Parameters To Be Checked To Ensure Long Life Of Transformers

Transformers are electronic devices, which form the main components of power networks and thus, if they break down, it will affect the entire network. So, make sure to check for the quality of the transformer right from the time of manufacture to the shipment and finally till the installation. Miracle Electronics is a leading transformer manufacturer in India that manufactures all sorts of transformers using the best quality materials and procedures, while taking complete care of delivering properly checked and inspected products to its customers.

But, your inspection does not stop after installation. Transformers need inspection and diagnosis from time to time to avoid breakdown, damage and failure. You need to consider some important parameters for determining the quality of the transformer that need to be taken into account while inspection and diagnosis. These include oil temperature, oil level, oil leak, silica gel, control heater, cooling fan, noise, loose/displaced parts, and cracks and burning signs if any.  It is very important for regular data reading of different parameters for transformer maintenance. If done regularly, any kind of minor fault can be caught hold of immediately.

Most important parameters to be checked

Oil level

There is no special rule or restriction to be followed when it comes to the level of oil in the conservator tank, OLTC or radiator. All that needs to be taken care of is that oil must be present in the oil tanks. However, the oil level is maintained to be low in low temperature and high in high temperature or loading condition. Therefore, it must be checked that the tank is neither left empty in low temperatures, nor does the oil overflow in high temperature or loading condition.

Oil temperature

The maximum temperature permitted for oil to be used is 90°C and the hottest point that is permitted is 110°C. So, make sure that the oil in your transformer ranges between these two points and does not exceed 110°C at any cost.

Oil leak

Oil leakages may be caused due to weakening or wrong positioning of gaskets. These leakages can generally be detected by the naked eye; however minor leakages that are not visible can be checked by the application of special fluids that indicate oil leakage by changing colour. If oil leakage is not addressed immediately, it can result in serious accidents, fire and explosions. Welding or application of special polymeric compounds and putties are the ways oil leakage can be rectified. To avoid such leakages, you must ensure that gaskets, O rings, and other elastomeric components of the transformer are replaced at the scheduled replacement intervals.

Noise

Noise is caused by a phenomenon called magnetostriction. If there is any change in the regular noise of the transformer, it must be identified immediately as a fault and must be referred to as abnormal.

Silica gel

Silica gel absorbs moisture from the air to keep the transformer safe from its negative effects. But, when the gel is so drenched that it cannot absorb any more moisture, it changes its colour to black, red or white. This should be a warning sign for the inspector to immediately take action.