Oil Type Electrical Transformer Oil Leakage Reasons
Oil type electrical transformer stands as indispensable high-capacity electrical components, serving as the backbone of power transmission and distribution networks worldwide. Beyond their core function of regulating and stabilizing voltage and current to maintain optimal circuit performance, these transformers play a pivotal role in ensuring energy efficiency, grid reliability, and operational safety across industrial facilities, commercial complexes, and residential areas. To unlock their full potential and prolong service life, meticulous installation practices—including precise adherence to procedural steps and sequence—are non-negotiable. Proper installation directly impacts long-term functionality, load-bearing capacity, and compliance with industry safety standards, making it a cornerstone of effective transformer deployment.
Oil Drainage for Oil Type Electrical Transformer
Prior to any disassembly or maintenance of internal components, it is imperative to conduct thorough heat dissipation and oil drainage of the transformer’s tank, radiators, and associated piping. This process mitigates the risk of oil contamination and ensures safe access to internal parts.
- Pre-Drainage Preparation: Inspect and clean all oil storage containers (e.g., tanks, drums), transfer pipelines, vacuum oil filters, and pumps to eliminate dust, sediment, moisture, or residual contaminants. Verify that all equipment meets industry cleanliness standards (e.g., ISO 16232) and is completely dry to prevent cross-contamination. Seal all open ports immediately after cleaning to maintain airtightness.
- Drainage Execution: Disconnect the high-voltage transmission lines and low-voltage busbars following lockout-tagout (LOTO) protocols to ensure electrical isolation. Position the oil storage container at a lower elevation than the transformer tank to facilitate gravity-driven drainage. Monitor the drainage rate to avoid splashing and ensure complete removal of oil from the tank and auxiliary systems.
Hood Lifting for Oil
Type Electrical Transformer
Hood lifting is a critical maintenance step that requires careful planning to protect the transformer’s internal components from environmental damage and physical harm.
- Environmental & Site Requirements: Review detailed weather forecasts to select a day with clear skies, no precipitation, and wind speeds below 5 m/s (11 mph) to prevent moisture ingress and instability during lifting. The work area must be spacious enough to accommodate the lifted hood, with unobstructed access for maintenance personnel and equipment. Ensure the site is level, debris-free, and equipped with certified lifting gear (e.g., cranes, slings) rated for the transformer’s weight.
- Lifting Best Practices: Inspect the hood’s lifting lugs for cracks, corrosion, or wear before attaching slings. Align the lifting equipment precisely to distribute weight evenly and avoid stress on the tank flange. Maintain constant communication between the crane operator and ground crew during the lifting process to ensure smooth, controlled movement.
Reinstallation of Oil Type Electrical Transformer
Reinstallation should only commence after all core maintenance tasks and performance tests (e.g., insulation resistance, turns ratio, dielectric strength) have been completed and meet relevant standards (e.g., IEC 60076).
- Pre-Reinstallation Checks: Thoroughly clean the transformer core, windings, and tank interior to remove dust, debris, or residual oil. Conduct a final inspection to ensure no tools, fasteners, or foreign objects are left inside the tank. Verify that all maintenance tools and replacement parts (e.g., gaskets, seals) are readily available and meet OEM specifications.
- Assembly Procedures: Lower the hood carefully, ensuring proper alignment with the tank flange to avoid damaging the sealing surface. Install the tap changer, high-voltage and low-voltage bushings, air release valves, oil storage tank, and no-load tap switch in sequence. Replace worn or damaged gaskets and silicone seals with factory-approved components to ensure airtightness. Handle all components with extreme care during installation to prevent deformation of windings, damage to insulation, or misalignment of critical parts.
- Post-Installation Verification: After reassembly, refill the transformer with the specified grade of insulating oil (e.g., mineral oil, synthetic ester) and conduct a leak test. Verify the tightness of all connections and recheck electrical parameters to confirm compliance with operational requirements.
By following these rigorous procedures, oil-immersed transformers can deliver consistent performance, minimize downtime, and uphold the highest safety standards throughout their operational lifecycle. Proper installation and maintenance not only protect the investment but also contribute to the stability and resilience of the broader power grid.