Fluid Services

Fluid Analysis & Corrective Treatment Services

With the proper periodic analysis of your dielectric system, the degradation of fluid can be discovered in the early stages and the damage to your electrical equipment can be minimized. Using our laboratory and field sampling services, your preventive maintenance program can remain ahead of these problems. We start by analyzing your fluid testing results and reviewing the details of the equipment to be serviced including voltage ratings, size and historical information. This review allows customized recommendations for treatment to return the equipment to a reliable and stable condition.

Types of Services

Fluid Analysis

With periodic analysis, the presence of acids, sludge, moisture, particulate matter, dissolved gasses and depleted inhibitor will be detected. We offer sampling, laboratory testing, analysis and recommendations for mineral oil, silicone, Rtemp and FR3.

Dehydration

When excessive moisture is found in your transformer, it must be removed to help restore the dielectric strength of the fluid, inhibit the formation of aggressive acids, and extend the life of the transformer. GE has mobile dehydration systems and experienced crews across the country available to perform the following services at your site:

  • Dehydration of insulating fluid using hot oil circulation
  • Filtration of particulates using 0.5 micron filter
  • Vacuum drying of the core coil and insulation system using the hot oil fill method with cryogenic pump (cold trap) moisture collection
  • Dew point analysis to determine end point of drying process
  • Installation of a long-term energized solution to field drying (Insul-Dryer)

In the most severe cases, where the moisture level of the unit is beyond the capability of our mobile dehydration systems, we can move your transformer into one of service centers to untank the unit and further reduce moisture levels using the "oven bake" method and vacuum chamber.

Degasification

Test results may indicate the presence of dissolved gasses in your transformer oil, a byproduct resulting from the localized heating of the oil, presence of corona, or the decomposition of cellulose insulation. These gasses should be removed to help restore the unit to baseline conditions and eliminate combustible gasses that could become an explosion hazard if vented. Degasification employs the same processes as dehydration, using multiple passes of hot oil, vacuum and filtration treatments. GE's degasification process will return your transformer fluid to conditions compliant with IEEE® standard C57-106 with dissolved gas content below 0.25%.

Reclamation

Reclamation is our most comprehensive fluid treatment process, combining degasification and dehydration with our state-of-the-art Fuller's earth treatment technology to clean both the oil and the insulation system inside the transformer. The cellulose and mechanical insulation system are continually "flushed" with multiple passes of processed hot oil to remove degradation byproducts. The number of multiple passes is based on the condition of the oil being treated. At the completion of the process, oxidation inhibitor is added to prevent continued degradation. If required, a nitrogen blanket is re-applied, and the transformer is ready to return to service.

For More Information

Call: (800) 311-4039