In the vast majority of cases, the transformers used for energy production and distribution are filled with petroleum-derived insulating oil (also known as insulating fluid or dielectric fluid). The main task of this fluid is to cool the machinery and isolate the conductive core from the case. The fluid impregnates the internal parts of the electrical transformer completely, therefore, by analyzing an oil sample, it is possible to identify small abnormalities and act appropriately before they can result in dangerous malfunctions.

The tests carried out on insulating oil are regulated by industry standards and the sector technical guidelines (IEC, CIGRE, etc.), which indicate how often the tests must be carried out, the parameters that must be analysed, and the typical values depending on the type of equipment and specific application. Sea Marconi provides analytical and diagnostic packages designed to accompany the whole life cycle (LCM - Life Cycle Management) of electrical equipment containing insulating oils:

• more frequent, targeted analyses during the first months of operation when the transformer is more prone to manufacturing defects and "teething problems"

• routine testing during normal operation

• targeted analyses at regular intervals in order to determine a characteristic trend and estimate the remaining working life of the device.

This information is extremely valuable because it permits customers to plan the replacement of their machinery in advance, thus avoiding potentially disastrous losses of production.