Effect of aging on the physical, chemical and dielectric properties of dodecylbenzene cable oil

In high voltage transformers a liquid dielectric,such as mineral oil, serves both as an electrical insulator (in conjunction with paper) and as a coolant. Similarly, in paper/oil cables mineral oil or dodecylbenzene in conjunction with paper serves as the electrical insulator. In such systems, the oil serves as a convenient medium for sampling to indicate plant health. In the current study dodecylbenzene was aged at elevated temperatures in the presence of air and copper. A battery of tests was then performed to assess the changes in physical, chemical and electrical properties. After aging the oils were yellowed and oils aged with copper showed oxidation, increased water content and the formation of a precipitate, whilst those aged in the absence of copper showed much less aging. Changes in electrical properties were noted such as increased dielectric loss, increased electrical conductivity and decreased dielectric breakdown strength. It was found that the presence of the precipitate did not affect the electrical properties of the oi