TRANSFORMER MAINTENANCE & TESTING
Transformer Maintenance & Testing
Performing preventative & predictive maintenance, and simply staying consistent with the general maintenance and upkeep of your power transformers, is imperative to their durability and duration. General transformer maintenance generally includes cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, measurement, and testing of the differing parameters of the transformer. MPPT has an extensive inventory of in-house testing equipment of the newest technologies that is able to perform the following transformer tests - all of which work together to create an extensive and conclusive analysis of your transformers health, and any faults it might contain.
Transformer Oil Analysis:
Following up regularly with the condition of the oil inside your transformers is vital to their health and wellness. The analysis of the oil contained in your transformers can unmask various disparities, such as thermal defects, insulating capacity loss, etcetera. When MPPT analyses the dielectric fluid (transformer oil), we analyze the moisture content, acidity, corrosivity of the oil, etc., all of which affect the transformers aging and health.
Infrared Thermography (IR):
Infrared Thermography (IR) scanning is a technique performed to inspect the health of your transformer using a thermal imaging camera, which MPPT carries in-house. This camera will detect high heat levels of your transformer, which is one of the main causes of transformer degradation, as well as cold spots, which could be fault locations. Detecting these faults before they cause severe damage could save you a costly transformer replacement.
Power Factor:
Power Factor testing is a highly effective method of detecting and isolating anomalies in your transformer such as moisture, bushing contamination, liquid and windings insulation, carbonization, etcetera. Here at MP Predictive Technologies, we have the testing equipment in-house necessary for Power Factor testing, which allows us to be quick and efficient in the case of a short planned outage or emergency.
Insulation Resistance:
The Insulation Resistance transformer testing complements the other tests mentioned, and is used to determine if there is winding insulation deterioration in your transformer. This deterioration of the insulation resistance is another one of the main causes of transformer failure.
Turns-Ratio (TTR):
The transformer Turns-Ratio (TTR) test is performed in order to conclude the number of turns in one winding of your transformer, as compared to the number of turns in the other windings. This test shows our field technicians whether or not your transformer contains any shorted turns or incorrect connections.
Winding Resistance:
The Winding Resistance test of a transformer is a technique used to detect anomalies stemming from poor connections, high contact resistance, broken conductor strands, etcetera. In addition to all the other transformer testing mentioned, the Winding Resistance test can reveal faults in your transformer before they cause permanent damage.
Excitation Current:
The Excitation Current test of a transformer is a diagnostics technique used to detect faults in the core, such as shorted laminations, and windings of your transformer. This test will reveal to the MPPT field technician several key conditions of your transformer, such as the health of the magnetic circuit and tap changer.
Sweep Frequency Response Analysis:
The Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA) technique is used to determine the mechanical integrity of the core, windings, and clamping within your transformer. This test can reveal fatal faults in your transformer, such as core movements, broken clamping, faulty core grounds, winding abnormalities, etcetera.
