Selecting a varnish today for use in the year 2000 and beyond

Electromechanical engineers are faced with many challenges today in selecting the proper impregnating varnish for use in their transformers. Characteristics such as liquid properties and the electrical and mechanical performances of the varnish are typically the key items that engineers look at today. As we are approaching the turn of century, other key issues such as environmental concerns, additional handling of chemical and chemical costs associated with maintaining the varnish, etc. need to play more of a key part of the equation in determining which varnish is right for use now, as well year 2000 and beyond. The purpose of this paper is to assist the engineer in making a proper selection of an impregnating varnish based on the actual cost of the varnish, current and potential changes to future environmental issues, as well as maintaining a quality standard of electrical and mechanical properties in a finished transformer. This paper should help in serving as an aid in choosing the correct varnish for today and usage into the turn of the century.