Dielectric characterization of crude oil extracts obtained from different oil fields in Nigeria, intended for utility exploitation in electrical power transformers

Abstract

The utilization of liquid oils for electrical insulation has necessitated the dielectric characterization of oils. The conversion of excess crude petroleum oil to useful insulants constitutes an added advantage to the use of ever increasing crude oil production, as it enhances environmental pollution management. The different polar groups constituting liquid oil give rise to variation in dielectric properties. The respective values could be investigated to determine their sustainability in liquid insulants. The technique for the measurement of dielectric constants and loss factors has been most effective with the use of the Schering Bridge. In this work the modified Schering bridge circuit in association with a capacitive cell with the oil sample as dielectric, is used. Measurements were carried out at audio frequency and room temperature. The dielectric constants and loss factor of crude oil petroleum obtained from different locations in Nigeria are reported. The experimental values obtained compared favorably with reported literature values.

Keywords: Modified Schering Bridge, Crude Petroleum Oil, Dielectric Loss Factor, Electrical Power Insulation