Condition Appraisal

Condition and reliability of large power transformers are a major concern to any electric utility, because each unit feeds many customers and its replacement can involve a considerable amount of time and expense. Understanding the probable condition of individual units is vital to managing utility risk. Determining the probable condition of operating power transformers, that have reached the majority of their service life, is complex and there is no single scientific method available to determine the condition or end-of-life of an operating power transformer. Experienced engineers, chemists and technicians are required to conduct analysis, tests, visual inspections and review of historical data to help form the decision about the probable condition of units above a critical age, highly loaded, serving critical/important loads, or in specific class and kind of substation.