KAGAKU KOGAKU RONBUNSHU, Vol.29, No.5, 628-634, 2003
A simple analytical method for trace polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in insulating oil
An analytical method using column chromatography was examined for the simple and rapid analysis of trace PCB in insulating oil. From the results of PCB analysis using a column chromatograph packed with aminopropyl, cyanopropyl or 2,3-dihydroxy propoxypropyl as adsorbent, mineral oil removal efficiency was inferred to be 99.96%, which did not satisfy the requirement (max: >99.995%) for PCB in post-processing insulating oil analysis. Thus, a column packed with silica gel was attached to the main column to improve mineral oil removal efficiency. As a result, the required 99.995% mineral oil removal efficiency was achieved. This method was applied to the analysis of PCB in insulating oil, showing that each PCB was measured quantitatively. In addition, the analytical data obtained in this study were compared with those obtained by the official analytical method, revealing a statistically non-significant difference. Accordingly, the modified method was determined to be applicable to the analysis of PCB in insulating oil.