Transformer Service
Extend the life time of your transformers
Solutions for wet transformers
Drying of Power Transformers
Status of the oil-cellulose insulation system is one of the key
parameters influencing both:
Lifetime expectancy Reliability
The aging rate of insulating materials depends on different
parameters such as:
Original insulation material
Oil temperature
Water content
Oxygen content
Acids from oil and paper aging
The origin of water in insulation can vary: quality of original
drying, ingress through breathing system or gaskets, aging
of cellulose. Reduced moisture allows a longer lifetime,
higher reliability and overload capability (no bubbling).
Examples illustrating the impact of
water on the lifetime of a transformer:
Moisture increases in paper from 3% to 4% causes aging
similar to a 6 to 8C temperature rise.
A dry transformer can withstand more load without
reducing its lifetime.
Indicative lifetime of insulation @ 80C:
40 years if 1% moisture in paper
10 years if 3% moisture in paper
Lifetime of a dry transformer is significantly
extended.
ABB proposes the following
drying solutions
Hot oil circulation if vacuum can not be applied
Hot oil circulation + vacuum cycles (+ cold trap)
Hot oil circulation + vacuum cycles with oil spray
(+ cold trap)
Low Frequency Heating LFH under vacuum
(+ oil spray)
Heat / vacuum
Vapor phase oven in factory
Advantages of using LFH Drying
Short drying time (30 - 50 % shorter than conventional
drying process with hot oil circulation and vacuum)
High drying efficiency - remaining moisture down to less
than 1 %
On-site: no transportation risks, time and costs
Reminder
Since removing moisture from the windings may cause
a reduction of the clamping force, any drying process
(either online or offline) must be performed with care by
experienced transformer maintenance experts.
Example of drying out using
LFH system
Power: 60 MVA Voltage: 132 kV Year 1974
Initial moisture: 2 % Final moisture: 1%
Drying duration: 42 hours (2 days) instead of 10 days
with conventional hot oil circulation and vacuum system
Significant savings were reported by the transformer owner
considering:
Labor savings
Shorter downtime of the unit
Extended life time related to lower moisture in the
insulation
 Conclusion
Low moisture content in the insulation system ensures a
significant increase in the life expectancy of a transformer.
ABB proposes a modern drying solution allowing higher
efficiency:
Low residual moisture
Extended lifetime
Delayed investment
Short processing time
Shorter downtime
Reduced costs
On site process
No transport time and costs
Method to measure initial and remaining moisture based
on Dielectric Response diagnosis tests
Quality control

We reserve the right to make changes in the course of technical development.

ABB the professional service provider
just call your local ABB Specialist

Printed in Germany (10.04-04-PPI)

ABB Business Area Transformers

P.O. Box 8131 Affolternstrasse 44
8050 Zrich SCHWEIZ
Telefon +41 1317 7126 e-Mail: info@abb.com
www.abb.com/transformers