Laboratory validation of method of solvent extraction for removal of sulphur compounds from mineral oil

The presence of corrosive sulphur compounds in mineral oil is a serious problem affecting the life of transformers. There are several techniques available to remove corrosive sulphur and among them the method of solvent extraction is useful for complete removal of sulphur compounds. In this investigation, laboratory experiments were carried out to validate method of solvent extraction for removal of sulphur compounds like Dibenzyl disulphide and Mercaptan sulphur from mineral oil. The optimum oil to solvent ratio, solvent to co-solvent ratio are investigated and discussed. Efficiency of method of solvent extraction for removal of sulphur compounds is demonstrated on a laboratory scale and further improvements to properties of mineral oil is proposed by the use of conventional reclamation techniques.