The Importance of Routine Fluid Analysis for Transformers

Five-step transformer oil testing process shown over a photo of a beaker of amber insulating oil. Curved arrows connect the steps in order: Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA), Insulating Fluid Quality Assessment, Particle Analysis, Furan Analysis, and Diagnostic Evaluation.

Insulating fluid is the first place a developing problem with a transformer shows up. As utilities work to stretch aging transformer fleets further while managing tighter budgets, routine fluid analysis has become one of the simplest, most reliable ways to catch trouble early and keep equipment in service longer. At TJ|H2b, insulating fluid analysis is […]

The Power of Dissolved Gas Analysis: DGA Testing

close up of scientist with a testing tube

Long before a fault becomes visible in a transformer, it leaves a trace in the insulating oil. Things like dissolved gases are produced by thermal and electrical stress inside the unit. Catching those traces early is one of the most cost-effective ways to avoid an unplanned outage. That’s the job of Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) […]

Why Laboratory Testing Remains Irreplaceable in the Smart Grid Era

transformer with 4 images of testing remains over image

The modern power grid is more robust than at any point in history. Utilities are deploying IoT sensors, online dissolved gas monitors, SCADA integrations, and AI-driven analytics platforms at an accelerating pace. This is good news for grid reliability. But a misconception is gaining momentum in the industry: that continuous digital monitoring is making laboratory […]

Common Misconceptions About Transformer Testing

Closeup of transformer

Despite decades of standardized testing protocols and robust diagnostic science, a surprising number of misconceptions persist among plant engineers, maintenance teams, and asset managers regarding industrial transformer testing.  Unfortunately, these myths can lead to under-testing, misinterpreted results, deferred maintenance, and, in the worst cases, catastrophic and preventable failures. At TJ|H2b Analytical Services, we have spent […]

TechCon® North America 2026: A Hub for Innovation in The Utility Industry

TechCon® North America 2026 recap infographic

The TechCon® North America conference continues to serve as a central hub for knowledge sharing, technical advancement, and collaboration across the high-voltage industry. Each year, the conference brings together utility professionals, engineers, asset managers, and solution providers to address the evolving challenges shaping today’s electrical infrastructure. The event features a variety of educational opportunities, such […]

Understanding High Voltage Circuit Breakers

breakdown of circuit breaker

A high voltage circuit breaker is a switching device used in power systems to interrupt the flow of electricity when abnormal conditions occur, such as short circuits, overloads, or ground faults. By rapidly opening the circuit, the breaker isolates the faulty section of the network, protecting equipment, preventing fires, and maintaining system stability. To safely […]

Transformer Insulation Innovation: Why Advanced Materials Still Depend on Oil Diagnostics

An electronic transformer with power lines

As utilities face increasing grid load demands, aging infrastructure, and the rapid expansion of renewable energy, transformer reliability has become more important than ever. One of the most significant factors affecting transformer reliability is insulation performance. Traditional transformer insulation systems (typically composed of cellulose paper and insulating oil) have served the industry for decades. However, […]

The Future of Transformer Diagnostics: Learn More at TechCon® North America

The Future of Transformer Diagnostics_Learn More at TechCon®

Utilities are generating more equipment and grid data than ever before. As utilities balance aging infrastructure, electrification growth, regulatory scrutiny, and extreme weather risk, transformer testing has moved from the lab bench to the boardroom. Dissolved gas data, moisture trends, insulation aging metrics, and failure probability modeling now influence capital budgets, resilience investments, and grid […]

How to Correctly Take an Oil Sample from a Transformer

oil samples

Modern high-voltage equipment rarely fails without warning. Long before a transformer, regulator, load tap changer (LTC), or breaker experiences a catastrophic event, microscopic indicators begin developing inside the insulating fluid: Dissolved gases form, moisture increases, acids develop, and metal particles circulate. But none of that data matters if the oil sample is compromised. Improper sampling […]

“What’s in Your Oil®?” How Microscopic Evidence Reveals Failure in Electrical Equipment

microscope

Modern electrical equipment rarely fails without warning. Long before a transformer, regulator, or load tap changer (LTC) experiences a catastrophic event, microscopic evidence begins to accumulate inside the insulating oil. This evidence provides critical insight into developing failures. Microscopy and Forensic Analyses take a deeper look at “What’s in Your Oil®”. Microscopy analysis transforms oil […]

Why TechCon® North America Is Pertinent To You (2026)

TechCon North America 2026 Graphic

If you are eager to stay ahead of the evolving power industry, explore emerging technologies, and exchange insights with experts, TechCon® North America Conference & Exposition is an essential event to attend. This three-day conference brings together utility industry leaders to discuss timely and sensitive topics, offering an unmatched opportunity to engage with other powerful […]