Transformer Oil Measurement
Application: Transformer Maintenance
Client Name
Confidential
Industry
Transformer Maintenance
Location
South Texas
Goal
To enhance the efficiency and accuracy of its transformer oil recovery processes by adopting a more reliable, low maintenance, and highly accurate flowmeter technology.
Company Background
The client is a leading provider of transformer maintenance based in South Texas with a commitment to sustainability and innovation. The client sought to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of its transformer oil recovery processes by adopting a more reliable, low maintenance, and highly accurate flowmeter technology.
Transformer oil recovery processes play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and reliability of power transformers by restoring degraded oil to its original specifications. Monitoring and controlling the flow of transformer oil during the recovery process is essential for optimizing performance and ensuring the quality of the recovered oil. This case study explores the implementation of Macnaught’s MX series oval gear flowmeter technology in transformer oil recovery applications, highlighting its benefits in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and sustainability.Transformer oil recovery involves the purification and reconditioning of degraded transformer oil to extend the lifespan of power transformers and reduce the environmental impact associated with oil disposal. Central to the success of transformer oil recovery processes is the precise measurement and control of oil flow rates at various stages of the process. Traditional flow measurement methods often lack the accuracy and reliability required for efficient oil recovery operations, leading to inefficiencies and suboptimal outcomes.
The Challenge
- Inaccurate Flow Measurement: The existing flow measurement devices lacked the accuracy and reliability needed to monitor oil flow rates during the recovery process.
- Manual Data Collection: Traditional flow measurement methods required manual data collection and recording, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies.
- Limited Process Visibility: The lack of real-time monitoring capabilities made it challenging to track the progress of oil recovery operations and identify potential issues promptly.
- Erratic readings due to vibration from mobile recovery pump stations.
Solution
Macnaught provided 2 Stainless Steel body / PEEK Rotor / FEP Body Seal test meters for validation based on two flow targets:
- MX19P-2PE with a flow target of 15 GPM
- MX40P-2PE with a flow target of 60 GPM
Each meter includes an integral display indicating rate & total with a 4-20mA output
Results and Benefits
1. Enhanced Accuracy: The MX oval gear flowmeters provided highly accurate measurements of oil flow rates, at 0.5% of flow rate and with 0.03% repeatability, enabling the client to optimize the performance of its oil recovery processes and maximize the yield of recovered oil. Additionally, they are not affected by vibration caused by motorized equipment, ensuring accurate readings throughout operation.
2. Improved Efficiency: Real-time data transmission with a local display and 4-20mA output to their mobile monitoring system allowed field operators to monitor oil flow rates and process parameters continuously, enabling proactive adjustments and optimization of oil recovery operations.
3. Increased Sustainability: By optimizing oil recovery processes and minimizing waste, Macnaught’s MX flowmeter helped the client reduce the environmental impact associated with transformer oil disposal, contributing to its sustainability goals.
4. Cost Savings: The increased efficiency and reliability of oil recovery operations facilitated by the MX oval gear flowmeter resulted in significant cost savings for the client through reduced downtime, maintenance, and resource consumption.
Meter Data
Both test Meters surpassed accuracy expectations and had no issues with the compact skid installation requirement.
• MX19P-2PE handles a flow range of .8-21 GPM / 3-80 LPM rated at 2,000 PSI maximum
• MX40P-2PE handles a flow range of 2.6-92 GPM / 10-419 LPM rated at 1,500 PSI maximum
Macnaught MX Flowmeters offer excellent flow technology cost of ownership, heavy duty construction and outstanding engineering design flexibility.
