Dehydration of transformers refers to the removal of water or moisture from the insulation system of a transformer. This is important because the presence of water in the insulation can reduce the transformer's insulation strength and lead to failure.
There are several methods used to dehydrate transformers, including:
Vacuum drying: This involves using a vacuum pump to remove moisture from the transformer's insulation system. The transformer is heated to a temperature that is safe for the insulation material and the vacuum pump is used to pull out the moisture.
Hot oil circulation: In this method, hot oil is circulated through the transformer to remove moisture. The oil is heated to a temperature that is safe for the transformer and is circulated through the insulation system.
Desiccant drying: Desiccants such as silica gel or molecular sieves are used to absorb moisture from the transformer's insulation system. The desiccants are placed in the transformer and left for a period of time to absorb the moisture.
Forced hot air drying: This involves blowing hot air through the transformer to remove moisture. The transformer is heated to a safe temperature and hot air is blown through the insulation system to remove the moisture.
It is important to regularly check the moisture content of a transformer's insulation system and take appropriate measures to remove any moisture. Dehydration of transformers is critical in preventing transformer failure and ensuring the longevity of the transformer.