What is the function of breather and explosion vent in the power transformer?

If there is enough pressure in lower diaphragm and is not reduced, the upper diaphragm then bursts out to give way to release the inside pressure of transformer tank by thronging out oil and gases. In this way, explosion vent of transformer prevents mechanical damage to transformer tank.

What causes transformer to explode?

The most common reason why transformers explode and burn is accidents caused by lightning strikes. Lightning strikes can often damage the wiring and transformer equipment. Other extreme weather conditions such as strong winds and rains can cause trees to fall on transformers, causing explosions.

What is the purpose of breather in transformer?

A breather is an accessory of liquid-immersed power transformers attached to the conservator tank. They serve as the breathing point of the transformer. The breather contains silica gel crystals which have a tremendous capacity of absorbing moisture.

How do you release air from a transformer?

Air release plug is normally provided on the tank cover for transformer with conservator. Space is provided in the plug which allows air to be escaped without removing the plug fully from the seat. Plug should be unscrewed till air comes out from cross hole and as soon as oil flows out it should be closed.

What is explosion relief venting?

Explosion relief consists in taking out explosion effects (mainly pressure), through a venting system, outside the protected device. As a result, the pressure inside the device is reduced to a safe level.

Why is silica gel used in transformers?

The main function of silica gel is to control the amount of moisture available within a breather transformer. They are used to prevent any extra moisture from entering the transformer which may bring forth many unnecessary damaging effects to the transformer.

What happens if a transformer explodes?

Failed transformers can be extremely dangerous and should only be handled by an experienced technician. A blown transformer can often result in fires or downed power lines containing large voltages which can easily cause electrocution.

Do all transformers have breathers?

Do All Transformers Have Breathers? Not every oil immersed transformer requires breather and conservator tanks. Breathers are required for transformers which are connected to load, as the varying load causes oil to expand and contract in the breathing in and out process.

What is conservator and breather in transformer?

Atmoseal Type Conservator In this type conservator of transformer, an air cell made of NBR material is fitted inside the conservator reservoir. The silica gel breather is connected at the top of this air cell. The oil level in the power transformer rises and falls according to this air cell deflated and inflated.

Why do transformers have explosion vents?

The purpose of the explosion vent in a transformer is to prevent damage of the transformer tank be releasing any excessive pressure generated inside the transformer.

What are the different types of explosion vents?

There are four main types of explosion vents:

• Round.
• Square.
• Rectangular.
• Domed (able to withstand extreme vacuums so that they won’t implode)

What is an explosion suppression system?

Explosion suppression systems are designed to suppress or extinguish an explosion or deflagration at its onset, reducing pressure buildup that would rupture a process vessel or conveying duct.

What material is filled in breather of transformer?

silica gel
The breather is used in the transformer to filter out the moisture from the air. Breather consists of silica gel which absorbs moisture from the air.

Why Buchholz relay is used?

The Buchholz relay is used as a protective device sensitive to the effects of dielectric failure inside the equipment. A generic designation for this type of device is “gas detector relay”.

What does it sound like when a transformer blows?

When a transformer fails, it will usually result in a loud boom, a power outage, and a fireball that creates a large plume of smoke.

What material is filled in the breather?

Breather consists of silica gel which absorbs moisture from the air.

What is a Buchholz relay in a transformer?

Buchholz relay is a safety device which is generally used in large oil immersed transformers (rated more than 500 kVA). It is a type of oil and gas actuated protection relay.

What is the use of Buchholz relay and breather?

Buchholz relay is used for the protection of transformers from the faults occurring inside the transformer. Short circuit faults such as inter turn faults, incipient winding faults, and core faults may occur due to the impulse breakdown of the insulating oil or simply the transformer oil.

How does explosion vent work?

The explosion vent opens at a specified pressure, dictated by the type of vent equipped by the vessel. The explosion vent limits the stress on the vessel and allows it to maintain structural integrity. The pressure is released and the fireball escapes through the vent into a safe area outside the facility.

How explosion vent of transformer prevents mechanical damage to transformer tank?

If even after brushing the lower diaphragm, there is enough pressure and is not reduced, the upper diaphragm then bursts out to give way to release the inside pressure of transformer tank by thronging out oil and gases. In this way, explosion vent of transformer prevents mechanical damage to the transformer tank.

What is an explosion vent pipe?

This is nothing but a bent pipe with thin aluminium diaphragms at both ends. A wire mesh is provided at lower end of the explosion vent to prevent the pieces of rutted diaphragm from entering the tank. A wire mesh is also provided at upper end of vent pipe to protect mechanical damages of upper diaphragm.

What are explosion vents and relief panels?

Silos, process vessels, and bucket elevators needing explosion protection to reduce the damage caused by a dust explosion may be fitted with explosion vents or relief panels.

What is an explosion vent on a dust collector?

All dust collectors (bag, envelope bag, or cartridge style), receivers, and vacuum units, after the dust is tested and analyzed, may be fitted with explosion vents as a means of explosion protection. Usually, vents are the least expensive solution.