Identification of Stray Gassing of Dodecylbenzene in Bushings

Several high voltage condenser type OIP (oil impregnated paper) bushings used in the electrical industry are filled with dodecylbenzene, because of its ability to absorb hydrogen formed by corona partial discharges in the thick paper insulation of these pieces of equipment. Some of them form large quantities of ethane, raising the concern of overheating faults in their paper insulation, which may be risky for their safe operation in service. The article presents dissolved gas analysis results of oil samples taken from the bushings with high ethane formation, together with results of laboratory tests of stray gassing of dodecylbenzene performed according to CIGRE procedure. By using Duval Pentagon 2 it is possible to compare patterns in the laboratory and in bushings and evaluate the temperature range of possible defects. Stray gassing/overheating of dodecylbenzene in bushings within the stray gassing temperature range and whatever the possible other causes, is not a concern for their safe operation according to observations published by CIGRE.