Transformer Fire Protection System (Conservator Shutters)

your question?

Think it's sour grapes from a previous thread.

So how did you test them and how do you know it failed to operate? That's a proprietary system that requires factory expertise to properly install, maintain and test. If you don't follow, or know, their test procedures your results will reflect that. Let us know what happened after the factory reviews your procedures for conformance to their written requirements.

I can send you a video if you give your mail adress

Your conservator shutter is a safety device, not a fire protection system. As already mentioned, it will have a factory procedure for testing.

A fire protection system for a transformer will be a water spray deluge system activated by heat detectors.

You won't find any know-all's on this site, but you might get some helpful information if you employ a little politeness.

You might want to talk to the people at the company that insures your transformer. Since they are the ones you will expect to pay for a new unit when this one burns up, they will probably have a set of testing requirements defined. After that, if you are still not capable of doing the tests, hire a testing company who is.

Like I said. I could send video record who wants. Believe or not.

I could send video record who wants. Believe or not.

It's always better to read the book before you watch the movie...what makes you think the video is a good thing ? Does it actually show the shutters not working (working title perhaps "Bullshit Baffles Brains") and and if so, why do you think this might be helpful in getting sound advice from know-it-alls ?

Watch a traffic video sometime...see the cars standing still on the verge ? Why do you think ? Do you see evidence of cooling, ignition or fuel system problems on the video ? Even if I could see your video, I doubt it would be very helpful.

You should confirm firstly, from the installation manual, that the shutters are installed correctly to begin with. Don't just look at the pictures....read the text, and confirm step-by-step. They may be installed ass-about-face.

For testing the procedures below were followed ; 1. The transformer was taken out of service, 2. The operating lever was at its normal position, 3. An open-mouth clean barrel was prepared and placed under the oil exit valve (DN80-3 inches) to collect the drained oil, 4. The oil exit valve was opened entirely, 5. The Conservator shutter flap was closed loudly but did not remain closed, it opened again and then closed with the same strong sound. 6. The self opening-closing squence of the conservator shutter flap repeated ceaselessly as long as the oil exit valve was held open. 7. Then the oil exit valve was closed and the site testing was terminated. As you see from the above processes, when the oil flow from the tank is too high the conservator shutter closes but instead of remaining closed it follows a strange self opening-closing sequence. And after this test, some transformator manufacturer experienced similar malfunction with the other manufacturer's made conservator shutter and as the feedbacks from the site keep coming it happens to seem that the situation is worse than we expected. I think this kind of devices are not very reliable. They should redesigned in a way to include electro valve. Text is not belong to me. Thanks Mr. L.C. for translation If I was wrong, How could test otherwise? Thank you ahead for your comments. Best regards…

Have you got a schematic diagram of the shutter controls ? I don't think they should have been active while the transformer is down for oil-change anyway....

I'm just guessing, but I think the oil level in the transformer might be critical here (not the flow-rate). In other words, when the level drops, the consequence is that the remaining oil is not enough for cooling, and the consequence is that the remaining oil burn. It then makes sense that the shutters should close.

Check to see if there is a level sensor/ level switch that you may need to hold in position while draining the oil.

When filling with new oil, how do you know when it is full?

1. Note that I said I was guessing (above). Now I've read a bit on the subject, and you don't need to be taking advice from this know-it-all!

2. You should have at least stated the transformer rating. There are transformers out there that could flatten an area of hundreds of m2 on exploding, not to mention loss of life!

Start your enquiries here....maybe they do know it all. If not, they will know somebody who does...

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What transformers are capable of such force? Although spectacular to witness, all you're really seeing is the oil burning as it spills out of a ruptured tank. The "explosive force" of the internal fault creates a pressure wave that operates the pressure relief device and/or the rupture disc(s) and oil spills out. If the tank is of shoddy workmanship or the closure bolts aren't torqued properly then the oil will escape through ruptured seams or poorly made up joints, then burn off in the containment area. The tank may bulge, but it does not fragment like a grenade and "...flatten an area of hundreds of m2..."

Notice that the radiators are still on the tank and there are no fragmentary holes in the nearby equipment.

"...flatten an area of hundreds of m2..."

I bow to any superior knowledge of the subject.

However, note that area 10x10mtrs = 100 m2 which is not a large area necessarily (depending on whether it's indoors or out I guess). Gas cylinders have a similar failure mode ie rupture due to pressure wave, and also protected by rupture discs)

I did do some reading yesterday. The OP's Red Herring: "Transformer Fire Protection" had given me the wrong idea of the problem intially. Turns out that shutters are/ can be used for bus-bar temperature control in certain designs.

Once I digested the purpose and design of the Bucholz relay, I realised that I lacked sufficient knowledge and experience to add meaningfully, and backed off... suggesting caution to the OP.

I guess We don't mention the same thing. You are swimming other waters

Hi Ramconsult, How often do you take out of service power transformers ? And what kind of control do you do on transformer while it is deenerjized? For instance Do you test conservator shutter in periodical? Did you know that you have to change the conservator shutters once every five years?Period changes depend on manufacturer.

80 (ONAN) / 100 (ONAF) MVA, and There are 25.000 liters oil in it. What else?