As a philosophy and English major who has spent the last 20+ years working in the utility industry,
I often come across topics that challenge me because I don’t have a science or engineering background. This article is an exploration of the basics around online DGA monitors, to better understand the technology and the pros and cons associated with the different options.
Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is the most widely-used test conducted on transformers while...
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...
In a landmark move aimed at accelerating the U.S. transition to a more resilient and sustainable energy grid, the Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a groundbreaking investment of $2.2 billion in innovative transmission and energy storage projects across 18 states. This significant funding...
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...
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...
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...
