DIRANA

Dielectric Response Analysis and Moisture in Oil-Paper Dielectrics

Dielectric Measurements

Why dielectric response measurements?

Valuable information about the condition of high voltage

insulation may be obtained by measuring its dielectric
response. A typical measurement at mains frequency may
provide limited results. Exposing the insulation to a wide
band of frequencies and measuring its dielectric response at
various frequencies results in a more comprehensive condition
assessment. The effects of moisture and ionic contamination
on the dielectric properties of the insulation are more
pronounced at lower frequencies.

Polarization effects and dielectric losses are affected by

various properties of the dielectric material at different
frequencies. These properties include moisture content,
contamination, byproducts and temperature effects.

Test voltage at high voltage windings

(HV)

Guard

Current measurement via

low voltage windings (LV)

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Applications

The DIRANA determines the dielectric properties as a

function of frequency. It measures the dissipation factor and
capacitance of insulation systems like rotating machines.

It is used to determine the moisture content in oil-paper

insulation for the following applications:
• Power transformers
• Paper-mass insulated cables
• Bushings
• Instrument Transformers (CTs/PTs)

DIRANA supports these applications by a large number of

selectable connection diagrams. This is helpful for the user
during on-site measurement.

Measurement steps

The dielectric response is measured by a three-terminal

measurement that includes the output voltage, the
measurement current and a guard to prevent disturbances
due to current paths caused by dirty bushings or
electromagnetic fields.

For e.g. a two-winding transformer which has been

disconnected from the network:
• Apply the test voltage to the HV windings
• Current measurement via LV windings
• Connect the guard to the bushing flange (ground)

Unlike the conventional equilibrium method, the Your benefits:

measurement can be taken right away. There is no
requirement to allow the transformer to cool, or wait until >> Wide frequency range provides a high degree
moisture equilibrium between paper and oil has been of accuracy and precise measurements at all
reached. temperature levels never possible in the past

>> Various insulation systems can be evaluated

>> Large number of connection diagrams to support

Two channels = 50 % time savings the user

OMICRON‘s DIRANA is the first dielectric response analyzer >> DIRANA‘s special guarding technique protects
which comes equipped with two input channels. By utilizing against measurement interference
two channels, significant time savings can be achieved. For
>> Two input channels significantly reduce testing time
example, in the case of a three-winding transformer, the test
voltage can be applied to the LV winding while the input
channels are connected to the HV and the tertiary windings.
This may result in a time savings of up to 50 %.

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Moisture in Oil-Paper Insulation

Cost-effective maintenance Moisture in transformers

In the electric power supply, oil-paper insulation is used Water in transformers comes from four sources: residual
in numerous apparatus, as for example in transformers, water after drying, water from cellulose and oil aging
bushings and instrument transformers. Due to the cost (oxidation), water through leaky seals or repairs, and water
pressure of a de-regulated energy market, utilities have due to breathing. Therefore, even in the case of a non-
shifted maintenance from a time based to a condition breathing transformer the moisture can reach a critical level.
based approaches. This development requires reliable
diagnostic tools. Moisture entering in oil-paper insulations can cause three
dangerous effects: it decreases the dielectric withstand
For example, DIRANA helps you to prioritize the maintenance strength, accelerates cellulose aging (de-polymerization) and
of your transformer fleet by analyzing the moisture content causes the emission of gas bubbles at high temperatures.
of the oil-paper insulation. The test result provides a water
content of the paper that can be compared to other Typically the solid part of the insulations e.g. pressboard,
moisture analysis techniques. paper and wood holds the majority of the water,
i.e. 2000 times more than the oil. Thus the moisture
concentration in the paper insulation is much more important
than that in the oil.

Leaky seals

Moisture due to aging

Installation, repair

Residual moisture

Breathing

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Why moisture determination? How to assess the results?

An accurate assessment about the actual moisture content is IEC 60422 categorizes moisture saturation of more than
required in order to decide if further corrective action, such 6 % as “moderately wet“, which is equivalent to a moisture
as drying, is necessary. content of approximately 2.2 %. At this level the dangerous
effects caused by water can affect the insulation. Based
The graph below shows the temperature dependent upon this, corrective action should be taken for e.g., a
relationship between moisture content and moisture drying process. Below is the moisture assessment used per
saturation to allow conversion of the measured values. IEC 60422.

Moisture content in %
Extremely

Moisture Categories
wet

5
Wet

21°C / 70 °F
4
Moderately

80° C / 176 °F
wet

ure
oist Assessment Result
2 s i n g m ter
ea wa
Incr ue to
d
Dry

0 5 10 20 30

Moisture saturation in %

Moisture content relates water mass to the material mass,

whereas moisture saturation relates water mass to the
maximum water mass a material can adsorb.

Your benefits:
> Determination of moisture content in oil-
paper insulations for a more accurate condition
assessment

> Reliable quantitative data for an efficient condition-

based maintenance program

> Moisture assessment is based upon international

standards

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Moisture Assessment

Why dielectric measurements for

moisture determination?

Traditional oil sampling methods requires the use of an

equilibrium diagram for evaluating moisture in transformers
and can result in errors in the assessment. The application
of conventional equilibrium charts causes inaccurate results
due to the uncertainties during the sampling and water-in-
oil measurement. Together with very long time constants for
equilibrium processes, it leads to a very poor accuracy.

The dielectric response method, in contrast, is a very reliable

method providing a high degree of accuracy in assessing the
moisture content in the paper insulation.

Moisture assessment in basic mode

How does it work? 1

Dissipation Factor

Moisture and aging of cellulose

higher Insulation geometry
DIRANA derives the moisture content in paper or pressboard Oil conductivity
from properties such as polarization current, complex
capacitance, and dissipation factor. Each of these parameters
is strongly affected by moisture. 0.1
lower
The dissipation factor plotted against frequency shows a
typical S-shaped curve. With increasing moisture content, higher
temperature or aging the curve shifts towards the higher
frequencies. Moisture influences the low and the high
lower
frequency areas. The linear, middle section of the curve 0.01
with the steep gradient reflects oil conductivity. Insulation
higher
geometry conditions determine the “hump“ which is located
to the left side of the steep gradient.

DIRANA‘s moisture determination is based on a comparison

of the transformers dielectric response to a modeled dielectric 0.001 lower

response. A fitted algorithm compares the measured data 0.001 Hz 1 Hz 1000 Hz

with the model data and calculates the geometry data, the Frequency
moisture content as well as the oil conductivity. Only the oil Factors affecting the frequency-dependent
temperature needs to be entered. dissipation factor

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 Easy-to-use and efficient software

The software combines expert knowledge with an intuitive

user interface. You can select between basic and extended
moisture assessment (basic and expert mode). If necessary,
a software wizard is available which helps to perform the
assessment.

Moisture assessment
Reliable results even for aged oil-paper-
in expert mode insulation

DIRANA compensates for the influences of conductive aging

byproducts such as acids. These substances increase the
dielectric losses in the same way as water and may therefore
lead to an overestimated water content. DIRANA‘s software
uses a compensation algorithm that provides reliable results
even with aged oil-paper-insulations.

Your benefits:
> Scientifically proven interpretation scheme

> Automated analysis of moisture content and oil

conductivity

> Compensation for temperature and insulation

geometry

> Reliable results even for aged oil-paper-insulations

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Innovative Measurement with OMICRON

OMICRON‘s DIRANA determines the dielectric properties of

insulation within a wide frequency band. Based upon dissipation
factor and capacitance, the system analyzes the moisture
content in oil-paper-insulation. DIRANA also lends itself well
to other high voltage insulation systems e.g. transformers,
bushings, instrument transformers, cables and generators.

Time and frequency domain method combined

DIRANA combines the polarization current measurement (PDC)

PDC Measurement
method in time domain with the frequency domain spectroscopy

Current
(FDS) and thus significantly reduces the testing time compared

FDS Measurement

Dissipation Factor
to existing techniques. Essentially, time domain measurements
can be accomplished in a short time period but are limited to
low frequencies. In contrast, frequency domain measurements
are feasible for high frequencies but take very long time at low
frequencies. Time

Frequency

FDS

PDC

DIRANA
DIRANA Measurement

Dissipation Factor

Test duration Frequency band

DIRANA‘s patented technique combines the advantages of both

principles. It acquires data in the time domain from 10 μHz to
0.1 Hz and in the frequency domain from 0.1 Hz to 5 kHz. This
reduces the measuring duration by up to 75 % compared to
exclusive frequency domain measurements.

For instance, data acquisition for a typical frequency domain

measurement from 1 kHz down to 0.1 mHz will take 11 hours,
DIRANA will acquire this data in under 3 hours. DIRANA
transforms the time domain currents into the frequency domain Frequency
for subsequent evaluation.

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 Reliable moisture assessment with DIRANA

Water can cause dangerous effects for oil-paper insulation, it

decreases the dielectric withstand strength, accelerates aging
of the paper insulation and causes the emission of gas bubbles
at high temperatures. Thus knowledge about the moisture
concentration is of utmost importance for the equipment
operator.

Intuitive user interface for

performing measurements
DIRANA analyzes the dielectric response for determination of
the moisture content in the paper of oil-paper insulation. For
this purpose, the software uses a scientifically proven database
to compare the measure values. This is done completely
automatically, only the oil temperature needs to be entered.

The automated assessment compensates influences such as

temperature, insulation geometry, oil conductivity and aging
byproducts. Conductive aging byproducts appear as water and
cause an overestimation of the moisture content leading to
unnecessary drying. However, DIRANA compensates for this
influence and thus reliably detects moisture even in aged oil-
paper insulation.

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Technical Data

Technical Data

Voltage Source Mechanical Data / Supply Voltage

Measurement voltage 200 Vpeak Dimensions (w x h x d) 260 x 50 x 265 mm /
10.25 x 2 x 10.5 inch
Max. continuous 50 mApeak
output current Weight:
Instrument 2.3 kg / 5 lb
Complete case 16 kg / 34 lb
Dissipation Factor, Capacitance Supply voltage 100 V AC to 240 V AC
Dissipation factor 0...10, 10 -6
Frequency 50 Hz to 60 Hz
range, resolution
Accuracy for:
1 mHz < f < 100 Hz 1 % + 3 x 10-4 Calibration
f < 1 mHz and f > 100 Hz 2 % + 5 x 10-4
Optional calibration every two years
Capacitance 10 pF to 100 μF

Accuracy 0.5 % + 1 pF PC Requirements

Operating system Windows XP, Windows Vista,
Windows 7
Time Domain Current Measurement (PDC) CPU / RAM Pentium 1 GHz / 512 MB
Range, resolution 20 mA, 0.1 pA
Interface / Drives USB 2.0 / CD-ROM drive
Input resistance 10 kW

Accuracy 0.5 % ± 1 pA Environmental Conditions

Ambient temperature:
in operation -10 °C to +55 °C / -31 °F to 131 °F
Frequency Domain Spectroscopy (FDS) for storage -10 °C to +65 °C / 31 °F to 149 °F
Measurement voltage 200 Vpeak Relative humidity 20 % to 95 %,
non-condensing
Measurement current 50 mApeak
Air-pressure 70 kPa to 106 kPa
(storage/operation)

Ranges for Combined FDS and PDC Measurement

Frequency 5 kHz to 50 μHz Software Tests
(using approximation:
GST Measurement with grounded
10 μHz) (Grounded Specimen Test) test object

GSTg (Grounded Specimen Measurement with grounded

Measuring Time (based on frequency) Test, Guard incl.) test object and guard
2 mHz to 1 kHz approx. 15 min UST (Ungrounded Measurement with ungrounded
Specimen Test) test object
100 μHz to 1 kHz < 3 h

10 μHz to 1 kHz < 6 h

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DIRANA comes in a rugged case which contains all necessary accessories
like connection cables with clamps, drums etc.

Ordering Information

Order number Detailed description

VE000670 Complete DIRANA set

VEHZ0607 DIRANA accessories

VEHP0072 Transport case for DIRANA

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OMICRON is an international company serving the electrical
power industry with innovative testing and diagnostic solutions.
The application of OMICRON products allows users to assess
the condition of the primary and secondary equipment on their
systems with complete confidence. Services offered in the area of
consulting, commissioning, testing, diagnosis and training make
the product range complete.

Customers in more than 140 countries rely on the company’s

ability to supply leading edge technology of excellent quality.
Service centers on all continents provide a broad base of
knowledge and extraordinary customer support. All of this
together with our strong network of sales partners is what
has made our company a market leader in the electrical power
industry.

Americas Asia-Pacific Europe, Middle East, Africa

OMICRON electronics Corp. USA OMICRON electronics Asia Limited OMICRON electronics GmbH
3550 Willowbend Blvd Suite 2006, 20/F, Tower 2 Oberes Ried 1
Houston, TX 77054, USA The Gateway, Harbour City 6833 Klaus, Austria
Phone: +1 713 830-4660 Kowloon, Hong Kong S.A.R. Phone: +43 5523 507-0
+1 800-OMICRON Phone: +852 3767 5500 Fax: +43 5523 507-999
Fax: +1 713 830-4661 Fax: +852 3767 5400 info@omicron.at
info@omicronusa.com info@asia.omicron.at

© OMICRON L204, April 2011

Subject to change without notice www.omicron.at • www.omicronusa.com