high carbon dioxide levels

[HighPotter]

We have several transformers that come back from lab testing with high carbon dioxide levels. ( over 10,000 )

Now, we have a small wager on this....
Can the "manner" in which you take the oil sample, substantialy effect the outcome of the test regarding carbon dioxide?

HP

 

[unclebob]

Personally, I would not worry for this level of CO2 given that the ratio CO2/CO is over 10. I've comme across recent
xfos (less than 10 years of age) that were producing more CO2 than normal, they were all Federal Pioneer. The one test that should be done is a furan analysis, to verify cellulosic decomposition.

But, assuming your xfo is tight and head space is nitrogene, the O in the CO-CO2 must comes from
the cellulose, the only source of oxygen. Since no other
gaz is produce in a significant manner, I think aging of the cellulose is the cause.

I'll look for photo-degradation of hydrocarbons...in my
old chemistry books.

 

[amps21]

Unclebob,
I agree with your comments that the Furan analysis relates to cellulosic degradation but what i dont understand is generation of COx gasses. Why should one accept CO2 generation (if it is indeed in the unit). It has to be a consequence of some low heat degredation of cellulose or something else like high water retention in cellulose @ the time of installation or degredation of cellulose due to age. The moisture part can be correctly deciphered only thru. relative saturation or corelating moisture in oil @ X temperature wtih moisture in paper using moisture-oil temperature equilibrium curves.

Thx