Standard

Title:

ANALOGUE OIL AND

WINDING TEMPERATURE
GAUGES FOR
TRANSFORMERS AND
REACTORS

Technology

Unique Identifier:

240-56063843

Alternative Reference Number:

N/A

Area of Applicability:

Engineering

Documentation Type:

Standard

Revision:

Total Pages:

Next Review Date:

July 2017

Disclosure Classification:

CONTROLLED
DISCLOSURE

Compiled by

Functional Responsibility

Authorised by

..

..

..

A Smit

Sidwell Mtetwa

Roger Cormack

Senior Advisor Western

Grid - Tx

Corporate Specialist
Transformers and Reactors

Power Delivery Engineering

HV Plant Senior Manager

Date:

Date:

Date:
Supported by SCOT

..
Bheki Ntshangase
SCOT PE SC Chair
Date:

ESKOM COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure/Confidential

ANALOGUE OIL AND WINDING TEMPERATURE GAUGES FOR
TRANSFORMERS AND REACTORS

Unique Identifier:

240-56063843

Revision:

Page:

2 of 8

Content
Page
Revision history ................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 4
1
Scope ......................................................................................................................................... 4
2
Definitions and abbreviations ..................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Abbreviations ................................................................................................................... 4
3
Requirements ............................................................................................................................. 4
3.1 General............................................................................................................................. 5
3.2 Environmental Conditions ................................................................................................ 5
3.3 Corrosion Protection ........................................................................................................ 5
3.4 Probe Construction and Capillary Length ........................................................................ 5
3.5 Oil Temperature Measurement ........................................................................................ 6
3.6 Winding Temperature Measurement ............................................................................... 6
3.7 Remote Temperature Monitoring ..................................................................................... 7
3.8 Alarm, Control and Tripping Contacts .............................................................................. 7
3.9 Temperature Range and Display ..................................................................................... 7
3.10 Documentation and Packaging ........................................................................................ 7
3.11 Technical Evaluation and Final Approval ......................................................................... 7

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Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure/Confidential

ANALOGUE OIL AND WINDING TEMPERATURE GAUGES FOR
TRANSFORMERS AND REACTORS

Unique Identifier:

240-56063843

Revision:

Page:

3 of 8

Revision history
This revision cancels and replaces revision no 1 of document no. TSP41-620.
Date

Rev.

Compiled
By

Aug 2013

A Smit

Clause

Remarks

Clause no. Document revised to cater for Gx, Tx and Dx

requirements

Acceptance
Name
R Cormack
Sidwell Mtetwa
Calvin Bongwe
Carl Wolmarans
Adesh Singh
B J Ramcharan
Peter Busch
Lionel Jordaan
Goldstone Mungwe
Mpumelelo Khumalo
Thabang Liphoto
Annalie Lombard
L Jordaan

This document has been seen and accepted by:

Designation
Power Delivery Engineering (High Voltage Plant PDE Senior Manager)
Corporate Specialist (Transformers and Reactors PDE)
Senior Technologist (Northern Grid)
Carl Wolmarans (Assistant Engineer PDE)
Chief Engineer (Transformers and Reactors PDE)
Senior Advisor (KZN OU)
Senior Consultant (PDE)
Senior Consultant (Transformers GBE)
Engineer (Generation Engineering)
Chief Engineer (Generation Engineering)
Senior Technician (RT&D)
Corporate Specialist (RT&D)
Senior Consultant Transformers
Fleet Technology Generation Business Engineering

Peter Busch

Senior Consultant

Adesh Singh

Chief Engineer (Transformers and Reactors HV PDE)

Nkosinathi Buthelezi

Senior Consultant (Transformers and Reactors HV PDE)

Michael Ngubane

Senior Technologist (Transformers and Reactors HV PDE)

Calvin Bongwe

Senior Technologist (Northern grid)

Willie Liebenberg

Senior Advisor (Freestate grid)

Andries Smit

Senior Advisor (Western grid)

Wessel Benecke

Work Manager (Rotek)

Retief Snyman

Senior Advisor (Quality)

Goldstone Mungwe

Engineer (Generation Engineering)

Kevin Bosch

Quality Engineering

Nad Moodley

Chief Engineer (Peaking Generation)

Mpumelelo Khumalo

Chief Engineer (Generation Engineering)

Annalie Lombard

Corporate Specialist (RT&D)

Vuyile Kula

Senior Advisor (Southern Grid, WG Leader)

B J Ramcharan

Senior Advisor (Dx , KZN operating unit)

Steven Da Silva

Senior Advisor (Dx Commodity Sourcing)

Adesh Singh
Bheki Ntshangase

Chief Engineer (Transformer and Reactors HV PDE)

Grid Manager - North East Grid (SCOT PE SC Chairperson)

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Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure/Confidential

ANALOGUE OIL AND WINDING TEMPERATURE GAUGES FOR
TRANSFORMERS AND REACTORS

Unique Identifier:

240-56063843

Revision:

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This document shall apply throughout Eskom Holdings Limited, its divisions, subsidiaries and entities
wherein Eskom has a controlling interest.

Development team
B J Ramcharan, Andries Smit, Oupa Fokazi, Sidwell Mtetwa, Willie Liebenberg, Calvin Bongwe, Michael
Ngubane, Peter Busch, Ephraim Mbokodo, Vuyile Kula, Carl Wolmarans & Adesh Singh.

Introduction
Oil temperature indicators (OTIs) and winding temperature indicators (WTIs) are fitted to transformers to
measure the oil and winding temperatures. The indicators do not only display the temperature but are also
used to start / stop forced cooling, provide high temperature alarm and trip signalling.

Scope

This specification covers the technical requirements for the selection and purchase of temperature gauges
fitted to Transformers and Reactors. The purpose of this document is to ensure that the requirements of
these gauges are standardised within Eskom during the procurement stage.
This document shall be used as a minimum requirement for the purchase and selection of temperature
gauges fitted to transformers and reactors.

Temperature gauges fitted to new Transformers and Reactors

Temperature gauges fitted to in-service Transformers and Reactors

Temperature gauges purchased as Spare Parts

Definitions and abbreviations

2.1

Abbreviations

m:

Metre

mm/s:

Millimetre per second

UV

Ultra violet

kV

Kilo volts

Degrees Celsius

MVA

Mega Volt Ampere

OTI

Oil temperature indicator

WTI

Winding temperature indicator

Requirements
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Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure/Confidential

ANALOGUE OIL AND WINDING TEMPERATURE GAUGES FOR
TRANSFORMERS AND REACTORS

3.1

Unique Identifier:

240-56063843

Revision:

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General

The instrument shall be mounted in the Marshalling Kiosk, where this is provided, otherwise, by means of an
approved anti-vibration mounting on the transformer tank or separate stand. Stainless steel anti-vibration
mountings and fasteners shall be used. Rubber or plastic mountings are not acceptable.
Sight glasses shall be tempered glass.
Expected design life of the OTIs and WTIs shall match the design life of a transformer, at least 40 years.

3.2

Environmental Conditions

Outdoor installation
Altitude above sea level 1800 m
Ambient temperatures

Maximum

+ 40C

Yearly average

+ 30C

Minimum

10C

Average relative humidity 100%

Solar radiation 1.2 kW/m
Atmospheric UV radiation - High
Seismic conditions at a minimum of 3g.

3.3

Corrosion Protection

Corrosion shall be eliminated by the use, wherever possible, of non-corrodible materials, and by avoiding the
contact of dissimilar metals.
All fasteners shall be stainless steel grade 304 or better. Electro galvanising or electro plating is not
acceptable. All capillaries shall be protected from external damage by using stainless steel spiral covering
that extends from the gauge to the probe.
The complete casing shall be ventilated and have a protection class of IP55. Nitrile rubber shall be used as
sealing material for O rings and flat rubber seals.
Each instrument shall be provided with at least 2 compression type glands for fitting control wiring. Cable
entry shall be from the bottom of the instrument casing. Stoppers shall be provided to block the gland holes
when not in use.
Thread lubrication shall be applied to all threaded areas on bolts, studs and screws. Any good quality high
temperature grease is acceptable.

3.4

Probe Construction and Capillary Length

3.4.1 Transformers and Reactors < 1 MVA(r)

The connection between the probe and fitting shall provide an effective seal to keep water from entering the
pocket.
Each temperature probe shall be supplied with 20 mm male threaded fitting. All fittings shall be
manufactured from stainless steel. The capillary length shall be 3 m.

3.4.2

Transformers and Reactors 1 MVA(r)

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Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure/Confidential

ANALOGUE OIL AND WINDING TEMPERATURE GAUGES FOR
TRANSFORMERS AND REACTORS

Unique Identifier:

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The seal between the temperature probe and fitting shall be in such a manner that the probe can be
lengthened and shortened to suite specific pockets. The connection between the probe and fitting shall
provide an effective seal to keep water from entering the pocket.
Each temperature probe shall be supplied with both 20 mm male and female threaded fittings. All fittings
shall be manufactured from stainless steel. The temperature probe shall have uniform diameter of minimum
10 mm and maximum 15 mm along the full length. The probe length shall be adjustable to allow for
installation in different depth probe pockets from minimum depth of 150 mm to a maximum of 300 mm.
To ensure minimum stock levels and maximum inter-changeability, four different temperature indicator
arrangements shall be allowed:
Oil temperature gauge with 6 m capillary
Oil temperature gauge with 12 m capillary
Winding temperature gauge with 6 m capillary
Winding temperature gauge with 12 m capillary

3.5

Oil Temperature Measurement

Oil temperature indicators shall be installed on all Transformers and Reactors.

A dial-type thermometer displaying temperature over the full specified range, and unless otherwise
approved, fully compensated for the effects of ambient temperature, shall be provided for registering the
temperature of the transformer "top-oil".
The instrument shall be fitted with a maximum temperature indicator, arranged for manual resetting, and with
alarm signalling and tripping contacts, which can be manually set to close at predetermined temperatures.
It shall be provided with the following normally open contacts:

1 x normally open contact for alarm signalling

1 x normally open contact for trip signalling

3.6

Winding Temperature Measurement

Winding temperature indicators shall be installed on all Transformers and Reactors fitted with forced cooling
systems or when specified in Schedules A & B.
Winding temperature thermometers shall be of the dial-type, unless otherwise approved, fully compensated
for changes in ambient temperature, and shall have a load-temperature characteristic approximately the
same as the hottest part of the windings. The current transformers for operating the thermometers shall be
built into the main transformer tank and shall be located so as to reflect the maximum hot-spot temperature
of the respective windings. For delta-connected windings, the current transformer shall be located
electrically inside the delta connection.
For each loaded winding on one phase a separate winding temperature thermometer shall be provided,
except in the case of two-winding transformers which shall be provided with a single winding temperature
thermometer arranged to provide a thermal image of the maximum overall winding hottest-spot.
Thermometers shall be provided with dials indicating the temperature and fitted with a resetable maximum
temperature indicator.
It shall be provided with the following normally open contacts:

1 x normally open contact for alarm signalling

1 x normally open contact for trip signalling

2 x normally open contacts shall be provided to automatically start the oil pump and/or fans for
cooling the transformer
The contacts shall be individually adjustable and self-resetting. The contacts shall be adjustable over the full
temperature range of the indicator which can be set to close at predetermined temperatures. Alternatively,
the start signalling may be derived from a current relay with suitable hysteresis characteristics to avoid
hunting.
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Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure/Confidential

ANALOGUE OIL AND WINDING TEMPERATURE GAUGES FOR
TRANSFORMERS AND REACTORS

Unique Identifier:

240-56063843

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Unless otherwise approved, the operation of the winding temperature thermometer shall not require any
external electrical power supply.
Terminals and links shall be provided in the Marshalling Kiosk or, where provided, the cooler controller
cabinet for checking the output of the current transformer and/or the functioning of the heater coil by means
of an external supply.

3.7

Remote Temperature Monitoring

The control of networks requires the remote indication of oil and winding temperatures. For this purpose all
temperatures indications shall in addition to the above local indicators which must work without auxiliary
supply, also be made available in the transformer control cabinet in a format suitable for interfacing with
modern SCADA systems.
The information shall be provided as 4-20 mA signals. This is a requirement on transformers and reactors
rated 1 MVA(r) and above.

3.8

Alarm, Control and Tripping Contacts

Alarm and tripping contacts shall be provided with electrically independent and unearthed circuits and shall
be insensitive to vibration and earth tremors. This insensitivity shall not depend on the method of mounting,
but shall be an inherent feature of the contact assembly. Mercury micro switches are not acceptable. Dual
contacts to be provided (i.e. two for alarming and two for tripping) for back up protection purposes
Manual operation of the alarm, control and tripping contacts shall be possible without having to disconnect
wiring or short contacts. Test button(s) shall be provided for this purpose.
Temperature selections shall be adjustable and micro switches rated for 1 A at 220 V DC.
The indicator circuits shall withstand an applied voltage of 2 kV r.m.s. for 60 seconds at 50 Hz, applied in
turn, between each electrically independent circuit and the casing of the instrument, and between the
separate independent electrical circuits.

3.9

Temperature Range and Display

The temperature range shall be clearly marked with temperature displayed in 10 C increments. Additional
indications shall be provided in with a maximum increment of 2 C these shall not be numbered. The
temperature range shall be displayed from 0 C to 140 C for units rated at 1 MVA(r) and above and from 0
C to 120 C for units rated below 1 MVA(r).
The graduations shall be on the inner indication plate and not on the sight glass.
The display shall be clear and easily readable from a distance of 2 metres. The alarm, trip and cooling
control settings shall be visible without having to dismantle the instrument.
NB: In the event of the capillary being severed the temperature indicator pointer shall fall to zero and
remain there to provide visual indication that the gauge is defective.

3.10 Documentation and Packaging

A standard test card bearing the manufacturer's serial number of the temperature gauge shall be included
with each of the operating instruction manuals required for the gauges. Each gauge shall be supplied with a
calibration certificate and all relevant test information as required by this document.
Original and fully detailed instructions for assembly, operation, testing and maintenance of the gauge shall
be included with each relay. The gauge shall be securely packed and properly protected against damage
and moisture ingress during shipping and storage.
Each gauge shall be individually packed inside a cardboard box. Each package shall include a male and
female 20 mm fitting stainless steel only. Gauges shall be provided with all fasteners and brackets for
installation.

3.11 Technical Evaluation and Final Approval

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Document Classification: Controlled Disclosure/Confidential

ANALOGUE OIL AND WINDING TEMPERATURE GAUGES FOR
TRANSFORMERS AND REACTORS

Unique Identifier:

240-56063843

Revision:

Page:

8 of 8

The equipment shall be supplied to Eskom and will be subjected to testing.

This specification serves as a minimum requirement for manufacturers that supply oil and winding
temperature indicators. Any deviation from this specification has to be approved by Eskom in writing.
Final written approval shall be provided once a technical evaluation has been completed and equipment
found in compliance with this specification and Eskom requirements.
Any changes to the approved product will be subjected to re-evaluation and approval.

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