What causes damage to a transformer?

What causes damage to a transformer?

The most common cause of failure of transformer is insulation failure; it deteriorates due to heat, oxidation, acidity and moisture. Line surges such as switching surges, voltage spikes, line faults and distribution abnormalities.

What causes sludge in transformer oil?

What is Sludge in Transformer Oil? Sludge formation in the transformer is due to the oxidation reaction, damage of sludge insulation, decomposition if oil and insulation in transformer oil. Increasing of moisture in transformer oil can form sludge due to the reason of reducing the dielectric strength and corrosion.

What happens when transformers fail?

An exothermic reaction due to a faulty wire or overload that causes significant surge in temperature, resulting in sparks that may cause the transformer to catch fire and explode.

How do you treat transformer oil?

Reduce the amount of water in the oil from the decomposition of paper (cellulose), thus increasing dielectric rigidity. Eliminate gases dissolved in the oil as a result of hot spots and of partial discharges contained within the transformer.

How do you stop a transformer from humming?

Use Acoustical Dampening Material You can reduce some of the noise generated by an electrical transformer by using materials that prevent the sound from spreading. Covering the walls of the transformer room with absorbent materials such as kimsul, acoustical tile or fiberglass may help keep the noise contained.

What are the agents which contaminate transformer oil?

Contamination commonly found in transformer oil includes water and particulate. The presence of either of these contaminants will reduce the insulating qualities of your transformer oil.

What are the main causes of transformer oil failure?

In addition there is contamination caused by chemical interactions with windings and other solid insulation, catalyzed by high operating temperature. The original chemical properties of transformer oil change gradually, rendering it ineffective for its intended purpose after many years.

What are the properties of transformer oil?

Transformer oil’s primary functions are to insulate and cool a transformer. It must therefore have high dielectric strength, thermal conductivity, and chemical stability, and must keep these properties when held at high temperatures for extended periods. Typical specifications are: flash point 140 °C or greater,…

Should I reclaim my old transformer oil or replace it?

If some contaminant levels are significantly high, it may be more economically practical to replace the oil rather than reclaim it. A proactive approach should be taken if your transformer oil has a high acid content. Any sludge formed by the acid has to be rinsed out of the transformer with hot oil to remove the sediment.

Why is there free water at the bottom of my transformer?

If the oil is at its saturation point, there is likely to be free water at the bottom of the transformer. The dielectric strength of the oil is decreased with water present in the oil and a degasification of the oil is recommended. If the water content is particularly high, a hot oil dry out should be considered.