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Utility Transformers




Advancements in Dissolved Gas Analysis: Accounting for Gas Loss

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...

Utility Transformers

transformer repair

Radiator Fin(s) Leak Repair

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 leaking area about 6".
This 6” cover will allow for urethane (poured into weir box) to adhere to the drier part of the fin(s) to assist with the sealing process. After pour, the technician will mark the outside of the weir box at the location(s) where the original leak was. This incase further work may be required for a better seal. After the urethane is poured and let to cure (usually overnight) the job is inspected to determined seal effectiveness. In the event we still have some leakage; whether the following day or later, an additional procedure may be performed. If leaking, the weir box is fabricated out of 11ga galvanized sheet metal which is thick enough for completing a 1/16" NPT. The technician will decide where (usually where it's been marked) and how many 1/16" D&T’s (drill & taps) are required. Once additional d&t's are completed, injection valves installed, then a special 2-part sealant (must be approved from a dielectric and DGA standpoint) will be injected. The thought is: now that there is cured urethane above the original leak(s) and we have marked the weir box for injecting close to that spot, we have created a bridging barrier for our sealant to back up against (so as not to extrude out the top of the weir box).

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DGA graphs

Advancements in Dissolved Gas Analysis: Accounting for Gas Loss

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...

Designing A Safe & Reliable Transformer Maintenance Program

The critical importance of power to every aspect of our world cannot be over-exaggerated. It must be generated and distributed effectively to end users, and any disruption in that process means loss of operations, money, and in extreme cases, life. Therefore, the reliability of power creation and...

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FERC Approves Interconnection for Talen Energy, Amazon Data Center

In a significant move that underscores the growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy to power the expanding digital infrastructure, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has approved an interconnection agreement between Talen Energy, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Exelon. This...

Renewable Insulation Liquids for Transformers

Turning electrical assets into green machines BY RONNY FRITSCHE & GEORG PUKEL, Siemens AG Transformers are one of the most important components of energy grid systems. They enable the efficient transport of electric energy from the location where the energy is generated to the location where...


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