8 factors to consider before

selecting a transformer

1. In what environment will the

transformer operate?

Transformers are placed in some of the most diverse and

extreme conditions. With heat, moisture and salinity, every
application is different. For example, many LNG plants are
located near oceans in a corrosive atmosphere of salty air and
high temperatures. Transformers operating in these
environments require stable paint applications that are specially
made to combat corrosion. As another example, fumes from
chemical process industries in the vicinity can cause
environmental concerns.

2. What operations will the

transformer perform?

Transformers in oil and gas installations are used mostly for

processing, transportation and liquefaction, but they also
perform smaller tasks such as powering lights in a remote
location. The type needed depends on its use. Applications range
from simple power transformations to complex ones for onerous
duty requirements.
3. What size is needed?

The power transfer ratings and characteristics of each unit

depend on the load handling conditions. Applications and loads
define the specifications and therefore the characteristics to
design and build. Normally, a bouquet of sizes and ratings are
involved in any large oil and gas processing system.

4. Is a dry or liquid-type
required?

Two distinct types of transformers exist with subcategories for

both. The liquid type are insulated and cooled, typically with
mineral oil, and the dry type are cooled by air or gas. Both may
be needed, depending on the operation.

For example, fire prevention is more important for liquid-type

units because they have a higher risk of catching on fire.
Depending on the application, liquid-filled transformers could
require a containment trough for protection against possible
leaks. When choosing transformers, the changeover point
between dry types and liquid types is approximately 2.5 mega
volt ampere, with dry types used for the lower ratings and liquid
types for higher ratings. Also, consider whether the transformer
will be installed outside or inside because liquid types are the
predominant choice for outdoor applications.

5. What protection level should

be specified?

Transformers are expensive investments requiring a number of

safeguards to keep them running efficiently. These include high-
corrosion resistance on the exterior paint, hot-dipped galvanized
radiators, industry standards for enclosure protection, trip and
alarm functions for temperature and pressure control, and oil
and pressure level monitoring. Some transformers include real-
time, constant health monitoring during critical operation.

6. Is the transformer in a remote

location or easily accessible?

Any large operation, including LNG plants, has transformers in

remote locations and some that are easily accessible. The type of
transformer needed — and the protection it has — will depend
on the unit’s accessibility.

7. What accessories should be

included?

Like any major capital investment, a host of accessories should

be considered depending on the transformer’s use. These include
a liquid level gage, pressure relief device, sudden pressure relay,
liquid temperature gauge, winding temperature gauge, pressure
and vacuum gauge, protection current transformers, lightning
arrestors, electronic temperature monitoring, basler relay and
neutral grounding resistors.

8. Does the transformer adhere to

regulations?

Stringent customers seek transformers that conform to the

Department of Energy’s 2016 efficiency requirements and to
international standards from organizations such as the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, American National
Standards Institute, the National Electrical Manufacturers
 Association, ASTM International, and Underwriters
Laboratories.

Conclusion

As with any large purchase, cost often determines the decision

without considering the long-term economics, particularly when
engineering, procurement and construction managers and
electrical contractors oversee the selection. Purchasing
transformers is such an important business decision that it
should involve a number of decision makers who consider all the
questions discussed in this article.

How is Voltage Drop Study and Analysis Done?

There are two methods by which voltage drop study and analysis can be
done:
 Manual
 ETAP

Manual Voltage Drop Study and Analysis

Ohm’s Law Method – Single-Phase Only

Voltage drop of the circuit conductors is calculated by multiplying the

complete resistance of the circuit conductors by the current through the
circuit:
VD = I x R
I = Load in amperes
R = Resistance of the conductor
This method cannot be used for 3 phase circuits.
Voltage Drop Using the Formula Method

The voltage drop of circuit with already installed conductors can be

calculated by:
VD = 2 * K * Q * I * D/CM – Single Phase
VD = 1.732 * K * Q * I * D/CM – Three Phase
VD = Volts Dropped
K = Direct Current Constant
Q = Alternating Current Adjustment Factor’
I = Amperes
D = Distance
CM = Circular-Mils

Electrical Transient Analyzer Programming (ETAP):

Since 1970s, ETAP has been a significant designing podium utilised for
designing, analysing, and optimising electrical power systems. ETAP is a
completely assimilated Electrical software solutions comprising of load flow,
arc flash, short circuit and more. Its flexible performance makes it apt for
all companies in any shape or form.
Operation Technology, Inc. is the developer of ETAP, the most wide-ranging
analysis software for the simulation, design, operation, control, monitoring
and automation of power systems. ETAP is the industry leader used
worldwide in all types and sizes of power systems such as manufacturing, oil
and gas, steel, mining, cement, and more.
We can approximate the voltage drop along a circuit as:
Vdrop= |Vs| – |Vr| ≈ IR·R + IX·X
Where, Vdrop= voltage drop along the feeder
R= line resistance
X= line reactance
IR= line current due to real power flow (in phase with the voltage)
IX= line current due to reactive power flow (90°out of phase with the
voltage)
The biggest fault happens under leading power factor and heavy current.
The approximation has an error less than 1% for an angle between the
sending and receiving end voltages.
This estimation brings two crucial factors about voltage drop into the
light:
Resistive load: At large power factors, the voltage drop is related directly to
the resistance of the conductors. The resistance plays a crucial role, even
though the resistance is generally less than the reactance.
Reactive load: At medium or small power factors, the voltage drop relates
mostly to the reactance of the conductors. Because the reactance is usually
larger than the resistance, the reactive load causes most of the voltage
drop. Poor power factor significantly increases voltage drop.