Corrosive sulfur effects in transformer oils and remedial procedures

The behavior of corrosive sulfur in mineral oils is examined in terms of the failures observed in transformers, the surfaces of the copper sulfide covered conductors and degraded paper insulating tapes. The role of dissolved gas analysis (DGA) in the evaluation of the risk of copper sulfide formation is described. The degree of corrosiveness of some sulfur compounds is examined and compared using a Kraft paper wrapped-copper test (standard IEC 62535). The occurrence of DBDS as the most relevant corrosive compound is compared with the presence of other corrosive species in insulating mineral oils. A number of mitigation techniques for corrosive sulfur are described and evaluated.