Conservator Shutter As a result of a transformer tank explosion, the tank cover is forced from its seat causing the oil from the conservator to spill on and around the transformer. The Conservator Shutter is designed to prevent burning transformer oil overflow from the conservator and to stop the fire from spreading beyond the faulty transformer. In addition, the Conservator Shutter: • Is used by electric utilities located in earthquake and hurricane risk areas where movement causes pipe ruptures or leaks • Is included as part of every Transformer Protector system, when the transformer is equipped with a conservator • Prevents the conservator tank from draining when Operation Staff mistakenly opens a transformer oil valve Advantages • Cost efficient, fully independent and automatic • Easy to install and to use, it can be mounted on existing transformers with minor modifications • Equipped with a magnetic switch to indicate the status of the shutter in the Control Room Available Types TL 24 Type – for 2-inch piping (DN 50) TL 34 Type – for 3-inch piping (SN 80) Principles 1. The Conservator Shutter, a flow sensitive device, is as essential to transformer safety as a Buchholz relay. 2. Under transformer normal operation, the Shutter is open. While the Buchholz detects the presence of gases, the Shutter quickly isolates the conservator tank, as soon as it detects abnormal oil flow. 3. When a short-circuit occurs, the resulting pressure increase forces the transformer cover off and the oil catches fire. The conservator oil induces tank burning oil overflow. The resultant oil flow between the conservator and tank closes the Shutter. 4. The Shutter is equipped with an integrated magnetic switch. When the Shutter closes, the magnetic contact provides alarm signal to the control room.   Without Shutter 1 - Conservator 2 - Buchholz Fire Without the Conservator Shutter, the entire conservator volume, from 264.17 to 1320.86 U.S. gallons of burning oil, spreads to the plant floor. Consequences Without the Conservator Shutter, fire extends to adjacent equipment and buildings. With Shutter 1 - Conservator 2 - Buchholz 3 - Conservator Shutter Conservator Shutter Operation When the transformer cover explodes, the resultant oil flow from the conservator to the transformer automatically closes the Conservator Shutter.. Consequences The Conservator Shutter prevents oil spillage and prevents the fire from spreading to adjacent equipment.