Transformers ensure that passenger and freight trains run reliably every day throughout the rail network. To avoid unplanned downtime and extend the service life of these critical components, insulating oil testing is the best preventive measure. This enables locomotive operators and maintenance service providers to detect signs of wear in transformers at an early stage and ensure safe railway operations through targeted maintenance measures. As a leading service provider for insulating oil analysis and transformer maintenance, Electrical Oil Services (EOS®) performs a variety of analyses in its insulating oil laboratory – quickly, reliably and in accordance with standards.
Oil analyses for rail vehicles transformers – the basis for reliability
Transformers in locomotives operate under extreme thermal, mechanical and electrical loads. Only regular transformer oil testing provides reliable data, including on the dielectric strength and water content of the insulating oil. These results enable ageing processes and insulation damage to be detected at an early stage and maintenance intervals to be planned optimally.
VDE* and IEC compliant analyses enable:
- Early detection of damage
- Extended service life
- Safety certificates and legal documentation for PCB contamination
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Good to know! Are you still using transformers with PCB-contaminated insulating oil? At Electrical Oil Services, we can help you safely remove PCB-contaminated transformer oil and dispose of it in accordance with regulations. Speak to us!
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Professional insulating oil sampling of rail vehicles transformers
Since the hermetic design and limited oil volumes make direct refilling difficult, samples must be taken directly from the installed transformer using special, mobile equipment. This ensures safe, standard-compliant access to the insulating oil, regardless of how it is installed in the locomotive.
Only this professional sampling can ensure reliable and precise analysis in the laboratory.
Find out more here:
Precise and compliant transformer oil analyses in the EOS® laboratory
In the laboratory of Electrical Oil Services, we offer VDE- and IEC-compliant analyses in accordance with the latest standards and test procedures, which are specially tailored to transformers in locomotives and traction vehicles:
- Water content (Karl Fischer method)
Determination by Karl Fischer titration for maximum measurement accuracy. Water reduces insulation capacity and accelerates ageing. - Dielectric strength
Testing of electrical voltage resistance in accordance with IEC 60156. This test shows whether the transformer oil still provides good insulation. Low values may indicate water or particles in the oil. - Interfacial tension
The interfacial tension between oil and water allows soluble polar contaminants and degradation products in the oil to be detected. - Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA)
Early warning system for faults such as arcing, overheating or partial discharges.
All results provide precise information about the condition of transformers in rail vehicles and form the basis for data-based maintenance planning. Further tests such as Furan and Furfural analyses and Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) enable early detection of ageing processes and fault gases in insulating oil.
Find out more in this blog article:
- EOS® Laboratory Check: How our laboratory tests the quality of your insulating oil
- For reliable decisions in transformer management: Laboratory services
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Stay informed with our EOS Trusted Purity Blog!
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Breakdown voltage measurement in record time – an express service for customers
When time is of the essence, the express laboratory service from Electrical Oil Services is the answer: Insulating oil samples should be sent by courier to our laboratory, where the analyses can be completed within just several hours of receipt. This means that you receive reliable results on the condition of your traction transformers immediately and can replace them in good time if necessary.
Conclusion: Compliant analyses for rail vehicles transformers ensure reliable train operations
VDE- and IEC-compliant analyses are an indispensable diagnostic tool for assessing the condition of transformers. They help to ensure smooth and long-lasting rail operations. With professional oil analyses in our laboratory, we support our customers with efficient maintenance planning and operational safety for passenger and freight trains.
Order your oil analysis today!
Contact us for your individual quote for VDE and IEC analysis for traction vehicle transformers.
PS: Do you know the benefit of our EOS® database? Detect damage early, avoid failures!All oil analyses for transformers in locomotives and rail vehicles can be recorded in the central EOS® database. Your advantage:
Would you like to find out more? Then read our blog article: |
*Note on terminology:
The term VDE analysis refers to transformer oil testing procedures based on standards set by the German Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies (VDE). These standards are widely recognised in the industry and are aligned with international norms such as IEC 60156. All analyses conducted in our laboratory comply with VDE guidelines and deliver reliable, regulation-based results.
