How to Choose the Right Crepe Insulation Paper Tube for Transformers?

In transformer manufacturing and maintenance, crepe insulation paper tubes are critical insulating components. Their performance directly affects the equipment’s reliability, service life, and operational safety.

Selecting the right crepe paper tube is not a simple task—you must consider electrical strength, mechanical properties, environmental adaptability, and specific application requirements.

This article explains the key selection factors to help you choose the optimal solution.

Basic Characteristics of Crepe Insulation Paper Tubes

Crepe insulation paper tubes are made from electrical-grade insulating paper (typically sulfate wood pulp paper), which is processed with creping and then wound into tube form.

This special structure provides both excellent electrical insulation and strong flexibility.

Main Features:

♦ High Dielectric Strength: Capable of withstanding high electric fields and preventing breakdown.

♦ Flexible and Elastic: Easy to install and adaptable to various component shapes.

♦ Good Thermal Stability: Withstands high temperatures during transformer operation.

♦ Environmentally Friendly & Aging Resistant: High-quality materials allow long-term stable performance.

Key Parameters for Selecting Insulation Crepe Paper Tubes

1. Electrical Performance

Dielectric Strength: The voltage-withstand capability per unit thickness, usually measured in kV/mm. Select according to the transformer’s voltage level—high-voltage transformers require higher dielectric strength.

Dielectric Loss Factor: The lower the value, the higher the insulation efficiency. This parameter is especially important for high-frequency or high-voltage applications.

2. Mechanical Performance

Tensile Strength and Tear Strength: Ensure the tube is not easily damaged during installation or operation.

Flexibility and Resilience: The crepe structure must offer good elasticity to compensate for deformation caused by thermal expansion and contraction.

3. Thermal Performance

Thermal Class: Choose the paper tube according to the insulation class of the transformer to ensure it does not fail under operating temperatures.

Thermal Stability: The crepe paper tube should maintain stable performance even when exposed to long-term high-temperature conditions.

4. Dimensions and Specifications

Inner Diameter, Outer Diameter, and Wall Thickness: These dimensions must precisely match the transformer design to ensure a tight fit and adequate insulation distance.

Length and Tolerance: Select according to the winding structure to avoid installation issues.

5. Environmental Adaptability

Moisture Resistance: After proper treatment, the crepe paper tube can resist moisture and mold, allowing it to function in humid environments.

Chemical Compatibility: The tube must be compatible with transformer oil, resin, and other materials without causing adverse reactions.

Selecting Based on Application Scenarios

Oil-immersed Transformers: Choose crepe paper tubes that are compatible with transformer oil, with emphasis on dielectric strength and oil absorption.

Dry-type Transformers: Focus on thermal class and mechanical strength. The tube must withstand oil-free operating environments.

High-frequency Transformers: Prioritize low dielectric loss to reduce energy loss.

Special Environments: Such as high humidity, vibration. Use reinforced crepe paper tubes to enhance durability.

Tips for Selecting Crepe Paper Tubes

♦ Evaluate Supplier Qualifications: Choose suppliers with ISO certification and industry experience to ensure quality control.

♦ Request Test Reports: Ask for dielectric strength, thermal aging, and other test data to verify product performance.

♦ Sample Testing: Test samples under actual operating conditions to check compatibility and reliability.

♦ Balance Cost and Quality: Consider both price and performance. Do not sacrifice critical properties for lower cost.

♦ Customization Needs: For non-standard applications, communicate with suppliers to develop customized solutions for precise matching.

Choosing the right transformer insulation crepe paper tube is essential for ensuring safe and efficient equipment operation. By focusing on electrical, mechanical, and thermal performance as well as the application scenario, you can significantly enhance transformer reliability.

For further technical guidance or product recommendations, feel free to contact us for customized solutions.