Optical Chemo-Sensors for Specific Markers in Transformer Insulating Oil Exploiting Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Plasmonic Optical Fibers †

Publications - ISI Article

Optical Chemo-Sensors for Specific Markers in Transformer Insulating Oil Exploiting Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Plasmonic Optical Fibers †

Description

Publications - ISI Article

Optical Chemo-Sensors for Specific Markers in Transformer Insulating Oil Exploiting Molecularly Imprinted Polymers and Plasmonic Optical Fibers †

2-FAL (2-furaldehyde) and furanic derivatives are the main byproducts of the thermal degradation of the cellulose paper insulation in power transformer coils.

The detection of these compounds in the insulating oil of transformers is essential for investigating the aging of the paper-oil system to prevent failures. For this purpose, an unconventional surface plasmon resonance (SPR) platform using plastic optical fiber (POF) has been proposed to monitor a biomimetic receptor specific for detecting 2-FAL in transformer oil. In particular, the investigation was conducted on mineral oil, which is currently the main insulating liquid for power transformers. A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) receptor was used, providing the sensor device with significant selectivity and many advantages over biological counterparts. Additionally, the study was extended to safer and more environmentally acceptable insulating fluids that represent an alternative to mineral oil (e.g., esters). In this context, this work discusses the principle and performance limits of SPR chemosensors.

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