Concentration Of Furanic Compounds Research Articles

Estimating the age of power transformers using the concentration of furans in dielectric oil

Transformers have an insulation system based on dielectric oil and paper. Several factors as shortcircuits, high load, or overheating influence the aging of the insulating system. Thus, these materials are decomposed during transformer operation, and its state determines the status of the transformer. The degree of polymerization of dielectric paper is an indicator of its real condition. The concentration of furanic compounds in oil offer an estimation of paper degradation. Moreover, these compounds are easy to measure from oil samples. This paper review equations which relate one or more properties of the insulating system with the life expectancy of the transformer. These equations were used in a fleet of transformers in order to estimate the accuracy of these mathematical models. Results show that these methods achieve the most reliable estimation when the transformers have operated less than 8 years. Nevertheless, when the transformers are older, the estimation of lifetime based on furanic compounds is quite erratic and should be improved.

Characterization of rums sold in Spain through their absorption spectra, furans, phenolic compounds and total antioxidant capacity

A total of 42 different rums currently marketed in Spain were analyzed to study the effect of aging time and manufacturing steps (filtration, addition of additives or spices, solera aging method, use of different types of aging barrels) on several parameters: color, non-enzymatic browning, antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile. Different analytical techniques to obtain a broader descriptions of the samples were employed: absorption and UV–vis spectrophotometry, antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS methods), total phenols and HPLC to detect individual phenolic and furanic compounds. Results showed that spectrophotometric techniques could potentially be used to detect adulteration and frauds, as well as to differentiate rums by aging time. Those rums aged longer, especially those aged in oak barrels that had previously contained Bourbon or wine, showed higher phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and concentration of furanic compounds. Filtration results in the loss of antioxidant compounds while adding spices increases their concentration in rums.

Evolution of the Maillard Reaction in Glutamine or Arginine-Dextrinomaltose Model Systems.

Enteral formulas are foods designed for medical uses to feed patients who are unable to eat normally. They are prepared by mixing proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates and fats and submitted to sterilization. During thermal treatment, the Maillard reaction takes place through the reaction of animo acids with reducing sugars. Thus, although glutamine and arginine are usually added to improve the nutritional value of enteral formulas, their final concentration may vary. Thus, in the present paper the early, intermediate, and advanced states of the Maillard reaction were studied in model systems by measuring loss of free amino acids through the decrease of fluorescence intensity with o-phtaldialdehyde (OPA), 5-Hydroximethylfurfural (HMF), furfural, glucosylisomaltol, fluorescence, and absorbance at 420 nm. The systems were prepared by mixing glutamine or arginine with dextrinomaltose (similar ingredients to those used in special enteral formula), and heated at 100 °C, 120 °C and 140 °C for 0 to 30 min. The recorded changes in the concentration of furanic compounds was only useful for longer heating times of high temperatures, while absorbance and fluorescence measurements were useful in all the assayed conditions. In addition, easiness and sensitivity of absorbance and fluorescence make them useful techniques that could be implemented as indicators for monitoring the manufacture of special enteral formulas. Glucosylisomaltol is a useful indicator to monitor the manufacture of glutamine-enriched enteral formulas.

Freeze-dried grape skins by-products to enhance the quality of white wines from neutral grape varieties

Abstract Wastes generated by the wine industry (grape marc), mainly residues from white wine vinifications, are an important source of aroma and phenolic compounds. However, grape marcs are highly perishable and seasonal products, so they require an adequate conservation method. In this respect, freeze-drying, versus conventional drying methods, is a good alternative since this technique preserves the quality of the raw material. Specifically, freeze-drying hardly caused losses of characteristic grape variety volatiles, such as terpenes and C6 compounds, neither increases in the concentration of furan compounds. Furthermore, freeze-dried grape skins obtained from residues did not presented changes in the amounts of phenolic compounds with respect to the fresh skins. On the other hand, skin-contact treatment with Muscat freeze-dried skins enhanced the aroma of white wines made from Airen grapes, a variety considered neutral, without affecting negatively their color. Skin-contact treatment preserved the wine fruity notes, although the only wine that conserved floral notes in its flavor profile was that macerated with freeze-dried skins. Also, these wines were better rated by the assessors than those macerated with Muscat fresh skins.

Degradation of electrical insulating paper monitored with high performance liquid chromatography

The degradation of electrical kraft paper under carefully controlled laboratory experiments is being examined in order to find correlations between the change in dielectric and mechanical properties and the increase in concentration of furan compounds in the oil. These correlations could be valuable for assessing the extent of degradation of paper insulation in operating HV equipment. Preliminary investigation has shown that the concentration of furan compounds in mineral oil can be determined relatively easily using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). While some of these compounds are themselves unstable, three have been found which are worth monitoring to correlate with the tensile and dielectric properties of the paper. Useful trends have been obtained, and further investigation is taking place to obtain clear cut correlation of practical value for monitoring the condition of actual transformers. >