Charlie Smith - RefiningCommunity.com
Oil filled transformers are the backbone of nearly all refinery power distribution systems in the world. Fortunately they are generally very rugged, well-engineered and well-built devices. We put them into service and expect many years of dependable service: their criticality demands it.
In this case a transformer used as the sole power supply for an N2 plant began to exhibit symptoms of poor health two years after installation. This investigation includes a full range of online and offline inspections, classic oil analysis, partial discharge monitoring in the field (which proved extremely valuable in the evaluation of the problem), and a complete tear down and inspection in the factory. The situation lends credible reinforcement to the practice of regular, in-depth transformer inspection PMs by qualified individuals.