Rationale

Rationale: ASTM D2864 Ballot Revision Proposal Standard: ASTM D2864 – Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulating Liquids Ballot Type: Revision Proposal 1. Title of Proposed Revision Amendment to Section 2 – Addition of Definition for Hydrotreated Unused Insulating Liquid 2. Background / Scope of Change ASTM D2864 provides standardized terminology for electrical insulating liquids. Current terminology includes definitions for reconditioned insulating liquid and reclaimed insulating liquid, but lacks a clear definition for liquids that are chemically regenerated through hydrotreating or equivalent advanced processes. The absence of this definition creates ambiguity when differentiating between simple mechanical treatments (reconditioning), adsorption/clay treatments (reclaiming), and full chemical reprocessing that restores liquid properties to a state equivalent to unused oil. 3. Proposed Change Insert the following definition into Section 2 of ASTM D2864: hydrotreated unused insulating liquid, n — insulating liquid produced from used insulating liquid by advanced chemical reprocessing methods, such as hydrotreating or equivalent regeneration, that restore the liquid to properties meeting the requirements for unused insulating liquids as defined in applicable ASTM specifications DISCUSSION — This process is distinct from reconditioning (mechanical removal of particulates, gases, or moisture) and reclaiming (adsorption-based removal of acidic or polar contaminants). Hydrotreated unused insulating liquid is chemically equivalent in performance to unused liquid, meeting the same specification requirements without limitation based on origin. 4. Rationale • Clarity in Terminology: ASTM currently defines reconditioned and reclaimed insulating liquids, but lacks a term for chemically regenerated liquids that are demonstrably equivalent to unused products. This leaves a gap in terminology and creates misclassification risks. • Performance Basis: Hydrotreated insulating liquids achieve full compliance with ASTM D3487 and other specifications. Defining the term ensures that classification aligns with actual performance rather than process origin. • Consistency with Other Standards: Adding this definition provides a foundation for harmonization between ASTM D2864 (terminology) and ASTM D3487 (specification), avoiding duplicate or conflicting language across standards. International standards such as IEC 60296 already recognize reprocessed liquids based on performance, not solely origin. Adding this definition brings ASTM terminology closer to international practice. • Market Relevance: Utilities and OEMs rely on ASTM terminology to make procurement decisions. This amendment ensures accurate classification of hydrotreated insulating liquids, removing ambiguity and supporting informed, performance-based adoption. Impact Statement The addition of this definition closes a terminology gap, avoids conflicting usage across ASTM standards, and provides a clear, performance-based foundation for distinguishing hydrotreated insulating liquids from reconditioned or reclaimed products. This enhances clarity for users, supports fair competition among compliant products, and helps ASTM maintain consistency with evolving industry practice. This update reflects current scientific capability: blind laboratory testing cannot distinguish between virgin insulating liquids and hydrotreated unused insulating liquids when both meet D3487 requirements