Power transformers are the single largest capital asset in substations. They are critical in the transmission of power to homes and businesses.
Testing
Technical complexities of transformers combined with high capital cost and long life expectancy pose unique decision-making challenges to asset managers. Transformer oil analysis is essential in accessing where on the system individual transformer units will likely fail. ALS provides a wide range of analytical services to monitor transformer operating condition and fluid health.
Transformer oil acts as an electrical insulating media and helps protect the components. If the oil becomes contaminated or begins to oxidize and breakdown, the performance is compromised and the transformer can short out or worse. ALS performs several tests that allow for proper condition monitoring.
- Acid Number D974/ D664
- Colour D1500
- Dielectric Breakdown Voltage (Dielectric Strength) D1816
- Dissipation Factor (Power Factor) D924
- Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) D3612
- Furan Content D5837
- Oxidation Inhibitor Content D2668
- Interfacial Tension D971
- PCBs D4059
- Resistivity D1169
- Visual D1524
- Water Content D1533
Sampling
Care should be taken when sampling transformer fluid and should be performed by a trained operator. Sampling for Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) requires a special sampling syringe, which ALS can help provide.
Our laboratories in Australia maintain ISO and NATA certification for quality assurance and expertise. ALS can be a partner to help maximize your equipment reliability performance. For additional information, contact our ALS laboratory in Sydney Australia.