Transformers are an important asset in the power supply industry. To ensure continued efficiency in the performance of a transformer, the transformer oil must be purified at regular intervals. This has a few advantages, such as the improvement in the insulation properties of the transformer oil.
The improved insulation ensures that the transformer will have a longer life and fewer breakdowns, and fewer breakdowns contribute to a much more uninterrupted power supply. The higher efficiency of the transformer from regular cleaning will further bring down the costs of maintenance in the long run.
Transformer Oil Purification Procedure
The life of a transformer depends on the oil quality and quantity. The purification process of the transformer oil removes any sludge, dissolved moisture, and gases from the transformer oil.
Transformer Oil Purification is purified mainly in two ways: vacuum dehydration and centrifugal removal of gases.
- The first step in the purification process is to increase the temperature of the oil up to about sixty-five degrees Celsius. This heat is essential in the removal of moisture and dissolved gases from the oil. Moreover, the viscosity of the oil drops with heat, which aids in the purification process.
- The second step involves the removal of sludge and dirt from the oil. This is done by filtering the oil with a classic edge filter or a depth-type filter. Both methods of filtration have their advantages and disadvantages. The edge filters are reusable at least three to four times after it is cleaned properly. However, this takes up a lot of time and effort.
- An alternate method for the removal of sludge from the transformer oil is to use centrifugal force. This process does not necessarily require a power-driven centrifuge to be used to remove dirt from the oil. Still, since this method can only remove dirt above 10 microns, the use of a power-driven centrifuge can sometimes become necessary. Power centrifuges can also remove undissolved water that may be present in the transformer oil. It drives down the cost by making it unnecessary to have the filter paper changed every time.
- The third step in the purification of transformer oil is dehydration to remove dissolved moisture and degasification to remove dissolved gases. This process occurs in the degassing chamber where the transformer oil is separated from dissolved impurities in an atmosphere of reduced pressure or vacuum. This is because each of the three components, the oil, the moisture, and the gases, have different boiling points, and Who can separate them this way.
Mineral oil can be used as transformer oil, but it has some serious disadvantages. It can easily catch fire if there is even the smallest spark near it. Therefore, fire codes make it mandatory that the transformers inside or near buildings use non-flammable liquids as transformer oils.
Another material that Who used as transformer oil is polychlorinated biphenyls or PCBs. They are not flammable and have high electrical insulation, but they are highly non-biodegradable, toxic, bioaccumulative, and cannot be safely disposed of.
The use of these two transformer oils is highly harmful to health and the environment, and researchers are now experimenting with biodegradable oils and nanofluids as transformer oils.
The transformer oil is a vital part of the functioning unit of a transformer because it works as an insulating layer in the transformer.
This oil has to be stable at high temperatures and has excellent insulation abilities in electrical conditions. The transformer oil is useful in oil-filled transformers, certain high-powered transformers and other such applications. Therefore, the purification of transformer oil is a necessary step in maintaining the strength and efficiency of a transformer.
Tips For Selection Of Transformers For Commercial Use
The design of commercial buildings changes with the trend, but their electrical loads remain the same. The right size and selection of transformer ensure proper accommodation of these loads.
In this article, distribution transformers India suppliers will share the best ways of selecting and sizing transformers for commercial structures.
This article brings many useful design concepts for sizing and selecting transformers in electrical systems design for commercial sites.
Transformers are used to change voltage levels to supply electrical loads with the required voltages. In addition, transformers are used to provide required incoming electrical voltage to the buildings. There are several ranges available for primary and secondary voltage transformers.
You can locate the transformers either outdoor or inside the electrical room of the building or other areas as permitted by code. The electrical phase features related to the transformer’s primary side is 3-phase, delta, or 3-wire connected. The secondary is 3-phase, wyes or 4-wire connected.
Different types of constructions
Manufacturers are making distinct constructions for transformers that are used by the commercial sector. A few designs are as under-
- Ventilated dry-type transformers
These transformers are ventilated by air, use space for clearance, and have distinct insulating materials used for augmentation of the dielectric strength of the air. Windings enclose these transformers for mechanical protection and the safety of personnel. This type of transformer is used inside the buildings. They have indoor electrical system distribution for these transformers.
- Sealed dry-type transformers
These transformers are similar to a dry model. The only difference is that they have enclosed tanks with nitrogen or other dielectric gas protecting the windings. You can install them inside and outside. They perform efficiently even in corrosive or harsh environments.
- Cast coil transformers
These types of models are built with the primary and secondary windings encapsulated in reinforced resin. Therefore, you can install them in the environment that is exposed to moisture or airborne contaminants.
- Oil-filled transformers
These transformers are made with the windings enclosed in an oil-filled tank with insulating mineral oil. Therefore, it is good to regularly test these transformers to determine the dielectric breakdown that impacts its lifecycle.
- Non ventilated dry-type transformers
These are like ventilated models but are completely enclosed. Therefore, you can install these transformers in areas having corrosive or dirty environmental conditions where you cannot install a ventilated transformer model.
So, you have an idea of selecting transformers. If you have anything to say to distribution transformers India suppliers, pour your thoughts in the comment section below.
