BDV Test in Transformer

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BDV test means Breakdown Voltage Test. It is done for checking the dielectric strength of the oil of the Transformer. Dielectric strength means the maximum capacity to withstand voltage of insulating oil. This test shows the dielectric strength of Transformer oil.

In transformer oil has mainly two purposes, first for insulation, second as cooling of Transformer core and other winding. So while designing Transformer oil use in transformer depends on voltage rating. So testing of oil is done according to voltage rating. 

For the purpose of BDV test, oil sample from Transformer is taken in a Sample Bottle. While taking sample of oil from transformer, Sample bottle should be flushed well by Transformer oil and oil in Sample bottle should be vented properly so that atmospheric moisture could not ingress in the sample oil. A typical way of taking oil sample in Sample Bottle is shown in figure below.

BDV test
Breakdown Voltage is measured by observing at what voltage, sparking straits between two electrodes emerged in the oil, separated by specific gap. Low value of BDV indicates presence of moisture content and conducting substances in the oil. For measuring BDV of transformer oil, portable BDV measuring kit is generally available at site. In this kit, oil is kept in a pot in which one pair of electrodes are fixed with a gap of 2.5 mm (in some kit it 4 mm) between them.
BDV test

Now slowly rising voltage is applied between the electrodes. Rate of rise of voltage is generally controlled at 2 KV/s and observe the voltage at which sparking starts between the electrodes. That means at which voltage dielectric strength of transformer oil between the electrodes has been broken down. A typical value of BDV Test result for 220 / 6.6 kV Transformer oil is 65 kV and moisture content should be less than 10 ppm.

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