Dissolved Gas Analysis

ASTM International Proficiency Testing is pleased to offer a Proficiency Testing Program on Dissolved Gas Analyses (DGA). For those laboratories who need a statistical quality assurance tool that will enable them to improve and maintain a high level of performance in conducting routine ASTM D3612 Standard Test Method for Analysis of Gases Dissolved in Electrical Insulating Oil by Gas Chromatography (DGA) on gassing transformer oils.

As a program participant, you will receive a sample of an in-service mineral insulating fluid plus test instructions for each trial. Your laboratory will perform Method A, B or C, the method you normally conduct within your own facility, using ASTM D3612. Each lab is required to report a single determination since the program does not allow for the reporting of averages from replicate determinations.

Upon completion of testing, each laboratory submits their own data on-line, electronically to ASTM for use in generating electronic statistical summary reports that contain:

• Coded laboratory test results to maintain confidentiality
• Statistical analyses of test data
• Charts plotting test results versus laboratory code

For more information, contact us.

You will receive test results, available only to participating laboratories that will help you:

• Monitor strengths and weaknesses of your laboratory's performance
• Periodically compare your test results and calculated statistical parameters with other laboratories
• Compare test data for a given quality parameter with laboratories using the same D3612 Method

Should you have an issue with your published results, please write to ptp@astm.org with your lab number and account number.

NOTE: Participation is not contingent upon performing all D3612 methods.

Each participating lab will receive a new 50 cc glass-filled syringe containing a 40-45 cc sample of between 6-10 gases for D3612 DGA testing once in the spring and once in the fall test cycles. Samples, test instructions, and web-based data entry forms are available to each participant from the ASTM-PTP website prior to each test trial. Labs will have up to eight weeks to electronically submit its test results to ASTM-PTP. The final statistical report will be electronically distributed to each trial participant within 20-25 business days of data submission deadline.

• D1533   Standard Test Method for Water in Insulating Liquids by Coulometric Karl Fischer Titration
• D3612   Standard Test Method for Analysis of Gases Dissolved in Electrical Insulating Oil by Gas Chromatography
• IEC:60567-2011 – Oil-filled electrical equipment-Sampling of gases and analysis of free Dissolved Gases

The following gases may be identified in the PTP samples:

• Hydrogen
• Oxygen
• Nitrogen
• Carbon Dioxide
• Carbon Monoxide
• Methane
• Ethane
• Ethylene
• Acetylene
• Propane
• Propylene

Method A - Vacuum Extraction

Method B - Stripper Column Extraction

Method C - Headspace Sampling

Test samples will be prepared and distributed for the program by Doble Engineering Company, Watertown, MA. Program registration fees include the cost of shipping test materials to domestic participants only.

Important: International participants have the following options for receipt of samples:

• Ship through a third party shipping agent. Provide ASTM with the complete address and phone number of your designated U.S Trans-Shipping Agent who will be responsible for shipping samples from the U.S. to your facility. You will be responsible for making financial and shipping arrangements to receive samples directly with your shipping agent.  

• • Please be advised that when samples are shipped, an e-mail is sent only to the contact of record on your ASTM PTP account. It is the customer’s responsibility to advise their designated shipper that the sample has been shipped.
  • We cannot permit shipping agents to pick up samples at our distributors’ warehouses.
• Ship directly from the ASTM Distributor to your facility. Have the sample shipped directly from our distributor by providing ASTM with your UPS, DHL, or FedEx account number.
• Product Shipment Specs 

• • Quantity: 40-45 cc sample in a 50 cc glass syringe
  • Shipping Weight: 2 lbs
  • Dimensions: 17x7x7"
  • ECCN: EAR99
  • Harm Code: 7017.90.5000
  • Generic SDS

Committee D27 on Electrical Insulating Liquids and Gases has 85 members and 62 published ASTM standards. This committee provides the technical direction for the PTP program. Test information generated through the program is utilized by Committee D27 to determine if modifications to program tests are warranted. Data submitted to Committee D27 from the ASTM-PTP are coded to maintain lab confidentiality.