Friday, October 30, 2009

Dissolved Gas Analysis in power transformers

Power transformers, being key components in any electrical network, require mindful operation and maintenance, in order to obtain safe and optimum working life. As transformers age, monitoring of their condition becomes more vital, with surveillance and diagnostic techniques being needed to prevent the possibility of surprise failures. Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) is a fundamental technique in establishing fault mechanisms in oil-filled power transformers. In its simplest form, DGA analyzes the relative amount of three gasses in transformer oil: CH4, C2H4 and C2H2 (methane, ethylene and acetylene ) These gases are discharged from the insulation system (paper, wire) to the oil under detrimental conditions. Empirical measurements of the relative percentage of these gasses in the oil have been mapped to specific problems in the transformer. So the first step is collection of oil and measurement of the content of the gasses in the oil. Next, these percentages are plotted on a triangular coordinate system, called Duval triangle, shown right. This triangle is (empirically) pre-divided into 'fault zones'. The PPM data is plotted as a point on the Duval triangle and (to a rough first degree), the zone in which it falls on indicates the faulty area. PD fault zone is the partial discharge. T1, T2 and T3 indicate a thermal fault. D1 zone indicates a low-energy discharge, such as hot spots in the paper and paper/oil insulation. D2 zone is the high-energy discharge zone. DT - is an indterminate zone, attributed to a thermal fault or electrical discharge. All in all, Duval mapped about 170 different faults into the fault zones, including application of the method to faults in the load tap changer. Today DGA is considered a comprehensive method of assesing the state of a transformer. Still, it has its share of problems, and is open for interpretation somewhat. Because of the relative inaccuracy of gas-in-oil concentration measurements at low concentrations, DGA diagnostic methods, including the Duval Triangle, should not be applied unless the gas concentrations are well above the detection limit. Megawatt Transformers performs DGA analysis in-house. We employ a veteran in the field with more than 20 years of field experience. This experience, combined with our advanced analysis lab allows us to assess the condition of a transformer beyond the mere threshold numbers given by the gas analysis. This is especially important when the numbers are inconclusive, as is sometimes the case with these measurements. Contact us with all your transformer maintenance and repair needs.

13 comments:

  1. Electrical power transformers also experience certain malfunction problems. That is why constant monitoring is recommended especially if it is used by large companies.

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  2. i have question regardin the DGA. i used Duval method and the diagnosis is Thermal fault in oil (300c-700c), but when i used Rogers' Method i got
    normal aging or at least Thermal fault less than 150c. the co2/co ratio is 3001.16/323.8 = 9.27.
    As a result, which one is correct????? and the values of gases are: H2=11.7 CH4=9.98 C2H4= 6.19
    C2H6= 6.40 C2H2=0.05 . Also what ater determinig the fault what action should be taken???

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  3. It is highly recommended to get your transformer services regularly, this will save your cost and will raise your transformer age.

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  4. Power transformers is a good technique because if they know when establishing fault mechanisms could make very efficient the transportation.

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  5. This blog is very good to read regards different types of transforms like Electrical Power Transformers,Isolation Transformers,Step Down Transformersetc

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  6. Power distribution transformers are used in power plants and substations, industrial and commercial sites and solar power fields to ensure grid stability, power reliability and energy efficiency. There are different types of <a href="http://optimum-equipment.com/categories/21/transformers> Power Transformer</a> .

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  7. We Padmavahini Power Transformers, are manufacturing and supplying variety of power transformers like custom transformers, dry type transformers, auto transformers, control transformers, set up transformers etc. All these transformers are designed and developed according to the international quality standards.

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  8. Nice post about Transformers thanks for sharing nice information. We are Transformers Manufacturer & Exporters in India

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  9. Power transformers is actually Providing the energy correctly on the buyer. Many companies producing Power transformers in India.

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  10. Hey very nice and useful blog regarding Power transformers and dissolved gas technique . Thanks for posting.

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  11. nice post. thanks for sharing. We also manufacturers of Control TransformersControl Transformers Manufacturers

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  12. Along with the oil sample quality tests, performing a dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of the insulating oil is useful in evaluating transformer health. The breakdown of electrical insulating materials and related components inside a transformer generates gases within the transformer.
    Power transformers in India | Transformer manufacturer in India

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