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Oil Test and Analysis
The analysis of dielectric materials and the preventive maintenance programs of oil-insulated equipment can reduce the risk of unscheduled outages, ensuring asset performance and durability. Transformer active part and cellulosic insulation immersed in oil generate markers during their lifecycle. With analysis, oil variations can be detected at an early stage before failure occurs. Oil analysis provides critical information on asset health status, including electrical properties and ageing.
Oil Test and Analysis
The analysis of dielectric materials and the preventive maintenance programs of oil-insulated equipment can reduce the risk of unscheduled outages, ensuring asset performance and durability. Transformer active part and cellulosic insulation immersed in oil generate markers during their lifecycle. With analysis, oil variations can be detected at an early stage before failure occurs. Oil analysis provides critical information on asset health status, including electrical properties and ageing.
GE Vernova performs reliable preventive and curative fluid analysis to provide an expert assessment of overall transformer condition:
- Thermal and electrical faults are detected by measuring the concentration, respective proportions and rate of 13 characteristic gases.
- Dielectric fluid condition is determined through dielectric strength, water content and the acidity index, verifying insulating and cooling properties.
- Pollution level is evaluated by detecting PCBs in mineral oils and checking compliance with environmental regulations.
- Cellulose insulation is assessed through furans analysis as well as new investigation methods using methanol/ethanol tests.
Other assessments can also be performed on a case-by-case basis depending on various criteria including the device’s age, brand, power, load, and criticality.
For 30 years, GE Vernova oil analysis and transformer specialists have performed highly accurate tests in accredited oil labs which have pioneered DGA, furans and methanol analysis.
The analysis report provides clear diagnosis and operational recommendations summarized in a simple colored-coded severity index.
It can be accessed online or during an annual customer review. Analysis data and report can be integrated in GE Vernova Asset Performance Management platform.
Our teams can respond to emergency situations, even during peak volume times.
Based on transformer criticality and condition, GE Vernova can provide flexible services agreements to monitor data and alarms from DGA continuous online monitoring systems.
Customers and channel partners can select from packaged solutions and book an order in the GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions Online Store.
France – Laboratory of Oil Services
Parc technologique du canal
8 rue Giotto
31520 Ramonville-St-Agne
Phone: +33 (0)562 190 560
Email: [email protected]
Certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, Accredited COFRAC based on ISO 17025
Australia - Transformer Oil Testing Laboratory
Unit4B/29-41 Lysaght Street Acacia Ridge,
QLD 4110
Australia
Phone: +61 408 885 801
Email: Email Contact
Certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, Accredited National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)
Turkey - Transformer Oil Testing Laboratory
Baris Mah. Guney Yanyol Cad. No:320 Gebze
41410 Kocaeli
Turkey
Phone: +90 (0) 262 648 3300 Ext 3373-3390
Email: Email Contact 1 and Email Contact 2
Certified ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, Accredited Turkish Accreditation Agency TS EN ISO/IEC 17025
Advanced Non-Intrusive Inspection Services
For fast and cost-effective measurement and diagnostics, GE Vernova offers advanced inspection methods that do not require the asset to be opened, including;
- Digital X-Ray
- Vibration Monitoring
- Ultra High Frequency Analysis
- Dynamic Contact Resistance Measurement (DCRM)
The service includes recommendation in the choice of inspection methods, onsite inspections, diagnosis and maintenance recommendations captured in a condition assessment report.
Advanced Non-Intrusive Inspection Services
For fast and cost-effective measurement and diagnostics, GE Vernova offers advanced inspection methods that do not require the asset to be opened, including;
- Digital X-Ray
- Vibration Monitoring
- Ultra High Frequency Analysis
- Dynamic Contact Resistance Measurement (DCRM)
The service includes recommendation in the choice of inspection methods, onsite inspections, diagnosis and maintenance recommendations captured in a condition assessment report.
GE Vernova’s Advanced Methods for Non-Intrusive Inspection
Advisory for Method Selection
GE Vernova provides assistance in method selection. Depending on the asset, the component to assess and the type of defect to detect, one or more complementary methods of non-intrusive inspections could be recommended.
The selection of methods will take into account the application, the criticality, the history and events occurred. If the inspection requires the use of several advanced non-intrusive methods, they can be performed during the same short planned outage when mandatory.
Expert Diagnosis
In case of defect, the diagnosis can be generated remotely in a few hours by the GE Vernova expert. High quality measurement and data generated provides conclusive results which are compared to models created to evaluate the acceptable limits. Those models are developed by GE Vernova matter experts from R&D and manufacturing, this expertise in diagnosis is built on 125 years of experience in high voltage equipment engineering.
Maintenance Recommendation
As part of the service, GE Vernova provides a comprehensive inspection report including the results, the diagnosis, the expected remaining lifetime of the devices, and a detailed recommendation to plan the necessary maintenance or replacement actions.
Advanced non-intrusive inspection enables deployment of Asset Performance Management (APM) on a fleet of circuit breakers.
Customer Benefits
Cost Effective
- No or reduced planned outage compared to standard inspection of internal components
- Eliminating unnecessary opening of asset
- Minimizing risk of failure
Digitalized Results
- Data is transmitted remotely to expert for analysis
- Centralized data available for asset performance analytics
- Results of asset condition provided in few hours
Safe and Reliable
- 20% reduction in asset failure thanks to the use of non-intrusive methods
- Eliminating risk of failure during reenergizing
- No risk of SF6 leakage
Proven Methodologies
- Models based on +120 years of expertise in equipment design, manufacturing and service.
- Proven experience in diverse industries including rotating machines
- Diagnosis and recommendations delivered by subject matter experts
Internal component of the circuit breaker
Digital X - Ray
Internal component image is printed on a flexible plate and runs through a high resolution (~40µm) laser scanner which reads and digitizes the film. The digital X-ray image produced is viewed and enhanced using powerful image processing software. Contrast, brightness, filtration and zoom can be customized.
Default Detection
Digital X-Ray inspection is suitable to evaluate the condition of aluminum, porcelain or polymer main, arcing and moving components. The defects that can be detected include:
- Damaged or deformed parts: crack and bent components
- Missing or loose components
- Corrosion and inclusion
- Misalignment of components
- Nozzles / Barrier / Resin Insulation
DCRM fingerprints with new contact (left) or ageing (right)
Dynamic Contact Resistance Measurement
Dynamic Contact Resistance Measurement (DCRM) is conducted by injecting a Direct Current through the breaker. The voltage drop is measured when the breaker operates a close-open cycle at rated speed. The acquisition unit then calculates the resistance value. During a phase of the motion, arcing contacts are the only parts which touch, the condition of these contacts can be assess.
Default Detection
The comparison between the pattern reference and the measurement curve supports the condition of the arcing contacts and the breaker chamber moving parts assessment. Any change in dynamic/frictional characteristics of the circuit breaker immediately reflects as a change in the dynamic resistance signature.
DCRM fingerprint deviation indicates various defects including:
- Misalignment of moving parts
- Contact wipe of main and arcing contacts
- Erosion of arcing and main contact
- Mechanical integrity of various components
- Measurement of the arcing contact length
Vibration pattern of an operating mechanism
Vibration Monitoring
Any mechanical movement in equipment produces sounds and/or vibrations. The resulting signals are propagated to the external structure via various parts of the mechanism and through the interrupting medium. The accelerometers positioned on the external structure of the circuit breaker measure the vibration bursts. As the vibration fingerprints is highly repeatable for a healthy circuit-breaker, a change in dynamic/frictional characteristics immediately reflects a change in the vibration pattern and thus highlights a defect.
Mechanical Fault Detection
The main characteristic of vibration diagnostics is the detection of a change between a vibration fingerprints recorded during operation and the reference.
Typical problems indicated by deviation in the vibration pattern include:
- Over-travel of connecting rids
- Distortion of a drive shaft
- Release of a contact / frame / mobile mechanism
- Hydraulic/spring operating mechanism defect
Example of protrusion
Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Analysis
The monitoring of the Gas-Insulated Substation (GIS) insulation health through measurement of partial discharge is the most efficient and competitive solution to prevent potential high repair cost and long downtime.
Principal
Partial discharge is the source of electromagnetic waves in the range of ultra high frequency from 300 to 2000MHz. The signal goes along the GIS and is easily captured by the antenna. Both UHF internal or external sensors can be installed on any type of GIS up to 800kV. The system can monitor SF6 and g³ filled equipment. The frequency spectrum and time analysis of the UHF signal assist supervision of commissioning, operation and maintenance.
The pattern shape supports accurate identification of default type including:
- Presence of particle
- Protrusion
- Coronas
- Free potential
- Insulator void