Sustainable regeneration of transformer oil through composite adsorbent of chitosan and sepiolite: a biorefinery approach

ABSTRACT

This study introduces an innovative biorefinery approach for sustainably regenerating transformer oil utilizing a composite adsorbent comprised of Chitosan (CS) and Sepiolite (SL). Surface modification analyses, employing BET, SEM, and FTIR techniques, unveiled enhanced adsorption capabilities attributed to pores and folds on the CS-SL composite surface, coupled with uniform SL distribution within the CS substrate. Through systematic evaluations based on color index and transmittance assessments across multiple samples, optimal regeneration was achieved with a 5% volume fraction of the composite absorbent, closely replicating fresh oil properties. Significant improvements were observed in acidity (−62.50%), moisture content (−44.44%), and viscosity (−27.93%), with slight changes in density and a notable rise in flash point (+31.82°C). Electrical properties showed enhancement, with breakdown voltage (+80.00%) and resistivity (+54.93%) increasing, while dissipation factor (−98.00%) and permittivity (−44.74%) decreased, indicating improved energy efficiency. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry confirmed the removal of oxidation by-products. This study underscores the potential of CS-SL as a sustainable adsorbent for transformer oil regeneration, thereby making significant strides toward environmental sustainability within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the principles of biorefinery practices.

KEYWORDS:

• Biorefinery
• composite adsorbent
• chitosan
• sepiolite
• transformer oil regeneration

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Author contributions

All the authors are equally contributed to develop the article.

Data availability statement

Data sharing does not apply to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rajesh Prasad

Rajesh Prasad received B.E Degree in EEE, M.E. in Applied Electronics and Ph.D. in faculty of Electrical Engineering from Anna University. He is working as an Assistant professor in the Department of EEE, He has more than 8 years of experience in teaching and research. His significant research areas include electrical engineering, high voltage engineering, smart grid, electric vehicle, and soft computing techniques. He has research publications in various peer reviewed International Journals.

Nisha P V

Nisha P V is currently working in Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, at Jyothi Engineering College under APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, Kerala. She completed B. Tech Degree from Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, MG University, Kerala and M. Tech Degree from Calicut University, Kerala. She earned her PhD from National Institute of Technology Calicut, India. Her areas of interest includes Power Engineering, Power Quality, Electromagnetic Interference and High Voltage Engineering.

Huma Khan

Huma Khan had received her B. Tech in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering from IETE, Delhi, M. Tech in Process Control from NSUT, Dwarka, Delhi & Ph.D. in Robotics and Control from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor at Department of Electrical, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Galgotias University with more than 12 years of teaching experience in Jamia Millia Islamia (Delhi), NSUT (Dwarka, Delhi), Bharati Vidyapeeths College of Engineering (Paschim Vihar, Delhi) and IETE (Delhi). Her research interest includes Robotics, Solar system, Control Systems, Electrical Technology, Circuit Theory, Communication Systems, Digital Communications and Wheeled Mobile Robotics, Robot and Sensor Design, Modeling and Control. She has published many papers in the SCI and Scopus Journal and reputed conferences and book chapters.

Jarin T

Jarin T is currently working as Associate Professor in Department of EEE at Jyothi Engineering college under APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. He has completed his BE, ME and Ph.D. in faculty of Electrical Engineering from Anna University. His areas of interest include Switching Strategies, Deep Brain Stimulation, Beetle Search based Optimization, electromagnetic Radiation and its Hazards, and Electric Vehicles etc. He has 14 years of experience in teaching and research and published more than Eighty papers in leading peer reviewed International Journals. He has four patents to his credit.