Analysis of deterioration by partial discharge of XLPE using GCMS and FTIR
Deterioration of polymeric dielectrics by partial discharge (PD) might occur at defects in an insulation layer. To elucidate the mechanism of deterioration by PD, measurements were conducted of the gas components produced during deterioration and the substances created on the surface of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) samples subjected to PD. Gas component measurements were performed using an experimental apparatus including GC-MS. Results of gas analyses showed that carbon dioxide (CO2) was produced when the XLPE sample is subjected to the PD in a N2+O2 gas atmosphere. The amount of generated CO2 was confirmed to increase concomitantly with the period of voltage application. The FTIR spectroscopic analysis of substances on the surface of deteriorated XLPE revealed carbonyl compounds on the surface of the deteriorated samples. The deterioration was suppressed when a phenolic antioxidant was added: 44-thiobis-3methyl-6tert butyl phenol. The process of deterioration by PD and the effect of the antioxidant on the deterioration by PD were also discussed.
GC-MS and FTIR analysis of LDPE and XLPE deteriorated by partial discharge
To study the mechanism of deterioration by partial discharge (PD) of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), experiments were conducted to measure the gas components produced during deterioration by PD. Experiments were performed using an experimental system having voltage application apparatus and equipped with gas measuring system with incorporated gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Results of these experiments showed that CO/sub 2/ is produced when LDPE is subjected to PD in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The amount of carbon dioxide was found to increase concomitant with the period of voltage application and oxygen content in the area where PD occurs. Taking account of Flourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR) analysis results for deteriorated LDPE and XLPE in previous experiments, the process of deterioration by PD, together with the antioxidant action on the deterioration, are discussed.
Intensification of Bubble Disintegration and Dispersion by Mechanical Stirring in Gas Injection Refining
Water model experiments were performed for establishing highly efficient gas injection refining processes. Mechanical stirring was applied to disintegrate the injected bubbles and to disperse them widely in the bath. The bubble disintegration and dispersion were investigated by changing rotation mode (direction of rotation), rotation speed, blade size of the impeller and gas flow rate. Forward rotation of the impeller induced a stable tangential flow and could not disperse bubbles in the bath due to formation of a vortex around the impeller shaft. The tangential flow could be suppressed by forward–interrupt rotation, which could reduce the vortex formation to some degree. However, forward–interrupt rotation could not disperse the bubbles widely in the bath. Forward–reverse rotation could prevent the vortex formation completely and create a strong shear stress field, which intensified the bubble disintegration and dispersion in the bath. Higher impeller rotation speed and larger blade length in forward–reverse rotation could enhance the bubble disintegration and make the dispersed bubbles smaller. The bubble dispersion zone became wider with larger blade length. The bubble size tended to be larger at higher gas flow rates. However, its dependence on the gas flow rate became smaller at higher impeller rotation speed.