Digital Energy

Dissolved Gas Analysis & Monitoring

05 June 2013, Argentina

GE Monitoring & Diagnostics

Technology, Products and applications

June 2013 Donal Skelly

Introduction & Monitoring

Two factors are important to assess transformers:

Dissolved gas
The change in gas concentration This may be indicative that there is an active fault. If concentrations are changing faster than normal aging would result in, a fault may be present. The change in relative gas concentrations If gas concentrations or gas concentration changes indicate that there is a fault a look at the relative concentrations of one gas to an other can be used to diagnose the nature of the fault

Moisture content
The relative saturation level of moisture in the oil As a general rule, for every doubling of moisture in oil (and my inference moisture in the paper) the life of the transformer will be halved. Additionally increased moisture exposes the transformer to increased risk of short circuit

Periodic testing
If a customer does not have on-line monitoring the only way to verify a transformer is to perform periodic off line DGA and moisture analysis. This involves: Manually collecting 2 separate oil samples from the transformer and ship to a laboratory. Wait for analysis (several days normally) Laboratory GC for analysis of dissolved gas. Karl Fischer titration for determination of moisture content.

You then compared the measured values with the values from previous tests looking for any increase and for the trend of this increase.

Why do on line Monitoring

Disadvantages of periodic testing: Periodic testing is not without cost: it takes time, ties up workers and requires the transformer to be drained of some oil. Because of the requirement to visit the transformer to collect the sample, tests are generally carried out only every 1 to 2 yrs. It is performed on a sample that is normally several days removed from the condition when the sample was collected resulting in possible loss of sample integrity. Significant or even critical transformer faults can develop in a fairly short period time and in between annual offline tests check. Periodic tests will not detect quickly progressing problems. On-line dissolved gas analysis systems can now continuously monitor dissolved gas content and relative saturation of moisture, detect developing faults at an early stage, enabling to schedule an outage for maintenance /replacement and prevent a catastrophic failure from occurring

Why Dissolved Gas Analysis?

Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) is the industry defacto standard for transformer main tank and tap changer health assessment.
Normal paper aging indicated by slow rise in CO2 Accelerated or abnormal aging indicated by rapid rise in Carbon Monoxide Local low temperature hot spot indicated by rise in CH4 Local High temperature hot spots indicated by rise in C2H4 Detection of increasing quantities of Acetylene show arching occurring within transformer.

Rules available to allow for quick and accurate determination of the presence of a fault and the nature and severity of that fault

GE Multigas Products - History

o Product line developed by a private company named Kelman o Kelman looked at all available technology for measurement of gas and for gas extraction from oil. o Decision was to employ Infra-red spectroscopy and headspace gas extraction. Many reasons why. o All multigas products now based on these two core techniques. o Kelman went on to dominate the market for multigas DGA were acquired by GE in 2007

o GE product are now market leader in almost every country global and are overall global leaded for online monitoring.

GE Multigas DGA Products

TRANSPORT X*

Portable DGA 7 fault gases + moisture Simple & reliable

All based on Photoacoustic MULTITRANS* TRANSFIX* Spectroscopy and Headspace gas extraction
Full 8 gas + moisture on-line DGA

Full 8 gas multi tank DGA

TAPTRANS*
Full 8 gas on-line DGA for main tank & LTC in one unit

MINITRANS*
Cost-Effective on-line DGA Discrete gas measurement (H2, CO, C2H2 + H2O)

Photoacoustic Spectroscopy

Photoacoustics - Basics
Photo-acoustic affect discovered by A. G. Bell Measures individual gas in a mixture without physical separation. Spectral domain identification

Photo-acoustic effect quantification

No carrier gases - operates in ambient environment.

Photoacoustic Spectroscopy - History

1960s environmental monitoring (CO, NOx, SOx) 1970s Operating theatre (Nitrous Oxide, CO2) 1990s Auto and construction industry (Sox, Nox, CO,
CO2, H20, Hydrocarbons)
C2H2, C2H4, C2H6, H2O)

2000s Dissolved Gas Analysis - KELMAN (CO, CO2, CH4, 200,000 PAS based detectors worldwide for all the above application, and others There are 7000+ GE PAS instruments worldwide

What is IR

Infrared absorption
Almost every compound in the universe will absorb IR energy Every compound in existence has a unique absorption profile like a finger print. If we target a region of the IR energy spectra that is unique for a compound we can measure its concentration. For DGA application, compounds are all simple gases

Photo-Acoustics Basic Components

Radiation Source at approx 900oC.
Chopper pulses radiation at 29.5hz Filters optically distinguish one gas in a mixture. Sample sealed in analysis chamber. Microphones measure intensity of pressure pulse.
Acoustic Intensity + Filter selected = Gas Concentration (ppm)

Evolution of Photoacoustic Signal

START: Optical IR Absorption

END: Acoustic detection

Heating of gas

Pressure waves

Thermal expansion of gas

Simple IR Spectrum CO2

Photoacoustic IR Filters
GAS IR-light pulses Sound wave proportional to gas concentration

Photo-acoustic affect discovered by A. G. Bell Measures individual gas in a mixture without physical separation. Spectral domain identification Photo-acoustic effect quantification Employs one detector and no carrier gases Operated in ambient environment.

PAS Layout

DGA Gases Spectra Simple broad absorption peaks

DGA Gases Spectra

Full Spectrum & Filter positions for DGA

#1 CO2 #0 water #5 methane CH4 # 8 Ethylene C2H4 SW #6 acetylene C2H2 # 3 Ethylene C2H4 LW #2 CO #4 ethane C2H6

IR-active vib modes (rough guide)

Full Spectrum & Filter positions for DGA

Where are Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Oxygen?
#1 CO2 #0 water #5 methane CH4 # 8 Ethylene C2H4 SW #6 acetylene C2H2 # 3 Ethylene C2H4 LW #2 CO #4 ethane C2H6

IR-active vib modes (rough guide)

Benefits of PAS
No regular calibration or maintenance required No costly consumables such as calibration or carrier gases Capable of measuring at very low detection levels (e.g. 0.5ppm for acetylene) and very high detection levels (>50,000ppm) Capable of measuring individual gases in a mixture Ability to move from high gas levels to lower gas levels without cross contamination (TRANSPORT X, Tap TRANS Direct measurement of both CO & CO2, vital gases for understanding cellulose condition, giving increased accuracy & repeatability

User Benefits of choosing PAS

Minimal maintenance required so not an O&M burden with no ongoing support costs of either parts or labor Through rugged technology, repeatability is enhanced this is vital for online monitoring as it is trend changes we are looking for Ability to monitor both multiple compartments (TapTrans) and multiple tanks (MultiTrans) No requirement for carrier or calibration gases these can be expensive and difficult to transport

Gas Extraction from oil

Gas Extraction Techniques

No technique allows for measurement of the gas while it is still a component of the oil. The gas must be removed from the oil or a representative sample of it removed prior to analysis. After removal the gas is passed to the detector eg, GC, PAS, solid state sensors etc.

Gas Extraction by online monitoring equipment

All online equipment use headspace technique for gas extraction.
Coil = Cgas X Partition Coefficient x Volumetric Ratio

A membrane is a type of headspace extraction but there Is no volumetric ratio to consider

GE use headspace as laid out in ASTM 3612 : Standard Test Method for Analysis of Gases Dissolved in Electrical Insulating Oil by Gas Chromatography.

Transfix Plumbing Basic

Transfix Plumbing Visualisation

TRANSPORT X Schematic

Products

Product Summary
TRANSFIX
What is it?
An on-line system that continuously monitors: The concentration of 9 key gases in the insulating oil of electrical equipment. The concentration of moisture in insulating oil. Optionally transformer load and tank temperatures around others It will alert personnel of fault conditions at an early stage and provide vital health information on the transformer or tap changer.

Differentiated Value
An integrated solution from a sole supplier. When the TRANSFIX is integrated with a BMT 300 bushing monitor unit, GE can offer a unique all-in-one solution that provides a more indepth view of the transformer's health Enabling more condition based maintenance, resulting in reduced maintenance costs.

What does the TRANSFIX measure

Using separate oil collection and return point for sampling, TRANSFIX can collect a discreet representative oil sample up to once every hour for analysis DGA: Measurement of 9 key gases
o Hydrogen o Methane o Ethane o Ethylene o Acetylene o Carbon Dioxide o Carbon Monoxide o Oxygen o Nitrogen

DGA is measured as follows: Oil pumped through the TRANSFIX unit, past an oil immersed Oxygen and Moisture sensor and on to fill a sample chamber to a predetermined volume. Gas extracted out of sample in sample chamber and analysis of this gas using a photo-acoustic gas analyzer Moisture is measured as follows: Oil flows over a capacitance moisture sensor and during sampling and together with oil temperature (if recorded) ppm and RS are determined

Oil moisture analysis

o Moisture (ppm) o Relative Saturation

TRANSFIX View of an Installed Unit

TRANSFIX Complete DGA

Real-time Online DGA

8 gas + moisture analyser

Hourly Measurements* Extensive communication/alarm options

No consumables or calibration
6 Analog Inputs, 3 Digital inputs Full PERCEPTION integration Can be upgraded to include fibre optic temperature sensors

TRANSFIX Technical Specifications

TRANSFIX Technical Specifications

TRANSFIX Technical Specifications

Simplified Overview of TRANSFIX

PGA: 1. Performs measurement on extracted gas

Host Board: 1. Controls unit measurement scheduling 2. Stores records

Oil Manifold: 1. Takes oil sample from Transformer 2. Extracts Gas from oil System Board: 1. Provision of I/O 2. Provision for communications modules

MINITRANS is similar - simplified manifold, PGA & system board

TRANSFIX Communications options

Standard Two separate channels for remote communications, local USB connection and Ethernet connection. Protocols supported MODBUS, MODBUS/TCP, DNP3.0, IEC61850. Modules options available for connection RS232, RS485, Ethernet, PSTN modem and GSM or CDMA wireless modems. 16 channel 4-20mA analogue output
(All options are mounted inside TRANSFIX enclosure)

TRANSFIX Communications options

Fiber Convertors available Ethernet to Fiber, Singlemode

Ethernet to Fiber, Multimode

RS232 to Fiber, Singlemode RS232 to Fiber, Multimode

RS485 to Fiber, Singlemode

RS485 to Fiber, Multimode

(All options are mounted inside TRANSFIX enclosure)

TRANSFIX View of Installed Units

MINITRANS Cost Effective DGA

Real-time Online DGA

Measures
Hydrogen Carbon Monoxide Acetylene Moisture

Hourly Measurements* Extensive communication/alarm options

Load Sensor input

No consumables or calibration Full PERCEPTION integration

MINITRANS Cost Effective DGA

MINITRANS Cost Effective DGA

MiniTrans
Simplified PGA and simplified construction

PG A

Measureme nt of:
H2 C2H2 H2O CO

CnHn

MULTITRANS Multi tank DGA

Multi tank Real-time Online Transformer Monitoring

Monitors up to 3 separate single phase tanks 8 gas + moisture analyser

Hourly Measurements*
Extensive communication/alarm options No consumables or calibration

6 Analog Inputs, 3 Digital inputs

Full PERCEPTION integration

MULTITRANS Multi tank DGA

MULTITRANS Multi tank DGA

Simplified Overview of MULTITRANS

PGA: 1. Performs measurement on extracted gas

Host Board: 1. Controls unit measurement scheduling 2. Stores records

PGA

Oil Manifold: 1. Takes oil sample from Transformer 2. Extracts Gas from oil System Board: 1. Provision of I/O 2. Provision for communications modules

Oil Switching: 1. Selects tank

TAPTRANS DGA for LTCs

Complete Online DGA for Transformer & Load Tap Changer Monitors Main, Selector & Diverter tanks in one unit 8 gas + moisture analyser Hourly Measurements Extensive communication/alarm options No consumables or calibration 6 Analog Inputs, 3 Digital inputs Full PERCEPTION integration

TAPTRANS DGA for LTCs

TAPTRANS DGA for LTCs

Simplified Overview of TAPTRANS

PGA: 1. Performs measurement on extracted gas

Host Board: 1. Controls unit measurement scheduling 2. Stores records

Oil Manifold 2: Divertor 1. Takes oil sample from Transformer 2. Extracts Gas from oil

Oil Manifold 1: Main & Selector 1. Takes oil sample from Transformer 2. Extracts Gas from oil System Board: 1. Provision of I/O 2. Provision for communications modules

Oil Switching: 1. Selects Main or Selector tank

Failure Modes

Australia and New Zealand 457 failures over 10 years

30

25 20 15 10 5 0

gs ies n r i o s nd i s e W cc a gs n i ind

s s er t rs re g ng i r g l e n o i a n o h C t o sh ha O sp C u e C B iv p r a d T tor o M

% 30
25 20 15 10

ESKOM 1996 to 2006 136 severe and intermediate 35 failures

5 0

gs n i ind

re o C Ta

h C p

ge n a ta n

es gs st. i n r y i s ia h l l i s i x o Bu & Au

rs e h Ot

in a M

CEA outages between 1997 to 2006

35

% 30
25 20 15 10 5 0

s s g g n n hi di s n i Bu W

TC L O

re o C

s nt nt d e e a m m p p i Le i qu qu E E ry ng i a l i l o xi u Co A

he t O

Combining the 3 set of data along transformer elements

Core and coils (including leads and winding accessory)
Tap changer (including driving mechanism) Bushings Cooling system (including main tank) Others (including auxiliary components)

Relative importance of each component as a contributing factor

40 35 30

Percentage (%)

25 20 15 10 5 0

Australia Eskom CEA

Core and coils

Tap Changer

Bushings

Cooling System

Other

TAPTRANS DGA for LTCs

Complete Online DGA for Transformer & Load Tap Changer Monitors Main, Selector & Diverter tanks in one unit 8 gas + moisture analyser Hourly Measurements Extensive communication/alarm options No consumables or calibration 6 Analog Inputs, 3 Digital inputs Full PERCEPTION integration

TRANSFIX - Application Example

Reliable uninterrupted power is the lifeblood of many industries, transformers are a critical tool in the production cycle Solutions Monitoring transformer health using TRANSFIX can reduce the requirement for routine transformer maintenance and provide for condition based maintenance and early fault detection.

Control room

Data transfer to control room

TRANSFIX Features & Benefits

Feature
On-line DGA

Benefit
Advance warning of Transformer needing maintenance/replacement
Enables Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) Avoids catastrophic failure and /or transformer loss Avoids need for routine visits to site and manual sampling Early warning of possible arcing in main transformer tank Tracks load current, moisture content and ambient temperature for advanced trending capabilities

Integration with MO150 (TRNSFIX Plus)

Addition of models data for a more complete view of transformer internal faulth activity Provides a complete transformer solution to effectively monitor the majority of root causes of transformer failures. Uses same PERCEPTION software to visualize data Less vendors installing equipment in your switchyard Single vendor integrated solution that works/communicates

Integration with BMT300 Bushing monitor

TRANSFIX Plus Online DGA with Models

Combines TRANSFIX and MO150 in one enclosure Ethernet switch available for combined communications Will be integrated into PERCEPTION at next release (Feb 2011)

TRANSFIX with BMT300

M&Ds Integrated Solution

The GEs Intellix BMT 300 can easily be integrated with a GEs TRANSFIX DGA analyzer, giving the end user a unique all-in-one solution that provides a more comprehensive view of the transformer's overall condition: from bushing diagnostic and PD to complete main tank monitoring.
Having an all-in-one GE integrated solution will significantly increase the ability to detect potential transformer problems at an early stage, decreasing the risk of unplanned downtime and improving asset reliability. The integrated solution will provide: o Developing key fault gases H2, CO, C2H2, C2H4, C2H6 as well as O2, CO2, CH4 o Moisture content in oil o Partial discharge activity o Deterioration of the bushing insulating All this information can be downloaded and visualized on the same PERCEPTION software as with TRANSFIX, thus increasing familiarity and reducing learning curve. Finally, the solution comes from a single supplier, ensuring reliable communication between components and reducing the number of vendors working in the customers switchyard.

M&D Integrated Solution Substation Application

BMT 300 associated with

TRANSFIX multigas

BMT 300 standalone Perception - Software

Diagnostics

Transformer failure locations & modes

Main Tank 30%
OLTC 35% Bushing 15% Cooling System 5% Others 15%
Main tank LTC Bushing Cooling system Other

Location of Transformer Failure

Main Tank: Windings failure, Partial Discharge, Excessive H2O, surface contamination, connection failure, circulating currents, overloading hazard. OLTC: contact overheating and coking, desynchronization, excessive number of operations, mechanical damage, neutral switch inactivity Bushing: moisture penetration, oil leak, partial discharge Cooling System: clogged coolers by pollen or dust, fan/pump failure, sludge, oil leak DGA can provide for detection of the majority of the above faults by tracking changing gas concentrations or gas ratios Other Failure Modes not detectable by on-line monitoring: External, such as lightning, animal interference, operation error,

Key DGA gasses, and what they indicate

H2 CH4 C2H6 C2H4 C2H2 CO

Hydrogen Methane Ethane Ethylene Acetylene Carbon Monoxide

Nearly all fault conditions, low energy PD Oil overheating between 200C and 500C Oil overheating between 300C and 500C Oil overheating over 500C, possible formation of carbon particles High energy arcing, oil overheating over 800C, strong formation of carbon particles, metal melting Paper insulation overheating

CO2
O2

Carbon Dioxide
Oxygen

Oil oxidation, paper degradation

Oxidation, leak

TRANSFIX DGA for Fault detection

Bushing Power Factor

Transfix is equipped with a direct connection, via USB

for data download capability

Remote download available when utilizing one of the various communication protocols TransConnect is used for Transfix settings and the configuration of Alarm limits Perception is used for data downloading and analysis of

DGA results to provide a diagnosis of the fault, if one is

detected

What is Perception
Advanced Transformer Management Software Specially designed for the power industry Provides simplified trending Provides advanced transformer diagnostics Intuitive/configurable interface

Utility value

What is Perception

Shipped with Transfix unit Designed for single user/local database Requires manual result download Recommended for low number of DGA units Utility value

Enterprise version of Perception. In addition to Express features: Multiple users Central database Scheduler (Console) for automated results download Email alarm notification

Transformer Services

Transformer Field Services

Team of transformer design and test experts available to perform In-depth condition assessments Condition based ranking of fleet Design reviews Training. Our methodology uses extensive On-Line testing. test the transformer in its real life state. less reliance on outages and less disruption to the customer.