Transformers are an integral part of the electricity system, enabling the conversion, transmission and distribution of electricity.
They work on the principle of electromagnetic induction and their function is to change the voltage and current values while maintaining the same frequency and with as little energy loss as possible. An essential design element of any high-power transformer is the electrical insulating oil.
Why their role is bigger than you think? Oil in a transformer is a key element in providing winding insulation and heat transfer. Thanks to its properties, transformer oil protects the transformer from external influences by penetrating all its spaces. Oil is also a carrier of information about the operating status of the transformer.
Electrical insulating oil is the “bloodstream” of the transformer, carrying information on the condition of the oil and the equipment. Examination of the oil allows potential problems to be anticipated, so that appropriate maintenance and service measures can be taken and the quality and suitability of the oil for further use can be assessed.
Oil testing should be carried out by a specialised laboratory with a metrological and quality supervision system in place.
Proper oil sampling procedures and transport are important. Ideally, oil samples should reach the laboratory within 24 hours of collection, as too long storage time and the influence of atmospheric factors such as moisture, temperature and sunlight can falsify test results.
As part of the physico-chemical properties test, the dielectric properties, the degree of moisture in the insulating system and oil ageing, among others, are checked. Dissolved gas analysis and diagnostics (DGA) allow early detection of possible damage or abnormalities. Testing for furan compounds provides an estimate of the condition of the transformer’s paper insulation, which is an important factor influencing decisions on further maintenance measures.
The procedure for filling transformers under vacuum aims to properly impregnate the paper insulation, guaranteeing the required low level of incomplete discharge and maintaining a low degree of moisture.
The process of filling a transformer with oil varies depending on the type of equipment, its capacity and intended use. Oil values, vacuum depths, filling speeds and other factors vary from case to case, requiring appropriate measures and procedures.
Filling transformers with oil presents a number of challenges. Among the most common are unit leakage problems, the impact of weather conditions and logistical issues related to oil storage. It is also important to properly prepare the workplace and coordinate with the services responsible for maintaining order and security.
During filling and subsequent operation of the transformer, a very low moisture content in the oil is required – at just a few ppm. Oil has a natural tendency to absorb moisture from its surroundings, forcing the construction of a sealed system. Any “breather” points should be protected by filters with moisture absorbers to minimise the risk of water entering the system.
Oil transfer processes, e.g. from transport tanks to vats, should be carried out in such a way as to reduce oil gassing. Dissolved gases can affect oil performance, so it is necessary to keep them low.
Transformer manufacturers often specify that the oil temperature during filling should be higher than 50°C. In winter, maintaining this temperature requires appropriate heating systems and insulation of system components. It is also often necessary to ensure the correct ambient temperature for process support machinery, such as pumps or aggregates.
It is possible to remove water and gases during vacuum treatment of oil, but inadequate technology can further increase their content and cause oil degradation. This has the effect of prolonging the processing time and completion of the entire project, which can generate additional costs and downtime.
Ecol has extensive experience in complex transformer oil replacement and filling, carrying out projects of varying complexity and conditions. The company has carried out work both in the open air and in difficult underground locations, as in the case of the Porąbka-Żar power plant, where the process of processing and transporting oil into the mountain required precise planning and specialised equipment.
In implementations at industrial plants such as nitrogen plants, the company has filled new large-capacity transformers using specialised vacuum units and centrifugal separators, ensuring oil quality control at every stage of the process. In projects carried out on the construction of the CCGT gas blocks or combined heat and power plants, Ecol has demonstrated its ability to manage the entire process – from oil preparation, to oil processing, to final quality testing. The company has successfully dealt with challenges such as transformer integrity and oil temperature optimisation, adapting its methods to the specific technical requirements of each project.
Ecol stands out in the market as a provider of comprehensive and professional transformer oil change services. Choosing our company is an investment in the long-term trouble-free operation of electrical power equipment. What we offer:
Our offer includes not only the oil filling itself, but also comprehensive preparation of the equipment for the process. We supply oil of the highest quality, perform laboratory analyses and supervise the entire process. This provides the customer with a full service to minimise the risk of failure and extend the life of the transformer.
We have experience of working in a wide range of weather conditions – we carry out services in cold temperatures below 0°C as well as in the heat of summer, in the rain, on construction sites without access to utilities, as well as outdoors and underground. We operate on new and in-service equipment of varying power and technical specifications. This enables us to address the individual needs of each client.
By choosing Ecol, you can be sure that the oil change process will be carried out in accordance with the highest standards and procedures, and that the systematic testing of oil quality will allow the transformer to work for a long time without failures.
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Transformer condition assessment service based on the Transformer Condition Assessment TCA® method.
Recordings and descriptions of oil and lubricant tests performed in our laboratory.
Key information on our diagnostic report.
Badanie oleju elektroizolacyjnego zespołu transformatorowo-prostowniczego zasilającego elektrofiltr.
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