FTIR Analysis of Transformer Oils: Accurate Additive Monitoring in Minutes

In the petrochemical and power industries, transformer oil quality is not just a maintenance topic – it’s a key operational factor. Antioxidant additives like 2,6-di-tert-butyl para-cresol (DBPC) and 2,6-di-tert-butyl phenol (DBP) are vital for maintaining oil stability, suppressing oxidation, and extending equipment lifespan. However, the benefits of these additives only hold if their concentrations are maintained within specification.

Why additive monitoring matters

Electrical transformers operate under extreme thermal and electrical stress. Oxidation of insulating oil leads to sludge formation, acidity increase, and ultimately dielectric breakdown. DBPC and DBP inhibit this degradation, but their effectiveness hinges on regular, quantitative assessment. If their concentration falls below threshold levels, the risk of failure rises sharply. This is where the Lyza 7000 FTIR spectrometer from Anton Paar enters the workflow.

Fast, fully compliant FTIR analysis

FTIR spectroscopy offers an efficient path to monitor DBPC and DBP. The Lyza 7000 enables this quantification within minutes, fully in line with the procedural requirements of ASTM D2668 and IEC 60666. This makes it ideal for routine quality control or incoming goods inspection – without the delays of wet-chemical methods or chromatography.

Efficient workflow for reliable results

Measurements should be conducted using a standard 1.00 mm KBr transmission cell. Typical concentrations for calibration standards range from 0.05 % to 0.4 % w/w DBPC. Although DBPC and DBP share the same IR absorption band and cannot be distinguished individually, their combined concentration can be tracked with a high degree of confidence. Signal intensity at the target wavenumber correlates linearly with additive concentration – offering straightforward interpretation and robust trend monitoring.

Lyza 7000 is designed for quick routine analyses, which makes it perfect for laboratories serving the power sector, petrochemical refineries, and insulating oil producers. It minimizes training requirements, integrates into digital lab workflows, and ensures users can monitor additive levels with confidence – reducing transformer downtime and preventing avoidable maintenance.

Transformer health starts with the contents of your oil. Lyza 7000 ensures you know exactly what’s in there.

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