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CONDITION MONITORING - TRANSFORMER OIL |
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For many years, dissolved gas analysis and fluid quality testing have been used as diagnostic tools for transformers. By far, the most widely accepted standards for transformer fluid testing and interpretation in the last decade have been the 1991 revision of the IEEE guides, C57.104 and C57.106. Analytical Services has used the knowledge gained from the application of these guides as a foundation for the development of enhanced diagnostics. In particular, the diagnostic enhancements that include:
. Expanding the number of fluid assessment tests
. Updating pass/fail fluid assessment limits for newer maintenance philosophies
. Trending the relationships for fluid data
. Analyzing the relationships between fluid and gas data
. Trending gas-in-oil data beyond two tests
. Relating gas-in-oil data to phenomena in the transformer
. Assessing solid insulation condition
. Considering the relationship of these data to operation, system events, or maintenance activities
The ability to use transformers up to their maximum safe loading capabilities is essential to optimizing their use. Necessarily, obtaining the optimal use of transformers changes the approach to maintenance. The major critical asset components of a transformer, the paper, windings and core were not designed to be maintained in the same manner as the components of tap changers or breakers. In a manner analogous to human health care, a combination of preventive practices, prudent operating practices, treatments and repairs are needed. Management of the asset requires the best use of these alternatives and this, in turn, requires the appropriate condition assessment tools.
Transformer Condition Monitoring has been developed to provide the information for management of the oil condition, management of the paper condition, and the identification of the problems such as core lamination problems, core ground problems, no load tap changer problems, terminal and connector problems. Transformer Condition Monitoring involves the following.
. Oil sampling
. Oil quality
. Dissolved gas analysis
. Cellulose insulation
. Oil processing
The advantages of the Transformer Condition Monitoring program can be summarized as follows:
o Units that require maintenance are identified.
o Units that do not currently require maintenance are identified.
o Maintenance activities can be better focused.
o Operators and planners can assess loading capabilities.
o Failures can be reduced.
o Reliability is enhanced.
o Costs are reduced.
o Safety is not compromised
Click here to download Transformer oil Analysis report format.
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