PowerIT Transformers and Reactors

OIL CONSERVATORS WITH AIR CELL

Table of contents

1 General ..................................................................................................................................................................2

1.1 Design ............................................................................................................................................................2

1.2 With tap-changer conservator ........................................................................................................................2

2 Leakage test of air cell...........................................................................................................................................2

3 Replacing an air cell ..............................................................................................................................................3

4 Oil filling .................................................................................................................................................................3

4.1 Vacuum oil filling of conservator.....................................................................................................................3

5 Revision .................................................................................................................................................................3
1 General
This procedure is for transformers equipped with oil conservators (expansion tanks) with an air cell, which prevents
contact between the oxygen in the air and the transformer oil.
The conservator is a reservoir, which takes up the expanded volume of the oil of a transformer or reactor tank. The
volume of the conservator depends on the tank volume and the total oil temperature range.
1.1 Design
A nameplate Oil Level Indicator Plate is used to indicate the filling level depending on the ambient temperature.
Some conservators are designed to withstand vacuum. This is indicated on the Oil Level Indicator Plate Those not
designed to withstand vacuum will have a vacuum proof valve between the conservator and the main tank. . If the Oil
Level Indication Plate is missing please look for te information in the drawings

All conservators have a level indicator. The divisions on the indicator dial may be calibrated to correspond to each 10%
of the conservator volume or may be calibrated in degrees C to provide a general guide for estimating volume.

The connection between the float mechanism and the dial indicator is magnetic.

The level indicator is mounted under the conservator at 45 and the float moves vertically along the length of the
conservator.

The air cell is like a balloon that fits the shape of the inside of the conservator and floats over the oil as the level rise.

The air inside the cell is isolated from the conservator through a flange at the top center of both the conservator and the
air cell. This flange is connected to a Breather to avoid humidity condensation inside the cell and the possible formation
of ice in cold weather conditions.

When the conservator is vacuum proof, an extra flange is added next to the air cell flange and a U shaped pipe is
supplied for interconnecting them temporarily during oil filling. This is to ensure that during the filling operation the
pressure will be the same inside and outside the air cell.

There are two pipe connections at the bottom of the conservator. The center one goes to the main tank and extends
50mm inside the conservator to prevent any dirt from entering the main tank. The second pipe with a valve is used for
draining.
1.2 With tap-changer conservator
The tap-changer conservator is an extension to the main conservator but completely separated from it with an
endplate. These conservators have three pipe connections.

Generally the center one goes to the tank. This pipe extends 50 mm inside the conservator to prevent any dirt from
entering. The second pipe with a valve is for draining.

The third connects the conservator to the Breather. The latter pipe extends inside the conservator all the way to the
top.

The length of this conservator is function of the oil volume in the tap-changer. In order to ensure that the level of the oil
will always be lower than the main conservator, the volume is calculated to be larger than the minimum required.
Filling level is indicated on the Oil Level Indicator Plate.
2 Leakage test of air cell
The air cell is shipped from the Factory with a positive pressure. This pressure is confirmed at site.

Rev. No: Page No:

Prepared By: W. Klein Date: 1998-04-30
Approved By: Anders Lindroth Rev. Date: 2003-08-11 D Page 2 of 4
Title:
Applicability: TrafoStar Lang: en
Document No. Oil Conservators with Air Cell
1ZBA4601-219
3 Replacing an air cell
For fitting of, or replacing an air cell the following procedure is followed:

 A simple tool consisting of two threaded rods (M12 or 1/2” UNC) are needed.
 Insert the rods through the holes of the air cell flange welded on top of the conservator for a length of 300mm
using two nuts as stoppers.
 Enter the conservator through the manhole and threads the rods into the air cell flange after putting the gasket in
place.
 Go back on top of the conservator, pulls the threaded rods up and secures two of the flange bolts. The rods are
then removed and the other two bolts are fixed. Two hangers on either side of the air cell flange need to be
attached to brackets inside the conservator.

4 Oil filling
Oil filling is described in 1ZBA 4601-214 for transformers with a System Voltage less than 200 kV, shipped with oil, for
others see 1ZBA 4601-215.

Observe the following.

When during oil filling, the oil level reaches 100 mm below the transformer tank cover, close the oil valve, break the
vacuum, disconnect the plastic hose and open the valve to the conservator.

Put 10 kPa or 1.5 psi air pressure in the air cell and open the two air bleeder valves on top of the conservator.

Open the oil valve and pump oil at reduced (max. 1800 l / hr or 500 gal./hr) until the oil starts coming out both bleeding
valves. Close both bleeder valves and remove the pressure from the air cell simultaneously.

Continue pumping until the proper level is reached as specified on the nameplate.

Disconnect all equipment and connect the air cell to the Breather.

4.1 Vacuum oil filling of conservator

Remove the pipe connecting the conservator to the Breather and replace temporarily with a valve
(not included, recommended 1” ball -valve). Keep it closed.

Remove the vacuum valve on the air cell flange and connect the two flanges on top of conservator using the U flanged
pipe supplied.
Follow oil filling instruction in 1ZBA 4601-215.

After filling remove the U shaped pipe and install the valve and a low pressure regulator suitable for 10 kPa on the air
cell flange. Close the second flange with a cover and gasket.

Put 10 kPa or 1.5 psi air pressure in the air cell. Open the oil valve at reduced flow (max. 1800 l / hr or 500 gal./hr) and
pump oil until the oil starts coming out from both bleeder valves. Close both bleeder valves and remove the pressure
from the air cell simultaneously.

Continue pumping until the proper level is reached as specified on the nameplate.

Disconnect all equipment and connect the air cell to the Breather.

It is important for any type of tap-changer, to pull vacuum in the tap-changer and the main tank simultaneously
(selector switch for outside TP and diverter switch for inner TP). This is to prevent excessive stresses on the partitions
separating the device and the tank.

5 Revision
A: 2001-02
B: 2003-05-30 new Format
C: 2003-08-11 Oil Level Indicator plate
D: 2003-10-10 Revision of text in 4.1

Rev. No: Page No:

Prepared By: W. Klein Date: 1998-04-30
Approved By: Anders Lindroth Rev. Date: 2003-08-11 D Page 3 of 4
Title:
Applicability: TrafoStar Lang: en
Document No. Oil Conservators with Air Cell
1ZBA4601-219
 DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES AND LIMITAITON OF LIABILITY

THERE ARE NO UNDERSTANDINGS, AGREEMENTS, REPRESENTATIONS, OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OF,

OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY SET OUT BY AN EXISTING CONTRACT BETWEEN THE PARTIES. ANY
SUCH CONTRACT STATES THE ENTIRE OBLIGATION OF THE SELLER. THE CONTENTS OF THIS
DOCUMENT SHALL NOT BECOME PART OR EXISTING AGREEMENT, COMMITMENT OR RELATIONSHIP.

The information, recommendations, descriptions, and safety notations in this document are based on our
experience and judgment with respect to transformers. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED
TO BE INCLUSIVE OR TO COVER ALL CONTINGENCIES. If further information is required, ABB should be
consulted.

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information, recommendations, description, and safety notations contained herein.

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Rev. No: Page No:

Prepared By: W. Klein Date: 1998-04-30
Approved By: Anders Lindroth Rev. Date: 2003-08-11 D Page 4 of 4
Title:
Applicability: TrafoStar Lang: en
Document No. Oil Conservators with Air Cell
1ZBA4601-219