Electrical faults in oil-filled transformers usually
generate gases, some of which are combustible. Many transformer faults in their
early stages are incipient and deterioration is gradual, but sufficient
quantities of combustible gases are usually formed to permit detection and
allow corrective measures to forestall a serious outage.
Depending on the transformer oil preservation system, the
gas may either be dissolved in the oil or enter the gas space above the oil. In
certain types of transf
These relays are usually set to alarm for the presence of
gas. It is common practice to draw off samples of oil or gas for periodic
analysis of combustible gas content. If there is a gas space in the oil
preservation system, it is possible to directly draw off a sample of the gas
and perform an on-the-spot analysis with a portable gas analyzer.
If there is no gas space in the transformer, it is necessary
to analyze an oil sample for dissolved gas content by gas chromatography (see
Bean and Cole [B69]).
The presence of key gases is an indicator of the location of
the source of the gas
a) Hydrogen is generated by corona or partial discharges.
The presence of other key gases can indicate the source of the discharge.
b) Ethylene (C2H4) is the key gas associated with the
thermal degradation of oil. Trace generation of associated gases (ethane and
methane) may start at 150 °C. Significant generation of ethylene begins around
300 °C.
c) Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are generated when
cellulose insulation is overheated.
d) Acetylene (C2H2) is produced in significant quantities by
arcing in the oil. To interpret the results of the analysis, the relative
ratios of key gases are used.
There has been substantial work to define the best methods
for interpreting the results and guidelines have been published in IEEE Std
C57.104-1991 [B74] and IEC 60599: 1978 [B8].
Gas analysis on transformers should be made periodically by
manual or automatic methods. The interval between tests may be varied according
to size, importance, loading, and exposure to faults.
This test should also be made after protective relay or
relief diaphragm operation and before reenergizing, if practical. It should be
made on new transformers after installation and original loading.
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