Development of Eco-Friendly Transformer Oil from Neem Seed Oil using Periwinkle Waste Shell as Catalyst

Abstract The urge for a sustainable and non-polluting industry has raised the need search an alternative insulating fluid that could be used in transformers, because of negative environmental effect mineral-based fluids. Natural esters from non-edible oil seeds showed to feasible alternative, unfortunately they possess poor thermooxidative properties. Neem trees grow nearly on all types soils can as old 45 years before start produce less fruits. tree up 50 kg its fruits yearly tenth year seed content is % making it tree. neem transformer (NSTO) was produced via catalysed transesterification process using methanol with periwinkle shell catalyst. Prior reaction degummed. ester also underwent water treatment process. NSTO density, content, acidity flash point, pour viscosity, breakdown voltage, dielectric, relative dielectric constant, dissipation factor resistivity properties were tested, presented discussed. Results show meet most standard requirements new natural fluids oil. voltage 32 kV, which more than required limit value 0.20 at 25 °C met by 100 Hz 400 Hz, constants are 3.01 k, meets specification between 2.9 k 3.2 k. pre-treatment degumming prior appears promising route production electrical transformer.