🚨 Get Ready for a Hands-On Industry Day at NEPPA! 🚨
Join us and TE Connectivity on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the NEPPA Training Center in Littleton, MA for an action-packed day of live demonstrations, expert insights, and the latest innovations in the industry!
🔹 See cutting-edge products in action including TE Connectivity's splices, terminations, shearbolt connectors, AMPACT-ILD and BAT connectors and more. 🔹 Ask questions & get expert insights 🔹 Network with fellow operations personnel & management 🔹 Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast & lunch
This FREE event is open to all NEPPA members, but space is limited—advance registration is required.
Discover The Power of Blue STRIPE® Shotgun Sticks
Fixed Length
Internal & external rod offerings
Available from 4' to 12'
Customizable end fittings and & lengths
Telescopic
Patent pending innovation
Available from 5' to 14'
Intuitive button solution for easy extension
One stick, multiple lengths
Maximizes storage space
Folding
Available from 6' to 16'
No-pinch, ergonomic design
Quick deployment, compact storage
All BLUE STRIPE® Shotgun Sticks are available in a bottom break hook style and are equipped with our STRIPE UP, HOOK DOWN® feature.
Purchase a shotgun stick in the month of March from Utility Power Supply Co. and we will include a dozen S-1 Hot Stick Cleaner and Water Repellent Wipes from Polywater with your order
How a Remotely Located Power Plant Successfully Repaired a Leaking Transformer
Aging oil-filled transformers often develop leaks from rust, corrosion, welding defects, and worn gaskets. During the warranty period, repairing these leaks is typically the responsibility of the transformer manufacturer (OEM). However, once the warranty expires, the costs of fixing transformer oil leaks fall on the asset owner. For remote locations, these challenges and costs are magnified due to logistical constraints and limited access to experienced repair personnel, repair equipment, or reliable technologies. This article reviews how a remote power utility in South Asia overcame these obstacles with the help of a technical service partner and an innovative transformer leak repair system.
The Challenge of a Transformer Oil Leak
A 70 MVA generating transformer (GT) at a remote hydroelectric power plant in Bhutan was experiencing oil leakage from the main tank gasket. With the warranty expired, the Japanese transformer OEM could no longer provide repair and maintenance services. The plant manager faced the challenge of finding cost-effective resources to address the leak repair exacerbated by the plant’s remote location and the transformer’s unique Bell Tank design. These factors required an alternative approach before a comprehensive maintenance and repair plan could be established..
Diagram 1: Comparing types of power transformer tank designs
Understanding the Situation in Bhutan
Bhutan is a mountainous country bordered by China to the north and India to the south and west. While the plant’s remote location compounded logistical challenges of getting repair technicians to the plant, the transformer’s unique Bell Tank design presented additional technical hurdles. Leakage from the Bell Tank gasket meant the standard solution of replacing the gasket would be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, the uncertain availability of a replacement gasket due to supply chain issues made the process of scheduling the repair during a planned shutdown nearly impossible. Without experienced maintenance personnel nearby, the plant manager sought solutions beyond Bhutan’s borders
For more information or a quote on any of the products featured in this newsletter, please reach out to Ryan Campbell at rcampbell@powertech-upsc.com or (860) 678-8772.
Powertech Associates and Utility Power Supply offer the latest products and solutions available in the Utility Industry. We are committed to meet the needs of our customers through quality product solutions and proven customer service.
