Transformer Oil Restoration

Transformers are critical components in the electrical power industry, responsible for the efficient transmission and distribution of electricity. The reliability and longevity of transformers heavily depend on the quality of the insulating oil used within them. Over time, transformer oil degrades due to moisture, gases, acids, and particulate matter, leading to reduced performance and potential transformer failure. Transformer oil restoration is a vital process that rejuvenates aged oil, restoring its original properties and ensuring optimal transformer operation. GlobeCore offers advanced solutions for transformer oil restoration, providing equipment and technologies that extend transformer life, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance operational efficiency.

The Importance of Transformer Oil Restoration

Transformer oil, also known as insulating oil, serves two primary functions:

1. Electrical Insulation: It insulates internal components, preventing electrical discharges and short circuits.
2. Heat Dissipation: It cools the transformer by transferring heat away from the core and windings.

Over time, transformer oil can become contaminated due to:

• Moisture Ingress: Water can enter the oil through seals, breathers, or as a byproduct of cellulose insulation degradation.
• Oxidation: Exposure to oxygen leads to the formation of acids and sludge.
• Thermal Degradation: High operating temperatures can break down oil molecules.
• Contaminants: Particulate matter from aging insulation or external sources.

These contaminants reduce the oil’s dielectric strength and thermal conductivity, leading to:

• Decreased insulating properties.
• Increased risk of electrical failures.
• Accelerated aging of the transformer.
• Potential for catastrophic failures.

Regular transformer oil restoration is essential to:

• Remove Contaminants: Eliminate moisture, gases, acids, and particulates.
• Restore Oil Properties: Rejuvenate oil to its original dielectric strength and chemical composition.
• Extend Transformer Life: Reduce stress on transformer components.
• Reduce Costs: Avoid expensive oil replacements and transformer repairs.

GlobeCore’s Transformer Oil Restoration Solutions

GlobeCore specializes in designing and manufacturing advanced equipment for transformer oil restoration. Their solutions effectively remove contaminants and restore oil properties, ensuring transformers operate safely and efficiently.

Key Features of GlobeCore’s Restoration Equipment

• Comprehensive Restoration: Removes moisture, gases, acids, sludge, and particulate matter.
• High Efficiency: Achieves oil parameters that meet or exceed international standards.
• Customized Solutions: Equipment tailored to specific customer needs and capacities.
• Mobility: Options for stationary or mobile units allow for on-site restoration.
• Environmentally Friendly: Minimizes waste and environmental impact.
• User-Friendly Operation: Automated controls and monitoring systems simplify operation.
• Safety: Equipped with safety features to protect operators and equipment.

GlobeCore’s Oil Restoration Technologies

GlobeCore’s transformer oil restoration equipment employs several key technologies:

Thermal Vacuum Drying

• Process: The oil is heated and subjected to vacuum conditions, causing moisture and dissolved gases to evaporate and be removed.
• Benefits:
  • Reduces moisture content to less than 5 ppm.
  • Lowers gas content to less than 0.1% by volume.
  • Restores dielectric strength.

Adsorption Treatment

• Process: Oil passes through columns filled with specialized sorbents (e.g., Fuller’s earth), which absorb acids, sludge, and oxidation products.
• Benefits:
  • Neutralizes acids.
  • Removes polar compounds and aging products.
  • Restores chemical properties of the oil.

Fine Filtration

• Process: Multi-stage filtration removes solid particles down to micron levels.
• Benefits:
  • Eliminates particulate contaminants.
  • Prevents sludge formation.
  • Enhances heat transfer efficiency.

Regeneration

• Process: A combination of vacuum dehydration, degassing, adsorption, and fine filtration to fully restore oil properties.
• Benefits:
  • Transforms aged oil to like-new condition.
  • Extends oil service life.
  • Reduces the need for new oil purchases.

GlobeCore’s Equipment for Transformer Oil Restoration

CMM-R Series Transformer Oil Regeneration Plants

The CMM-R series is GlobeCore’s flagship line for transformer oil regeneration.

Key Features:

• Continuous Processing: Capable of processing oil in energized transformers without interruption.
• Automated Sorbent Reactivation: The sorbent (Fuller’s earth) is reactivated within the unit, eliminating the need for frequent replacement.
• High Processing Capacity: Models available with different capacities to suit various transformer sizes.
• Advanced Control Systems: PLC-based controls for automated operation and monitoring.
• Environmental Compliance: Closed-loop system minimizes emissions and waste.

Technical Specifications (Example for CMM-R):

• Processing Rate: Up to 2 m³/h (varies by model).
• Moisture Removal: Reduces moisture content to less than 5 ppm.
• Acid Number Reduction: Restores acid number to less than 0.01 mg KOH/g.
• Dielectric Strength Improvement: Increases breakdown voltage to above 70 kV.

UVR Units for Universal Oil Restoration

The UVR units are versatile systems capable of restoring various types of oils, including transformer oil.

Features:

• Multi-Functional: Suitable for transformer oil, turbine oil, industrial oils, and diesel fuel.
• Deep Purification: Removes sulfur compounds, resins, and color bodies.
• Compact Design: Space-saving units suitable for workshop or field use.
• Easy Operation: User-friendly interface and controls.

Advantages of GlobeCore’s Transformer Oil Restoration Solutions

Cost Savings

• Reduced Operational Costs: Restores oil to like-new condition, reducing the need for new oil purchases.
• Deferred Capital Expenditure: Extends the life of transformers, delaying the need for replacements.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Minimizes transformer failures and associated repair costs.

Enhanced Transformer Performance

• Improved Dielectric Strength: Reduces the risk of electrical breakdowns.
• Better Thermal Conductivity: Enhances cooling efficiency, preventing overheating.
• Extended Equipment Lifespan: Reduces aging of insulation and other components.

Operational Flexibility

• On-Site Restoration: Mobile units allow for oil restoration at the transformer’s location.
• Energized Transformer Processing: Equipment can restore oil in energized transformers using GlobeCore’s Transformer Safety System (TSS), minimizing downtime.

Environmental Responsibility

• Waste Reduction: Regenerates oil, reducing the volume of waste oil requiring disposal.
• Sustainable Practices: Promotes the reuse of resources and reduces environmental impact.
• Compliance: Meets environmental regulations related to oil handling and disposal.

GlobeCore’s Commitment to Quality and Customer Support

Quality Assurance

• International Standards Compliance: Equipment meets ISO, IEC, and other international quality standards.
• Rigorous Testing: Each unit undergoes thorough testing before delivery.

Customization and Flexibility

• Tailored Solutions: Equipment can be customized to meet specific operational requirements.
• Optional Features:
  • Remote Monitoring: Control and monitor equipment via smartphone or PC.
  • Data Logging: Record process parameters for quality control and compliance.
  • Additional Sensors: Integration of moisture sensors, particle counters, etc.

After-Sales Support

• Installation and Commissioning: Assistance with on-site setup and startup.
• Training: Comprehensive training programs for operators and maintenance personnel.
• Technical Assistance: Ongoing support to address operational queries or issues.

Applications Across Industries

GlobeCore’s transformer oil restoration equipment is utilized in various sectors, including:

• Electrical Utilities: Maintenance of transformers in generation, transmission, and distribution networks.
• Industrial Manufacturing: Servicing transformers in factories, refineries, and processing plants.
• Renewable Energy: Supporting wind farms and solar power facilities.
• Mining and Oil & Gas: Ensuring reliable power supply in remote and harsh environments.
• Transportation: Maintenance of transformers in railway systems and other infrastructure.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Improved Transformer Reliability in a Power Utility

A major power utility implemented GlobeCore’s CMM-R transformer oil regeneration units across its network. The results included:

• Extended Transformer Life: Average transformer lifespan increased by 25%.
• Cost Savings: Significant reduction in expenditure on new oil and transformer replacements.
• Reduced Failures: Decrease in unexpected outages due to transformer failures.

Environmental Impact Reduction in Industrial Facility

An industrial manufacturing plant adopted GlobeCore’s oil restoration equipment, achieving:

• Waste Oil Reduction: Decreased waste oil disposal by 70%.
• Regulatory Compliance: Met stringent environmental regulations on oil handling.
• Operational Efficiency: Improved performance of critical machinery

Transformer oil restoration is a critical maintenance practice that ensures the efficient and reliable operation of transformers. GlobeCore’s advanced equipment and technologies provide effective solutions for restoring aged transformer oil, enhancing transformer performance, and extending equipment lifespan. By investing in GlobeCore’s transformer oil restoration solutions, organizations benefit from significant cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and a reduced environmental footprint.