I'm looking for a good insulating oil, is there any difference between mineral oil and paraffin oil in this regard? If the answer is yes, which is a better insulator?
Hello Amir,
The name mineral oil by itself is not very correct, because is used to mark many specific oils. Other names, similarly imprecise, include liquid paraffin, pariffinum liquidum and liquid petroleum. A mineral oil in this sense is oil composed mainly of alkanes and cyclic paraffins. One of the three basic classes of refined mineral oils is paraffinic oils, based on n-alkanes. Although, close by their composition, mineral oil is used often as an insulator.
Hello Amir,
The name mineral oil by itself is not very correct, because is used to mark many specific oils. Other names, similarly imprecise, include liquid paraffin, pariffinum liquidum and liquid petroleum. A mineral oil in this sense is oil composed mainly of alkanes and cyclic paraffins. One of the three basic classes of refined mineral oils is paraffinic oils, based on n-alkanes. Although, close by their composition, mineral oil is used often as an insulator.
Hello friend
I think, there are may be a slight differences between mineral oil and paraffin oil. Actually, paraffin oil is a kind of mineral oil in broad scene. There are three basic classes of refined mineral oils:
paraffinic oils, based on n-alkanes
naphthenic oils, based on cycloalkanes
aromatic oils, based on aromatic hydrocarbons (distinct from essential oils)
A mineral oil is any of various colorless, odorless, light mixtures of alkanes in the C15 to C40 . It is produced in very large quantities. Mineral oil is available in light and heavy grades, and can often be found in drug stores. Mineral oil is a common ingredient in baby lotions, cold creams, ointments and cosmetics. It is a lightweight inexpensive oil that is odorless and tasteless. It can be used on eyelashes to prevent brittleness and breaking and, in cold cream, is also used to remove creme make-up and temporary tattoos. Mineral oil is recommended by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine for use as a fertility-preserving vaginal lubrication.
On the other hand, Paraffin oil, known as kerosene in Australia and the United States and stove oil in Canada, is an flammable liquid hydrocarbon burned as fuel. It is most commonly used to power jet engines for aircraft, but can also be used for heating, lighting, and cooking. It is refined from petroleum and is relatively cheap to produce. It is still used to some extent for portable lamps and stoves, most often by campers or in developing countries. This oil is most often used in the modern world as fuel for jet planes and rockets. Paraffin oil has also been used as an industrial solvent and lubricant. It can be used to store substances that may be damaged by or volatile in the presence of oxygen.
So, i think both are important in their specific field.
In general, mineral oil is defined as a liquid by-product of the distillation of petroleum to produce gasoline and other petroleum-based products from crude oil. A mineral oil in this sense is a transparent, colorless oil composed mainly of alkanes and cyclic paraffins, related to petroleum jelly (also known as "white petrolatum"). It has a density of around 0.8 g/cm3. Mineral oil is a substance of relatively low value, and it is produced in very large quantities. Mineral oil is available in light and heavy grades, and can often be found in drug stores. There are three basic classes of refined mineral oils: paraffinic oils, based on n-alkanes; naphthenic oils, based on cycloalkanes; and aromatic oils, based on aromatic hydrocarbons (distinct from essential oils).
When you make a choice of proper a insulating oil, you have to think about the purpose. That means analyse a characteristics of equipment (voltage level, power, significance, sealed/not sealed construction), provide the specification of different kind of oils and then make a choice. Besides insulating properties, you should have the information about the ageing test, inhibitor content, electric properties and other relevant issues, given in standard IEC 60296 (Unused insulating liquids). For quality of used insulating oils, you can use standard IEC 60422. If you need more details, you can contact me.
Among the three types of oils, which is relatively more resistant to oxidation and thermal degradation?
Try with the dielectric constants, these will tell you wich one is a better insulator
Dear Suresh
clearly for the point of view oxidation straight chain oil without double bond is more stable as compared to others
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