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).
Introduction Fault type identification is an important step in dissolved gas analysis (DGA). When a significant amount fault gas production is detected in a transformer, we want to know what kind of physical condition could be responsible for the gassing. Knowing the type of fault can help to...
In general, the purpose of periodic screening with DGA for power transformers is risk assessment. Is any transformer likely to fail in service? If so, how severe is the problem? Previous articles in this series have described ways to improve DGA interpretation. In this article we provide a glimpse...
One of the most important steps when looking at DGA data is to decide whether the data support the existence of a fault that is actively breaking down the insulation before you try to use a triangle, pentagon, or gas ratio method to identify a fault type. Otherwise, you are diagnosing random...
The critical importance of power to every aspect of our world cannot be over-exaggerated. It must be generated and distributed effectively to end users, and any disruption in that process means loss of operations, money, and in extreme cases, life. Therefore, the reliability of power creation and...
The Growing Need for Safer and Greener Transformer Oils Transformer oil plays a vital role in the operation and longevity of power transformers, providing insulation, cooling, and arc suppression. Traditionally, mineral oil has been the industry standard due to its effective dielectric properties...
The Growing Concern of Transformer Fire Risks An Electrical Substation Transformer is a critical component of modern substations, playing a vital role in the transmission and distribution of electricity. However, due to the high-voltage operations, flammable insulation materials, and exposure...
The Growing Transformer Supply Crisis The global transformer supply chain is facing unprecedented challenges, with utilities worldwide struggling to procure essential equipment due to material shortages, manufacturing delays, and logistical constraints. Transformers are the backbone of electrical...
Power transformers are critical assets in electrical transmission and distribution networks. Their failure can lead to widespread outages, costly downtime, and potential safety hazards. As transformers age and operate under varying electrical and environmental stresses, degradation becomes...
S.E., Inc. has been providing the very best in Transmission Powerline Construction for over (40) years throughout the Western United States. Brothers Mark, Steve, David, and Craig Sorenson have decided to retire and pursue other interests. Everything in the auction is owned by S.E., Inc. and will...
Monitoring the health of bushings is vital for ensuring the reliability of transformers, especially in high-stakes environments like power grids and industrial facilities. Bushings, critical components of transformers, are prone to various failure modes that can lead to operational inefficiencies...
