Changes in Performance Characteristics of Transformer Oil by the Action of Ionizing Radiation

Abstract

Changes in physicochemical parameters, such as resistivity, viscosity, and density, and the formation of gaseous products (Н2, СН4, С2Н4, С2Н6, С3Н8, С4Н10, С5Н12, and С6Н14) depending on the absorbed dose in the range of 29.7–237.6 kGy have been studied. It has been found that the chemical composition of transformer oil is changed by γ-irradiation and this change is accompanied by changes in the resistivity, viscosity, and density of the oil. The degree of conversion depends on the absorbed dose and increases with it. The IR spectra exhibit =С–Н stretching vibrations, –С=С in-plane bending vibrations, and –СН out-of-plane bending vibrations in aromatic compounds. In addition, –С–Н stretching vibrations and–С–СН3 bending vibrations (antisymmetric and symmetric) in alkanes are observed. The IR absorption spectra have been observed in the ranges of $${\Delta }{{\lambda }_{1}} = 2800 - 3300\,{\text{c}}{{{\text{m}}}^{{ - 1}}},$$$${\Delta }{{\lambda }_{2}} = 2000~\,{\text{c}}{{{\text{m}}}^{{ - 1}}},$$$${\Delta }{{\lambda }_{3}} = 1350 - 1450\,\,{\text{c}}{{{\text{m}}}^{{ - 1}}}$$, and $${\Delta }{{\lambda }_{4}} = 600 - 1200~\,\,{\text{c}}{{{\text{m}}}^{{ - 1}}}.$$ The absorption band at $${\Delta }{{\lambda }_{4}} = 600 - 1200~\,{\text{c}}{{{\text{m}}}^{{ - 1}}}$$ is a diffuse part of the spectrum, which includes a number of weak absorption bands.