Many transformer failures can be prevented by carrying out regular maintenance and risk assessments. This is the view of Peter Flint, managing director of ArmCoil. He will be the main speaker at the ArmCoil technical webinar on transformers hosted by EngineerIT on Thursday 20 October 2022 on the Teams virtual platform

Many problems can be prevented by carrying our regular risk assessments. The process would typically include external visual observations by an expert, searching for signs such as overheating which can be seen by differences in the paint colour, cracked or lifted painted areas, faulty or damaged temperature control devices such OTI’s (oil temperature indicators) and WTI’s (winding temperature indicators). These devices can be checked for correct temperature settings and trips and if they are still in a working condition by means of electrical testing. PRV’s (pressure relief valves) are investigated for visual evidence of operation, these devices can also be tested to confirm correct settings to ensure that the device is still in the correct working condition. After the visual inspection is completed the dismantling process starts so that if required, all the auxiliary protection can be evaluated and tested.  

In oil cooled transformers an oil sample for full spectrum oil analysis must be taken and analysed through a SANAS approved laboratory. The oil sampling provides an accurate condition of the oil during operation and if the end user has a preferred laboratory, typically the laboratory will have a history of all the sampling results in their archives which could be invaluable in assisting the Root Cause Analysis (RCA).

Tap changer condition is also visually inspected and tested for condition or failure analysis. A similar process is carriedout where vacuum type tap changers are installed.

In case of a failure similar test are carried out to determine the cause of failure. There are so many reasons for these failures hence it a very good idea to employ one or two well recognised or accredited repair facilities/consultants who can assist in decisive reactive maintenance.

During restoration of a failed transformer, the owner is well advised to upgrade to the latest protection devices to prevent future possible failures and to follow a planned maintenance programme which in the long-term reduce operational costs and prevent losses due to down time.

The ideal position for all end users is to be in a preventative maintenance programme or employ good maintenance technicians and managers.    ArmCoil provides all the maintenance and restoration services and has a fully equipped workshop and accredited personnel.

Invitation to a free webinar

ArmCoil invites you to a technical webinar to discuss the preventative maintenance and restoration processes. Peter Flint will also discuss the difference in the performance factor between a dry and an oil cooled transformer and the impact it has on the loss factor.

Peter has many years of experience in the transformer field and will lead the discussion and focus on the many aspects of efficient operations and low maintenance. The presentation will be followed by an open technical discussion during which Peter will answer questions and invite participants to share their views and experiences.

The webinar will be presented on the Teams platform on Thursday 20 October 2022 from 15:00 – 16:30. To register click this link and complete the registration form. The closing date for registration is 19 October 2022