Gas guard

Throughout your system there are transformers that are vital to the reliability of
your grid - generator step-up transformers, large transmission transformers and
critical substation transformers. Based on historical installation rates, the average
transformer age is 40 years. However, age itself is not a cause of failure. As
transformers age, they endure various stresses that can contribute to a variety of
failure mechanisms. Appropriate online DGA monitoring and diagnostic tools can
help utilities lower maintenance costs, extend transformer useful life and avoid
unplanned failures. Gas chromatography (GC) has long been the accepted
standard for the measurement of dissolved gas levels in transformer oil.
The GAS-Guard 8 brings the DGA laboratory to your transformer with its
rugged, closed-loop gas chromatograp.

KEY GASES:
Acetylene (C2H2): Arcing in oil
Hydrogen : Partial discharge (Corona in oil)
Ethylene (C2H4): Overheated oil
Carbon Monoxide : Overheated cellulose
The paper insulation begins to degrade at lower temperatures than the oil. Hence,
its gaseous by products (like CO, CO2 and water vapour) are found at normal
operating temperatures in
the transformer .
The ratio of CO2/CO is sometimes used as an indicator of thermal
decomposition of cellulose. This ratio is normally above 7, and values
below 4 and above 11 are considered abnormal.

Diagnostic techniques :
For Qualitative and Quantitative Interpretation of DGA test data, techniques
available include the following:
Key Gas/ Key Component Gas Method

KEY GASES:
Acetylene (C2H2): Arcing in oil
Hydrogen : Partial discharge (Corona in oil)
Ethylene (C2H4): Overheated oil
Carbon Monoxide : Overheated cellulose
The paper insulation begins to degrade at lower temperatures than the oil. Hence,
its gaseous by products (like CO, CO2 and water vapour) are found at normal
operating temperatures in
the transformer .
The ratio of CO2/CO is sometimes used as an indicator of thermal
decomposition of cellulose. This ratio is normally above 7, and values
below 4 and above 11 are considered abnormal.

Key components gas technique:

Thermal decomposition (Hot spots): mainly C2H4, CH4; less C2H6, H2,
sometimes C2H2
High intensity discharges: mainly H2, C2H2 then CH4, C2H4 and C2H6.
Low intensity partial discharge (Corona): mainly H2, smaller amounts of
CH4, C2H6.
Total Dissolved Combustible Gas
Total dissolved combustible gases (i.e. sum of the values of
individual gases H2, CH4, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6 and CO) in the range of 0 to
700/720 ppm are normally an indication of satisfactory operation of the
transformer.
A range of 700/720 to 1900 ppm of combustible gas indicate that
decomposition may be in excess of normal ageing(suggesting a need for
more frequent analysis)
More than 1900 ppm of combustibles usually means that decomposition
is significant. The next step here should be establishing a trend. (If the
amount of combustibles remains constant, then a
possible self healing effect may have taken place. If the amount increases,
then the unit can be in the danger zone)

 Ratio Analysis Methods

Dornenburg Ratio
Rogers Ratio

IEC Ratio
MSS Ratio
Duval Triangle Methods