ASTM D3283-98(2020)

Standard Specification for Air as an Electrical Insulating Material

ABSTRACT
This specification applies to Type I gaseous air, both atmospheric and that synthesized by blending oxygen and nitrogen in proper proportions, used as an electrical insulating material in electrical equipment. Appropriately sampled specimens shall undergo tests and should adhere accordingly to chemical requirements as to dew point, and specified compositions for oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification applies to air used as an electrical insulating material in electrical equipment.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2020
• ICS: 29.035.99 - Other insulating materials
• Technical Committee: D27 - Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases
• Drafting Committee: D27.02 - Gases and Non-Mineral Oil Liquids

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E260-96(2019) - Standard Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019
• Refers: ASTM D2029-97(2017) - Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Content of Electrical Insulating Gases by Measurement of Dew Point
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2017
• Refers: ASTM E260-96(2011) - Standard Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E105-10 - Standard Practice for Probability Sampling Of Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM D2029-97(2008) - Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Content of Electrical Insulating Gases by Measurement of Dew Point
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM E260-96(2006) - Standard Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2006
• Refers: ASTM E105-04 - Standard Practice for Probability Sampling Of Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2004
• Refers: ASTM E260-96(2001) - Standard Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Refers: ASTM E260-96 - Standard Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2001
• Refers: ASTM D2029-97(2003) - Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Content of Electrical Insulating Gases by Measurement of Dew Point
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1997
• Refers: ASTM D2029-97 - Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor Content of Electrical Insulating Gases by Measurement of Dew Point
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-1997
• Refers: ASTM E105-58(1996) - Standard Practice for Probability Sampling Of Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-1996

Overview

ASTM D3283-98(2020) - Standard Specification for Air as an Electrical Insulating Material sets forth the requirements for Type I gaseous air used in electrical equipment as an insulation medium. This standard, issued by ASTM International, applies to both naturally occurring atmospheric air and synthesized air created by blending oxygen and nitrogen. The specification outlines the chemical composition, necessary testing methods, and packaging requirements to ensure that air used as an electrical insulating material meets stringent safety and quality criteria.

Utilizing air as an insulating gas is crucial in high-voltage electrical systems and equipment, where reliable dielectric properties prevent electrical discharges and equipment failures. This standard helps manufacturers, engineers, and quality professionals ensure that the air used conforms to established properties for optimal electrical insulation.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability

  • Pertains to air (both atmospheric and synthetic) used as an electrical insulating material.
  • Applicable primarily to electrical equipment that relies on gaseous insulation.

• Composition and Chemical Requirements

  • Oxygen: 19.5 - 23.5% by volume.
  • Carbon monoxide: Maximum 0.0020% by volume.
  • Carbon dioxide: Maximum 0.10% by volume.
  • Nitrogen: Predominantly the balance.
  • Dew point: Not to exceed -58°C.
  • Additional analyses and limits may be agreed upon between supplier and purchaser.

• Sampling and Testing

  • Specifies protocols for sampling air, particularly from high-pressure containers.
  • Mandates use of pressure regulators and proper tubing to avoid contamination.
  • References test methods:
    • Dew Point: ASTM D2029.
    • Oxygen, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide: ASTM E260.

• Safety and Environmental Considerations

  • Users are responsible for establishing safety, health, and environmental practices.
  • Regulatory compliance must be assessed prior to application.

Applications

This standard is essential in a range of electrical and industrial settings where air acts as a dielectric, including:

• Electrical Switchgear: Insulating air gaps in high-voltage switchgear to prevent arcing.
• Transformers and Circuit Breakers: Maintaining electrical isolation and preventing breakdowns in critical power system components.
• Testing and Quality Control: Ensuring that the air supplied to equipment meets chemical and moisture specifications, reducing operational risks.
• Manufacture and Supply of Insulating Gases: Providing guidance to gas manufacturers and suppliers on required specifications for air used in electrical insulation.

By adhering to ASTM D3283-98(2020), manufacturers and system operators can optimize reliability, extend equipment life, and enhance safety in electrical installations.

Related Standards

For comprehensive quality assurance and regulatory compliance, consider the following related standards:

• ASTM D2029: Test methods for water vapor content of electrical insulating gases by dew point measurement.
• ASTM E260: Practice for packed column gas chromatography, relevant for analyzing oxygen, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide concentrations.
• ASTM E105: Practice for probability sampling of materials, ensuring representative sampling during quality assessments.
• Commodity Specification G-7.1: Industry guidelines for the specification of air used in industrial and electrical applications.

By following ASTM D3283-98(2020) alongside these related standards, organizations can maintain high standards of quality, safety, and performance in the use of air as an electrical insulating material.

Keywords: dielectric air, electrical insulating material, insulating gas, ASTM D3283, air composition, moisture content, gaseous air, electrical insulation, high-voltage equipment, quality standards.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3283 −98 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Specification for
Air as an Electrical Insulating Material
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3283; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 4. Manufacture
4.1 This specification applies to both atmospheric air and to
1.1 This specification applies to air used as an electrical
air synthesized by blending oxygen and nitrogen in proper
insulating material in electrical equipment.
proportions.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5. Composition and Properties
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5.1 Thematerialshallconformtothechemicalrequirements
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
specified in Table 1.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
6. Sampling
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
6.1 Gaseous Air in High Pressure Metal Containers
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
—Extract samples from the container or containers with an
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
appropriate pressure reducing regulator. Screw the pressure
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
regulator inlet connection on to the container valve outlet.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Connect the regulator outlet connection to the gas sampling
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
pipe or to the gas analyzing equipment by means of metal or
glass tubing except that rubber tubing may be used to secure
2. Referenced Documents
butt joints in metal-to-glass or glass-to-glass tubing. Take care
2.1 ASTM Standards:
to ensure that all tubing is clean and dry and the sampling
D2029 Test Methods for Water Vapor Content of Electrical
apparatus is thoroughly purged of atmospheric air before the
Insulating Gases by Measurement of Dew Point
sample is taken. Where a multiplicity of containers are to be
E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials
sampled, follow Practice E105 if it is considered satisfactory to
E260 Practice for Packed Column Gas Chromatography
sample less than the total number of containers.
2.2 Other Documents:
7. Test Methods
Specification G-7.1 Commodity Specification for Air
7.1 The components enumerated in this specification shall
be determined in accordance with the following:
3. Classification
7.1.1 Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide— Practice
3.1 This specification shall apply to Type I, gaseous air.
E260.
7.1.2 Oxygen—Practice E260.
7.1.3 Dew Point—Test Methods D2029.
T
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