Effect of benzotriazole and 2,6 ditertiary butyl para cresol on the accelerated oxidation of new and reclaimed transformer oils-a comparative study

Comparative experimental data on the effectiveness of benzotriazole (BTA) and 2,6 ditertiary butyl para cresol (DBPC) in inhibiting the accelerated oxidation of new as well as reclaimed transformer oils were obtained using the bomb oxidation apparatus. Benzotriazole is found to be more effective than DBPC in much lower concentrations. The energy of activation involved in the accelerated oxidation of uninhibited and inhibited oils deduced from the analysis of data is reported. Estimated lives of oils at the operating temperatures of the transformer are also reported. An addition of BTA to the extent of 1/10 to 1/15 the concentration of DBPC gives about the same improvement in the life of new oil as that of new oil inhibited with DBPC. Similar results are obtained in the case of reclaimed oil.<>