Transformer bushings are an important component in the power system for the safe and efficient transmission of electricity. Over time, dirt, dust, and other contaminants can build up on their surfaces, causing performance degradation or even failure. Proper cleaning and maintenance are important to extend their life and ensure reliability.

Why should transformer bushings be cleaned?

Transformer bushings insulate and support conductors as they pass through the ground wall of a transformer or equipment. When these bushings get dirty, contaminants can create leakage currents and cause partial discharge, overheating, or even flashovers. Cleaning the bushings ensures optimal electrical shielding and eliminates the chance of electrical failure.

How do you clean transformer bushings?

Cleaning transformer bushings tools and materials

Lint-free cloth or soft brush: for soft cleaning of the surface.

Isopropyl alcohol or cleaning solvent: The ability to remove stubborn contaminants.

Deionized water: for removing water-soluble contaminants.

Safety gear: goggles, insulated boots, gloves.

Non-conductive elevator or platform: for safe access to the elevated bushings.

The right tools, and tools that do not damage the bushing or present electrical hazards to workers, minimize those risks, making them safer tools to handle.

Steps to Transformer Bushing Cleaning

Ground the Transformer and De-energize it.

Transformer bushings should be handled with utmost safety. To prevent an electrical hazard, ensure the transformer is completely de-energized and the system grounded.

Visual Inspection

Have a thorough visual inspection of the bushing. Before cleaning, take apart the stove top to check for cracks, chips, or indicative leaks that may need repair or replacement.

Dry Cleaning

Remove loosely sitting dirt and debris from the surface with a lint-free cloth or soft brush. A special benefit is in dry areas where dust tends to collect.

Wet Cleaning with Deionized Water

Rinse the surface of the bushing with deionized water, but if contaminants remain, you must repeat the entire process. Ordinary water may lead to deposits of minerals which would result on the surface leaving a residue.

Using Cleaning Solvents

Use isopropyl alcohol or some other suitable cleaning solvent for grease, oil, and more stubborn residues. Use a lint-free cloth dampened with solvent and lightly wipe away the surface, taking care not to wet areas close to seals or joints to excess.

Dry Bushings

Then, after cleaning, energize the transformer with a dry bushing. Clean the bushing dry with a clean dry cloth or use an open area to air dry.

How to Clean Silicone-Coated Bushings

Bushings that are hydrophobic are silicone-coated and need special care. Don’t use abrasive materials or hard chemistry that might deteriorate the silicone layer. Short of using solvents on an etched surface, or removing metal by chemical methods, the only way to clean it is with a soft sponge or cloth in mild soapy water, followed by thorough rinsing in deionized, or equivalent, water.

Frequency of transformer bushing cleaning

The cycle of cleaning depends on the operating environment. Bushings should be cleaned more frequently for transformers in areas of heavy industrial pollution, heavy humidity, or coastal locations, not more than once or twice a year. In cleaner environments, annual inspection and cleaning may suffice.

Long-term performance through Preventive maintenance

In addition to cleaning, implementing preventive maintenance measures can extend the life of transformer bushings:

Regular Inspection: Look for discoloration (or) surface degradation associated with aging.

Partial Discharge Monitoring: Find early signs of insulation failure.

Routine Testing: Dielectric test to assure bushing integrity.

Common mistakes during cleaning that should be avoided

When cleaning transformer bushings, avoid the following common mistakes:

Using abrasive tools: They can scrape the surface and degrade of insulation.

Skipping grounding procedures: An ungrounded transformer can be the cause of a very serious electrical accident.

Exerting excessive force: To prevent damage, there must be gentle cleaning.

Benefits of Proper Clean Practices

Enhanced performance: Leakage and partial discharge risk is reduced on clean surfaces.

Extended service life: Slowing down the aging and degradation requires preventing contamination.

Increased reliability: It reduces the risks of unplanned outages.

Conclusion

Transformer bushings’ cleaning is a major maintenance task necessary for the reliability and safety of power systems. Operator risk can be minimized, downtime can be reduced and performance can be optimized through proper cleaning procedures and with preventive maintenance. Transformers are important items and when it comes to cleaning, even routine cleaning must be done with precision and following the safety rules, maybe for routine cleaning or when it comes to dealing with tough contaminants.

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