Reliability Report on Loco Transformers
Reliability Report on Loco Transformers
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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
Report on Reliability
of
Transformer of Three Phase Electric Locomotive
Approved by
EDSE(CO-ORD) Signature
Issued by
Electrical Directorate
Research, Designs and Standards Organisation
Manak Nagar, Lucknow-226011
Status of Revision
Table of contents
1.0 Introduction:
Initially, 33 Nos. of 3-phase drive (11-WAP5, 22-WAG9) locomotives were imported
from M/s ABB/Switzerland (now M/s. Bombardier Transportation) with transfer of
technology. These locomotives had Secheron make main 7500 / 6500 KVA
transformers. When these locomotives were taken up for indigenous production at
CLW, main transformer was got developed through M/s. BHEL, M/s CGL, M/s
BT/India, M/s NGEF & M/s EMCO based on Transfer of Technology (TOT). Later
on, few more sources obtained TOT from CLW. So far, CLW have manufactured
about 89 WAP-5, 700 WAG-9/WAG9H and 279 WAP-7 (passenger version of WAG9)
locomotives; majority of which have been provided with indigenously manufactured
traction transformers supplied by TOT partners.
• It has very high impedance between primary & traction windings to satisfy
operational requirements
1. Transformer tank:
Transformer tank :
Material : Aluminium
Colour : RAL-7009
Weight : 966 kg
4.0 Background:
The transformer must never be lifted without its lid. Lifting points are welded to the
side of the tank for this purpose. The rope should be attached on these lifting
points as described in figure shown below. The ropes should never make a smaller
angle than = 60° with the horizontal, otherwise there is a danger that the tank
will distort.
If for any reason, the transformer needs to be supported on a point, then it should
only be supported on the indicated areas shown by the arrows in the figure given
below.
5.4.4 Labels:
If stickers need to be added then they should be stuck on separate plates. The
plates should then be tied to the transformer using strings (no wire).
5.5.1Checks
According to the atmospheric conditions, the oil level and the silica gel in the
breather should be checked every 6 months.
5.5.3 Breather
If more than half of the silica gel is saturated (moisturized), then it must be
completely replaced. The old silica gel may be regenerated. The transformer must
not stay longer than 3 hours without functional breather.
Basic diagnosis of DGA is based upon the quantity of gases generated. Types of
gases in excess norms produced by oil decomposition/cellulosic material
depends upon the hot spot temperature produced by faults. Characteristics
gases associated with various faults are as under:-
Table: 2
S. No. Dissolved gases. Associated faults.
The contents of various dissolved gases in the transformer oil vary with design
and operating conditions. It is desirable that the values of concentration of
gases of healthy transformers of different age groups are to be gathered by the
Railways concerned to evolve suitable norms. However, as a starting point, the
permissible concentrations of dissolved gases in the oil of a healthy transformer
are given below as guidelines:
Table: 3
Gas Less than 4 years 4-10 years in More than 10 years
in service (ppm) service (ppm) in service (ppm)
Based on the failure analysis and discussion with M/s ABB and M/s BHEL, it
was concluded that DGA was found high due to reasons of core heating,
circulating current in earthing shunt or overheating of clamping structure. In
order to eliminate these failures, following modifications had been identified for
implementation. Further based on the positive results of these modifications, it
was decided to implement these modifications in all the transformers
supplied/repaired by the manufacturers. The details of modifications are given
below:
7.2.1 Due to less cooling of outer (last) core packet, heating marks had been
observed as shown in figure-11 leading to abnormal DGA cases.
Figure 11: Heating mark observed on the core due to less cooling.
In order to improve cooling, it was decided to remove the side wedges of outer
(last) core packet in all the transformers to be manufactured/repaired.
Following Figure-12 shows the details of modification to be carried out. After
implementing this modification, such type of cases has not been reported.
Wedges provided
7.2.3 In order to block the circulating current between reactive active part and
tank it was decided to use of insulating washer as per details given in Figure
14 in the fixation of reactor and tank to improve isolation between reactor
active part & tank.
7.2.4 The circulation of induced current in the centre tie rod had resulted into
heating of the centre tie rod as well as centering pin of the transformer
leading to abnormal DGA cases. The failure mode is shown in following
figure-15.
Sign of overheating
(a) Use of 2 mm fibre glass insulating tube on the centering pin and 2 mm
insulation sheet of pre-compressed board/Nomex board between the
centering pin and tank bottom as per details given in figure 16. For this,
existing diameter of centering pin is to be reduced from 45 mm to 41 mm.
Detail procedure is explained as follows:
Step 1 Reduce the diameter of the insert pin to 41mm by machining the
existing pin:
Figure 16
Figure 17
Step3: Nomex paper introduced to insulate the bottom part of the pin in addition
to fibre glass tube to insulate the pin.
Figure 18
7.3 Clamping studs fitted in the bottom side of transformer (GOD/SOD Reactor
side) has two earthing leads going from the clamps - one to bottom side tie-
rod and the other to top side tie-rod. It was noticed that overheating of the
stud (M16 x 160) due to circulating current passing through the stud.
Hence, it was decided to change the location of both the earthings to one
(single) clamp only. This had ensured proper earthing and avoid chances of
current flowing through the stud.
Figure 21: Crimping along with brazing for jointing of cable lugs with
earthing cables.
7.4 Additional issues: It has also been found that abnormal DGA is caused
due to looseness of earthing connected to the centre tie rod of the clamping
arrangement. Hence care should be taken to properly tighten the earthing
connection.
Figure 22
Figure 23
7.5 It has also been noticed that if proper earthing externally to the tank (see
below) is not ensured then circulating current inside the transformer will
find a path and shall lead to failure hence proper earthing external to the
transformer also needs to be ensured. Also, it may be noted that where ever
any paint is applied at the point of earthing, same should be removed by
proper cleaning before making earth connection because it acts as insulation
while flowing earth current.
Figure 24
7.6 Oil leakage from the transformer bushings and covers in 3-phase
locomotives
While the traction transformers imported from OEM had given satisfactory
service, the indigenous transformers supplied by ToT partners had given
problem of oil leakage from the transformer bushings and cover. Problem
was studied and it was noted to be due to non-standard type of gaskets / „O‟
rings used by manufacturers in assembly. To prevent the problem, a
Technical Circular No. ELRS/TC/0076, Rev’0’ was issued by RDSO
specifying the manufactures and type of gaskets to be provided on bushings,
, top cover and bushing plates of transformers.
However, the problem of oil leakage had been again reported by Railways.
The matter was investigated by RDSO and the majority cases of oil leakage
reported were due to
On the subject issue, RDSO had interacted with M/s ABB, India and M/s
ABB/Secheron, the OEM of these transformers who had conducted a quality
audit of their unit at Vadodara. Based on their global experience, ABB
Secheron had recommended the use of NBR (Nitrile) gaskets at location* B &
C (SKEL-4663, Alt.1 placed at page 22 of this report) in place of NEBAR
gaskets. RDSO had further discussed the matter with all the transformer
manufacturers including M/s ABB and it had been considered to use NBR
(Nitrile) gasket for bushing gaskets at location „B‟ and HNBR gasket for
bushing gaskets at location „C‟ with high temperature withstand capacity in
place of existing NEBAR gaskets. Accordingly, the requisite changes have
The bushings used for different applications in the transformers for 3-phase
locomotives are given in Table-4 as follows:-
Table 4
TYPE OF BUSHING APPLICATION TERMINALS
DT 3/2000 Traction Bushings 2u1-2v1, 2u2-2v2, 2u3-2v3, 2u4-
2v4,
SOD Bushings X11-X12, X21-X22
Table 5
Bushing Location
Type A B C D E
DT NITRILE NITRILE HNBR NBC NBC
1/250 Ø 22/12x11 Ø 29/14x3 Ø 50/28x4 Ø 50/28x2 Ø 45/25x2
DT NITRILE NITRILE HNBR NBC NBC
1/2000 Ø 59/42x18 Ø 76/44x3 Ø 104/70x4 Ø 104/70x3 Ø 90/63x3
DT NITRILE NITRILE HNBR NBC NBC
3/630 Ø 32/20x13 Ø 41/22x3 Ø 70/45x4 Ø 70/45x2 Ø 63/40x2
DT NITRILE NITRILE HNBR NBC NBC
3/2000 Ø 59/42x18 Ø 76/44x3 Ø 104/70x4 Ø 104/70x3 Ø 90/63x3
In order to prevent oil leakage from transformer cover gaskets as well as from the
two bushing plate gaskets, it is necessary to use joint less gaskets as per details
given in Table-6 Below. The sources of supply are indicated in Technical Circular
No. ELRS/TC/0076, Rev‟1‟.
Table: 6
Location Qty. Material Single With overlap Dia. Ref. IS /
piece joint ‘S’ BS
Tank 01 Nitrile 8035 ± 8035 ± 10 + 16mm BS : 2751-
Cover (nitrile 10 mm „C’ (44) mm = 2001
rubber 8079 ± 10
vulcanized mm
butadiene)
Bushing 02 Nitrile 3930 ± 3930 ± 10 + 07mm BS : 2751-
Covers (nitrile 10 mm „C’ (20) mm = 2001
rubber 3950 ± 10
vulcanized mm
butadiene)
In order to avoid crushing of oil compartment gasket, the material of gasket has
been specified and shall be used as per details given in Table-7 below. The sources
of supply are also indicated in Technical Circular No. ELRS/TC/0076, Rev‟1‟.
Table 7: Oil Compartment gaskets
SN Description of Drg. No. Ref. IS/BS/ Unit Qty
gasket Material Per set
1. 450 x 1744 x 6 HSTN104275P0001 FPM (Viton) No. 4
2. 80 x 421 x 6 HSTN424015P0001 Ref. IS:3400 No. 4
(ii) All the failed transformers, whether under warranty or not, should be
inspected jointly by manufacturer and the concerned Railways and joint
note made in each case. This will help in analyzing the type wise failures
leading to identification of remedial measures.
(iii) The instructions elaborated in clause 7.0 have already been issued by RDSO
to manufacturers, however, Zonal Railways should closely monitor the
progress of implementation and the performance of the modified
transformers. Zonal Railways should ensure that these steps are being taken
by manufacturers during repair of transformers as well. This may be verified
during consignee inspection.
(v) Proper records regarding cut in serial no. of a transformer with certain
improvement measures, affect of change in manufacturing process etc.
should be maintained to ensure traceability.
(viii) It may be noted that special facilities are required to be developed for
storage of the nitrile gaskets by manufacturers in consultation with M/s
Nu-cork/M/s Bosco, the supplier of gaskets/‟O‟ rings of 3-ph transformers.
It shall also be ensured by manufacturers that the gaskets/‟0‟ rings
procured should be used well within the expiry date of these gaskets so that
their properties do not change with the passage of time.
(ix) In order to improve quality, it is recommended that CLW should verify the
availability of M&P and Testing facilities as stipulated in Schedule of
Technical Requirement (STR). At the same time Quality Assurance Plan may
also be verified ensuring that the actions suggested in this report have been
included in the QAP.
Annexure-I
1. Special Maintenance Instructions:
S. No. SMI No. Title Date of
issue
1. ELRS/SMI/0228 Assembly of electrical terminations of 06.08.02
traction winding bushings 2u1_2v1,
2u2_2v2, 2u2_2v3, 2u4_2v4 in
indigenously
manufactured transformers type
lot_6500/lot_7500 used in 3phase drive
locomotives type WAG9/WAP5
2. SMI/249 Rev ‟0‟ Test procedure, Lower limit and process 28.11.07
of adding inhibitor in transformer oil of
inservice traction transformer
2. Modification Sheets:
S. No. MS No. Title Date of
issue
1. RDSO/2014/EL/MS/043 Removal of shorting link provided at c- 12.03.14
2/Rev‟0‟ d terminal of over current relay of 3-
ph locomotives.
3. Technical Circulars:
REFERENCES:
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