DC Characterization of Isoparaffinic Insulation Oil

Converter transformers in HVDC stations are subject to both AC and DC stresses. With new oils entering the market it is important that these are characterized both for AC and DC. This paper focuses on DC characterization of one such oil, which is an isoparaffinic oil produced using a gas to liquid production process. The results are compared to mineral oil as reference. The isoparaffinic oil is shown to have a very high resistivity. In fact, the resistivity is so high that it is more resistive than impregnated pressboard with low moisture content. This is a dielectric risk which must be considered if the oil is to be used in converter transformers.