240-56356191 Transformer and Reactor Oil Level Indicator
240-56356191 Transformer and Reactor Oil Level Indicator
Revision: 2
Total Pages: 8
Supported by SCOT/SC
Bheki Ntshangase
SCOT/SC Chairperson
Date:
PCM Reference: Perform HV Plant Engineering; Power Electrical & Power Reticulation Engineering.
SCOT Study Committee Number/Name: PESC
Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure
TRANSFORMER AND REACTOR OIL LEVEL Unique Identifier: 240-56356191
INDICATORS SPECIFICATION
Revision: 2
Page: 2 of 8
Content
Page
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................. 3
2. Supporting clauses ...................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1.1 Purpose .................................................................................................................................. 3
2.1.2 Applicability ............................................................................................................................ 3
2.2 Normative/informative references ...................................................................................................... 3
2.2.1 Normative ............................................................................................................................... 3
2.2.2 Informative ............................................................................................................................. 3
2.3 Definitions ........................................................................................................................................... 3
2.3.1 General .................................................................................................................................. 3
2.3.2 Disclosure classification ......................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Abbreviations ...................................................................................................................................... 4
2.5 Roles and responsibilities .................................................................................................................. 4
2.6 Process for monitoring ....................................................................................................................... 4
2.7 Related/supporting documents .......................................................................................................... 4
3. Requirements .............................................................................................................................................. 4
3.1 General ............................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 Environmental Conditions .................................................................................................................. 4
3.3 Corrosion Protection........................................................................................................................... 5
3.4 Flange and indicator dimensions ....................................................................................................... 5
3.4.1 Transformers and Reactors > 132 kV .................................................................................... 5
3.4.2 Transformers and Reactors 33 - 132 kV and On-Load Tapchangers ................................... 5
3.4.3 Transformers and Reactors 11 - 22 kV .................................................................................. 5
3.5 Float and Float Arm ............................................................................................................................ 6
3.6 Gauge Glasses ................................................................................................................................... 6
3.7 Range of indication............................................................................................................................. 6
3.8 Graduation of Indicator ....................................................................................................................... 6
3.8.1 Transformers and reactors (33 kV and above) ...................................................................... 6
3.8.2 Transformers and reactors (11 – 22 kV) ................................................................................ 6
3.9 Alarm signalling and termination boxes ............................................................................................. 6
3.10 Packing and documentation ............................................................................................................... 7
4. Technical Evaluation and Final Approval .................................................................................................... 7
5. Authorization ................................................................................................................................................ 7
6. Revisions ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
7. Development team ...................................................................................................................................... 8
8. Acknowledgements ..................................................................................................................................... 8
When downloaded from the WEB, this document is uncontrolled and the responsibility rests with the user
to ensure it is in line with the authorized version on the WEB.
Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure
TRANSFORMER AND REACTOR OIL LEVEL Unique Identifier: 240-56356191
INDICATORS SPECIFICATION
Revision: 2
Page: 3 of 8
1. Introduction
Each conservator tank (main tank and OLTC) shall be provided with a dial-type oil level indicator that will
show the correct oil level inside the tank. Direct reading fluid type oil level indicators shall not be used.
The indicators shall be suitable for the design of the conservator, i.e. free-breathing or air-cell type
conservators.
Expected design life of the oil level indicator shall match the design life of a transformer, at least 40 years.
2. Supporting clauses
2.1 Scope
This specification covers the technical requirements for the selection and purchase of oil level indicators
fitted to Transformers and Reactors. The purpose of this document is to ensure that the requirements of
these indicators are standardised within Eskom during the procurement stage.
This document shall be used as a minimum requirement for the purchase and selection of oil level indicators
fitted to transformers and reactors.
• Oil level indicators fitted to new Transformers and Reactors
• Oil level indicators fitted to in-service Transformers and Reactors
• Oil level indicators purchased as Spare Parts
2.1.1 Purpose
This document was produced in order to record the standardized requirements that shall be applied across-
divisional Transmission, Generation and Distribution.
2.1.2 Applicability
This document shall apply throughout Eskom Holdings Limited Divisions.
2.2.1 Normative
[1] ISO 9001, Quality Management Systems.
2.2.2 Informative
None
2.3 Definitions
2.3.1 General
None
When downloaded from the WEB, this document is uncontrolled and the responsibility rests with the user
to ensure it is in line with the authorized version on the WEB.
Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure
TRANSFORMER AND REACTOR OIL LEVEL Unique Identifier: 240-56356191
INDICATORS SPECIFICATION
Revision: 2
Page: 4 of 8
2.4 Abbreviations
Abbreviation Description
°C Degrees Celsius
ID Internal diameter
kV Kilo volts
L Litres
mm Millimetre
MVA Mega Volt Ampere
OD Outside diameter
UV Ultra violet
3. Requirements
3.1 General
The oil level gauge shall be mounted on the side of the conservator tank. Installation and removal of the
complete gauge with float and float-arm shall be possible without having to remove the conservator end
cover. The indicator shall be mechanically separated from the transmitter, i.e. magnetically coupled.
Once installed the indicator casing shall withstand the effects of full vacuum at sea level and provide
effective sealing at air pressure of 100 kPa. The vibration of the transformer shall not produce wear and
damage to the mechanism of the indicator.
Mechanical stoppers shall be provided on the indicator casing to prevent the float arm from travelling past
minimum and maximum positions. The float arm length shall be adjustable to allow for different conservator
tank sizes.
The complete casing shall be ventilated and have a protection class of IP55. Nitrile rubber shall be used as
sealing material for “O” rings and flat rubber seals.
When downloaded from the WEB, this document is uncontrolled and the responsibility rests with the user
to ensure it is in line with the authorized version on the WEB.
Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure
TRANSFORMER AND REACTOR OIL LEVEL Unique Identifier: 240-56356191
INDICATORS SPECIFICATION
Revision: 2
Page: 5 of 8
• Yearly average + 25°C
• Minimum – 10°C
Average relative humidity 90%
Solar radiation 2500 W/m²
Atmospheric UV radiation - High
Seismic conditions at a maximum of 3g
Pollution level – High marine and industrial (C5-M)
When downloaded from the WEB, this document is uncontrolled and the responsibility rests with the user
to ensure it is in line with the authorized version on the WEB.
Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure
TRANSFORMER AND REACTOR OIL LEVEL Unique Identifier: 240-56356191
INDICATORS SPECIFICATION
Revision: 2
Page: 6 of 8
3.5 Float and Float Arm
The operating arrangement of the float arm shall be axial for free breathing transformers and longitudinal for
conservator tanks fitted with air-cells.
For transformers fitted with air-cells the floats shall freely rotate at 90˚ in relation to the float arm. Securing
brackets for the floats shall not present any sharp edges.
The buoyancy of the floating elements shall be due to their specific gravity and shall not depend on the
sealing of a hollow float. The floats shall not absorb oil if punctured. The float material shall not be affected
by hot transformer oil.
The float arm shall have sufficient rigidity to accurate reflect the correct oil level. Float arms shall be
manufactured from aluminium tubing or similar where the length of the arm exceeds 500 mm.
When downloaded from the WEB, this document is uncontrolled and the responsibility rests with the user
to ensure it is in line with the authorized version on the WEB.
Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure
TRANSFORMER AND REACTOR OIL LEVEL Unique Identifier: 240-56356191
INDICATORS SPECIFICATION
Revision: 2
Page: 7 of 8
The indicator circuits shall withstand an applied voltage of 2 kV DC for a duration of 60 seconds, applied in
turn, between each electrically independent circuit and the casing of the gauge, and between the separate
independent electrical circuits.
A suitable watertight and weather resistant electrical conduit threaded cable entry shall be provided. Each
instrument shall be provided with at least 1 compression type gland for fitting of control wiring. Stoppers
shall be provided to block the glands when not in use.
Terminal boxes shall be mounted to allow cable entry from the side or the bottom – cable entry from the top
is not acceptable. Terminal boxes shall have an IP 55 rating. Fasteners used shall be metric hexagon or
Allen key type.
Terminal boxes and terminal strips shall allow sufficient space for fitting and securing of 2,5 mm control
wiring and cabling. Termination strips shall be numbered and basic wiring diagrams shall be provided inside
the lid of the terminal box and in the installation instructions.
The units contacts shall be cabled to the Marshalling Kiosk by means of steel wired armoured cabling that is
heat, oil and UV resistant.
All terminal boxes shall be provided with an earth connection point and shall be effectively earthed.
Note: No micro-switches or terminal boxes are required for units with a primary voltage of up to 22 kV.
5. Authorization
This document has been seen and accepted by:
When downloaded from the WEB, this document is uncontrolled and the responsibility rests with the user
to ensure it is in line with the authorized version on the WEB.
Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure
TRANSFORMER AND REACTOR OIL LEVEL Unique Identifier: 240-56356191
INDICATORS SPECIFICATION
Revision: 2
Page: 8 of 8
Name and surname Designation
Phuti Ratau Senior Advisor (Quality)
Goldstone Mungwe Engineer (Generation Engineering) GX
Nad Moodley Chief Engineer (Peaking Generation) GX
Mpumelelo Khumalo Chief Engineer (Generation Engineering) GX
Annalie Lombard Corporate Specialist (RT&D)
Vuyile Kula HV Plant Senior Manager (Southern Grid, WG Leader)
Adesh Singh Chief Engineer (Transformer and Reactors HV PDE)
Bheki Ntshangase Senior Manager – HV Plant (SCOT PE SC Chairperson)
6. Revisions
Date Rev Compiler Remarks
Nov 2017 2 M. Ngubane • Upgraded corrosion resistance application
on paragraph 3.3 to include C5-M
requirement
• Micro switch ratings revised from 1A to
0.25A on paragraph 3.9
April 2009 1 A Smit • Document revised to cater for Gx, Tx and
Dx requirements
7. Development team
The following people were involved in the recent revision of this document:
• Andries Smit
• Oupa Fokazi
• Sidwell Mtetwa
• Calvin Bongwe
• Michael Ngubane
• Vuyile Kula
• Adesh Singh
• Mohamed Mukuddem.
8. Acknowledgements
The Work Group (Development Team) acknowledges all the people who reviewed this document and
contributed with comments and advises. Further Acknowledgements go to all Eskom employees who made
sure that the learning from the various activities forms part of this work, the people who compiled the
divisional documents, and all transformer experts who shared their knowledge and experience.
When downloaded from the WEB, this document is uncontrolled and the responsibility rests with the user
to ensure it is in line with the authorized version on the WEB.