SUMMARY OF PAPERS IN SESSION VI - DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

Chairman: Shri A.B. Agarwal, Chairman, Bhakra Beas Management Board,

Chandigarh
Co-Chairman: Shri Anilkumar Bhatia, Crompton Greaves Ltd., Mumbai
1.

Paper-1: PD Monitoring of Power Transformers at Site Using UHF PD Measurement

Mohan Watwe - Doble Engg.

The paper discusses the technique of measuring PD using UHF technique which can be
measured at site even under noisy field conditions.
The paper demonstrates how it is simple to mount UHF sensor in the drain valve of the
transformer without taking any outage of transformer.
On line DGA results may indicate presence of pd in the transformer. By using UHF PD
measurement technique location of PD in the transformer can be found by using 2 drain
valve sensors.
More field data & experience in using above technique would be required to use this method
on regular basis.
2. Paper-2: Drifting of SFRA Traces in the Low Frequency Range Donald M. Prien,
P.E - Doble, USA
The paper deals with drift in SFRA Traces in some of the cases in low frequency range. The
author attributed this to magnetic viscosity phenomenon which should not be interpreted as
a problem.
It cannot be assumed that there is a physical movement inside the transformer. This
phenomenon is due to movement of rotating magnetic movements (remanance
magnetization of core) which changes the magnetizing inductance.
The paper is informative about interpretation of SFRA waveform.
3. Paper-3: Effect of Moisture on Transformer Insulation and Cases of Power
Transformer Failure due to the Entry of Free water Oommen P. Joshua and Lissy
Augustine - Transformers and Electricals Kerala Ltd (TELK)
The paper illustrates provides an excellent compilation of all known facts at one place about
the effect of moisture on transformer insulation degradation.
It further discusses 2 case studies where transformer failure has been attributed to ingress
of moisture.
In the first case the sealing of HV Bushing was found not OK. Due to wrong gasket, water
entered through bushing terminal and inside the pipe. Water travelled through lead and to
winding and winding failed.
In the second case high tan was reported for 400Kv Bushing. A small crack was observed
in expansion tank of 400kv bushing.
4 disc springs instead of 3, were used. With 4 disc springs, the terminal was over tightened
to reduce the gap and resulted in hairline crack of expansion chamber.
Author recommends employing trained manpower for erection work at site to avoid
mishaps.
4. Paper-4: Magnetic Balance Test An Effective Dignostic Tool for Detection of
Subtle Faults in Transformers Vishal Mahire - EMCO Limited, Thane

The paper illustrates how Magnetic balance test and Measurement of magnetizing current
can be simple tests used to detect various faults in windings and core in the transformer.
Paper also talks of how magnetic balance test can give misleading results if there is remnant
DC component in core. This happens when winding resistance is measured using DC source.
This is more prevalent in EHV transformers (>132kv). Also poor flux linkages can give
confusing results.
The paper talks of how magnetizing test can be a powerful diagnostic tool for checking
healthiness of transformer at site and also can be used to ascertain healthiness of windings
at different manufacturing stages.
The paper gives excellent 7 practical case studies.
5. Paper-5: Partial Discharge and Moisture in Transformers Hongzhi Ding and Simon
Ryder - Doble Power Test, UK
The theme of this paper is to point out how difficult it is to detect partial discharge problems
using dissolved gas analysis & how excessive moisture plays a role in partial discharge
issues in a transformer.
In the paper there is case study to demonstrate how concentration of moisture on oil/solid
interface leads to partial discharge failure. This was also demonstrated in electrical tests
conducted on the same transformer.
But further research work is necessary to understand this role of moisture as cause of partial
discharge.
6. Paper-6: Effective Demagnetization of EHV & UHV Class Transformer Core to
Eliminate Remanence Effect A.S. Jhala, Ritesh Patel, Nirav Patel and Krunal Vadecha Transformers & Rectifiers India Limited
The paper describes different methodologies adopted to effectively demagnetize
transformers in the factory for EHV & UHV class transformers. Also this demagnetization has
to be done in the field before commissioning.
Manufacturers are well aware of these techniques and regularly use these in factory & field.
7.

Paper-7: Minimizing Dielectric Frequency Response Measurement Time by Using

Multiple Frequency Signals Joacim Skldin and Matz hlen - Megger Sweden AB

The author in this paper explains the dielectric frequency measurement technique which
helps in providing information about condition of insulation with respect to its characteristics
and moisture.
The author then informs about new technique of using multiple frequency signal to do
measurement which reduces testing time.
Basically more experience and data has to be collected by testing with this method before it
becomes acceptable.
8. Paper-8: Powergrid Experience on Failures and Condition Monitoring of EHV Class
Power Transformers and Reactors - Case Studies S. Sen, R.K. Tyagi and Gunjan
Agrawal POWERGRID, Gurgaon
As the title suggests the paper brings out the power grid experience of high failures of their
transformers in transmission system.

Paper gives 2 case studies-------one of transformer failure and other about bushing failures.
Failure analysis shows failure of transformer due to inadequate clearances of tap leads.
Bushing failures have been attributed to high tan values and further analysis by doing DGA
on bushing oil.
In order to control the failure rate Power grid had to take Preventive & corrective measures
by strengthening the specification, design review, more stage inspection, short circuit test
and introducing more tests on commissioning & during operation.
It is necessary for both the manufacturers & utilities to learn from these failures and change
design rules, improve processes and have strong monitoring system of equipments in the
field.
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