What are the best preventive maintenance practices for power transformers?

Regular preventive maintenance is vital for power transformers. Inspect for leaks, corrosion, and physical damage. Analyze transformer oil for moisture, acidity, and contaminants. Implement dissolved gas analysis for early issue detection. Check bushings, insulators, and temperature regularly. Maintain conservators, breathers, and cooling systems. Monitor tap changers and tighten electrical connections. Conduct electrical tests and utilize advanced diagnostics like power factor testing. Document activities, train staff, and cultivate a proactive approach to enhance transformer reliability and safety, minimizing downtime and optimizing performance.

1. First is Visual Inspection and check of visual reading of gauges and aux devices. 2. Nextis the diagnostic testing which is Excitation, Turns Ratio, Phase Relationship and Polarity, Winding Resistance, Insulation Resistance and Polarization Index, Capacitance and Tan Delta, Impedance and Oil Physical and electrical Properties testing (Moisture, Power factor, Oil Breakdown Voltage, Interfacial Tension, Neutralization Number (Acidity), Furan (Indirect determination of Degree of polymerization) 3. Bushing Meggar, C1and C2 and power factor test and leakage current 4. LTC oil analysis and contact resistance 5. Before taking transformer out of service for prev. mtce perform infrared thermography(predictive) and when energized after prev. mtce.

Here are some of the best preventive maintenance practices for power transformers: 1. Regular inspection: Conduct visual inspections of the transformer's exterior, interior, and associated equipment components. Identify any signs of leaks, corrosion, loose connections, and other abnormalities. 2. Temperature monitoring: Regularly monitor the temperature of the transformer, as overheating can cause significant damage. 3. Electrical testing: Regularly test the insulation resistance, winding resistance, and other electrical parameters to identify any potential insulator damage, winding connection issues, or other faults.

Another visual inspection can be done as a program using thermal camera imaging, could make a new database for maintenance any asset of the company. We could also predict any failure before breakdown happen

D'où la nécessité de faire un planning périodique pour la maintenance qui peut être préventive ou curative. Pour un bon suivi des installations avec des rapports bien établis pour une tra?abilité des différentes interventions et corrections effectuées sur site .

This involves testing the transformer's insulating oil for various parameters, such as moisture content, dissolved gases, and dielectric strength. By analyzing the oil, you can detect early signs of issues like insulation breakdown, overheating, and contamination. Regular oil analysis helps in identifying problems before they become severe, ensuring the reliability and longevity of the transformer.

The Sweep Frequency Analysis test is a lwo stress and increasingly valuable method to detect and locate defects. It is therefore a good choice to perform the test as part of evaluation protocols. Also, Partial Discharge field test equipment is now available as a maintenance item for on-line condition analysis. The science is rapidly growing.

Most times, thermal imaging is used if there are gasses forming in the oil. Inside the test bay it can provide insight to overload limits of components. Outside of the test bay, it is most useful to locate points of concern in the equipment.

Most of the points have been already covered by experts here but the main thing lacking which i feel is customer’s interest to take preventive maintenance recommendations seriously and be sincerely ready to do a periodic maintenance rather than demanding a transformer that will run smoothly for 10-15 years without any maintenance activity.