Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA)

Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) is the single most widely used and most effective test used today to determine if your transformer's operation is normal, questionable or has a fault condition. In association with other tests, inspections and analysis, DGA is key in determining the probable condition of operating transformers. A newer method, the ACTIve Extraction^SM Technique, enables us to offer the most accurate and repeatable DGA results.

Designated ASTM D 3612-C, the ACTIve Extraction^SM Technique has recently been approved by the ASTM. The extraction method differs significantly from the older method. Elevated temperature and extended agitation time are important differences between this method and the older ASTM D 3612-A, or "rack" method.

Some advantages of theACTIve Extraction^SM Technique include:

• Mercury-Free Environment
  
• True Gas Distribution Equilibrium Achieved
  
• Lower Detection Limits
  
• Better Reproducibility
  
• Smaller Oil Volumes Required (9ml vs. 35-50ml)
  
• Applicable to a Wider Concentration Range
  
• Replication of Test with Same 50 ml Sample

Acetylene should not be formed in a normally operating arc-free transformer. However, the ACTIve Extraction^SM Technique allows us to detect this critical fault gas and all other fault gasses at concentrations below 1ppm. The equipment used in our process is highly automated which minimizes human error. Our experience is that better reproducibility and accuracy is achieved with the ACTIve Extraction^SM Technique as compared to the rack method.