The Relationship Between the Physical, Chemical, and Functional Properties of Insulating Liquids

The chemical composition of insulating liquids determines the physical properties and the functionality of the liquids in electrical equipment. The chemical composition is determined by the feedstocks and the processing technology. The chemical structures found in both mineral and ester-based insulating liquids (isoparaffinic, cycloparaffinic, aromatic, olefinic, carbonyls, and heteroatoms) will be discussed. Structure-property relationships provide insight on the functional properties, e.g., dielectric insulation, heat transfer, oxidation stability, hydrolytic stability, component compatibility, and physical properties.