STTR Phase I: Novel Membrane Modules for Degassing Oils

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will introduce a simple online system to continuously remove dissolved water and oxygen from transformer oil. The insulating materials used in large transformers consist of paper and dielectric oils, which provide a means of cooling. Over time, the insulating materials degrade as a result of chemical attack associated with the paper and small reactive molecules within the transformer oil.This technology addresses intermediate size markets (eg. transformer oil) and many very large markets of national interest. This product will first and foremost be an excellent tool for extending the useful life of transformers. There are many other potential applications, such as: removal of dissolved water from hydraulic fluids biodegradable hydraulic fluids; removal of water at low concentrations from products such as fuel grade ethanol; regeneration of solvents due to the stability and high permeability of the membrane at low water activity; and enhancement of chemical reactions by water removal which can drive equilibrium reactions.