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Transforming regeneration
into system reliability
SITRAM REG from TLM Transformer Lifecycle Management

Answers for energy.

For lasting regeneration
of transformer oil
Rising cost and performance pressures are forcing Whenever and wherever you need us
many operators to increase the utilization capacity of SITRAM REG is a mobile solution. Mounted in a con-
their transformers. Moderately aged transformers and tainer, it is available to our customers at the transformers
network couplers are increasingly being operated at installation site. Used like this as needed saves consider-
higher rates and in many cases using nominal power able investment costs above all.
for the first time. At the same time, operating down-
The advantages at a glance
times planned for maintenance have been reduced
 Improves the quality of insulating oil to 
or completely eliminated. The escalating load has led
that of new oil
to more rapid ageing of insulating oil and the solid
 Prolongation of the lifetime and increased 
insulation. This can result in a drastic degradation of
reliability of old transformers
the dielectric properties of the insulating oil, which
 Preventive action against the progressive 
seriously endangers reliable transformer operation.
insulation ageing process
We developed the SITRAM REG technology to clean con-  Sustainable improvement in the condition 
taminated oil and restore its dielectric properties. SITRAM of the insulation
REG is a modified reclamation process based on the IEC  Suitable for all power transformers
60422 standard. Oil is circulated continuously through  Economically independent of the current 
regeneration columns. An oil change is not required. price of new oil
 No service interruptions
Highly effective adsorption agents (activated fullers
 Great and long-lasting cleaning effect
earth) absorb the polar impurities and degradation
products from the aged transformer oil. The cleaned oil
flows back into the transformer. This cycle is carried out
depending on the size of the transformer and the ageing
condition of the insulating oil for several days or weeks.
SITRAM REG is carried out without interrupting trans-
former operation.

Siemens extends the life of your transformers, reduces your costs

and increases system reliability. With SITRAM REG.
 Ageing processes in the transformers insulating system:

Moisture Oxygen Temperature

Oil-cellulose insulation

Sludge deposits make the
windings age more rapidly
and impair the reliability Chemical degradation
of the transformer. Accelerated ageing of
Formation of acids, peroxides, etc.
insulation
add. water, oxygen

For more than 100 years
oil-cellulose dielectrics
have stood the test of time
in transformer construc- Dielectric degradation
tion. However, the ageing
of the oil and the cellulose
negatively impact one
another and ultimately Lightning and switching
Insulation failure Short circuits
lead to failure. impulses

SITRAM REG
a clean solution all around
Regenerate instead of oil change The advantages over an oil change
Reclaiming the oil filling offers several advantages over  No service interruptions
a conventional oil change. It causes the equilibrium con  Saves resources
ditions to shift and produces the immediate onset of dif  Additional removal of moisture
fusion of all embedded degradation products from the  Great and stable long-term
solid insulation to the surrounding insulating oil. During  cleaning effect
the regeneration cycle they are bound by the adsorption  Optional desludging possible
agent and eliminated from the circuit. Optional desludging
In addition, treatment with SITRAM REG provides a clear Inferior oil quality, high utilization rates and missed pre-
improvement in ageing stability in the case of an oil ventive maintenance measures lead to the formation of oil
change, up to 15% of the old oil and almost all embed- sludge in the transformer. Unaddressed this causes a rapid
ded and deposited ageing residue products remain in the failure of the insulating system and impairs cooling.
transformer and cause the rapid onset of ageing of the The freshly regenerated insulating oil possesses excellent
new oil filling a problem that doesnt even come up with sludge-dissolving properties at sufficiently high tempera
SITRAM REG. tures. In the course of an optional desludging process, oil
Last but not least, environmental considerations clearly sludge that has already been deposited in the transformer
advocate regeneration rather than disposal of the old oil. can be dissolved and removed from the transformer.
The (separated or generated) waste products remaining in Advantages of the application on
the fullers earth decompose through oxidation after the energized transformers
reclamation process. Only water and non-toxic gases are  A temperature drop from the windings to the 
produced. surrounding oil increases the diffusion pressure.
 Mechanical vibrations contribute to redissolving 
deposited sludge.

SITRAM REG is part of the SITRAM family, which includes modular solutions
that allow the availability and service life of your transformers to be maintained at a high level.
Together well identify a fitting solution for your requirements.
Property Limit values recommended for oil regeneration

Acidity 0.15 (mg KOH/g oil)

0.20 for power transformers and reactors with

Dielectric dissipation a nominal system voltage above 170kV
factor at 90C
and 40Hz to 60Hz 0.50 for power transformers and reactors with
a nominal system voltage below 170kV

Inhibitor content Inhibitor concentration < 40% of original value

Combination of acidity
Acidity > 0.06 mg KOH/g oil and IFT < 30 mN/m A meticulous oil analysis 
and interfacial tension
is important for optimal
workflow planning
Sludge Where perceptible sludge is detected reclaim oil

Recommended regene
In addition to the mentioned criteria, IEC60422 recommends regeneration when
ration limits according 
rapid deterioration or acceleration in the rate of deterioration are observed.
to IEC 60422

Preventive application pays off Process control is also designed to be intrinsically safe. In
The degradation products embedded in the insulation the case of a malfunction or system failure, the system
system have a catalytic effect. Along with the high oper automatically powers down to a secure state. Telemonitor-
ating temperature, there can be a drastic decrease of ing can also accompany the reclamation process. Once
remaining service life. Degradation of the solid insulation started, automation and process control make unattended
is irreversible and cannot be reversed by regeneration operation possible during certain process phases.
technology. As a result, regeneration should be carried
Oil analysis included
out preventive as a rule. The timely, preventive use of
By precisely controlling the properties of the oil, the
SITRAM REG is a crucial weapon in the battle against
regeneration process can be planned and managed
the reduction of service life.
accurately. After the insulating oil and solid insulation
However, oil regeneration is also recommended for high- have been cleaned, the insulating oil is degassed and
aged transformers that must continue to operate. The inhibited. Inhibition is an important step in increasing
condition of the solid insulation is preserved in this way, the oxidation stability of the cleaned oil and slowing
counteracting progressive ageing. down the ageing dynamics of the oil-cellulose insulation.
It is expressly recommended in the IEC 60422 standard.
Safety and process control
We have equipped SITRAM REG with numerous safety The process goes hand in hand with analyses that check
measures. For example, continuous measurement and the regeneration process both in the mobile system
comparison of the volume of oil fed in and out, measure- as well as in the insulating oil laboratory at Siemens
ment of the filling level in the transformer, quick-acting transformer plant.
pneumatic valves for the system and transformer as well
as air traps at connecting points.

[email protected]
www.siemens.com/energy/TLM
 Example of the progression of oil regeneration
Ud [kV] 80 0.4
H2O [ppm] Acidity [mg KOH/g oil]
IFT [mN/m] 70 Inhibitor [%]
Temperature [C]

Colour 6 60 0.3

5 50

4 40 0.2

3 30 The diagram depicts 

the development of
2 20 0.1 important oil parame-
ters during regeneration
1 10 of a 216-MVA generator
Time course step-up transformer
0 0 0 with approx. 40 tons 
Start of Middle of End of of high-aged insulating
regeneration regeneration regeneration
oil (duration approx.
Oil temp. Colour Breakdown voltage Water Interfacial tension Inhibitor Acidity Dielectric dissipation factor 23 weeks).

SITRAM REG
a clean solution all around
If implemented in a timely manner, SITRAM REG effectively and
verifiably helps to extend the service life of transformers sustainably.
Recommended limits for mineral insulating oils after
filling in new electrical equipment prior to energization

Property Unit After filling, prior to energization IEC 60422

Highest voltage for equipment
< 72.5 kV 72.5 to 170 kV > 170 kV
Colour
max. 2.0 max. 2.0 max. 2.0
(on scale given in ISO 2049)
Acidity mg KOH/g oil 0.03 0.03 0.03
Dielectric dissipation factor
0.015 0.015 0.010
at 90C and 40Hz to 60Hz
Interfacial tension mN/m 35 35 35
Breakdown voltage kV/2.5 mm > 55 > 60 > 60
Water content mg/kg oil < 20 <10 <10

Experience values after implemented regenerations After successful oil regeneration under
optimum process conditions, even insu
Property Unit Prior to After After lating oil that has been used for years still
regeneration regeneration three years
fulfils the limit values with long-lasting
Colour
(on scale given in ISO 2049)
4.5 1.0 1.01.5 effects comparable with applied limit
Acidity mg KOH/g oil 0.24 < 0.01 0.02 values for new oils after filling in new
Dielectric dissipation factor transformers. In addition, the essential
0.090 < 0.005 0.008
at 90C and 40Hz to 60Hz parameters for the dielectric properties
Interfacial tension mN/m 19.5 45 > 40 of the oil remain stable even years after
Breakdown voltage kV/2.5 mm 60.5 75 68 regeneration treatment. If implemented
Water content mg/kg oil 19 < 10 in a timely manner, SITRAM REG effec-
tively and verifiably helps to extend the
service life of transformers sustainably.

5
Published by and copyright 2011
Siemens AG
Energy Sector
Freyeslebenstr. 1
91058 Erlangen, Germany

Siemens AG
Energy Sector
Transformer Lifecycle Management
Katzwanger Str. 150
90461 Nuremberg, Germany
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.siemens.com/energy/TLM

For more information, please contact our

Customer Support Center
Phone: +49 180/524 70 00
Fax: +49 180/524 24 71
(Charges depending on provider)
E-Mail: [email protected]

Power Transmission Division

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