Condition Assessment

Increase Asset Reliability

Condition assessments can be applied to a population of units using methods based on historical failure modes. These methods cannot identify the condition or vulnerability of individual units. For individual transformers, the evaluation method is limited by the availability of information from the manufacturer or the transformer owner's operation and maintenance records.

Types of Evaluations

Three types of evaluations or condition assessments can be performed on a transformer, depending on the level of analysis required. All three levels report the current status of the transformer, including overall transformer condition, areas of concern and recommended maintenance or replacement activities. The process of benchmarking the probable condition of an individual unit, compared to other units on the system (or in the plant), is often controlled through a three-level condition assessment process.

First, a level 1 (preliminary) condition assessment is performed. Based on the results, recommendations are offered, such as to install monitoring equipment, perform a level 2 assessment or perform specific preventative maintenance. A level 2 assessment generates recommendations to perform a level 3 assessment, perform additional maintenance or replace other devices.

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Preliminary Condition Assessment - Level 1

The level 1 (preliminary) condition assessment provides a report on the condition of the transformer based on a review of data, and documentation on the history of the transformer, given to GE by the customer.

On-Site Condition Assessment - Level 2

The level 2 (on-site) condition assessment determines the fitness of the transformer for continued service. It includes a review of level 1 assessment reports, a review of the original manufacturer's test report and specification, an external visual inspection, interviews with site personnel and offline tests of the transformer. The transformer must be de-energized for this assessment. You receive a summary report that includes areas of concern and a recommendation list.

Transformer Internal Examination - Level 3

If a transformer shows signs of distress, a specially trained team of GE personnel performs an internal examination of the transformer. Depending on the evaluation required, the transformer might be tested at a GE transformer repair facility.

Transformer Internal Examination - Level 3

GE offers numerous products and services that can help detect early fault conditions that can lead to equipment failures and unscheduled outages. Through condition assessments, we recommend these products and services depending on the condition of the transformer. These products range from continuous monitoring of dissolved combustible (key fault) gases and moisture in oil (HYDRAN®) to monitoring and managing the performance of transformers showing signs of distress (FARADAY® TNU™) to extend their life.

We also offer contractual services that are tailored to meet your needs. Contractual service offerings can be as simple as a spare parts agreement or as complex as operation and maintenance of your transformers.