What Is DBPC & Why It Matters
DBPC is a hindered phenol that acts as a sacrificial additive, preventing free radical formation during the oxidation of transformer oil. As the antioxidant level drops, the oil becomes more susceptible to acid formation, sludge buildup, and dielectric failure.
Test Standard
ASTM D4768 – Standard Test Method for Determination of DBPC Antioxidant in Electrical Insulating Oils by Gas Chromatography
Key Gases Measured
Insulating Liquids – Measurement of Relative Permittivity, Dissipation Factor (Tan δ) and DC Resistivity.
| DBPC Concentration (% w/w) | Oil Condition | Action Suggested |
|---|---|---|
| ≥ 0.20 | Satisfactory antioxidant level | No action needed |
| 0.10 – 0.19 | Moderate depletion | Monitor; consider filtration |
| < 0.10 | Significant depletion | Plan oil replacement soon |
| Not detectable | Fully depleted | Immediate filtration or change |
Why DBPC Testing Is Important
- Identifies antioxidant consumption trends
- Supports transformer oil life extension strategies
- Helps predict oil aging and oxidative stress
- Enables planned filtration or top-up of additives
- Reduces risk of insulation breakdown or sludge
Our Testing Process
- Vacuum bottle sample collection with QR/barcode tracking
- Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis for accurate DBPC quantification
- Internal standards used for calibration as per ASTM D4768
- Digital results integrated into AI-enabled ERP for instant insight
- Reports include trending and maintenance suggestions
Report Includes
- Measured DBPC concentration (% by weight)
- Trend chart (if historical data available)
- Oxidation risk level
- Additive depletion rate (if multi-point data is available)
- Recommendations for filtration, additive top-up, or oil replacement
Why Choose Tru-FIL?
- ASTM D4768-compliant DBPC testing protocol
- Calibrated GC instruments and NABL-grade lab standards
- ERP-integrated diagnostics and AI-supported trend analytics
- Pan-India vacuum sample collection
- 24/7 lab operations for emergency testing