What tests are there to measure polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)of transformer oils? Are there any european laws to limit the amount of this chemical substances in the oil?

Hi Duarte,

Visit the IEC website http://www.iec.ch/
IEC INTERNATIONAL STANDARD 61619
This International Standard specifies a method for the determination of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentration in non-halogenated insulating liquids by high-resolution capillary column gas chromatography using an electron capture detector (ECD).
The method gives the total PCB content and is especially useful when a detailed analysis of PCB congeners is necessary. Other methods, such as IEC 60997, may be used when a less detailed analysis is acceptable.
The method is applicable to unused, reclaimed (including dechlorinated and chemically and/or physically treated), or used insulating liquids contaminated by PCBs.

I am not clear as to the European laws governing the quantity of pcb in insulating oils but you can work to achieve be 0 ppm. The lower the concentration the better.

Enjoy your day!

Thank you very much for the information. I also found the stds ASTM D 4059, DIN 51527 and ISO 22972. What do you think of those?