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14 comments
Associate

Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 25

Silicone Oil Mist 11KV Transformer - Remedies?

04/16/2012 10:16 AM

Hi ,

We are planning to replace our 11 kv transformers with oil leaks ( oil residues found in bushin , coupling of oil temperature and some fins ) its just like they say oil breating due to increase in load 8 years since its installation..

We need soild justification for its replacement since we need continuos power supply without interruption

Are there remedies available like epoxy resins or anything to plug in seal the leaks??? any help or direction to companies that handle this kind problems are welcome

thanks

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Guru
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#1

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 10:42 AM

Is there a manufacturers data plate on your existing transformer.

This plate should contain the manufacturers name and perhaps even an address and/or other contact info.

The transformer manufacturer would be the best place to get repair or replacement advice.

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#2
In reply to #1

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 10:49 AM

The manufacturer had closed down its factory 4 years ago and we are left to resolve this issue head on the worries are explosion??? degradation of leaky areas ( actually seen with black wet oil marks mixed with dust)

The quickest solution is replacement which are in the planning works but at the mean time any patch up remedies are welcome

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#4
In reply to #2

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 11:03 AM

Contact the replacement transformers' manufacturer for advice.

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#5
In reply to #4

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 11:22 AM

Hi

thanks

we are considering dry type from Siemens but local power co preferred the oil type so have the pros and cons

most of third party advice is replacement but im just curious if theres really a need to replace if we seal the leaks by new technologies???

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#6
In reply to #5

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 11:31 AM

#4↑

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#3
In reply to #1

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 10:55 AM

Hi

thanks for the quick response

the only way is replacement but still seek new technolgies that can handle leaks ( oil breathing as they say) no drip at the moment but only pock marks of wet oil marks mixed with dust.... some power company had tightened one bushing live just to eliminate the leak mostly on top of the transformer

totoalas

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#7

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 11:56 AM
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#8
In reply to #7

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 12:05 PM

hi

thanks for the info

will inquire on our situation if they have a solution

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#9
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Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 12:07 PM

Probably not unless the leaks are in a flat piece of metal.

I suggest that you contact several transformer suppliers and let their engineering/sales force help you justify a new unit.

Good luck!

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#10
In reply to #9

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 12:13 PM

you read my mind

the leaks are everywhere from the bushing coupling joint, temperature coupling joint, some edge of the fins .......

The manufacturer's choice is replacement which we will do my boss is just asking

a good justification to hasten the process of changing the transformers

thanks for the advice

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#11

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 1:49 PM

Multiple oil leaks on a transformer is a strong sign that it was poorly manufactured in the first place, and maybe poorly operated afterward. If leaks are at gasketed joints, that means the gasket material has aged or is poor quality, or the bolts were improperly tightened when assembled. Having leaks at multiple gaskets means you need to regasket ALL such points - that will be a lot of costly work.

If the leaks are at welds or seams, then it's even harder to seal. A small leak in one place can sometimes be sealed with epoxy, while the transformer is held under vacuum so you get the epoxy into the tiny voids. However, it is not guaranteed to work, especially since it is very difficult to clean up all traces of oil beforehand. You could re-weld, but that usually requires draining all the oil, cleaning, welding, then refilling.

By the time all this work is done, you are much better off with a new transformer that has a new warranty as well. Also, if your load has increased (suggesting that some of your problem is due to overheating of the transformer and oil), you can buy a larger transformer to meet your projected load needs and allow it to run cooler (and healthier!) in the future.

For an outdoor, substation transformer, oil is better since it is sealed to the weather. The problem with dry type transformers is providing adequate cooling (since they run much hotter) without opening them up toe the weather. Keep dry types for indoors and oil-filled for outdoors.

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#13
In reply to #11

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/17/2012 5:52 AM

Hi thanks for the info this is the same conclusion made in our last meeting poor quality and gaskets replaced 4 years ago

Humidity is high even if its indoor and dust has very high accumulation so replacement is the only choice good points for justification as the manufacturer had bad record when it comes to their products mostly transformers...

yours can add up to my justification

thanks for the support

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#12

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/16/2012 6:30 PM

If you're determined to go down the road of replacement I would adopt a slightly different approach. Have the first unit replaced with a new oil filled unit. The removed unit I would have refurbished by a reputable company. Once done, use this the replace the second unit. And so on until all are replaced. The last unit becomes a spare for the future.

The key is finding a reputable company to do the refurbishment. If you were in the UK I could point you in the right direction.

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#14
In reply to #12

Re: Silicone oil mist 11 kv transformer - Remedies?????

04/17/2012 5:56 AM

8 years old transformers showing same signs of defects good idea for refurbishment the problem is who will do with guarranty and safeguards that the leaks will appear in other areas of the transformer

Oil and dry type pros and cons please....

thanks for the ideas and will copy paste for submission to my boss lol

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