Transformer Faults

Introduction:-

The transformers are electrical devices used for energy transfer by electromagnetic induction
between two or more circuits. Like all devices, fault also happens in the transformer which
causes failures. Any damage to the transformer results in complete loss of power to one system.
The transformer should be protected from the faults to avoid break down of the transformer
which may lead to major interruption in power transformation. To protect it from the fault the
typical faults in the fault should be known.

Faults in the transformer:-

Faults in the transformers are classified as the faults during manufacturing & faults during
operation.

A) Faults during manufacturing:-

Reason of development of fault during manufacturing is due to quality of material & process
problems.

Failure/fault causes at the manufacturer’s end are due to

 Faulty design
 Poor quality of material
 Bad workmanship
 Improper transportation
 Sharp edges of conductor
 Incomplete drying
 Bad insulation covering on conductor
 Improper joints or connection

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i) Fault during core preparation:- Due to loose, wrong, insufficient stacking of core
transformer has excessive vibrations.

ii) Faults during winding of LV& HV coils:- Insulation poor quality, damage or scratching
results in turn to turn or layer to layer short circuits.

iii) Faults during placement & interconnection of LV & HV coils:- Due to wrong placement
and interconnection of coils result in magnetic imbalance in the transformer.

iv) Faults during core-coil assembly:- Due to wrong core-coil assembly in transformer results
in magnetic imbalance, wrong placement of coil on winding.

v) Faults during core-yoke assembly:- Loose, wrong, insufficient stacking of core due to this
transformer has excessive vibrations.

vi) Fault due to bad insulation of conductor: - Various types of insulation are used as
coverings of conductors. The type of covering depends upon the type of use and basic insulation
of the transformer. It is very common to see a conductor with lost wrapping. Also, the
conductors have single covering instead of double covering. The quality of paper is also one of
the causes of failure.
The workmen should be properly trained for proper insulation of winding – and identify bad
material of insulation during the process of coil making.

vii) Improper joints or connections:- The local heating generated by improper joints or
connections may slowly lead to a deterioration of the oil – if the joints are oil immersed. The oil
temperature indicator and/or winding temperature indicator (both with alarm contacts) can be
used to insulate such problems. Gas operated relay, can also be used to sound an alarm – and
actuate the trip circuit if the condition calls for it.

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B) Faults during operation:-

Failure/fault causes during operation are due to

 Deterioration of Insulation
 Overloading
 Lightening
 Line Surges
 Moisture
 Vibration
 High Operating Temperature
 Inadequate Maintenance
 Loose Connections
 Misapplication
 Care of Control Equipment
 Lack of Cleanliness
 Care of Idle or Spare Equipment
 Improper Lubrication
 Careless or Negligent Operation

Faults in the transformer are classified as internal faults and external faults.

I) Internal Faults
These are the faults which occur internal to the transformer which may seriously damage the
insulation of the transformer and causes break down in transformer. So the transformer should be
immediately protected from these faults.
These faults are divided as electrical and mechanical faults.

Electrical Faults:-

The principle faults which occurs inside a power transformer are categorized as,

 Transformer Winding faults,

a. Insulation breakdown between winding and earth (i.e. Phase to ground fault)
b. Insulation breakdown in between different phases (i.e. Phase to phase fault)
c. Insulation breakdown in between adjacent turns ( i.e. inter - turn fault)

 Transformer core fault

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Mechanical Faults:-

 Transformer cooling media faults

 Transformer taps changers faults

The various internal faults occurring in power transformers and their remedies are explained as
follows,

Transformer Winding faults

There are short circuits between the turns, between the phases and between the windings. Most
short circuits failures are caused by abnormal tensions on the surge arresters and others
because of the deterioration of the insulation oil and to the penetration of rain. Also, some
short circuits are caused by the deterioration because of heat, caused by an electromagnetic
mechanical force or by an abnormal excessive load.

Inter turn fault

Failure of transformer took place due to shorting of few turns of winding of the same phase.
This was due to overloading of transformer, which results into insulation failure due to
overheating.
Phase to ground fault

The impulse voltage or the deterioration of the insulation can cause a short circuit to the
grounding of the winding or of its terminal to the core or to the tank. The mentioned defects
can be detected easily through an external diagnosis or an electrical monitoring.

Breakage of the terminals of the winding

The terminals of the spooled suffer damages by an excess of current (external short circuit,
etc.) or by a lighting strike. Also, the short circuit accidents of the system that accumulate
cause damages on the supports of the windings, by their repetitive mechanical destructive
force, that finally break the terminals.

Inadequate pre shrinkage of the winding

Insulating paper blocks used for horizontal and vertical supports of coil are bound to shrink
during service due to generation of heat. This shrinkage is more in case of disk coil. Shrinkage
may cause looseness in coil assembly, which may result in failure due to short circuit forces.
To overcome such failure, it is recommended that good quality of insulating bolt must be used.
After heating coils to the required level, coils are compressed judiciously by a skilled workman
till it reaches the required shrunk height.
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Oil leakage

 Oil in addition to serving as insulating means serves to transfer the heat generated in the
windings and the core toward the walls of the tank and the radiators. Due to this it has:
 High dielectric breakdown
 Low viscosity
 If the oil leaks from the transformer tank due to some reason, the oil level in the tank will
drop. In the worst case, the connections to bushings and parts of the winding will get
exposed to air. This will increase the temperature of the windings. This in turn, would
damage the insulation of the winding. Apart from this moisture can get in through the
leak, and degrade the transformer oil leading to an overheated transformer.
 In power transformer, the conservator tank is provided with an oil level indicator having
an alarm facility. If the oil level drops below a predetermined level, the alarm will ring. It
allows the operator to initiate necessary actions.
 But in distribution transformer, oil level indicator with alarm facility is not provided.
Only a small transparent window (gauge) placed on conservator tank to see the oil level
is provided. It shows the level of the oil directly, being able to see from the outside.
When the crystal is dirty, you can wipe it off with a rag. Periodic checking of this
window is not done in India. So, many of small transformers fail due to decrease in oil
level.

Causes of oil leakage

Oil leaks can occur from many parts of transformer tank: Radiator fins, Bad welds, cracked
voltage bushings, Gaskets, Butterfly valves controlling the flow of oil between the radiator and
main oil tank.
Oil leaks in gaskets

 Oil leaks from transformer gasket, if it has aged, lost elasticity and cracked as it cooled
much further than its normal operating range. This is often a slow weeping rather than a
catastrophic failure; however, over a time, the weeping can cause a serious amount of oil
loss.
 It is better to use the gasket without a joint, but it is not possible as the gasket is too large.
There are round, square, rectangular and oval-shaped gaskets, but in any case try to join
the gaskets by using a flat portion of the gasket. If this is not done, then there are more
chances of gasket failure. If the element (or a component to seal that) adopted for the
gasket, is not of thin layer or not dried with air – than the oil can leak through the gasket.
 Many times even after correct adjustment, the gasket oil leak is not stopped, then the
gasket will have to be replaced with a new one. A gasket with low elasticity such as lead
type must always be changed with a new. Do not use the old one again.

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Oil leakage from radiator

 Radiator fins are a common area for oil leaks. Fins are made from thin metal to aid heat
transfer. The downside of that thinness is that internal corrosion due to water ingress and
separation or external environmental corrosion can quickly penetrate and spill the oil.
 This leakage must be repaired by welding, to make sure that the heat from the welding is
not going to produce an explosive gas mixture. (There is no need to take any cautionary
steps in the case of nonflammable oil).
Deterioration of the insulating oil
The insulating oil deteriorates gradually with use. The main cause is the absorption of the
moisture in the oil. Each time the moisture is doubled in a transformer, the life of the insulation
is cut by one-half. Failures due to moisture are the most common causes of transformer failures.
Reasons for moisture influx

 Moisture can be in the insulation when it is delivered from the factory. If the transformer
is opened for inspection, the insulation can absorb moisture from the atmosphere
 If there is a leak, moisture can enter in the form of water or humidity in air. Small oil
leaks, especially in the oil cooling piping, will also allow moisture ingress
 Moisture is also formed by the degradation of insulation as the transformer ages
 Most water penetration is flow of wet air through poor gasket seals due to pressure
difference caused by transformer cooling. The most common moisture ingress points are
gaskets between bushing bottoms and the transformer top and the pressure relief device
gasket
 If in breather the moist silica is not replaced by dry silica gel. Then moisture can enter
from atmosphere.

Effect of moisture

 Paper insulation has a much greater affinity for water than does the oil. The water will
distribute itself unequally, with much more water being in the paper than in the oil. The
paper will partially dry the oil by absorbing water out of the oil. Moisture and oxygen
cause the paper insulation to decay much faster than normal.
 Due to moisture oxidation takes place. Oxidation results in the formation of acids in the
insulating oil, which in turn, contributes to the formation of sludge.
 The rate of oxidation also depends on the temperature of the oil; the higher the
temperature, faster is the oxidative breakdown. Sludge settles on windings and inside the
structure, causing transformer cooling to be less efficient, and slowly over time
temperature rises.

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  Acids cause an increase in the rate of decay, which forms more acid, sludge, and moisture
at a faster rate. This is a vicious cycle of increasing speed forming more acid and causing
more decay.

Defects in the core

 There are defects due to poor insulation of the tightening screws of the core, or an
oil-cooling duct obstructed, that cause excessive heating of the core. The defects on the
core develop slowly.
 The insulation and the poor grounding contact already mentioned, cause a partial short
circuit current, a deterioration of the oil of the insulation materials in their
surroundings, which gradually are converted into serious failures.
 A poor or loose tightening between the core and the clamps of the windings can cause
damaging vibrations.

II) External faults:

External faults in transformers are due to,

 Lightning strikes
 System overload
 Short circuit

External faults are things that happen outside the transformer, and cannot generally be prevented
by maintenance. The transformers are subject to things like lightning strikes, or other damage
from the outside that cannot be prevented. Since these things cannot be predicted, it is important
to have a plan in place to make repairs as fast as possible. These can also be fairly minor in
nature, but can cause damage to the insulation and cause problems over time to the inside of the
transformer. The greater concern is when something happens outside that shuts the transformer
down immediately.

External Faults in Power Transformer

External Short Circuit of Power Transformer
The short - circuit may occur in two or three phases of electrical power system. The level of
fault current is always high enough. It depends upon the voltage which has been short-circuited
and upon the impedance of the circuit up to the fault point. The copper loss of the fault feeding
transformer is abruptly increased. This increasing copper loss causes internal heating in the
transformer. Large fault current also produces severe mechanical stresses in the transformer. The
maximum mechanical stresses occur during first cycle of symmetrical fault current.

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High Voltage Disturbance in Power Transformer
High voltage disturbance in power transformer are of two kinds,

1. Transient Surge Voltage

2. Power Frequency Over Voltage
Transient Surge Voltage
High voltage and high frequency surge may arise in the power system due to any of the
following causes,

 Arcing ground if neutral point is isolated.

 Switching operation of different electrical equipment.
 Atmospheric Lightening Impulse.
Whatever may be the causes of surge voltage, it is after all a traveling wave having high and
steep wave form and also having high frequency. This wave travels in the electrical power
system network, upon reaching in the power transformer, it causes breakdown of the insulation
between turns adjacent to line terminal, which may create short circuit between turns.

Power Frequency Over Voltage

There may be always a chance of system over voltage due to sudden disconnection of large load.
Although the amplitude of this voltage is higher than its normal level but frequency is same as it
was in normal condition. Over voltage in the system causes an increase in stress on the insulation
of transformer. As we know that, voltage , increased voltage causes
proportionate increase in the working flux. This therefore causes, increased in iron loss and
proportionately large increase in magnetizing current. The increase flux is diverted from the
transformer core to other steel structural parts of the transformer. Core bolts which normally
carry little flux, may be subjected to a large component of flux diverted from saturated region of
the core alongside. Under such condition, the bolt may be rapidly heated up and destroys their
own insulation as well as winding insulation.

Under Frequency Effect in Power Transformer

As, voltage as the number of turns in the winding is fixed.
Therefore, From, this equation it is clear that if frequency reduces in a system, the
flux in the core increases, the effect are more or less similar to that of the over voltage.

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Transformer Protection:-

Those devices that are attached directly to the transformer, and detect failures
mechanically:
 Buchholz relay,
 Pressure relay,
 Oil Level monitor.
 Winding thermometer
Those devices that are indirectly joined to the control cabinet which detect failures
electrically:
 Differential relay,
 Overcurrent relay,
 Ground current relay.
1. Buchholz (Gas) Relay

 The Buchholz protection is a mechanical fault detector for electrical faults in oil-
immersed transformers. The Buchholz (gas) relay is placed in the piping between the
transformer main tank and the oil conservator. The conservator pipe must be inclined
slightly for reliable operation.

 The Buchholz protection is a fast and sensitive fault detector. It works independent of
the number of transformer windings, tap changer position and instrument transformers.
If the tap changer is of the on-tank (container) type, having its own oil enclosure with
oil conservator, there is a dedicated Buchholz relay for the tap changer.

 A typical Buchholz protection comprises a pivoted float (F) and a pivoted vane (V) as
shown in Figure 1. The float carries one mercury switch and the vane also carries
another mercury switch. Normally, the casing is filled with oil and the mercury
switches are open.

Figure – Buchholz relay principal construction

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When minor fault occurs…

 Here is assumed that a minor fault occurs within the transformer. Gases produced by
minor faults rise from the fault location to the top of the transformer. Then the gas
bubbles pass up the piping to the conservator. The gas bubbles will be tapped in the
casing of the Buchholz protection.

 This means that the gas replaces the oil in the casing. As the oil level falls, the float (F)
will follow and the mercury switch tilts and closes an alarm circuit.

When major fault occurs…

 It is also assumed that a major fault, either to earth of between phases or windings,
occurs within the transformer. Such faults rapidly produce large volumes of gas (more
than 50 cm3/(kWs) and oil vapor which cannot escape.

 They therefore produce a steep buildup of pressure and displace oil. This sets up a rapid
flow from the transformer towards the conservator. The vane (V) responds to high oil
and gas flow in the pipe to the conservator. In this case, the mercury switch closes a trip
circuit. The operating time of the trip contact depends on the location of the
fault and the magnitude of the fault current.

 The gas accumulator relay also provides a long-term accumulation of gasses associated
with overheating of various parts of the transformer conductor and insulation systems.
This will detect fault sources in their early stages and prevent significant damage.

 When the transformer is first put into service, the air trapped in the windings may
give unnecessary alarm signals. It is customary to remove the air in the power
transformers by vacuum treatment during the filling of the transformer tank with oil.

 The gas accumulated without this treatment will, of course, be air, which can be
confirmed by seeing that it is not inflammable.

2. Pressure Relay

 Many power transformers with an on-tank-type tap changer have a pressure protection
for the separate tap changer oil compartment. This protection detects a sudden rate-of-
increase of pressure inside the tap changer oil enclosure.

Figure shows the principle of a pressure relay.

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  When the pressure in front of the piston exceeds the counter force of the spring, the
piston will move operating the switching contacts. The micro switch inside the
switching unit is hermetically sealed and pressurized with nitrogen gas.
 An internal fault in an oil-filled transformer is usually accompanied by overpressure in
the transformer tank.
 The simplest form of pressure relief device is the widely used frangible disk. The surge
of oil caused by a heavy internal fault bursts the disk and allows the oil to discharge
rapidly. Relieving and limiting the pressure rise prevent explosive rupture of the tank
and consequent fire.
 Also, if used, the separate tap changer oil enclosure can be fitted with a pressure relief
device. The pressure relief device can be fitted with contact unit(s) to provide a signal
for circuit breaker(s) tripping circuits.
 A drawback of the frangible disk is that the oil remaining in the tank is left exposed to
the atmosphere after a rupture. This is avoided in a more effective device, the pressure
relief valve, which opens to allow the discharge of oil if the pressure exceeds the pre-
adjusted limit.
 By providing the transformer with a pressure relief valve, the overpressure can be
limited to a magnitude harmless to the transformer.
 If the abnormal pressure is relatively high, this spring-controlled valve can operate
within a few milliseconds and provide fast tripping when suitable contacts are fitted.
The valve closes automatically as the internal pressure falls below a critical level.

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 3. Oil Level Monitor Device

 Transformers with oil conservator(s) (expansion tank) often have an oil level monitor.
Usually, the monitor has two contacts for alarm. One contact is for maximum oil level
alarm and the other contact is for minimum oil level alarm.

Figure – A typical outlook of an oil level monitor device

 The top-oil thermometer has a liquid thermometer bulb in a pocket at the top of the
transformer. The thermometer measures the top-oil temperature of the transformer. The
top-oil thermometer can have one to four contacts, which sequentially close at
successively higher temperature.

 With four contacts fitted, the two lowest levels are commonly used to start fans or
pumps for forced cooling, the third level to initiate an alarm and the fourth step to trip
load breakers or de-energize the transformer or both.

4. Winding Thermometer

 The winding thermometer, shown in the figure below, responds to both the top-oil
temperature and the heating effect of the load current.

Figure – Capillary type of winding thermometer

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  The winding thermometer creates an image of the hottest part of the winding. The top-
oil temperature is measured with a similar method as introduced earlier. The
measurement is further expanded with a current signal proportional to the loading
current in the winding.

 This current signal is taken from a current transformer located inside the bushing of that
particular winding. This current is lead to a resistor element in the main unit. This
resistor heats up, and as a result of the current flowing through it, it will in its turn heat
up the measurement bellow, resulting in an increased indicator movement.

 The temperature bias is proportional to the resistance of the electric heating (resistor)
element.

 The result of the heat run provides data to adjust the resistance and thereby the
temperature bias. The bias should correspond to the difference between the hot-spot
temperature and the top-oil temperature. The time constant of the heating of the pocket
should match the time constant of the heating of the winding.

 The temperature sensor then measures a temperature that is equal to the winding
temperature if the bias is equal to the temperature difference and the time constants are
equal.

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  The winding thermometer can have one to four contacts, which sequentially close at
successively higher temperature.

With four contacts fitted, the two lowest levels are commonly used to start fans or
pumps for forced cooling, the third level to initiate an alarm and the fourth step to trip
load breakers or de-energize the transformer or both.

 In case a power transformer is fitted with top-oil thermometer and winding

thermometer, the latter one normally takes care of the forced cooling control.

Reasons of development of excessive vibrations in a transformer core

Magnetostriction and magnetic forces are the main causes of transformer core noise and
vibration.

Transformer noise & vibration is caused by a phenomenon which causes a piece of

magnetic sheet steel to extend itself when magnetized. When the magnetization is taken away, it
goes back to its original condition. This phenomenon is scientifically referred to as
magnetostriction. A transformer is magnetically excited by an alternating voltage and current so
that it becomes extended and contracted twice during a full cycle of magnetization.

The vibrations in transformers can also result from,

 Excessive unbalanced loading

 Loose transformer core segments, loose laminations
 Loose winding
 Shield problems
 Loose parts, loose foundation bolt
 Bad bearing on coil cooling pumps or fans
 Loose panel cover, door, or bolts/screws lying in the control panel

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Reasons for transformer overheating

Transformers can get heated due to a variety of reasons. Excessive heating of the transformer
increases transformer losses, weakens the insulation and may result in reduced transformer
life. The principal reasons for transformer overheating are

Overload:-

Excessive loading can cause overheating. Transformers are rated in kVA. This kVA rating is
dependent on temperature. Some transformers have two kVA ratings. One rating is for below a
specific ambient temperature; say 45 degrees while another rating is above the ambient
temperature.

Excess current in the neutral of the transformer:-

Excess current in the neutral of the transformer is usually caused by high zero sequence
harmonic components. This can be resolved by proper grounding usually through a zig zag
transformer

Problems in the cooling system:-

Malfunctioning of the cooling equipment such as blockages in the cooling oil circuit. Failure of
the cooling fans to operate in the case of Forced Air cooling systems.

High harmonic content in the power supply:-

High harmonic loads can also cause heating in the transformer. These loads need to be identified
and suitable remedial measures such as harmonic filters can be implemented.

Sustained Overvoltages:-

Overvoltages which exist for a long period of time can overexcite the transformer and cause
overheating.

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Troubleshooting: Overheating

 Transformer insulation is generally rated for 220°C but may be lower for some designs
including control or encapsulated. Standards permit the temperature of the transformer
enclosure cover to be 65°C over ambient. When temperatures exceed the rating for the
insulation system or enclosure, overheating occurs.

 Burned, darkened or damaged insulation may be apparent along with a burnt smell. The
hottest part of a transformer is the coil near the top of the core. Energized transformers
should not be touched. If the insulation is damaged or smoke is visible, the unit may need
to be returned for testing and replaced or repaired.

Check:
Verify total load doesn’t exceed transformer
kVA rating.
Verify ambient temperature does not exceed
transformer ratings.
Verify tap connections are set up identically on
all coils.
Verify transformer is correctly rated for
harmonic load, check for high neutral currents.
Verify that the transformer’s ventilation
openings are not blocked. Transformers
purchased as core and coil
units and placed in enclosures not supplied by
HPS require that the integrator properly size
the enclosure and cooling
requirements.
Improper Input Voltages
Solution:
Reduce size or load or replace with larger
transformer. In some cases fans can be added
to increase cooling and
maximum load.
Relocate to area with lower ambient
temperature, reduce load, reduce ambient
temperature at primary location or
replace with a low temperature rise
transformer. Transformers installed in small
rooms will need proper room
ventilation.
Reduce or remove harmonic loads or replace
transformer with a larger unit or unit with the
proper k-rating.
Relocate the transformer to an area of better
ventilation. Move the transformer away from
walls, equipment or
overhead projections that may impede airflow.
Do not install fans to cool a transformer.
Improperly installed fans may
actually impede airflow and could result in
transformer damage.
Verify taps are correctly set for the input
voltage. Depending on the load and
transformer type, continuous overvoltages or
undervoltages as low as 5-10% may cause
overheating

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Check:
Check no load current.
Excessive and sustained airflow caused by
exterior winds or fans generally moving
horizontally to the ground can
disrupt convection cooling and cause
overheating at high loads.
Fan cooled transformers have broken or
misaligned fans.
Low Power Factor
Unbalanced loads may cause excessive
heating.
Transformer is installed above a heat source
such as another transformer
Check if output voltage is distorted.
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Solution:
If no load current is high (varies with
transformer efficiency but no load current is
typically less than 2-3% of
total kVA), inspect the core and coils for
damage. In most cases you will not be able to
inspect the insulation between
the core and coil without returning to the
factory for testing and disassembly. If there is a
short between the core
and coil, the unit will have to be replaced or
repaired.
Relocate the transformer to an area with less
wind or block the wind.
Fans need to be replaced or realigned
Low power factor can cause excessive current
and higher overall loads. Current meters need
to be able to register
total current. Some digital meters may not be
accurate.
Loads should be balanced to within 20 % of
maximum kVA. No individual load should
exceed the load specific load for
each phase (1/3 of total kVA for three phase
units).
Move either the transformer or the heat source.
Redirect the hot airflow from the lower object
away from the
cooling entrances and surfaces of the higher
object. Replace the top unit with a low
temperature rise transformer.
A highly distorted output voltage may be a
sign that there is a turns to turns fault and the
transformer is in
danged of immediate failure. The transformer
needs to be denergized and meggered. The
damaged coil may need to be
replaced or the transformer scrapped.
Page 17
Check:
Check the output circuits to make sure each leg
of the transformer is functioning and
overcurrent protection is
ok.
If a Drive Isolation Tranformer (DIT) is being
used, verify the DIT kVA has been derated per
the HP sizing charts in the catalog.
Check if two or more transformers are
operating in parallel to power one load.
Cable connections are discolored by heating.
Sparks or smoke is visible from the base of the
transformer but the transformer has not failed
and there isn’t any sound of arcing.
Excessive dust could block air vents
Discolored Insulation
Visible Flames or Smoke
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Solution:
If a fuse on one or more of the legs has opened,
determine and clear the fault and replace the
fuse. This is more
commong on delta transformer outputs,
especially if three single phase units are used in
a Delta bank.
If motor HP is unknown, use .746 kW/HP to
determine the equivalent HP of the load. DIT’s
are not current rated
devices, the HP selection charts must be used
to properly size a DIT. Extrusion applications
tend to be the worst.
Transformers operating in parallel are rare.
Large circulating currents and uneven load can
result from
transformers wired in parallel. The transformer
s may have to replaced with one unit capable
of power the entire
load.
Cables should be periodically tightened. The
surface should be cleaned of any insulation
applied during the vacuum
pressure impregnation process. Rough edges
must be smoothed.
During the VPI process, icicles of insulation
can form under the tarnsformer and
occassionally act as a ground. If
discovered early enough the icicle can be
removed and the transformer will not be
damaged.
Dust needs to be blown out while transformer
is denergized.
The transformer’s insulation may have been
damaged and may need to be repaired or
replaced.
The transformer’s insulation may have been
damaged and may need to be repaired or
replaced.
Page 18
Need of conservator top-up:-

 The Conservator is a cylindrical component of the transformer. The conservator is

located at the top of the transformer. The Conservator is designed to act as a reservoir for
the transformer oil. The level of the oil in the transformer can rise and fall due to
temperature. The increase of temperature can be caused either by a rise in ambient
temperature or due to increased load on the transformer.
 An increase in temperature causes the oil in the transformer to expand. The conservator
provides space for this expansion of the oil. The oil level indicator in the conservator
needs to be monitored to ensure that the level of oil does not fall below the alarm limit.

 As the level of oil rises and falls inside the conservator, air enters and leaves the chamber.
The air may carry moisture which may cause the oil to deteriorate. Breathers filled with
silica gels are provided to separate moisture from the aspirated air.
 The silica gel is blue when it is dry. It turns pink when it is saturated with moisture
after which it needs to be replaced.

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