Desiccant color can help to tell if the main tank oil of a power transformer is subjected to deterioration and contamination. The desiccant color should be checked to ensure that it is still actively removing moisture from the air. If the desiccant has been consumed for an extended time, it is
possible that moisture has entered the main tank causing loss of dielectric strength of the oil and accelerated cellulose aging.
Desiccants are typically used in breather system power transformer.
How do drum desiccant breathers work?
Changes in temperature, barometric pressure, and fluid pumping will result in air entering the drum. This air passes through a column of blue indicating silica gel, which removes and retains the water vapor. The silica gel changes from blue to pink when the desiccant is saturated and requires replacement. The units can also be filled with orange silica gel, which is acceptable for use in the European Union. The drum desiccant breather is reusable, therefore saturated desiccant can easily be replaced by removing the access port plug.
How do transformer breathers work?
How do Qualitrol STB000 Smart Transformer Breather removes moisture?