Interaction mechanisms of natural ester dielectric fluid and Kraft paper

Sealed tube accelerated aging studies demonstrate a slower aging rate for cellulose insulation in natural (vegetable oil) ester dielectric fluid compared to the rate in conventional transformer oil. The interactions of natural ester fluid and cellulose insulation resulting in increased paper life are described by two interrelated chemical reaction mechanisms. Compared to the conventional transformer oil/Kraft paper system, the natural ester fluid's greater affinity for water shifts more water from the paper into the fluid in order to maintain equilibrium. The natural ester fluid reacts via the primary mechanism of hydrolysis to consume dissolved water in the fluid, shifting further the paper/fluid equilibrium to further dry the paper and produce free fatty acids. These fatty acids serve as reactants in the secondary mechanism of transesterification to modify the cellulose structure. The change in cellulose structure is verified using infrared analysis.