Where should mineral oil samples be taken from in a tank?

Taking mineral oil samples from the bottom of a tank is essential for accurately assessing the oil's condition. Over time, contaminants such as water, sludge, and particulate matter tend to settle at the bottom due to gravity. By sampling from the bottom, you can gather information that reflects the presence of these contaminants, which might not be evident if you were to sample from the top or middle of the tank. This is particularly important for maintenance and diagnostic purposes because it allows for the detection of issues that could lead to equipment failure, ensuring that the integrity of the oil and, consequently, the optimal performance of the transformer is maintained.