Electrical test
Furan analysis (paper ageing)
Measurement of furanic compounds in oil to estimate the ageing of the solid insulation (paper) — the part of a transformer that cannot be renewed.
Furan analysis measures the furanic compounds the cellulose releases into the oil as it degrades. Because the paper is the insulation that cannot be renewed, this test is the key indirect indicator of a transformer's remaining life and a decisive input for repair-vs-replace decisions.
When the paper insulation ages — by heat, moisture and time — it breaks down and releases furanic compounds into the oil, chiefly 2-furaldehyde (2-FAL). Measuring their concentration gives an indirect window into the condition of the solid insulation, which cannot be inspected directly without opening the transformer. It is the chemical complement to dissolved gas analysis: DGA looks at faults, furans look at ageing.
The value of the test is twofold. As an absolute level and, above all, as a trend, the furan concentration correlates with the degree of polymerization (DP) of the paper — the accepted measure of cellulose strength and remaining life. A high or rising 2-FAL points to accelerated ageing or a localized hot-spot degrading paper faster than expected.
Furan analysis is performed on an oil sample with the transformer in service, in an accredited laboratory, and interpreted under references such as IEC 61198 together with the thermal-ageing framework of IEEE C57.91. At TEVKO we integrate the result with DGA, moisture and the asset's load history to answer the real question: how much life is left in the paper, and does that change a repair-or-replace decision.
What furan analysis supports
Remaining-life assessment
Estimates how much life is left in the paper insulation from furan levels and trend, correlated to degree of polymerization.
When it applies: Ageing fleets, units operating beyond nominal life, asset-management planning.
Repair-vs-replace input
Tells whether a heavy rehabilitation is worthwhile or the paper is the limiting, non-renewable component.
When it applies: Before committing to a major rehabilitation or rewind.
How we run the test
Sampling
Oil sample taken with the transformer in service, under controlled procedure to avoid contamination.
Laboratory analysis
Furanic compounds quantified in an accredited laboratory (2-FAL and related compounds).
Interpretation
Level and trend correlated to degree of polymerization, integrated with DGA, moisture and load history.
Protocol
Documented report with remaining-life reading and recommendation.
Frequently asked questions — furan analysis (paper ageing)
What does furan analysis tell you about a transformer?
It estimates the ageing of the solid insulation (paper) from the furanic compounds — mainly 2-FAL — released into the oil. Since the paper is the component that cannot be renewed, it is the key indirect indicator of the transformer's remaining life.
Why does the paper insulation matter so much?
Because oil can be reconditioned or replaced and windings can be rewound, but cellulose ages irreversibly. The paper's condition often sets the true end of life of the transformer, which is why furan analysis is decisive in repair-vs-replace decisions.
Is the transformer taken out of service for this test?
No. Furan analysis is done on an oil sample taken with the transformer in service, then analyzed in an accredited laboratory. It is typically run alongside dissolved gas analysis and the physicochemical oil tests.
How is the furan result interpreted?
As an absolute level and especially as a trend over time. The 2-FAL concentration correlates with the degree of polymerization (DP) of the paper; a high or rising value indicates accelerated ageing or a hot-spot, interpreted together with DGA, moisture and load history.
Furan analysis (paper ageing) in images
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