Journal of Renewable Energy, Electrical, and Computer Engineering
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): March 2026

Effects of Butylated Hydroxytoluene and Butylated Hydroxyanisole on Viscosity and Breakdown Voltage of Palm Oil

Yenni Afrida (Universitas Lampung)
Herman H Sinaga (Universitas Lampung)
Dewi A. Iryani (Universitas Lampung)
Nining Purwasih (Universitas Lampung)
Diah Permata (Universitas Lampung)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Mar 2026

Abstract

In the electric power system, insulating oil plays a pivotal role in separating two or more electrical conductors with different voltages. This separation is crucial to prevent unintended electrical connections or sparks that could compromise the system's safety and integrity. Mineral-based insulating oil is disadvantageous because it is classified as a mineral oil. This classification indicates that the waste is non-biodegradable, meaning biological processes cannot break it down. This characteristic can hurt the environment. Therefore, alternative efforts must be made to use liquid insulation, such as environmentally friendly vegetable oils. Vegetable oils are unsuitable as insulating oils due to their high viscosity, low oxidation stability, and good lubricity. A proposed solution to reduce palm oil viscosity involves adding additives. The dilution process can be enhanced by incorporating various additives, including butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole. The present study utilizes the Megger OTS80Af to assess the breakdown voltage and viscosity of the subject material. Vegetable oils are unsuitable as insulating oils due to their high viscosity, low oxidation stability, and good lubricity. A proposed solution to reduce palm oil viscosity involves adding additives. The dilution process can be enhanced by incorporating various additives, including butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole. The present study utilizes the Megger OTS80Af to assess the breakdown voltage and viscosity of the subject material. The experimental findings indicate that crude palm oil, when augmented with butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole, is deemed unsuitable for utilization as a transformer insulation medium. This determination is predicated on its inability to comply with the stipulated criteria outlined in SPLN 49-91: 1982, specifically the minimum breakdown voltage of 30 kV/2.5 mm for transformer insulation oil.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jreece

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Control & Systems Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering Energy Engineering

Description

Journal of Renewable Energy, Electrical, and Computer Engineering (JREECE) is a peer-reviewed and open access journal that aims to promote and disseminate knowledge of the various topics and area of Renewable Energy, Electrical, and Computer Engineering. The scope of the journal encompasses the ...