What Is Pour Point?
Pour Point refers to the lowest temperature at which oil ceases to flow. It indicates the oil’s ability to circulate in a transformer’s cooling system under cold-start or ambient conditions. A higher-than-expected Pour Point may suggest the presence of waxes, aging byproducts, or contamination.
Test Standard
ASTM D97 – Standard Test Method for Pour Point of Petroleum Products
Applicable to:
- New mineral insulating oil
- In-service transformer oils
- Reclaimed or filtered oils used in cold regions
Key Gases Measured
Insulating Liquids – Measurement of Relative Permittivity, Dissipation Factor (Tan δ) and DC Resistivity.
| Pour Point (°C) | Interpretation | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ -30°C | Excellent flowability | Suitable for all climates |
| -25°C to -15°C | Acceptable | Use with caution in colder areas |
| > -10°C | Poor cold performance | Recommend oil change or filtration |
Why Pour Point Testing Matters
- Ensures proper oil flow in cold climates
- Prevents restricted circulation and cooling failure
- Identifies degradation, wax crystallization, or contamination
- Helps select appropriate oil type for geographic conditions
- Supports quality control for new and reclaimed oils
Our Testing Process
- Vacuum-sealed oil sample collection with barcode tracking
- Controlled cooling chamber used for ASTM D97 procedure
- Stepwise cooling and tilt test to determine flow cessation
- Digital data logging into ERP for immediate results
- Pass/Fail grading and cold-climate readiness scoring
Report Includes
- Measured Flash Point temperature (°C)
- Flowability status: Excellent / Moderate / Restricted
- Suitability for seasonal or regional operation
- Recommendations for filtration or replacement (if required)
- Integrated with other oil condition tests (viscosity, oxidation)
Why Choose Tru-FIL?
- ASTM D97-compliant Pour Point testing
- NABL-grade lab environment with precision cooling equipment
- AI-enhanced ERP integration for faster insights
- Pan-India vacuum sample pickup and 24/7 laboratory access
- Trusted by power utilities, OEMs, and transformer manufacturers