Introduction to Bushings

Jill C Duplessis

2 February 2011

Agenda
Bushing Introduction
Bushing Classification
Bushing Nameplate and Ratings
Bushing Testing
Analyzing Results
Field Experience

OMICRON

Definition of a Bushing
An insulating
A
i
l ti structure
t t
including
i l di a th
through
h
conductor or providing a central passage for
such
h a conductor,
d t with
ith th
the provision
i i ffor
mounting a barrier, conducting or otherwise,
f the
for
th purpose off insulating
i
l ti the
th conductor
d t
from the barrier and conducting current from
one side
id off the
th barrier
b i tto the
th other.
th
-IEEE C57.19.00
OMICRON

Bushing Definition
Provides an insulating path
for high voltage conductors
to enter a grounded
electrical power apparatus

400kV Bushing
Bushing Measuring Tap

Core

OMICRON

Tapped HV winding
HV winding
i di
LV winding

Bushing Application Designs

The following
g are
application designs for
different insulating media
at the end of the bushings:
Oil to Air Bushing
Oil
O to Oil
O Bushing
Oil to SF6
Air to Air Bushing
g
Air to SF6 Gas

OMICRON

Bushing Classification
Condenser Type (Capacitive Graded)
Oil Impregnated paper insulation (OIP)
Resin-impregnated paper insulation (RIP)
Resin-bonded paper insulation (RBI)

Noncondenser Type (Solid Bushing)

Composite Bushing
Compound Filled Bushing
Oil and Compound
SF6

OMICRON

Capacitive-Graded Core
Oil-Impregnated Paper (OIP) Paper is wound and
impregnated with
ith oil
oil. The space bet
between
een paper and
porcelain is also filled with oil.
Resin Impregnated Paper (RIP) After the paper is wound
it is then impregnated with curable resin under vacuum.
Resin Bonded Paper (RBP) Paper is first coated with
epoxy resin and then wound.
*Some manufacturers also use semi-conductive ink on the
oil impregnated paper as well

OMICRON

Condenser (Capacitive) Type Bushing

Used in almost all ratings above 25 kV system Voltage
Outdoor terminal
Oil level gauge

A bushing having a Capacitive

Core made up of a series of
capacitors that are arranged
between the center conductor
and the flange
g

Key Items:
Site
S Glass/Gauge
G
/G
for
f Oil
O Level
Tap Performing Electrical tests
C1 (Main Insulation) Conductor
to Tap
C2 Insulation Tap to Ground
OMICRON

Outdoor porcelain insulator

Oil impregnated condenser core

Test tapping
pp g
Mounting flange
Current transformer
extension
Oil side porcelain insulator

Oil side stress shield

Center C
Conductor

Capacitive Core

OMICRON

The voltage
Th
lt
is
i stressed
t
d equally
ll across
each layer of the condenser bushing

C = r0(A/d)

Non Condenser Type Bushing

Center Conductor

Typically Lower
Voltage through 25 kV

Cap
p
Sealing Gasket

Found in small distribution

transformers and generator
step up transformers

Porcelain

Limitation Ability
y to
withstand voltage above 90kV

p
Compound

Mountain Flange

Common Insulation Materials:

Air, Oil, Composite Bushing,
Compound Filled
Clamping Nut

OMICRON

Spring Washer

Bushing Test Tap

Ca

Test Tap:

Cb
Cc

Tap allows electrical tests such as

C1 and C2 to be performed on
bushing.
T i l T
Typical
Testt voltage
lt
500 V
Volts
lt
Only one tap cover should be
removed replace tap when test is
removed,
complete.
OMICRON

Cd
Ce
Cf
Center Conductor

Condenser Bushings having a BIL

Rating
g 350 kV,, typically
yp
y 69 kV and
below rated voltage.

Cg
Ch

Tap

Bushing Potential Tap

Potential or Voltage Tap:
Condenser
C
d
B
Bushing
hi h
having
i a
BIL Rating Above 350 kV

Ca
Cb
Cc
Cd

Tap allows electrical tests to be

performed on Bushing.
Typical Test voltage 2500 Volts

Onlyy one tapp cover should be

removed, replace tap cover when
test is complete.
OMICRON

Ce
Cf

Center Co
onductor

Creates a voltage divider for

Potential Device to be used for
monitoring

Cg
Ch
Ci
T
Tap

Bushing Taps

OMICRON

Bottom Connected Bushing

The conductor is fixed in the center of the bushing
The transformer windings are connected directly to the bottom of
the conductor of the bushing

Draw Lead Bushing

The transformer windings are connected to a flexible cable

The cable is pulled through a hollow metallic tube that is fixed

within the insulation of the bushing
g

Draw Rod or Split Conductor Bushing

The transformer winding is connected to a solid conductor

The rod is pulled through a hollow metallic tube that is fixed

g
within the insulation of the bushing
For ease of installation, the solid conductor may be split.
OMICRON

Draw Lead or Draw Rod Bushing

.

Ideal application for lower MVA ratings which do not require typical current
carrying capacities
capacities. Bushing normally have current ratings of 1200 A or
higher
The current capacity of a bushing is also limited to the temperature rise of
th conductor
the
d t in
i the
th bushing
b hi
System Voltage
(kV)

Rated
Continuous
Current

Draw Lead
Rated Continous
Current

34.5 69

1200

400

138 765

1200

800

Reduces time of bushing replacement

OMICRON

Special Application
High Altitude
High Contamination Environments
High Temperat
Temperature
re
DC
DC A
Application
li i
Seismic
OMICRON

High Altitude above 1000 meters

The air
Th
i d
density
it iis reduced
d
d att hi
high
h altitudes
ltit d which
hi h di
directly
tl reduces
d
th
the
dielectric strength of the insulation

OMICRON

Altitude, m

Altitude Correction Factor

1000

1.00

1200

0.98

1500

0.95

1800

0.92

2100

0.89

2400

0.86

2700

0 83
0.83

3000

0.80

3600

0.75

4200

0.70

4500

0.67

Environments with High Contamination

Following precautions can be made to help the situation with high
levels of contamination:
1. Verify bushing creep distance complies with IEEE C57.19.100
Contamination

Creep Distance

Light

28 mm/kV

Medium

35 mm/kV

High

44 mm/kV

Very High

54 mm/kV

2. Apply protective coating such as silicon grease, however this

required periodic replacement.
3 P
3.
Periodic
i di cleaning
l
i off b
bushing
hi surfaces
f
as partt off a maintenance
i t
program
OMICRON

High Contamination Environments

Environments with contamination can be broken into the
f ll i groups:
following
Light Low population of industrial or residential. These areas
are not exposed to sea winds
winds. ESDD level 0
0.03
03 0.08
0 08 mg/cm2
Medium Area with industries not producing pollution. High
population of industrial or residential. Exposed to sea winds, but
not directly
di
l on the
h coast. ESDD llevels
l 0
0.08
08 0.25
0 2 mg/cm2
/ 2
High High industrial population, large cities. Area close to the
sea or exposed to strong sea winds ESDD 0.25 0.6 mg/cm2
Very High Area subject to smoke and thick deposits. Exposed
to coastal areas and strong sea winds. ESDD above 0.6 mg/cm2

OMICRON

High Temperature
It is important to realize that oil impregnated paper has a
maximum temperature of 105C and resin impregnated paper
has 120C without accelerated loss of life. This is based on a
maximum air temperature of 40
40C.
C.
Air Temperature In Bus Duct or Enclosed Housings >>40 C
Bushings must be thermally upgraded:
Nomex Insulation
Viton Gaskets
I
Increased
d Oil E
Expansion
i Ch
Chamber
b

OMICRON

Bushing Storage
It is recommended to consult with the manufacturer for information on
storing of bushings.
The following guidelines can be used for storing bushings:
1. Oil filled condenser bushings should generally never be
stored completely horizontally.
2. Bushings having exposed core insulation on the lower end
require protection to prevent moisture contamination.
3 Bushings should be stored where they will not be damaged
3.
damaged.
4. Always perform electrical test to verify bushing are
acceptable for service before placing a in service spare

OMICRON

Bushing
g Nameplate
p
and Ratings
g
The Following information will be found on Bushing Nameplates:
Manufacturer
Identification number
Type
Year of Manufacture
Weight
g
Rated voltage
Rated continuous current
Rated full-wave lightning-impulse withstand voltage (BIL)
C1 and C2 Power Factor and Capacitance on all bushings equipped with
Potential Taps.
p is required
q
on bushings
g equipped
q pp with test taps
p
Onlyy C1 PF and Cap.
Rated frequency
OMICRON

SEISMIC
Requirements specified in IEEE 693
Two Qualification Levels :
.25 g RRS ( Moderate Seismic Level)
.5 g RRS ( High Seismic Level)

Not possible for transformer bushings

Typical Failure modes:
Offset of Porcelain in respect to Flange
Cracked
C k dP
Porcelain
l i
Protruding Gasket

OMICRON

Bushing Tests
Prototype Design Test
F t
Factory
Test
T t
Field Test

OMICRON

Prototype Design Test

Design Test
Internal pressure and vacuum
Draw-lead bushing cap pressure
Cantilever strength
Capacitance measurement

These test are typically only

performed on prototype
bushings.

Power Factor measurement

Tap withstand voltage
Full-wave lightning-impulse with stand voltage
Ch
Chopped-wave
d
li ht i i
lightning-impulse
l
Rated frequency wet withstand voltage
(230 kV below)
Wet Switching-impulse withstand voltage
(345 kV and above)
Rated frequency dry withstand test
Capacitance measurement
P
Power
F t measurementt
Factor
Temperature rise
Verification of nameplate marking

OMICRON

Purpose
P
off these
th
test
t t is
i to
t
verify the assigned rating and
acceptability for service
conditions

Factory Tests
The following test are made on every bushing at the factory

Routine Test
I t
Internal
l Pressure
P
and
d vacuum
Capacitance measurement
Power Factor
Tap Withstand Voltage
Rated Frequency dry withstand with partial
discharge measurement
Capacitance measurement
Power Factor
Verification of nameplate marking

OMICRON

Special Factory Test

The following test are not part of the routine test, but can be made between
the purchaser and manufacturer for a bushing particular design

Special Test
Thermal Stability
Front of wave lightning impulse
Seismic

OMICRON

Field Tests
The following test are electrical field tests performed with portable
test equipment to determine bushing suitability for service.
Condenser Bushing with
Potential Tap

Condensers Bushing with

Test Tap

Non Condenser

Visual Inspection

Visual Inspection

Visual Inspection

C1 Power Factor (60 Hz)

C1 Power Factor (60 Hz)

Energize Collar Test

C1 Capacitance
p
((60 Hz))

C1 Capacitance
p
((60 Hz))

Infrared Test

C2 Power Factor (2.5 kV)

C2 Power Factor (0.5 kV)

C2 Capacitance (2.5 kV)

C2 Capacitance (0.5 kV)

Advance Power Factor

Measurements

Advance Power Factor

Measurements

Power Factor Tip Up Test

Power Factor Tip Up Test

Infrared Test

Infrared Test

OMICRON

VISUAL INSPECTION
- Proper oil level
- No oil leaks near bushing gaskets, or tap
- No cracks in the body of the procelain
- No dark oil observed in sight glass
- No darkening of center conductor

Power Factor / Capacitance - BUSHING C1

Bushing H1-C1
H1 C1
UST
All Terminals Remain Shorted

Bushing C1 Test Data

Bushings - NAMEPLATE

H1
H2
H3
H0

ABB
ABB
ABB

Model/
Type
yp
O+C
O+C
O+C

X1
X2
X3
X0

ABB
ABB
ABB
ABB

O+C
O C
O+C
O+C
O+C

Bushing Manufact.

1993
1993
1993

BIL
kV
350
350
350

kV
Rating
g
44.00
44.00
44.00

A
Rating
g
400
400
400

C1
PF[%]
[ ]
0.35
0.26
0.32

C1
Cap
p (pF)
(p )
238
240
239

1993
1993
1993
1993

150
150
150
150

25.00
25 00
25.00
25.00
25.00

2000
2000
2000
2000

0.33
0 30
0.30
0.31
0.29

695
692
699
693

Year

Serial Catalog Drawing

Number Number Number

C2
C2
PF[%]
[ ] Cap
p (pF)
(p )

Bushings - C1
Measurement Type Ref@10 kV
Bushing

Energize

H1
H2
H3
H0

Conductor
Conductor
Conductor
Conductor

X1
X2
X3
X0

Conductor
Conductor
Conductor
Conductor

UST

Test kV

I mA

Cap pF

Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap

10.022
10.014
10.022
n/a

0.891
0.896
0.896
0.000

236.25
237.67
237.68
0.00

Watt
Loss
0.020
0.021
0.021
0.000

Tap
Tap
Tap
Tap

7.505
7.506
7.506
7 505
7.505

2.617
2.560
2.631
2 610
2.610

694.15
679.08
697.78
692 23
692.23

0.062
0.058
0.061
0 063
0.063

Ground Guard

PF [%]
PF [%] Correction
Insulation
Mode
Measured Corrected Factor
Condition
1.00
UST A PASS
0.22
0.22
1.00
UST A PASS
0.23
0.23
1.00
UST A PASS
0.24
0.24
1.00
UST A
n/a
n/a
0.24
0.23
0.23
0 24
0.24

0.24
0.23
0.23
0 24
0.24

1.00
1.00
1.00
1 00
1.00

UST A
UST A
UST A
UST A

PASS
PASS
PASS
PASS

Power Factor / Capacitance - BUSHING C2

H1-C2

GST gA

B shing C2 Test Data

Bushing

Bushings - C2
Measurement Type Ref@10 kV
Bushing Energize
H1
Tap

Ground
-

Guard UST Test kV

Conductor 0.507

I mA
2.099

Cap pF
553.67

Watt
PF [%]
PF [%] Correction
Insulation
Loss Measured Corrected Factor
Mode Condition
1.00
GST gA PASS
0.058
0.28
0.28

H2

Tap

Conductor

0.505

2.301

607.14

0.074

0.32

0.32

1.00

GST gA

PASS

H3

Tap

Conductor

0.502

2.165

571.03

0.063

0.29

0.29

1.00

GST gA

PASS

H0

Tap
p

Conductor

n/a

0.000

0.00

0.000

n/a

n/a

1.00

GST g
gA

X1

Tap

Conductor

0.508

0.887

232.41

0.063

0.71

0.71

1.00

GST gA

PASS

X2

Tap

Conductor

0.507

0.879

230.15

0.029

0.33

0.33

1.00

GST gA

PASS

X3

Tap

Conductor

0.507

0.873

228.82

0.023

0.27

0.27

1.00

GST gA

PASS

X0

Tap

Conductor

0.507

0.844

221.01

0.014

0.16

0.16

1.00

GST gA

PASS

Conditions Affecting Measurements

The following test conditions play a critical role when performing
electrical test on bushings:
Temperature
p
:
Testing in temperatures below 0C, may result in inaccurate power
factor measurements
External Contamination
Contamination (salt, moisture, dirt) located on the upper or lower
surfaces can affect the power factor measurements in the following
ways
Increase Power factor
Decrease
D
P
Power factor
f t (may
(
become
b
negative)
ti )
Environment Conditions
Weather
Any
A type
t
off precipitation
i it ti could
ld affect
ff t the
th bushing
b hi electrical
l t i l ttests
t
Humidity
It is not recommended testing above 70% humidity, as it can
affect the power factor test results

It is very important to understand your testing condition and document

them well
OMICRON

Bushing Standard Limits

Power Factory limits at power frequency and corrected to 20C

OMICRON

Insulation

%PF IEEE
(C57.19.01)

%DF
(IEC 60137)

Oil Impregnated
Paper

<0.5%

<0.7%

Resin Impregnated
Paper

<0.85%

<0.7%

Resin Bonded Paper

<2.0%

<1.5%

Analyzing Results Condenser Bushing

The results should be analyzed by the following three methods:
1. Nameplate Value
2. Previous Test Result
3 Similar Bushings
3.
General limits for C1 Power Factor Tests
Results should compare well with nameplate. If results are over twice
nameplate advanced tests should be performed to help determine if
acceptable for service, as well as test frequency.

General Limits for C2 Power Factor tests

Results should typically be under 1 percent.

Capacitance
p
C1 and C2 Limits
A deviation of 5 percent or more from initial/nameplate value is cause for
investigation. Deviation over 10% should be removed from service.
(However, it is is very important to understand that some C2
capacitance values can deviate more than 10% when compared to
nameplate and initial test and may be acceptable)
OMICRON

Analyzing Results Condenser Bushing

An increase or decrease in bushing measurements can
be due to the following reasons:
Aging/deterioration
g g
Physical Change
Contamination/moisture present in insulation
External contamination

OMICRON

Energize
g
Collar Test
Perform test on all bushings without a tap
Any external
A
t
l contamination
t i ti such
h as di
dirtt or moisture
i t
can
effect the test results
Important to make sure collar fits tightly around top
weathershed

OMICRON

Power Factor / Capacitance - BUSHING EC

H1-EC
GST or UST
UST and GUARD circuits can be used for external
contamination investigation and/or isolation

Energi ed Hot Collar Test Data

Energized
Bushings - Energized Collar
Measurement Type Ref@10 kV
Bushing

Ground Guard UST

-

Test kV
10 022
10.022

I mA
0 891
0.891

Watt
Loss
0 020
0.020

Mode
GST

Insulation
Condition

10.014

0.896

0.021

GST

PASS
PASS

H1

Energize
C ll
Collar

H2

Collar

H3

Collar

10.022

0.896

0.021

GST

H0

Collar

n/a

0.000

0.000

GST

X1

Collar

10.006

1.973

0.061

GST

PASS

X2

Collar

10.016

1.974

0.060

GST

PASS

X3

Collar

10.008

1.973

0.062

GST

PASS

X0

Collar

10.020

1.975

0.061

GST

PASS

PASS

Analyzing Energize Collar Results

Energize
g
collar test is effective in finding
g
deterioration, contamination, low compound or liquid
level and voids in the compound.
The results should be analyzed by the following two
methods:
1. Previous test result
2. Similar bushings
Results should compare to previous test results, as
well to similar units and should all be under 0.1
Watts. If all bushings under test have elevated
watts,, typically
yp
y this is due to the atmospheric
p
conditions.
OMICRON

Analyzing Results
An increased watts loss can indicated the following:
Internal Contamination
Deterioration of dielectric
External Contamination
Increase in current can indicate the following:
Physical change within the dielectric
Low level of compound or oil
OMICRON

Bushing Investigation Chart

Reason

Result

Aging/Deterioration

Normal
Affects of
Contamination
Overheated
Combination
Combination

Physical Change

Internal
Moisture/Contamination

Partial Discharge

External Contamination

OMICRON

Short Circuited Condenser

Layers
Loss of Oil
Shifting of Core
Bad
B d tap
t connection
ti
Cracked porcelain
Deterioration of cemented
joints
Gasket leaks
Solder seal
Partial discharge within
dielectric

Moisture
Salt
Dirt

Method Identifying

Recommendation

Advanced Power Factor

and trending watts loss

Depending on age and

assessment, first verify
suitability for service, then
increase test frequency.

Trend Current and

Capacitance
Advanced
d a ced Power
o e Factor
acto

Depending on deviation of
capacitance and Advanced
Power Factor, this will
determine
dete
e acceptab
acceptable
e for
o
continued service.

Advanced Power Factor

(very clear)
Trending
Trending Watts loss

Perform Power Factor Tip

Up test
Visual Inspection
Energized Collar Test in
GST Mode
Use Collars to g
guard
surface contamination
during test
Alternate C1 test
Power Factor Tip Up Tests

Examining results from

Advanced Power Factor to
indicate contamination level
of insulation.
Power factor should not
change with voltage.
Bushing should be
investigated
Once external contamination
is identified:
Moisture Clean with dryy
lint free cloth
Salt /Dirt - Use non
alcoholic solution and wipe
clean

Typical Failure Modes

Moisture ingress
Electrical Flashover Broken
Porcelain
Lightning Broken porcelain
Short circuited Condenser
Section
Corrosive Sulfur
Broken Connection between
ground Sleeve and Flange
Bad tap connection
OMICRON

Temperature vs %Power Factor (60 Hz)

%P
Power Factor

100

Wet

10

Moderately
Wet
Slightly Wet
Dry
Very Dry

01
0.1
0

20

30

40

50

60

Temperature in Celsius
OMICRON

70

80

90

Frequency (15 Hz 400 Hz) vs % Power Factor

2.5

%P
Power Fac
ctor

1.5
Wet
Moderately
Wet
Slightly Wet

Dry
Very Dry
05
0.5

0
15
OMICRON

30

50

70

90

125

175

Frequency, Hz

225

275

325

400

Tan Delta (f) at 30C (33kV OIP Bushings)

Tan Delta (f) A, B, C
%
1.8

A
B
C
A Removed
B Removed
C Removed

1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4

PAGE 47

Hz

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0.0

0.2

123kV OIP Bushings

PF (V) A, B, C
1 3%
1.3%
1.2%
1.1%
1 0%
1.0%

0.9%

0.8%

0 7%
0.7%
0.6%
0.5%
14000.0V

12000.0V

10000.0V

8000.0V

6000.0V

4000.0V

2000.0V

0.0V

0 4%
0.4%

PAGE 48

123kV OIP Bushings

PF (f) A, B, C
2 0%
2.0%
1.8%
1.6%
1.4%
1.2%

1.0%

0.8%

0.6%
0.4%

450.0Hz

400.0Hz

350.0Hz

300.0Hz

250.0Hz

200.0Hz

150.0Hz

50.0Hz

0.0Hz

0.0%

100.0Hz

0.2%

PAGE 49

Moisture in RBP and RIP Bushings

The oil side of RBP and RIP bushings

doesn't need a housing
Cellulose near to the surface can absorb
water, if bushings are not stored properly
Incoming
I
i water,
t also
l ffrom the
th ambient
bi t air
i
reduces the dielectric strength this causes
an increase of the dielectric dissipation
p
factor

PAGE 50

Water in RBP and RIP Bushings

Drying of RBP and

RIP bushings is
limited

RIP wet

RIP dry
PAGE 51

Micafil UTXF 24 (Drysomic)

RBP Bushings

A,B,N humid
after storage
g
C dryed

PAGE 52

New Micafil UTXF 24 RBP Bushings A,B,N Stored Under

Wet Conditions,
Conditions C Dried
DF (f) A, B, C, N Messung bei 20C
6.0%
5.0%

4.0%

humid

3.0%

C
2.0%

1.0%

450.0Hz

400.0Hz

350.0Hz

300.0Hz

250.0Hz

150.0Hz

100.0Hz

50.0Hz

0.0Hz

200.0Hz

dryed

0.0%

PAGE 53

Short Prepared Topic

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North America Region Focus of a lot of Attention

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Common Features of Observed Failures

> Draw-Lead Bushings
g
> Mostly 230 kV rated 750 and 900 kV BIL
> Arcing Marks found between the Draw Lead Cable and the Tube in
the center of the Bushing (Above and Below the Flange)
> Leads Badly Arced and Tubes Internally Marked or had Developed
Holes
> Most Bushings Failed Violently
> Failures Occured within 4 13 y
years of Installation but Main Tank
Gassing Reported within 2 years of Installation
> Mostly Leads Wrapped with Only 20 mils of Cotton Tape
> Occasional Occurrence with Insulated Leads
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Axially Cut Tube with Burned Lead Inside

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Internal Surface of Same Tube Showing Arc Marks

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Burn Marks on the Condenser Core just outside the

Central Tube

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At the Root:
> Accelerated Aging between Lead & Tube
> Lead & Tube Erosion at Power Frequencies
> Significant Tube Heating leading to Accelerated Aging
of the Adjacent Condenser Paper.

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Hypothesized Failure Mechanism

A High Frequency
T
Transient
i t enters
t
the
th top
t
of the bushing
Resulting travelling wave
progresses down the
cable lead and the tube
at slightly different
speeds.
speeds

The wave in the somewhat

faster lead is reflected by the
larger impedance of the
transformer winding &
results in a reflected wave of
polarity
y as original
g
sum of original
g
and reflected wave
the same p
yields a magnitude between 1.0 and 2.0 p.u. of the original
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Hypothesized Failure Mechanism

The wave in the aluminum tube is reflected when it hits the end of
the tube, resulting in a reflected wave of the same magnitude &
polarity as the original wave
magnitude of the resulting wave is
2.0 times the original.
Distance the lead wave has to travel > Distance that the tube wave
has to travel because of additional distance between the bottom of
the bushing & the winding.
Tube wave starts its return before Lead wave returns to the
bottom of the bushing.
Arcing between the cable lead and the tube is initiated when the
voltage difference exceeds the withstand capability of the
insulation & oil film surrounding the lead.

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Hypothesized Failure Mechanism

Gasses from the degradation
g
of the oil film are p
produced by
y the arcing
g
and the arcing is eventually sustained by 60 Hz (power frequency)
current. Erosion between the lead & tube occurs, generating
additional gasses.
G
Gas Level
L
l may rise
i iin the
h T
Tube,
b pushing
hi the
h oilil llevell d
down untilil iit iis
below the level of the arcing site. This reduces the heat carrying
capacity of the system.
When the discharges deposit sufficient carbon & ionozed gasses in
the region to effectively place the lead in conctact with the tube, then
60 Hz current is able to flow, with as much as 50% of the load current
flowing through the tube.
Tube heats to the degree that it starts to degrade the adjacent paper
insulation in the bushing condenser outside the tube.
The entire condenser eventually fails rapidly
rapidly.

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Recommendations
> Periodic DGA Measurements on the Transformer Tank Oil
(Hydrogen Ethane,
(Hydrogen,
Ethane Ethylene,
Ethylene Methane & even Acetylene)
warning of arc erosion w/in the tube.
> A look at the Condenser Oil Gases may give warning of the
deterioration of the Condenser; Vigilance to changes in C1
test results.
> Removal of the Bushings & Adding Insulation to the Draw
Lead
> Add surge capacitors to the bus supplying the transformer
> Increase the Diameter of the Lead
> Wording is to be Added to Transformer/ Bushing Test
Standards to Prevent this Problem from Occuring in the
Future

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Any Questions?
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