Sampling and analysis of oil in live switchgear reduces maintenance costs

(19/02/2010)

The sampling and analysis of oil in live switchgear reduces maintenance costs, while enhancing the reliability and safety of assets.

EA Technology Analytical's Managing Director Anne McIntosh said: “The ability to assess the actual condition of oil-filled switchgear non-invasively means that in more than 90% of cases, the periods between time-based invasive maintenance procedures can safely be extended.

“Our experience over eight years shows that this typically delivers major cost savings, reduces disruption and eliminates reliability and safety issues associated with invasive procedures and over-maintenance.

“The Live Tank Oil Sampling (LTOS) service also gives a clear indication when assets do require active maintenance to prevent disruptive failures.”

The seven minute film features a detailed walkthrough of the LTOS process, which begins with taking a 50ml sample of oil from live switchgear (above), using a syringe and adapter plate. The sample is then despatched to EA Technology’s laboratories for a series of tests to establish its moisture content, acidity, electrical breakdown strength and the nature of solid contaminants.

Ms McIntosh explained: “The great majority of samples are given a clean bill of health, which means the asset does not need to be re-tested for five years and no active maintenance will be required during that time.

“Where oil exhibits significant deterioration, assets are classified as ‘re-test’, meaning they should be sampled again within two and a half years, or ‘maintain’, which indicates the need for re-sampling within six months. In rare cases, analysis indicates that assets require immediate maintenance action to prevent failure.

“The bottom line is that using LTOS enables operators to upgrade the management of oil-filled switchgear from time-based, to condition-based, delivering real cost savings as well as greater operational efficiency and reliability. ”

Related categories:  Medium voltage equipment