OilDataTM

Live Tank Oil Sampling & Analysis

Maintaining oil filled 11kV switchgear using a time-based schedule can result in considerable wastage, as not all the equipment will require maintenance. In fact, EA Technology research shows that in a typical switchgear population, over 90% will be operating normally and require no maintenance. Live Tank Oil Sampling is a simple and cost effective service that allows you to identify which assets require attention and which are operating normally, with minimal disruption to the switchgear operations.

• Saves money by eliminating wasteful, time-based maintenance
• Oil condition accurately indicates if maintenance is required
• Safely extends periods between maintenance interventions
• Warns of switchgear degradation before it leads to failure
• Increases asset reliability while also reducing costs
• Cost effective method with minimal disruption to the network

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Conventional switchgear maintenance, based on shutting down equipment regularly for inspections, can reduce reliability, increase health and safety risks and cause unnecessary downtime and disruption. Yet research proves that the vast majority of these units would operate safely and reliably for many years, without any additional maintenance.

EA Technology Live Tank Oil Sampling is an innovative solution based on switchgear oil analysis, with samples obtained whilst part of the unit remains live, minimising the disruption to the network.

The oil analysis is completed at the EA Technology laboratories and the asset is given one of four ratings:

• PASS: Satisfactory oil condition, which enables an extended maintenance interval to be adopted and the unit should be re-sampled in five years.
  
  
• RETEST: Evidence of some oil degradation, the unit should be retested in 30-36 months (half PF interval for oil degradation).
  
  
• MAINTAIN: Indicates very poor oil quality, unit should be maintained within 6months.
  
  
• ACTION: Extremely poor oil quality indicating the unit is prone to a catastrophic failure in the short term and the client will be advised accordingly.
  
  

With typically over 90% of assets gaining a pass grade, it is clear that Live Tank Oil Sampling can result in a significant reduction in unnecessary inspections and maintenance and substantial savings on maintenance budgets.