Implementing Online Dissolved Gas Analysis
Monitor DGA gas levels, rates, and ratios to get a complete picture of transformer or load tap changer (LTC) health.
There are a number of available options for monitoring transformer health. Our years of experience in Non-Dispersive Infrared (NDIR) and Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) technology with our Andros and Innova brands allowed us to evaluate the benefits of each technology for a DGA solution.
Obtaining transformer and LTC insulating oil samples is a useful, trusted maintenance tool. Since the insulating (mineral) oils contain key gases (Acetylene (C2H2), Ethylene (C2H4), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrogen (H2), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Ethane (C2H6), Oxygen (O2), Nitrogen (N2), and Moisture (RS)) released from decomposition (breakdown), it is a great indicator of transformer health and possible faults.
By consistently measuring the gas concentration or density, utilities can get an accurate picture of what is occurring in the transformer or LTC. Conventional manual methods of obtaining these gas samples and performing gas analysis are periodic and expensive. Real-time monitoring solutions are more proactive and lower cost in the long-term.
Want to learn more about our online SmartDGA solution?
Transformer Failure Happens More Often Than You Think!
Already in 2017, the United States has seen a number of transformer failures (explosions and fires). These include transformer fires in Castle Rock, CO (Feb 6th), Lawrence County, Ohio (Feb 9th), and Waikiki, Hawaii (Feb 12th) and numerous others!
According to our 2012 survey, about 68 % of electric utility companies manually obtain transformer oil samples to measure transformer health every six months to a year. These tests are too far apart to allow for condition-based maintenance and are, most often than not, unable to detect faults before they turn into failures.
While it would be ideal to implement instruments on the entire fleet, there are some transformers specifically in need of constant monitoring:
- Transformers with a lifetime of 30+ years of age (as transformers age, the possibility of faults and failures increases)
- Critical power transformers identified with emerging defects (wait and watch approach)
- Strategic transformers belonging to power generation units
Our Online Dissolved Gas Analysis Solution:
The NDIR-based SmartDGA instrument works in cycles to obtain a sample of oil, detect concentrations (in PPM) of key gases, and record values.
Data obtained from the SmartDGA instrument is then available for review and analysis in the SmartDGA Viewer software. On-site viewing is available via the optional iCore or a laptop computer. Connect the system to a network and view the results and any alerts from anywhere.
DGA Viewer software allows for a number of user configurations including sampling (from every 3 hours to 7 days), alert/alarm levels for gases and ratios, and setup of optional communications (IEC61850, DNP3, Modbus RTU, Modbus TCP/IP).
The complete solution includes the SmartDGA instrument with mounting hardware and 10 m connection cable, the SmartDGA EZHub™ unit to provide power and communications, and the DGA Viewer software for data viewing and analysis.
SmartDGA Instrument
Instrument obtains gas samples and measures 3, 4, or 9 gases while mounted on a transformer valve or inline.
SmartDGA EZHub
Provides power and communications to the SmartDGA instrument. Also handles all interface functions, internal memory, and four relays for gas level, rate, and ratio conditions.
LumaSMART iCore
Optional device that provides a touch screen display for viewing data, enabling additional communications, and additional memory storage.
SmartDGA Software
Software allows for easy installation as well as manage the SmartDGA system and data.
Why SmartDGA
from LumaSense?
LumaSense has developed a cost-effective online monitoring solution based on proven
Flexibility
Online DGA systems lack flexibility and the ability to accurately identify and mitigate faults.
Our SmartDGA solution uses IEEE and industry recommended concepts and principles including Duval Triangle for automated fault identification and alert.
Price
Most DGA monitors are too expensive to support wide-scale deployment, thus limiting the ability to realize a Smart Grid and true condition-based maintenance.
Our SmartDGA solution is affordable - sometimes half the cost of other monitors! No consumables or scheduled calibrations means lower cost.
Up to 9+ Gases
Comprehensive online Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) monitoring and diagnostics to prevent transformer failures.
Our SmartDGA solution is available with 3, 4, and 9 gas instruments, to best match your needs and budget.
Ease-of-Use
Most monitoring technologies are cumbersome to install, maintain and service, leading to a poor overall user experience.
Our SmartDGA solution offers versatile monitoring configurations, including optional inline mounting.
Video: Learn more about the SmartDGA solution
This video highlights the main benefits and features of LumaSense's SmartDGA instruments, specifically why our exclusive composite membrane technology is a robust method for online DGA.
LumaSense Technologies
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Want to learn more about using an online DGA solution?
Fill out the form below and watch the DGA webinar "Practical Online DGA Practices and Applications" on demand!