Gassing In Transformers – An Explanation
In order to understand gassing in transformers, it is first necessary to understand the basic anatomy of a transformer. What exactly is a transformer? A transformer is a device that allows electrical energy to move from one circuit to another by means of inductively couple conductors, which come in the form of coils. The purpose of a transformer is really to change the voltage of a particular current of electricity. Electricity coming from a power station, for example, usually leaves the station at an extremely high voltage. This voltage is much too high for household appliances, however, so there are transformer connected to the mains before the electricity is fed to individual homes. Within each transformer, the coils sit in a bath of oil that acts both as a coolant and an electrical insulator. As electricity moves through the coils, however, chemical reactions occur that release gases into the oil. These gasses then dissolve, hence the term ‘gassing in transformers’ and the later evolution of dissolved gas analysis DGA as a means of detecting those dissolved gases and thereby assessing the operational health of the transformer.
Under regular conditions, when the transformer is working properly, there is little gassing in transformers. When transformers malfunction, however, there is a decided increase in gassing in transformers, and a variety of different gases are produced. With the developments in modern science, electronic sensors have been developed that can detect the presence of these dissolved gases in the transformer oil. The sensors are attached to the transformer and the sensing tips extend into the transformer and into the oil. These sensors are then responsible for carrying out the dissolved gas analysis DGA tests.
Dissolved gas analysis DGA testing has two major advantages over traditional methods of testing. The first and most important is that dissolved gas analysis DGA can be carried out even while electricity is passing through the transformer. This means that there is no need to interrupt the power supply in order to determine the health of the transformer and ensure that it is in proper working condition. This is a great improvement over the traditional method where the power supply had to be interrupted and the transformer removed to be physically checked by technicians.
The second advantage is that dissolved gas analysis DGA tests can also be used to identify particular problems that might arise with the transformer. Different problems produce different gases and the sensors are able to differentiate between these gases being produced. As such, technicians are able to tell exactly what sort of problem a particular transformer might be experiencing and the right response can be prepared. In some cases, for example, all that might be required could be a simple patch to repair the transformers whereas other cases might require a complete overhaul of the transformer in order to avoid a catastrophic meltdown.
No matter what industry you work in however, as long as your work involves transformers it is definitely a good idea to purchase and install a proper dissolved gas analysis DGA monitoring system for your transformer to keep an eye on gassing in transformers that might be malfunctioning and ensure that you are not caught by surprise should a problem arise with any of your transformers.
When it comes to keeping a close watch on the health of transformers, there really is nothing more appropriate than a dissolved gas analysis DGA monitoring system from Dynamic Ratings that will allow you to keep a close watch on gassing in transformers involved in your operation.
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