Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) in transformers is a very successful periodic screening method to identify transformers that may be having problems. It is a symptom-based assessment of health, rather than a condition-based assessment. That is because the gases themselves do not cause failure, but are just by-products of deteriorating insulation caused by abnormalities such as
hot spots or electrical discharges. The abnormalities are what might fail the transformer. If the transformer loses fault gases, the...
As a philosophy and English major who has spent the last 20+ years working in the utility industry,I often come across topics that challenge me because I don’t have a science or engineering background. This article is an exploration of the basics around online DGA monitors, to better...
Radiator fins are notorious for leaking at various locations. One of which is where the fins are attached (welded) to the horizontal bottom-run header. Measurements are taken so a weir box can be installed to cover the fin(s) that are leaking. It is preferred the weir box will cover above the...
Preventing malfunction in power transformers BY ANDY SAGL, Megger Harmonics are another power quality phenomenon that can cause equipment to malfunction. Harmonics are a sinusoidal component of periodic waves that have frequencies that are multiples of the fundamental frequency. Harmonics can cause...
Insulation Resistance (IR) test, often called Megger test, is more than 100 years old and assumed to be a very straightforward test. During my inspection and testing work in the past 15 years in Canada, US, and internationally, I have seen different practices of performing and interpretation of IR...
The Growing Need for Safer and Greener Transformer Oils Transformer oil plays a vital role in the operation and longevity of power transformers, providing insulation, cooling, and arc suppression. Traditionally, mineral oil has been the industry standard due to its effective dielectric properties...
The Growing Concern of Transformer Fire Risks An Electrical Substation Transformer is a critical component of modern substations, playing a vital role in the transmission and distribution of electricity. However, due to the high-voltage operations, flammable insulation materials, and exposure...
The Growing Transformer Supply Crisis The global transformer supply chain is facing unprecedented challenges, with utilities worldwide struggling to procure essential equipment due to material shortages, manufacturing delays, and logistical constraints. Transformers are the backbone of electrical...
Power transformers are critical assets in electrical transmission and distribution networks. Their failure can lead to widespread outages, costly downtime, and potential safety hazards. As transformers age and operate under varying electrical and environmental stresses, degradation becomes...
S.E., Inc. has been providing the very best in Transmission Powerline Construction for over (40) years throughout the Western United States. Brothers Mark, Steve, David, and Craig Sorenson have decided to retire and pursue other interests. Everything in the auction is owned by S.E., Inc. and will...
Monitoring the health of bushings is vital for ensuring the reliability of transformers, especially in high-stakes environments like power grids and industrial facilities. Bushings, critical components of transformers, are prone to various failure modes that can lead to operational inefficiencies...
