DryKeep® is a very cost effective solution to moisture removal in power transformers. It is a continuous on-line, non-invasive system that gradually removes the moisture not just from the oil, but also from the paper insulation. Other methods in use today rely on rapid drying of the oil and possibly a partial removal of moisture from the cellulose. Soon after removal of their system to another tra
nsformer, the moisture always builds up again. DryKeep was designed by a major electric utility that recognized the value of continuously removing moisture from the cellulose insulation. Utilities throughout the world are facing the ever-increasing problem of managing aging substation transformers that are fast approaching the end of their service life, all at a time of increasing demands to use assets to their fullest while maintaining system reliability with fewer personnel and reduced financial resources. Power transformers are the most important and generally the most expensive piece of equipment in a substation. The failure and loss of a power transformer is catastrophic causing service disruption, loss of revenue, potential damage to adjacent equipment, public safety risk, and extremely high replacement costs. The cellulose insulation is the one component of a power transformer that will degrade with age and cannot be replaced without considerable cost and loss of service. The main factors that contribute to the degradation of the cellulose insulation are moisture, temperature, and oxygen. Moisture in a transformer's insulation system causes the molecular chains of the cellulose to decompose, which speeds up the aging process of the cellulose and adversely affects the tensile strength and dielectric properties of the insulation, leading to premature failure. Until fairly recently, it was assumed that the only source of moisture was ingress from the ambient air surrounding the transformer due to leaking bushings, gaskets and seals. However, moisture builds up internally even in a completely sealed transformer as moisture is a by-product of the degradation of the cellulose insulation. Installing DryKeep® on all of your power transformers will permanently remove the moisture from the oil and cellulose insulation which in turn will:
- Slow the aging of the transformer.
- Increase the dielectric strength of the insulation system.
- Increase service reliability and safety.
- Lower costs and capital requirements.
- Extend the life of and maximize the value of this expensive asset.
