Three Services A Transformer Oil Testing Company Can Provide For Your Transformer Maintenance
The maintenance of high voltage transformers is critical to prevent a breakdown. Obviously, when there are unscheduled but needed repairs, there will be power shortages that create a wide range of issues in a community. And the longer the power is out, the greater the problems that will ensue. One of the most important aspects of maintenance is testing the transformer oil. There are companies that provide these services. The following are a few benefits to using them.
They can test for the specific gravity of the oil
There is a specification for your transformer oil that will allow it to operate efficiently as a coolant. It is important to monitor this number because once it falls outside the range it was manufactured for, your transformer may overheat. This will lead to the transformer breaking down and perhaps even create a fire.
They can test for contaminants and moisture
Transformer oil degrades over time, and one of the best tests to measure this is the interfacial tension test. The results of this test will determine the level of impurities that have built up in the oil over time. Some of this is due to the nature of the oil, but there are also indications that the transformer is beginning to degrade and headed towards time-consuming repairs. Along with this test, another test can be performed to determine the amount of moisture and water content in the oil.
They can do a comprehensive gas analysis
This type of testing analyzes the dissolved gases from the oil and the various concentration levels of these gases. Certain levels of chemicals in the oil are readily identified by a dissolved gas analysis with the use of a chromatography machine. Based upon the tolerance levels for your specific transformer, you may be able to pinpoint a problem before it occurs. Perhaps the most important issue is that of corona build-up, along with arcing. This type of problem can lead to a transformer being destroyed and, in some cases, even an explosion.
One of the most important aspects of the maintenance of power transformers is testing. There are companies that provide beneficial testing services. They can sample transformer oil and run several tests on it for contaminants, moisture, and specific gravity, to name only a few. They can also perform a gas analysis to identify high levels of chemicals that can lead to a catastrophic breakdown of the transformer. If you know that there is a problem developing with the oil in one of your transformers, you can schedule a time to make the necessary repairs. This will enable you to provide continuous electricity from a substation without a disruption in the delivery of power.
To keep your transformers functioning, contact a transformer oil testing service.