A novel optical sensor for the measurement of furfuraldehyde in transformer oil

Measuring the concentration of furfuraldehyde (FFA) within oil samples taken periodically from power transformers is usually carried out as a means of condition monitoring. Normally, laboratory-based techniques such as high performance liquid chromatography are applied for this measurement. We report the construction of a novel optoelectronic sensor for the determination of FFA in transformer oils to concentrations as low as 0.1 ppm. The sensor will form the basis of a compact and portable instrument that can be used by a nonspecialist operator to determine, on-site, the concentration of FFA in oil extracted from the transformer.