Transformers-conditioning monitoring by oil analysis large or small; contentment or catastrophe

Condition monitoring can prevent unplanned outages and catastrophic failure in power transformers. It allows ageing of the plant to be monitored and therefore controlled and possibly predicted and extended. It assists in permitting cyclic loading to beyond its nameplate rating. The author discusses on-line and off-line condition monitoring techniques. Oil analysis techniques are discussed including water content of paper/oil system and dissolved gas analysis.