Lab Test Report: The Effect of Blending Beta Fluid with R-Temp Fluid
Friday, October 13th, 2023
DSI Ventures, Inc.
Laboratory Test Report
“The Effect of Blending Beta Fluid with R-Temp Fluid”
Report Number 075-957-303
December 2004
Purpose:
The purpose of this laboratory investigation is to determine the characteristics of blends of dielectric fluids. Specifically, this experiment evaluated the physical, electrical, and chemical properties of blends of Beta Fluid with R-Temp® Fluid.
Experimental Procedure:
A laboratory blend was made of the two fluids by combining 2000 ml of Beta Fluid with 2000 ml R-Temp Fluid (both liquids measured at 20°C.) The blend was heated to 85o°C. and mechanically agitated for 30 minutes to ensure complete mixing. The blend was then cooled overnight to room temperature before testing.
Testing was performed per ASTM Standard Test Methods as set forth in 1993 Annual Handbook of Standards, Section 10.03 (Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases). All tests were performed by the Quality Control laboratory at DSI’s manufacturing facility.
Test Results:
Results of the tests are shown in Table One.
Conclusions:
The results of the tests show that the fluids are miscible when mixed at 50% v/v. No incompatibilities were noted. All test results were well within the accepted ranges.
Both R-Temp and Beta Fluids are paraffinic petroleum fluids manufactured from lubricant base stock oils. On a molecular level, both fluids are similar. Because both fluids are 100% hydrocarbon-based, miscibility and compatibility would be expected.
Long chain paraffinic hydrocarbons, such as Beta Fluid and R-Temp Fluid , are compatible with nearly all materials used in the construction of electrical equipment. They exhibit very little “solvency” action, and therefore may be used with a wide range of plastics, varnishes, papers, tapes, and wire insulation. Generally, any material that can be used with conventional transformer oil can be used successfully with long-chain paraffins. DSI recommends that all materials be tested for compatibility in conjunction with one another before use in transformers.
The data from this experiment show that mixtures of Beta Fluid and R-Temp Fluid can be successfully used as an electrical insulating fluid in electrical equipment when the equipment construction materials are compatible with either fluid used alone.
References:
1. “Insulating Materials for Design and Engineering Practice”, Vol 2; F.M. Clarke; 1959, Wiley & Sons.
2. “Insulating Liquids: their Use, Manufacture, and Properties”; A.C.M. Wilson, 1980, IEE Press (London)
| Table One Results of Laboratory Testing |
||||||||
| Property | R-Temp Fluid | Beta Fluid | 50/50 Blend |
|||||
| Appearance | dark yellow | light yellow | dark yellow | |||||
| Viscosity, cSt. @ 100°C.: |
12.6 | 12.1 | 12.2 | |||||
| Dielectric Strength ASTM D877, kV: |
44 | 43 | 43 | |||||
| Power Factor, % @ 100°C.,: ASTM D924 |
0.10 | 0.13 | 0.10 | |||||
| Permittivity @ 20°C.: ASTM D924 |
2.2 | 2.2 | 2.2 | |||||
| Neutralization Number, mgKOH/g: ASTM D974 |
0.01 | <0.01 | 0.01 | |||||
| Spec. Gravity ASTM D1298 |
.87 | .87 | .87 | |||||
| Flash Pt, °C.: | 280 | 275 | 275 | |||||
| Fire Pt, °C.: ASTM D92 |
306 | 306 | 306 | |||||
