A Test for Solid Phase Extracted Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Levels in Transformer Oil

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), the synthetic electrical insulation fluid in transformers and capacitors, known to reduce the risk of fire hazards due to their high chemical stability and low flammability turned out to be environmentally hazardous. In this research, different techniques used to analyses Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in transformer oil including their qualification and identification processes have been outlined. 12 samples of transformer oils collected from various transformers from Kebbi state, Nigeria were investigated. Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) method was used to treat the oil samples and extracts were analyzed on Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detection (GC/ECD). No detectable PCBs were observed. To check the efficiency the SPE tubes, oil sample A10 was spiked with Mix 525 of PCB standard and treated. A full recovery of all the PCBs of Mix 525 was made even at a level as low as 50ng/ul with GC/MS. The results obtained in this study confirm that transformer oil from Kebbi state is well within the safe level of PCBs in accordance with EPA PCB Regulatory limited.