OLTC & OBCB Protectors

 

On Load Tap Changers and Oil Bushing Cable Boxes Explosion and Fire Prevention

In addition to the tank, protecting the On Load Tap Changers and the Oil Bushing Cable Boxes with the Transformer Protector; is strongly recommended. For that purpose, a Depressurization Set and a specific Explosive Gas Elimination Set are used.

Protecting all transformer oil capacities prevents the short-circuit from damaging the On Load Tap Changer or the Oil Bushing Cable Box, and spreading the fire to the transformer itself as well as to the whole power plant or substation. For a minor additional price, the Transformer Protector offers a complete fire and explosion prevention system for the transformer.

On Load Tap Changer (OLTC) Click for document #12

Examples exist where as little as 200 liters (53 gallons) of burning oil from the OLTC have destroyed a complete substation.

When not connected to the Transformer Protector, OLTCs can prevent overpressure with a diaphragm or a Pressure Relief Valve, which are not calibrated and do not allow oil channeling during an explosion. In fact, during short-circuits, the OLTC cover is very often forced off and burning oil then spreads onto the transformer, floor and surrounding equipment, allowing a fire to expand to the whole plant.

Short-circuit consequences are more severe when transformers are located underground, inside industrial plants with high explosion risks or in sensitive environmental areas. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that these systems be protected.

The long collaboration with major OLTC manufacturers has resulted in the protection of every type of OLTC. This is why TPC strongly recommends protecting all of them, using a flange for depressurization and a pipe that goes to the bottom of the OLTC to eliminate explosive gases.

Oil Bushing Cable Box (OBCB)

Examples exist where 300 liters (80 gallons) of burning oil from OBCBs have destroyed a complete plant. OBCBs are not protected at all against explosion, as they are never equipped with pressure relief devices. Therefore, burning oil is often expelled onto the transformer and onto the floor, which results in the fire spreading. To protect the OBCB, 2 flanges are necessary for the Transformer Protector adaptation, one to depressurize the OBCB and the other to inject nitrogen in order to eliminate the explosive gases.

Transformer Protector MTPAB Type
protecting tank, 1 OLTC and 3 OBCBs
Optional Items
Autonomous Dry Battery with Associated Low Reserve Alarm
System Actuation Audible Warning
Cabinet Heater with associated thermostat
Decompression Chamber Heater for very cold climates
Manual Nitrogen Injection Valve
Adaptation for OLTC Oil Filtration Unit
Heat Exchanger for the Explosive Gas Evacuation Pipe
Insulating flanges for transformers protected with Earth Fault
Engineering and on site drawings (Solid Works files only)



 

Transformer Protector Corp • 1880 Treble Drive • Humble, Texas 77338 • Office: 281.358.9900 • info@transproco.com