TRANSFORMERS MAINTENANCE IS A PRIORITY

Once a transformer is delivered to site, it is needed to ensure that it will operate to its maximum extent. A continuous Maintenance is the key to ensure it happens.

Regular maintenance of your transformer equipment and all its peripheral components (bushings, control devices, arresters, tap changers, etc.) will contribute to the trouble-free operation of your equipment in your power system. The purpose to set preventive maintenance measures is to ensure smooth operation and to identify potential problems before they turn into possible causes of equipment outages.

There are recommendations available in multiple standards like IEEE, CSA, IEC, ANCE, etc. depending on the country where the transformer is installed, nevertheless it is always important to follow the manufacturer’s “Operation & Maintenance Manual”, especially while the transformer is under warranty since this could affect its validation.

TOP Care supports you to create a maintenance plan that fits your company needs.

There are regular inspections needed to be carried in a frequent basis (e.g. monthly) which focus on taking records of operation conditions and checks of alarms. See below examples.

- Record of environmental conditions (temperature)

- Check of liquid level gauges.

- Check of temperature indicators.

- Check of dehydrating breather for transformers with conservator tank.

- Record of transformer load and line voltage.

- Check of pressure relief device.

- Check for alarms in control devices or annunciator if applicable.

- Visual inspection of ground connections, paint condition, possible leaks, etc.

- Record LTC number of operations.

- Oil tests (Dielectric, Power Factor, dissolved water content).

- Inspection and test of bushings and lightning arresters.

Additional preventive inspections are needed in a longer timeframe or in case a forced outage happens, these are carried out to ensure the integrity of the transformer and will focus on testing the active part and oil condition to identify potential problems before these represent a risk in your power system. Below is a list of maintenance tests that are suggested to obtain enough information to know the status of your equipment.

- Oil tests (Dielectric, Power Factor, dissolved water content).

- Inspection and test of bushings and lightning arresters.

- Current Transformer testing (Polarity, Ratio, Saturation).

- TTR on each tap.

- Resistance on all windings.

- Measure no load loss.

- Megger windings to each other and to ground.

- Megger core to ground.

- Test power factor of all bushings with a capacitance tap.

- Test power factor on all windings.

- Test all alarms, interlock, trip circuits and all equipment associated.

- Inspection of the LTC.

TOP Care can support you to develop your preventive maintenance plan or to assist you in an emergency case.

Please do not hesitate to contact us!!!

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