IEC 60475:2011

Method of sampling insulating liquids

IEC 60475:2011 is applicable to the procedure to be used for insulating liquids in delivery containers and in electrical equipment such as power and instrument transformers, reactors, bushings, oil-filled cables, oil-filled tank-type capacitors, switchgear and load tap changers. The main changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:
- withdrawal of askarels;
- addition of recommendations concerning general health, safety and environmental protection;
- additional details regarding the sampling of oil from electrical equipment, using various types of sampling devices appropriate for the different types of oil tests to be performed in the laboratory.

Méthode d'échantillonnage des liquides isolants

La CEI 60475:2011 décrit le mode opératoire d'échantillonnage à utiliser dans des liquides isolants dans les récipients de livraison et les appareils électriques tels que les transformateurs de puissance et de mesure, les réacteurs, les traversées de transformateurs, les câbles à huile fluide, les condensateurs de puissance, l'appareillage de connexion et les changeurs de prise en charge. Les modifications principales par rapport à l'édition précédente sont les suivantes:
- retrait des askarels;
- ajout de recommandations en matière de protection générale de la santé, de la sécurité et de l'environnement on été ajoutées en tant qu'Introduction; détails supplémentaires concernant l'échantillonnage de l'huile dans les appareils électriques, à l'aide de différents types de matériels d'échantillonnage correspondant aux différents types d'essais à l'huile à réaliser en laboratoire.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 19-Oct-2011
• ICS: 29.040.10 - Insulating oils
• Technical Committee: TC 10 - Fluids for electrotechnical applications
• Current Stage: DELPUB - Deleted Publication
• Start Date: 25-May-2022
• Completion Date: 30-Jul-2021

Relations

• Revised: IEC 60475:2022 - Method of sampling insulating liquids
• Effective Date: 05-Sep-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

IEC 60475 ®
Edition 2.0 2011-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Method of sampling insulating liquids

Méthode d'échantillonnage des liquides isolants

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IEC 60475 ®
Edition 2.0 2011-10
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Method of sampling insulating liquids

Méthode d'échantillonnage des liquides isolants

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX U
ICS 29.040 ISBN 978-2-88912-767-2

– 2 – 60475 © IEC:2011
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 3
INTRODUCTION . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 General principles for the sampling of insulating liquids . 7
4.1 New insulating liquids in delivery containers . 7
4.1.1 Place of sampling . 7
4.1.2 Quantity of sample to be taken . 7
4.1.3 Sampling equipment . 7
4.1.4 Sampling procedure. 11
4.2 Sampling of oil from oil-filled equipment . 13
4.2.1 General remarks . 13
4.2.2 Sampling of oil by syringe . 19
4.2.3 Sampling of oil by ampoule . 20
4.2.4 Sampling of oil by flexible metal bottles . 21
4.2.5 Sampling of oil by glass and rigid metal bottles . 22
4.2.6 Sampling of oil by plastic bottles . 23
4.3 Storage and transportation of samples . 23
4.4 Labelling of samples . 23
Annex A (informative) Procedure for sampling at intermediate levels (making up of the
average sample) . 25
Annex B (informative) Procedure for testing the integrity of the syringes . 26

Figure 1 – Thief dipper . 8
Figure 2 – Cream dipper . 9
Figure 3 – Pipette . 10
Figure 4 – Siphon . 10
Figure 5 – Sampling of oil by syringe . 15
Figure 6 – Sampling of oil by ampoule . 16
Figure 7 – Sampling of oil by bottle . 17

Table 1 – Types of samples of new insulating liquids . 11
Table 2 – Sample containers for oil tests (Y = Yes) . 18
Table 3 – Information required on oil sample labels . 24

60475 © IEC:2011 – 3 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
METHOD OF SAMPLING INSULATING LIQUIDS

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
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3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 60475 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 10: Fluids
for electrotechnical applications.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition, published in 1974, and constitutes
a technical revision.
The main changes with respect to the previous edition are listed below:
– since the publication of the first edition of this standard, askarels have been banned and
therefore have been withdrawn from this second edition;
– recommendations concerning general health, safety and environmental protection have
been added as an Introduction;
– the first edition was mainly about sampling from drums and tank cars. This second edition
addresses in more detail the sampling of oil from electrical equipment, using various types
of sampling devices appropriate for the different types of oil tests to be performed in the
laboratory, including dissolved gas analysis (DGA).

– 4 – 60475 © IEC:2011
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
10/848/FDIS 10/871/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until
the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data
related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
60475 © IEC:2011 – 5 –
INTRODUCTION
General caution, health, safety and environmental protection
This International Standard does not purport to address all the safety problems associated
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of the standard to establish appropriate health
and safety practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
The insulating oils which are the subject of this standard should be handled with due regard to
personal hygiene. Direct contact with the eyes may cause irritation. In the case of eye
contact, irrigation with copious quantities of clean running water should be carried out and
medical advice sought. Some of the tests specified in this standard involve the use of
processes that could lead to a hazardous situation. Attention is drawn to the relevant standard
for guidance.
Environment
This standard is applicable to mineral oils and non-mineral oils, chemicals and used sample
containers.
Attention is drawn to the fact that, some mineral oils in service may still be contaminated to
some degree by PCBs. If this is the case, safety countermeasures should be taken to avoid
risks to workers, the public and the environment during the life of the equipment, by strictly
controlling spills and emissions. Disposal or decontamination of these oils should be carried
out strictly according to local regulations. Every precaution should be taken to prevent release
of mineral oil and non-mineral oil into the environment.

– 6 – 60475 © IEC:2011
METHOD OF SAMPLING INSULATING LIQUIDS

1 Scope
This International Standard is applicable to the procedure to be used for insulating liquids in
delivery containers and in electrical equipment such as power and instrument transformers,
reactors, bushings, oil-filled cables, oil-filled tank-type capacitors, switchgear and load tap
changers (LTCs).
This standard applies to liquids the viscosity of which at the sampling temperature is less than
1 500 mm /s (or cSt). It applies to mineral oils and non-mineral oils (such as synthetic esters,
natural esters, vegetable oils or silicones).
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
IEC 60567:2011, Oil-filled electrical equipment – Sampling of gases and analysis of free and
dissolved gases – Guidance
IEC 60970, Insulating liquids – Methods for counting and sizing particles
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
delivery containers
containers such as drums, rail tankers, road tankers or flexible plastic bags used to store,
transport and deliver batches of oil
3.2
electrical equipment
equipment filled with insulating oil such as power and instrument transformers, reactors,
bushings, oil-filled cables, oil-filled tank-type capacitors, switchgear and load tap changers
(LTCs)
3.3
sampling equipment
equipment used for sampling oil from delivery containers (e.g. sampling probes, such as
dippers or siphons) and from electrical equipment (e.g. connecting tubing and drain valve
adapters)
NOTE This also includes sample containers, waste oil containers and other accessories.
3.4
sample containers
containers such as syringes, bottles, ampoules or other devices used to store and transport
samples of oil for analysis
60475 © IEC:2011 – 7 –
NOTE This includes accessories such as valves, tubing or caps attached to the container.
4 General principles for the sampling of insulating liquids
4.1 New insulating liquids in delivery containers
4.1.1 Place of sampling
The sample shall be taken from the part of the delivery container where the insulating liquid is
likely to be most heavily contaminated. To evaluate the quality of a consignment, two types of
samples may be normally taken:
a) composite sample: mixture of samples taken at the same level in several containers;
b) individual sample: sample or mixture of samples taken at the same level in one container.
From a delivery, individual samples of 1 l may be taken from different containers for the
electric strength test. Further tests may be carried out on these samples and a complete
examination on the mixture of these (composite sample).
In certain cases, it may be useful to constitute an average sample within the container. An
average sample is a mixture of samples taken at different levels in one container.
1) tankers: samples should be taken from each tanker as described in 4.1.4.2 below;
2) drums: samples should be taken as described in 4.1.4.3 below.
In the case of a single drum, this shall be sampled.
In case there is more than one drum of a lot of oil, sampling procedures should be negotiated
between supplier and user. For example, samples can be taken from 10 % of drums or at
least 2 drums, whichever the largest.
4.1.2 Quantity of sample to be taken
This depends on the tests to be performed and the procedures used.
Typically, 2 l are taken.
4.1.3 Sampling equipment
4.1.3.1 General
Since the results of the tests included in IEC requirements for insulating liquids can greatly
depend on the impurities in the sample, it is essential to observe the following precautions:
– separate sampling equipment shall be reserved exclusively for each type of liquid. All
seals and tubing used should be compatible with the insulating liquid to be sampled;
– the equipment shall be clean and dry, following the cleaning procedures described in
4.2.1.6. Particular care should be taken to ensure the absence of any traces of solid
impurities, such as dust, fibres, etc. The use of rags for cleaning is not permitted.
4.1.3.2 Sampling probes
As examples, four types of sampling probes are described below. Other probes may also be
used, provided they do not introduce any contamination. Stainless steel and aluminium are
suitable.
– 8 – 60475 © IEC:2011
a) Sampling from tankers
The thief dipper shown in Figure 1 is suitable for taking samples at the bottom of the
container. This is a dipper constructed of stainless steel or aluminium tubes and castings,
machine-finished all over. It shall be sufficiently heavy to sink in the liquid. It should
always be suspended by means of a metal wire or chain. String or other fibrous materials
shall not be used.
The cream dipper is used for taking top samples of insulating liquids. This probe shall be
constructed as shown in Figure 2 and shall be of stainless steel.
Dimensions in millimetres
Loop for chain
Thread
∅38
∅76
∅89
∅20 4 lugs 6 (high)
IEC  2474/11
Figure 1 – Thief dipper
267 100
60475 © IEC:2011 – 9 –
Dimensions in millimetres
9,5
Valve
IEC  2475/11
Figure 2 – Cream dipper
b) Sampling from drums
The pipette shown in Figure 3 enables samples to be taken at the bottom of drums. This
pipette has a capacity of about 500 ml.
Another probe to take samples at the bottom is shown in Figure 4; it is a siphon with a
glass, stainless steel or aluminium tube having an internal diameter of about 13 mm for
taking off the sample liquid, and a metal tube (internal diameter 5 mm) for applying
pressure. Both tubes are set in an oil-resistant bung whose dimensions correspond to the
diameter of the bung hole in the drum. Commercial versions of this equipment are
available. When possible, glass is preferable for probes illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.
The cream dipper (Figure 2) may be used for taking top samples.
– 10 – 60475 © IEC:2011
Dimensions in millimetres
∅10
∅35
Glass tubing
tapered at
both ends
∅10
IEC  2476/11
Figure 3 – Pipette
Air bulb
Sample bottle
Metal tube
Drum
Glass tube
∅13
IEC  2477/11
Figure 4 – Siphon
60475 © IEC:2011 – 11 –
4.1.3.3 Sample containers
For storing and transporting samples, depending on the oil test to be performed, sample
containers of appropriate volume shall be used. Different types of sample containers are
indicated in 4.2.1.5.
For the mixing of different samples, a special sample container made of glass with a capacity
of at least 6 l shall be used. These special sample containers shall be closed in a manner that
allows them to be sealed, by means of oil-resistant plastic or compatible rubber tubing or
screw caps equipped with a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lining. Natural rubber tubing
and/or seals are not permitted. PTFE and polypropylene (PP) seals are acceptable.
Each sample container shall have a label on which are marked all the indications necessary
to identify the contents, i.e. the markings of the drums or tanks, date of sampling and the
name of the recipient.
4.1.3.4 Cleaning of sampling equipment
Sampling equipment shall be cleaned following the procedures described in 4.2.1.6.
4.1.4 Sampling procedure
4.1.4.1 General remarks
According to general principles for sampling (see 4.1.1), samples of new insulating liquid
shall be taken from the bottom of the delivery container, where the contamination is likely to
be the greatest. But in certain cases, an average sample is also of interest.
NOTE 1 To obtain an average sample, samples are taken at intermediate levels in tanks or drums. Examples of
procedure are given in Annex A. A procedure is indicated in the NOTE in 4.1.4.2 a) for obtaining the equivalent of
an average sample.
In Table 1 different cases are considered:
Table 1 – Types of samples of new insulating liquids
Type of delivery Recommended Equipment to be used Procedure Recommended
sampling quantity
Drums Composite Pipette (Figure 3) 4.1.4.2
3 × 2 l
or
Individual Siphon (Figure 4) 4.1.4.2
1 or 2 l
Thief dipper (Figure 1) 4.1.4.1 b)
3 × 2 l
Tankers Individual or
None (valve) 4.1.4.1 a)
Pipette
Drums Average or Annex A
Siphon (Figs 3 and 4)
3 × 2 l
Thief dipper (Figure 1)
Tankers Average or
none (valve) 4.1.4.1 a)
NOTE 2 Before sampling from tankers, sufficient oil should be pumped from the end of the delivery pipe, as
required by 4.1.4.2.
Every precaution shall be taken during sampling in order to avoid contamination of the
insulating liquids. Outdoor sampling of insulating liquids in rain, fog or high wind is only
permitted if all precautions have been taken to avoid contamination of the liquid. In this
special case, the use of a cover is necessary.

– 12 – 60475 © IEC:2011
Condensation shall be avoided by warming the sampling equipment so as to be above the
ambient air temperature. Before use, the equipment shall be rinsed with the liquid being
sampled. The operator shall be warned not to permit his hands to come in contact with the
surfaces of sampling equipment subsequently in contact with the oil. The insulating liquids
shall be protected against light irradiation during transportation and storage.
On arrival at the laboratory, the sampling container shall not be opened immediately. It is
necessary to wait until the temperature of the sample is the same as the room temperature.
4.1.4.2 Sampling from tankers
Insulating liquids may be sampled either through the tank outlet or by a thief dipper or by a
cream dipper.
a) Sampling through the tank outlet
By this procedure, it is possible to obtain a sample representative of the bottom of the
tank after this has been allowed to stand for at least 1 h after the vehicle has arrived.
NOTE It may be possible, by this procedure, to obtain the equivalent of an average sample, if the sampling
is done directly after the vehicle has arrived.
In this case, the sampling procedure shall be as follows:
– remove the outlet valve shield, if fitted;
– remove all visible dirt and dust from the valve by means of lint-free clean cloths or oil-
resistant synthetic sponges;
– the outlet system (pump, delivery pipe), if incorporated, shall be started or opened as
appropriate in order to get a sample;
– open the valve and allow to flow, slowly, at least 10 l of insulating liquid into a waste
oil container. In any case, discard at least an amount of oil equivalent to the volume of
pipe;
– rinse sampling bottles with the insulating liquid;
– fill sampling bottles at constant flow to avoid turbulence.
b) Sampling with a thief dipper or a cream dipper
This sampling should be carried out after the tank has been allowed to stand for at least
1 h after the vehicle has arrived.
1) Procedure with the thief dipper (Figure 1) (bottom samples)
For taking bottom samples (i.e. within 1 cm to 2 cm from the bottom of the tank) the
dipper is lowered until the projecting stem of the valve rod strikes the bottom of the
tank. The dipper then fills. Filling is complete when no more air bubbles escape. The
dipper is then withdrawn and its contents poured into the sample container (in the
case of an individual sample) or into the special glass sample container for collecting
and mixing the various samples taken (in the case of a composite sample). In this
latter case, the sample container(s) is (are) filled with the mixture so obtained. During
pouring of the liquid, avoid forming air bubbles by pouring too fast.
2) Procedure with the cream dipper (Figure 2) (top samples)
With the valve closed, fill the cream dipper by slowly immersing it in the liquid to be
sampled until the rim is just below the surface of the liquid so that it will flow slowly
into the dipper. Discard the first filling. Refill the dipper as above and transfer the
sample to the sample container by allowing it to flow from the bottom orifice against
the side of the sample container and not in a stream into the bottom of the sample

60475 © IEC:2011 – 13 –
container. Repeat the operation until sufficient liquid is obtained to fill the sample
container (individual sample) or the special glass sample container used for mixing
samples depending on the type of sample to be obtained.
4.1.4.3 Sampling from drums
Samples should be taken after the drums have been allowed to stand for at least 8 h with the
bung uppermost, protected against rain and rainwater. For sampling the bottom (i.e. 3 mm
up), the pipette (Figure 3) or the siphon pressure thief (Figure 4) may be used.
For taking a sample from the surface layer of the liquid, the cream dipper (Figure 2) may be
used.
Examples of procedure:
a) Use of pipette (Figure 3) (bottom samples)
– block the upper orifice of the pipette with the thumb, and then immerse the pipette in
the liquid to the bottom of the drum;
– remove the thumb to allow liquid to enter the pipette;
– again close the upper end of the pipette with the thumb and withdraw the pipette;
– the first filling is used for rinsing the pipette; transfer the next fillings into either a
sample container (individual sample) or the special glass sample container for mixing
samples (composite sample) (see 4.1.4.2.b)) taking care not to form air bubbles during
pouring the liquid.
b) Use of siphon (Figure 4) (bottom samples)
– fit the bung in which are set the riser and pressure tubes into the bung hole of the
drum and ensure that this seal is airtight;
– dip the lower end of the riser tube to about 3 mm from the bottom of the drum;
– raise the pressure inside the drum by means of the air bulb;
– run off enough liquid to rinse the tube and then run off the required quantity directly
into the sample container (individual sample) or the special glass sample container for
mixing samples (composite sample) (see 4.1.4.2 b)) taking care not to form air bubbles
during pouring the liquid.
c) Use of cream dipper device (Figure 2) (top samples)
See 4.1.4.2 b).
4.1.4.4 Sampling report
The sampling report shall give all the information necessary for identifying the sample as well
as any details or special information likely to be of help to those entrusted with the tests. The
type of sample (i.e. composite, individual or average sample) shall be specified. A copy of the
report shall accompany each sample. The distribution of samples shall be in accordance with
the agreed procedure, e.g. as given in the sales contract.
4.2 Sampling of oil from oil-filled equipment
4.2.1 General remarks
4.2.1.1 Safety and quality of sampling
The manufacturer's instructions for taking oil samples from the electrical equipment shall be
followed. Particular attention shall be paid to the safety precautions to be taken.
Make sure that the oil in the energized electrical equipment is not under a negative pressure
when taking an oil sample, since this could introduce air bubbles in the oil, induce electrical
short-circuits in the equipment and put the sampling personnel at risk.

– 14 – 60475 © IEC:2011
During sampling of oil, precautions should be taken to deal with any sudden release of oil and
avoid oil spillage.
It is important to bear in mind that receiving a qualitative and a representative sample is
crucial for obtaining a reliable assessment of the electrical equipment. Even the most
sophisticated analytical and diagnosis methods cannot overcome faulty samples.
In all cases, oil sampling should be performed by properly and specifically trained personnel,
especially for low volume equipment (e.g., instrument transformers).
4.2.1.2 Place of sampling
The selection of points from which samples are drawn should be made with care. Normally,
the sample should be taken from a point where it is representative of the bulk of the oil in the
equipment (for example, from the bottom oil drain valve or the oil sampling valve). It will
sometimes be necessary, however, to draw samples deliberately where they are not expected
to be representative (for example, in trying to locate the site of a fault, such as from the tap
changer, selector switch or gas relay).
The methods described are suitable for large oil-volume equipment such as power
transformers. With small oil-volume equipment, it is essential to ensure that the total volume
of oil drawn off does not endanger the operation of the equipment.
NOTE 1 For transformers with two sampling valves, the following procedure should be used: open the outer valve
first, followed by the second one. This is particularly important to avoid entrance of air into the transformers.
NOTE 2 When sampling from bushings or from instrument transformers or cables, the manufacturer’s instructions
should be followed carefully. Failure to do so may lead to serious damage and equipment failure. The oil sampling
should be carried out on de-energized equipment. When sampling, precautions should be taken to deal with any
sudden release of oil. Samples should be taken with the off-load equipment in its normal position in order to assess
correctly the equipment condition.
Sampling by syringe is the procedure recommended for bushings by IEC subcommittee 36A. In the case of
bushings fitted with a sampling point at the mounting flange, the described procedure applies.
In the case of bushings not fitted with a sampling point at mounting flange, it may be possible to take a sample
from the top of the bushing. The manufacturer’s instructions should be consulted to determine a suitable position.
Insert one end of the sampling tube into the bushing, from the top, and connect the other end to the three-way
stopcock on the syringe, using plastic coupling, then follow the same procedure.
In the case of bushings pressurized at ambient temperature, the procedure is not applicable, and reference should
be made to the instructions of the equipment manufacturer.
4.2.1.3 Cleaning of sampling point
Cleaning of the sampling equipment and flushing of the sampling point shall be done to
prevent contamination of oil samples.
The blank flange or cover (11) of the sampling valve in Figures 5, 6 and 7a is removed and
the outlet cleaned with a lint-free cloth or oil-resistant synthetic sponge to remove all visible
dirt.
The drain valve is flushed with a sufficient quantity of oil (typically, 2 l to 5 l), under a
turbulent flow, to eliminate any contaminants (water and particles) that might have
accumulated in the drain valve and at its orifice.
Use protection gloves, preferably made of nitrile rubber, and a bucket for waste oil. The
sampling point shall be cleaned each time a new sample of oil is taken.
For measuring water content in oil, sampling shall be carried out preferably during days when
the humidity of the air is as low as possible, to prevent moisture condensation on sampling
equipment and contamination of the oil sample.

60475 © IEC:2011 – 15 –
The temperature of oil at sampling point shall be measured with a thermometer placed in the
flow of oil and indicated on the sample, to ensure the calculation of the relative humidity of oil,
also recording whether or not the fans and pumps are running. In both cases, the method
used to measure the temperature shall be indicated.

a) b)
c)
d)
A
Position
4 B
of stopcock
C
e)
IEC  2478/11
Key
a flushing position 1 syringe
b wetting and flushing of syringe 2 stopcock
c emptying of syringe 3 flexible connecting tubing
d taking of sample 4 three-way valve
e disconnecting of syringe 5 equipment sampling valve
7 waste vessel
11 blank flange
Figure 5 – Sampling of oil by syringe

– 16 – 60475 © IEC:2011
IEC  2479/11
Key
2 stopcock 7 waste vessel
3 flexible connecting tubing 11 blank flange
5 equipment sampling valve 28 sampling tube
Figure 6 – Sampling of oil by ampoule

60475 © IEC:2011 – 17 –
Figure 7a – Example of sampling by bottle
Figure 7b – Example of seal cap for bottle
IEC  2480/11
Key
3 flexible connecting tubing 29 bottle
5 equipment sampling valve 30 hard plastic screw cap
7 waste vessel 31 conical soft polyethylene seal
11 blank flange
Figure 7 – Sampling of oil by bottle
4.2.1.4 Connection between sampling point and sampling device
The connection between the tubing and the electrical equipment will depend upon the
equipment. If a sampling valve suitable for fitting onto tubing has not been provided, it may be
necessary to use a drilled flange or a bored oil-proof rubber bung on a drain or filling
connection. Special drain valve adapters may be used if available.
Attach a piece of oil-compatible plastic or rubber tubing to connect the sampling point to the
sampling device. This tubing should be as short as possible. To avoid contamination by the
previous oil sample, use a new piece of tubing, or flush the tube well and wash its outer
surface with the next oil to be sampled.
Suitable tubing should be made for example of perfluorinated material (e.g. Viton® , Tygon®),
PTFE or metal, not PVC.
___________
Viton and Tygon are examples of suitable products available commercially. This information is given for the
convenience of users of this standard and does not constitute an endorsement by IEC of these products.

– 18 – 60475 © IEC:2011
4.2.1.5 Choice of sample container
Table 2 indicates the different types of sample containers that can be used depending on the
oil analysis to be made.
Table 2 – Sample containers for oil tests (Y = Yes)
Sample Syringe Flexible Bottle Flexible Ampoule Ampoule Oil
container bottle bottle volume
Material Glass Metal Glass Plastic Glass Metal ml
Oil test
Dissolved gases Y Y Y Y Y 25 – 100
Water Y Y Y  20
Dielectric
Y Y Y Y  200
dissipation factor
Particles Y Y Y Y  100
Breakdown voltage Y Y  500 – 1 000
Other chemical and
Y Y Y  250
physical tests
All tests    1 000 – 2 000
Volume (ml) 25 – 250 125 – 2 500 125 25 – 250

Metal or plastic containers may be preferred where adequate protection of glass containers is
not available for the transportation of oil samples.
For dissolved gas analysis (DGA), to minimize losses of the low solubility gases (H and CO)
and pick-up of air at low total gas contents, it is critical to strictly follow the sampling
procedures of 4.2.2 to 4.2.5, particularly with bottles and ampoules. Also only the materials
recommended for caps, gaskets, valves and tubing of sample containers should be used by
well-trained and experienced personnel familiar with those containers.
When using bottles for DGA, water and breakdown voltage, care should be taken to minimize
air contact with the oil sample during sampling and analysis.
The use of plastic bottles is not permitted for DGA, water and dielectric strength, since
ambient air contamination and gas losses may occur by diffusion through the plastic. For the
other tests, plastic bottles should be made of a compatible plastic (such as high-density
polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene or polycarbonate), which does not contaminate the oil
with additives contained in the plastic. Each new type of plastic (and glass) bottle should be
tested for compatibility with oil.
The recommendations of 4.2.1.3 and 4.2.1.6 (cleaning of sampling point and sampling
equipment) should be followed strictly for water content, dielectric strength, dielectric
dissipation factor, interfacial tension and particles content.
The other physical and chemical tests (viscosity, density, acidity, DBPC, furans and PCB
contents, etc.) are less affected by the sample containers and sampling procedures used.
4.2.1.6 Cleaning of sampling equipment
4.2.1.6.1 Use of disposable sample containers
Use of disposable, pre-cleaned metal, plastic and glass bottles having a known level of
cleanliness for dust and humidity has been found by several users more convenient than
cleaning them. Such sampling devices are relatively inexpensive and available from several

60475 © IEC:2011 – 19 –
vendors of labware or veterinarian equipment. To verify that the cleanliness of disposable
bottles is acceptable, a few un-cleaned and cleaned bottles can be tested in parallel.
4.2.1.6.2 Cleaning procedures
Non-disposable sampling devices may be cleaned in a dishwasher using a detergent, and
rinsed with tap water (without detergent in the rinse aid compartment of the dishwasher). A
last, optional rinse with de-ionized water may be used.
Sampling equipment and containers may also be cleaned with normal heptane.
After cleaning, the sampling devices are dried in an oven at typically 100 °C until fully dried,
then allowed to cool in the oven or a dry box.
After drying, they shall be immediately closed to protect from contamination and not opened
until just before use.
Appropriate cleaning of sample containers is critical for DDF and interfacial tension, which are
particularly sensitive to contamination. They should not be cleaned with solvents.
Dedicated sampling containers cleaned according to IEC 60970 are recommended for
measuring particles content in oil.
4.2.2 Sampling of oil by syringe
4.2.2.1 Sampling equipment
The following sample equipment shall be used:
a) Graduated gas-tight syringes of a size suitable for containing adequate oil sample volume
(20 ml to 250 ml), and equipped preferably with a three-way plastic valve made of nylon
body and polypropylene (PP) barrel, or with a three-way stainless steel valve. The use of
syringes with matched piston and barrel is preferred when sampling for DGA in order to
allow the piston to flow freely with oil volume variations, and to avoid pressure and
vacuum build-up in the syringe and breakage during handling. Plastic syringes should not
be used.
For plastic three-way valves, a new valve should be used each time an oil sample is taken
and not recycled, because it may be contaminated with the previous oil sample and lose
its gas tightness when used several times. For added protection during transportation, a
stainless steel Luer-Lock cap may be placed on top of the 3-way valve. This cap may be
recycled after use.
NOTE Priming the piston with clean, degassed oil has been found useful to avoid the formation of bubbles
along the piston when introducing the oil sample for DGA analysis. The use of a low viscosity water-soluble
lubricant has also been found useful for DGA.
The size of sample required depends on the likely concentration of gas in the sample, the
analytical techniques and the sensitivity required. For DGA after factory tests, a 250 ml
syringe has been found convenient.
b) Transport containers, designed to hold the syringe firmly in place during transport but
which allow the syringe plunger freedom to move and prevent its tip from contacting the
container whatever its position during transportation. Cardboard boxes with removable
inner cardboard flaps that hold the barrel in place have been found convenient for that
purpose. Metal or plastic cylinders with inside foam packing have also been found
appropriate for transportation. When sampling for DGA, the syringe should preferably be
transported in the vertical position, piston upwards, to avoid the formation of bubbles in
oil.
– 20 – 60475 © IEC:2011
4.2.2.2 Sampling procedure
See Figure 5.
a) The electrical equipment is connected as shown in Figure 5a, and its sampling valve (5)
opened.
b) The three-way valve (4) is adjusted (position A) to allow 1 l to 2 l of oil to flow to waste
(7).
c) The three-way valve (4) is then turned (position B) to allow oil to enter the syringe slowly
(Figure 5b). The plunger should not be withdrawn but allowed to move back under the
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