ASTM International Committee D27 on Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases is continuing its work on standards for natural esters with the development of a proposed new standard, WK21616, Test Method for Oxidation Induction Time of Natural Ester Insulating Fluids by Pressure (PDSC) or Regular Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The proposed standard was submitted under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D27.03 on Analytical Tests.  ASTM published the first international standard for natural esters, D6871, Specification for Natural (Vegetable Oil) Ester Fluids Used in Electrical Apparatus in 2003.

“Natural ester-based dielectric fluids are a technological and sustainable advancement for electrical equipment, primarily applied to distribution and power transformers,” says Kevin Rapp, senior project engineer, Cooper Power Systems Fluid Products, and a D27 member. “Applying the proposed new standard for oxidation stability testing will provide the user with an easily obtained measure of natural ester oxidation stability. Differences from lot to lot, from various oil seed types and sources and the effectiveness of various antioxidant additives can be assessed for research, purchasing and quality control purposes.”

The proposed new standard will be used by natural ester insulating fluid manufacturers, transformer manufacturers and their customers to verify additive performance and as a means of quality control.  Interested parties are invited to participate in the further development of WK21616.

For technical Information, contact Kevin Rapp, Cooper Power Systems, Waukesha, Wis. (phone: 262-524-4421; kevin.rapp@cooperindustries.com). Committee D27 meets May 17-19, 2009, during May committee week in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. For ASTM meeting or membership information, contact Christine DeJong, ASTM International (phone: 610-832-9736; cdejong@astm.org).

 Release #8122/Dec08