
immediately. Further operation is extremely hazardous and may result in explosive catastrophic
failure of the tank, spreading flaming oil over a large area.
NOTES:
1. Either the highest condition based on individual combustible gas or TDCG can determine
the condition (1,2,3, or 4) of the transformer. For example, if the TDCG is between 1,921
ppm and 4,630 ppm, this indicates Condition 3. However, if hydrogen is greater than 1,800
ppm, the transformer is in Condition 4, as shown in table 9.
2. When the table says determine load dependence, this means try to find out if the gas
generation rate in ppm/day goes up and down with the load. The transformer may be
overloaded or have a cooling problem. Take oil samples every time the load changes; if load
changes are too frequent, this may not be possible.
3. To get the TDCG generation rate, divide the change in TDCG by the number of days
between samples that the transformer has been loaded. Down-days should not be included.
The individual gas generation rate in ppm/day is determined by the same method.
Table 9Actions Based on Dissolved Combustible Gas
Sampling Intervals and Operating
Actions for Gas Generation Rates
Conditions
TDCG Level or
Highest Individual Gas
(See table 8)
TDCG
Generation
Rates (ppm per
day)
Sampling
Interval
Operating Procedures
< 10
Annually: 6
months for
EHV
Transformer
10-30 Quarterly
Continue normal
operation.
Condition 1
<720 ppm of TDCG or
highest condition based
on individual
combustible gas from
table 8.
> 30 Monthly
Exercise caution.
Analyze individual
gases to find cause.
Determine load
dependence.
< 10 Quarterly
10-30 Monthly Condition 2
7211,920 ppm of
TDCG or highest
condition based on
individual combustible
gas from table 8. > 30 Monthly
Exercise caution.
Analyze individual
gases to find cause.
Determine load
dependence.
< 10 Monthly
10-30 Weekly
Condition 3
1,9214,630 ppm of
TDCG or highest
condition based on
individual combustible
gas from table 8. > 30 Weekly
Exercise extreme
caution. Analyze
individual gases to find
cause. Plan outage.
Call manufacturer and
other consultants for
advice.
< 10 Weekly
10-30 Daily
Exercise extreme
caution. Analyze
individual gases to find
cause. Plan outage.
Call manufacturer and
other consultants for
advice.
Condition 4
>4,630 ppm of TDCG
or highest condition
based on individual
combustible gas from
table 8.
> 30 Daily
Consider removal from
service. Call
manufacturer and other
consultants for advice.

Table 9 assumes that no previous DGA tests have been made on the transformer or that no
recent history exists. If a previous DGA exists, it should be reviewed to determine if the
situation is stable (gases are not increasing significantly) or unstable (gases are increasing
significantly).
2.3.2.3 Evaluation of Possible Fault Type by Ratio Method
These methods are used to determine the type of fault condition by comparing ratios of
characteristic gases generated under incipient fault conditions. The advantages to the
ratio methods are that they are quantitative, independent of transformer capacity and
can be computer programmed. The disadvantages are that they may not always yield
an analysis or may yield an incorrect one. Therefore it is always used in conjunction with
other diagnostic methods such as key gas method.
a. The Doernenberg Ratio method is used when prescribed normal levels of gassing are
exceeded. It provides a simple scheme for distinguishing between pyrolysis
(overheating) and PD (corona and arcing). In this method four ratios viz. CH
4
/H
2
,
C
2
H
2
/C
2
H
4
, C
2
H
2
/CH
4
& C
2
H
6
/ C
2
H
2
are used.
Table 10: Ratios for Key Gases Doernenburg
Ratio 1 (R1) Ratio 2 (R2) Ratio 3 (R3) Ratio 4 (R4) Suggested Fault
Diagnosis
CH4/H2 C2H2/C2H4 C2H2/CH4 C2H6/C2H2
1- Thermal
Decomposition
>1.0 <0.75 <0.3 >0.4
2-Corona (Low
Intensity PD)
<0.1 Not Significant <0.3 >0.4
3-Arcing (High
Intensity PD)
>0.1 >0.75 >0.3 <0.4
In Doernenburgs method for declaring the unit faulty at least one of the gas
concentrations (in ppm) for H2, CH4, C2H2 and C2H4 should exceed twice the values
from limit L1 (See table 11) and one of the other three should exceed the values for
Limit L1. Having established that the unit is faulty, for determining the validity of ratio
procedure at least one of the gases in each ratio R1, R2, R3 or R4 should exceed limit
L1. Otherwise the unit should be re-sampled and investigated by alternative procedures.
Table 11: Concentrations of Dissolved Gas
Key Gas Concentration L1 (in ppm)
Hydrogen(H2) 100
Methane (CH4) 120
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 350
Acetylene (C2H2) 35
Ethylene(C2H4) 50
Ethane (C2H6) 65
b. The Rogers Ratio method is a more comprehensive scheme using only three ratios
viz. CH
4
/H
2
, C
2
H
2
/C
2
H
4
& C
2
H
4
/C
2
H
6
, which details temperature ranges for overheating
conditions based on Halsteads research and some distinction of the severity of incipient
electrical fault conditions (See Table 12). A normal condition is also listed.
Table 12: Rogers ratio for Key Gases
Case R2
(C2H2/C2H4)
R1
(CH4/H2)
R5
(C2H4/C2H6)
Suggested Fault Diagnosis
0 <0.1 >0.1 <0.1 Unit normal
1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 Low-energy density arcing PD (See
Note)
2 0.1-
3.0
0.1-
1.0
>3.0 Arcing High energy discharge
3 <0.1 >0.1
<1.0
1.0-
3.0
Low temperature thermal
4 <0.1 >1.0 1.0-
3.0
Thermal <700C
5 <0.1 >1.0 >3.0 Thermal >700C
Note : There will be a tendency for the ratios R2 and R4 to increase to a ratio above 3 as the discharge
develops in intensity
IEEE C57.104 - 1991 standard gives an elaborate way of analysing the type of fault
using Doernenberg, Rogerss method and TDCG limits. However it is again emphasized
that DGA shall give misleading results unless certain precautions are taken. These are
proper sampling procedure, type of sampling bottle, cleanliness of bottle, duration of
storage, method of gas extraction, good testing equipment and skilled manpower.
2.4 Trend Analysis
Transformers from same manufacturers and of same type some time exhibit initially
specific pattern of gas evolution which subsequently slows down (or plateaus) is called
Fingerprints or Normal characteristics, which are characteristic to the transformer and
do not represent an incipient fault condition.

When a possible incipient fault condition is identified for first time, it is advised to
determine gassing trend with subsequent analysis giving information such as which
gases are currently being generated and rate of generation of these gases. The level of
gases generated in subsequent analysis provides a baseline from which future
judgment can be made. In the examination of trends, Key gases, TDCG, CO
2
/CO ratio,
rate of gas generation and fingerprints (of normal trends) of particular transformer
should also be considered.
The ratio of gas generation is a function of load supplied by the transformers and this
information is vital in determining the severity of fault condition and decision of removal
of the equipment from service for further investigation. Two methods have been
suggested in literatures for assessing the gassing rate:
Change of concentration of gas in ppm
Determination of actual amount of gas generated
General guidelines for rate of gas generation in case of removal of transformer from
service are 100 ppm/day and 0.1 cub feet (0.003 m3) gas per day .
2.5 Action Recommended Based On Review of DGA for Critical Transformer
All the in-service transformers and reactors in POWERGRID are to be sampled for DGA
on 6-monthly basis and DGA data obtained after carrying out DGA is first reviewed at
the laboratory. Based on the results obtained, the respective oil laboratory shall decide
on the subsequent frequency of sampling. Frequency can also be further revised during
the review by DGA Committee. The frequency of sampling is changed (increased or
decreased) depending upon the trend of fault gases, rate of gas increase etc. based on
various standards in vogue. The various actions those could be decided are as follows:
1. If there is sudden rise in fault gases not in conformity with earlier trend, a
confirmatory oil sample is required to be sent to laboratory on urgent basis to
confirm the trend.
2. In case of violation of any gas, the frequency may be increased suitably for close
monitoring of the equipment.
3. In case of detection of arcing (normally associated with C2H2), severe overheating
or partial discharges (D2) etc, a decision regarding internal inspection can be
taken.
4. In case of certain old transformers/reactors which are running under full load, a
decision to increase the frequency of oil sampling can be taken on case to case
basis.
Normally such actions, especially at no. 2, 3 & 4 are to be taken only in consultation with
DGA Committee / CC (OS).
DGA Committee gives out recommendations on critical transformers & reactors in the
form of DGA Committee Record Notes on which Sites are required to take action. The
recommendation for taking out critical unit for further inspection / tests is taken based on
various factors such as past history of operation & maintenance, grid condition, special
tests, manufacturing details (type/ model) etc. and consultation with manufacturers.
An indicative flow chart is given at fig 1 for step by step action to be taken based on
DGA test results giving recommendations:
Fig1: Flow chart for DGA from IEC 60599/ 1999
References/ further reading:
1. Criteria for the interpretation of Data for DGA from transformer-Paul J. Griffin, Electrical
insulating oils, ASTME, Philadelphia
2. Dissolved Fault Gas Analysis Data A practical approach to interpretation of Results- Dr.
J.E. Morgan and W. Morse, Morgan Schaffer Corporation Bulletin, MS 25, 1993
3. CIGRE Guide for Life Management Techniques for Power Transformers-20
th
Jan03
prepared by CIGRE WG A2.18
4. IEEE Std.62-1995: IEEE Guide for Diagnostic Field testing of Electric Power Apparatus-Part
1: Oil filled Power Transformers, Regulators and Reactors
5. IEC-60599-1999: Mineral oil-impregnated electrical equipment in service-Guide to the
interpretation of dissolved and free gases analysis
6. IEEE std. C57.104-1991: IEEE Guide for the Interpretation of Gases Generated in Oil-
Immersed Transformers
7. New Guidelines for Furan analysis as well as Dissolved Gas Analysis in Oil-Filled
Transformers by A. Mollmann and A. De Pablo, CIGRE 1996 paper: 15/21/33-19

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