Predictive and Proactive Maintenance - Investigative Services/Research and Development

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Large, critical service power transformers at electrical generating plants must be maintained in excellent condition at all times. Real-time monitoring of electrical and oil characteristics may be required to provide sufficient quality assurance. In contrast, many distribution units may require only occasional dissolved gas monitoring.

An ideal solution

Kinectrics’ state-of-the-art laboratories can provide clients with a full range of transformer fluid and component monitoring services, ranging from routine testing through complex analysis, to large scale R&D testing. Unlike some assembly line testing services, our aim is to provide clients with the solutions they need—not just "more data". Convenient testing packages tailored to clients’ requirements and interpretation of data can be provided.

Additional services for advanced work at our Kinectrics’ site include high voltage testing facilities for large-scale electrical testing and environmental laboratories for biodegradation and toxicity testing.

Dielectric fluids and gases

The Petroleum Products Group of Analytical Chemistry (PPG) provides routine testing, consulting and R&D services for dielectric fluids and related materials in support of electrical equipment operation, preventive maintenance and problem solving. The PPG provides early warning of incipient fault conditions and is a technical resource centre for specifications, product recommendations, materials compatibility testing, materials property information and the interpretation of test data. Our expertise includes consulting on dielectric fluid monitoring practices, equipment life extension through the use of novel and advanced materials or procedures, and the identification and resolution of tribology (wear/friction/sticking) problems in lubricated components of electrical systems or equipment.

Our laboratory is registered to ISO 9001 and quality controlled—result quality and accuracy are assured. Sample tracking is computerized and test data are managed electronically by a powerful Oracle-based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). Electronic data reporting can be customized to suit the client. In addition, standard oil test data can be provided in Transformer Oil Analyst (TOA) spreadsheet format and electronically ported to the client.

Kinectrics’ PPG areas of expertise include:

• Routine condition monitoring and advice - Approximately 30 ASTM and industry standard tests pertaining to dielectric fluids are routinely supported in our laboratories
• Dissolved gas analysis, including furans, phenols and interpretation - Rapid, accurate fault gas analysis is available on a routine basis for oils, silicones and askarels (PCBs).
• Analysis of SF₆ gas, and interpretation – SF₆ analysis and data interpretation and diagnostic services. Databases are maintained for trend analysis.
• Askarel (PCB) monitoring - High PCB content dielectrics can be monitored for dissolved gas and other standard properties as well as sophisticated determinations such as PCB/chlorobenzene ratio.
• "Green" Issues, PCB Contamination Issues - Waste management, oil identification, spill cleanup, PCB contamination measurement, fluid reclaiming/recycling/reinhibiting, environmentally friendly materials, and disposal issues can all be addressed.
• Lubrication Issues – Advice on the selection of switchgear or other lubricants and hydraulic fluids, and micro-sample testing techniques for predictive maintenance applications is available.
• Investigative and R&D services – Areas covered include: equipment life extension, accelerated aging and life studies, new materials, flammability assessments, failure studies, experimental winding model tests, filter evaluations and detailed analysis of deposits or materials
• Advanced analysis – Comprehensive laboratory services are available for general and advanced analytical tests such as furanic material components and oil additives by HPLC and trace analysis of degradation products and contaminants by GC-MS, EDX, AES or other techniques.

Choosing the right maintenance strategy

Most choices are variants of four basic approaches.

• Breakdown Maintenance - Nothing is done until the electrical equipment fails
• Scheduled Maintenance -  Inspections, replacements, reconditioning and repairs are scheduled, hopefully ahead of anticipated failures
• Predictive Maintenance -  A strategy based on routine monitoring, where the aim is to detect and monitor incipient faults before breakdown occurs or expensive repairs are required
• Proactive Maintenance - An advanced form of maintenance where root causes of failure are identified and routinely monitored

For more information, contact

Otto Herrmann, 416.207.6262, otto.herrmann@kinectrics.com