ASTM D5837 : 99e1

Standard Test Method for Furanic Compounds in Electrical Insulating Liquids by High- Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

Standard Details

1.1 This test method describes the determination in electrical insulating liquids of products of the degradation of cellulosic materials such as paper, pressboard, and cotton materials typically found as insulating materials in electrical equipment. These degradation products are substituted furan derivatives, commonly referred to as furanic compounds or furans. This test method allows either liquid/liquid or solid phase extraction (SPE) of the furanic compounds from the sample matrix followed by analysis for specific furanic compounds by HPLC or direct injection for analysis of specific furanic compounds by HPLC.

1.2 The individual furanic compounds that may be identified and quantified include the following:

5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde

furfuryl alcohol

2-furaldehyde

2-acetylfuran

5-methyl-2-furaldehyde

1.3 The direct injection method generally has a higher limit of detection, especially for furfuryl alcohol. Greater interference for furfuryl alcohol may be expected when using the direct injection method as opposed to extraction methods.

1.4 This test method has been used to successfully test for furanic compounds in mineral insulating oil, silicone fluid, high fire point electrical insulating oils of mineral origin, askarels, and perchloroethylene based dielectric fluids.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.