Charred Paper Fiber From Transformer Oil
This charred paper particle is from the charring of a label
or tag on a calrod heating element in an industrial
air conditioning unit. It was collected on a tapelift in the chamber conditioned by
this unit after it had filled with smoke.
Transmitted Oblique Off Crossed Circular Polarized Light and Darfield Reflected light
Illumination
Definition/Function:
Charred paper fiber is paper fiber that has been heated to a high enough temperature for
a long enough time to loose much of
its hydrogen and hydroxyl groups and to increase the carbon coordination in its
structure. I this process the fiber becomes
increasingly opaque, it shrinks, and the reflectivity of the surface of the fiber
increases. The structure of the fiber is
often maintained during this process.
Significance in the Environment:
Charred paper fiber in transformer oil often indicates a significant hotspot in the core
at some location.
Characteristic Features:
Associated Particles:
References:
