At Camlin we’re engineering better futures. We want tomorrow to be better than today. For our customers. For their customers. For our own people. And for the wider world around us.
At Camlin we’re engineering better futures. We want tomorrow to be better than today. For our customers. For their customers. For our own people. And for the wider world around us.
Transformers play a critical role in the reliable distribution of power generation across the energy infrastructure. Whilst many believe that transformer risk begins when a transformer is in active service, it starts at the purchasing stage, at the very beginning of the asset lifecycle, during the specification, design, and manufacture.
During the purchasing stage, it is important to carefully consider key factors including the standards the manufacturer's factory adheres to alongside the specification and design. Utilizing expert support during the early stages of the lifecycle can help improve risk management and mitigate costly downtime once the transformer is operational in the field.
As the global shortage of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) continues to rise, many energy companies struggle with limited in-house expertise. Partnering with a company that can offer this specialized support is invaluable. Access to experts who understand the latest industry standards and quality requirements, support you in making informed decisions across the new transformer purchase process.
New transformer purchase: Laying the foundations for long-term reliability
Importance of Factory Audits
Managing transformer risk starts at the very beginning. With the support of experts, it is possible to perform OEM factory audits to validate the vendor and facility ensuring they meet the international quality standards required to build the transformer. This includes evaluating operational processes, quality management processes, and the materials used. It is well-documented that using poor-quality materials is one of the leading causes of unplanned transformer failures.
Getting the Specification Right First Time
The specification is one of the most important elements to consider. This stage defines the operational, safety and efficiency needs, critical for the long-term reliability of the asset. Engaging with experts with deep technical knowledge, aligned with an understanding of the application and customer needs can ensure the successful implementation of the transformer, enhancing reliability and maximizing asset life.
During this stage, experts work closely with customers to review their specifications and provide a detailed rating score on the key components specified, to meet their requirements. This ranges from power ratings, high or low voltage, cooling system requirements, and the bushings and windings system. Careful consideration ensures seamless installation, low-risk maintenance and maximized performance once the transformer is in active service.
Designing for Long-Term Reliability
Effective transformer design includes rigorous testing to confirm it is fit-for-purpose and operationally reliable and safe to be installed in the field. The role of the expert is to review the design and identify any potential deficiencies. Calculations are performed to determine stress levels and temperature limitations in the transformer windings. This gives companies purchasing a new transformer peace of mind; that the highest safety standards are applied; risk is managed and unplanned outages or failures are mitigated.
Conclusion
Managing transformer risk requires proactive planning right from day one, even a single day of transformer failure can lead to significant financial and operational consequences. That’s why ensuring reliability at every stage of the asset lifecycle from procurement, through to the end of the asset’s life is crucial. With a global shortage of SME’s, many companies now need partners with expertise to guide them through the complexities of transformer selection, design, and lifecycle management.
Camlin Energy’s Asset Performance Team offers expert educational and consultancy services from new transformer purchase, and continuous supervision to end-of-life condition assessments. We work to help customers mitigate risks and make informed decisions to optimize asset health and performance for long-term success.
Our specialist team, of in-house industry experts, is backed by decades of experience in asset design, reliability, and diagnostics that is leveraged to empower customers to make informed strategic decisions, crucial for safeguarding their assets and networks.
Supporting FINERGE with Expert Services.
Discover more Finerge partnered with Camlin Energy to enhance their renewable project resilience with our expert services in our latest case study.
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