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Transformer Testing & Maintenance


POWER TRANSFORMERS. Surplec Repair Facilities

Repairing & Remanufacturing your transformer offers a solution that is both technically and economically efficient. Through repairs, we restore a transformer to its original condition in all aspects (current, voltage and impedance). Remanufacturing, on the other hand, involves, e.g., providing...

Advancements in Dissolved Gas Analysis: Accounting for Gas Loss

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) in transformers is a very successful periodic screening method to identify transformers that may be having problems. It is a symptom-based assessment of health, rather than a condition-based assessment. That is because the gases themselves do not cause failure, but are...

Power Utility Replaces Aging Transformers with Customized, Drop-in Units

As aging transformers at generation facilities near end-of-life cycles, a number of potentially dangerous events can come into play when it comes to aging transformers – in addition to untimely power outages and costly repairs. Because many transformers are exposed to dust and high operating...

Transformer Testing & Maintenance

transformer repair

Radiator Fin(s) Leak Repair

Radiator fins are notorious for leaking at various locations. One of which is where the fins are attached (welded) to the horizontal bottom-run header. Measurements are taken so a weir box can be installed to cover the fin(s) that are leaking. It is preferred the weir box will cover above the leaking area about 6".
This 6” cover will allow for urethane (poured into weir box) to adhere to the drier part of the fin(s) to assist with the sealing process. After pour, the technician will mark the outside of the weir box at the location(s) where the original leak was. This incase further work may be required for a better seal. After the urethane is poured and let to cure (usually overnight) the job is inspected to determined seal effectiveness. In the event we still have some leakage; whether the following day or later, an additional procedure may be performed. If leaking, the weir box is fabricated out of 11ga galvanized sheet metal which is thick enough for completing a 1/16" NPT. The technician will decide where (usually where it's been marked) and how many 1/16" D&T’s (drill & taps) are required. Once additional d&t's are completed, injection valves installed, then a special 2-part sealant (must be approved from a dielectric and DGA standpoint) will be injected. The thought is: now that there is cured urethane above the original leak(s) and we have marked the weir box for injecting close to that spot, we have created a bridging barrier for our sealant to back up against (so as not to extrude out the top of the weir box).

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Optimal Transformer Efficiency Using Weighted Average

In order to improve the efficiency of electrical distribution in commercial buildings, the US Department of Energy (DOE) introduced regulations with more stringent minimums on transformer efficiencies in January 2016. This was covered under the Code of Federal Regulations 10 CFR Part 431.192 and...

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Speed is the driving force of successful fault prevention. Early detection of insulation deterioration is key for avoiding asset failure, associated unplanned outages, and physical damage to infrastructure. The traditional testing approaches most teams rely on inhibit quick diagnosis of insulation...


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