The use of the oxygen electrode for determining the susceptibility of liquid dielectrics to biodegrade

In this age of environmental concern, there is an increasing need for a quick diagnostic test to determine the potential of a chemical to biodegrade. Of particular interest to the insulation engineer is the degree of biodegradability of certain types of liquid dielectrics such as the askarels or similar-type liquids which are of considerable importance to the transformer and capacitor industries. In developing new liquids for such applications, a quick test will be useful for the organic chemist in planning his future syntheses work. Since the test will come early in the development program, it must be routine and capable of screening a large number of materials with relative ease.