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.
With between 15 - 30% of all transformer failures being attributed to bushings, it is important that they are continuously monitored. To monitor bushings there are 2 key methods: thermal and electrical.
Electrical method
It is now widely accepted in the industry that the electrical method is the best and most reliable option. This process requires connecting to the test tap of the bushing using a tap adapter.
Now...onto the Tap Adaptor
At Camlin Energy we understand the key concerns facing asset managers, with safety being a critical concern. We took the decision to manufacture our tap adapters in-house giving us full control over the design and manufacturing process. Our tap adapter development was focused on resolving the key issue of operator safety.
Did you know? Since 2015 we have installed more than 2000 tap adapter for bushing monitoring!
We have listened to our customers and partners regarding concerns in connection to the bushings of their transformers. With safety being a number 1 priority, we have engineered our tap adapter to address customer concerns over operator, safety, whilst ensuring efficient monitoring of this vital asset.
Electrical design considerations
It is critical to guarantee that the test tap is safely grounded to ensure it does not become floating. We therefore implemented electronics, protections and contacts to guarantee the safe grounding.
To enhance the electronic circuitry, we included:
2 x Resistors – ensuring safe output voltage during connection interruptions
2 x Metal Oxide Varistors - protecting electronic circuitry against transient voltages
2 x 90V Gas Discharge Tubes - limits output signals during surges
What if the measuring impedance fails?
The redundancy protection combined with the over-rating criteria for the components makes this scenario almost impossible. In the unlikely event that one of the measuring impedances were to fail, the TOTUS monitoring system would activate an alarm.
What if there is a break in the cable connection?
The internal tap adapter impedances protect against any leakages current flow to ground should the signal cable be accidentally damaged or severed. If a leakage were to occur, the operator would be notified by a malfunction alarm from TOTUS. Additionally, to ensure the safety of operators, the tap adapter is designed to guarantee the voltage tis maintained <1Vrms. .
Mechanical design considerations
The initial mechanical design concept plan was to split assembly into two components; the head and the body in order to:
Prioritize attention on the bushing tap thread during installation
Enable a simple process for the Offline Test Tool application
Facilitate existing component refurbishment when bushing replacements are required
Tap Adapter Head
The tap adapter head acts as a mechanical connection point between the bushings and the electronic circuitry. To ensure the successful design and installation of components, every site undergoes a detailed evaluation to determine the specific mechanical requirements, defining the applicable design. The sealing of the adapter head is designed to replicate the original bushing cap.
Tap Adapter Body
To ensure optimal monitoring, it is important that thee tap adapter body is located as close as possible to the bushing because it contains the important electronic circuitry. A key element of the design is focused on all the sealing components of the adapter body, in particular, ensuring the sealing elements are protected from UV exposure and water ingress.
The Harting connector is the signal cable, plug and play connection point designed to eliminate two key issues:
Water ingress – a strong cable gland and additional heat shrink cover secure the connection from moisture
Mechanical strength – the metal structure of the connector provides optimal strength against torque and rotational movement
The Camlin Energy test tap adapter is rated as IP67
An additional feature is a transparent viewing window on the tap adapter body. This enables verification of the installation by confirming the internal shaft is in contact with the bushing tap pin.
Offline Test Tool
Offline testing is an important procedure, even for those who have adopted online monitoring. Access to perform offline testing, therefore, is a key requirement of the design. Our offline test tool has been developed in order to work safely in conjunction with the tap adapter, thus, enabling routine offline bushing tests to be conducted safely without removing the overall device.
