Conservator Tank of a Transformer

This is a cylindrical tank mounted on supporting structure on the roof the

transformer main tank. The main function of conservator tank of
transformer is to provide adequate space for expansion of oil inside the
transformer.
Function of Conservator Tank of a Transformer
When transformer is loaded and when ambient temperature rises, the
volume of oil inside transformer increases. A conservator tank of
transformer provides adequate space to this expanded transformer oil. It
also acts as a reservoir for transformer insulating oil.

Construction of Conservator Tank

This is a cylindrical shaped oil container closed from both ends. One large
inspection cover is provided on either side of the container to facilitate
maintenance and cleaning inside of the conservator.
Conservator pipe, i.e. pipe comes from main transformer tank, is
projected inside the conservator from bottom portion. Head of the
conservator pipe inside the conservator is provided with a cap. This pipe
is projected as well as provided with a cap because this design prevent oil
sludge and sediment to enter into main tank from conservator. Generally
silica gel breather fixing pipe enters into the conservator from top. If it
enters from bottom, it should be projected well above the level of oil
inside

the

onserva

tor. This arrangement ensure that oil does not enter the silica gel
breather even at highest operating level.

Working of Conservator Tank

When volume of transformer insulating oil increases due to load and
ambient temperature, the vacant space above the oil level inside the
conservator is partially occupied by the expanded oil. Consequently,
corresponding quantity of air of that space is pushed away through
breather. On other hand, when load of transformer decreases, the
transformer is switched off and when the ambient temperature
decreases, the oil inside the transformer contracts. This causes outside
air to enter in the conservator tank of transformer through silica gel
breather.

Atmoseal Type Conservator

In this type conservator of transformer, an air cell made of NBR material
is fitted inside the conservator reservoir. The silica gel breather is
connected at the top of this air cell. The oil level in the power transformer
rises and falls according to this air cell deflated and inflated. When the air
cell gets deflated the air inside the air cell comes out via breather and on
the other hand if the cell is inflated the outside air comes in through
breather. This arrangement prevents direct contact of oil with air, thereby
reduces ageing affect of oil.

The space available outside the cell in conservator tank is totally filled by
oil. Air vents are provided on the top of the conservator for venting
accumulated air outside the air cell. The pressure inside the air cell must
be maintained 1.0 PSI.

Diaphragm Sealed Conservator

Here diaphragm is used as a barrier between transformer oil and
atmospheric air. In this case the conservator of transformer is made of
tow semicircular halves as shown below.

The diphram is held between the the two halves and bolted. As oil
expands it pushes up the diaphragm. The position of the diaphragm is
indicated by the oil level indicator i.e. magnetic oil gauge (Here MOG is
not shown in the figure above) as the rod of this MOG is connected to the
diaphragm. When the oil level falls down in the conservator, the
diaphragm deflects and the atmospheric air fills the vacant place. This air
is sucked through silica gel breather which is connected to the top middle
of conservator tank of transformer. (Here silica gel breather is not
shown in the figure above)
This type of conservator has one advantage over air cell conservator. If
gas is pressurized to a high level, it gets dissolved in oil. Over a period of
time the amount of gas in oil reaches the saturation point. If at this stage,
the load of transformer is suddenly dropped or the ambient temperature
falls severely, the pressure falls, oil becomes supersaturated and the gas
bubbles will be evolved. If there is a pimp connected in the cooling circuit,
it will help generating bubbles. These bubbles may cause insulation
failure in the region of strong fields. (Here silica gel breather, MOG, Drain
Valves, Air Pockets, Conservator to main tank connections are not shown
in the figure above.)