Apparatus and method for on-line, real-time analysis of chemical gasses dissolved in transformer oil

Abstract

A method of providing real-time analysis of chemical gases in a transformer oil has been disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an inspection probe adapted to measure a transmission spectrum of a solvent oil in a transformer, placing the probe inside a transformer, using the inspection probe to measure a transmission spectrum of the solvent oil, and determining the concentration of dissolved gases in the transmission oil.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of providing real-time analysis of chemical gases in a transformer oil, comprising the steps of:
 (a) providing an inspection probe adapted to measure a transmission spectrum of a solvent oil in a transformer;   (b) placing the probe inside a transformer;   (c) using the inspection probe to measure a transmission spectrum of the solvent oil; and   (d) determining the concentration of dissolved gases in the transmission oil.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein a gases unique absorption when dissolved in oil or other solvents is used to determent the concentration of dissolved gases in the transmission oil. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1 , further including the step of transmitting incident light through the inspection probe. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein a ratio of light power at an absorption region over that at a non-absorption region is a function of the concentration of the dissolved gases. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the solvent oil enters an interior of the inspection probe via apertures spaced along a side of the inspection probe. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the inspection probe includes a silica tube and first and second collimators disposed at opposing ends of the silica tube, the first and second collimators being aligned by the silica tube such that incident light is transmitted through the first collimator, the tube, and the second collimator to a spectrometer.