Substation Hum | May 2021 Edition
Safety evolves, and so do we.
SDMyers is pleased to introduce you to Tyson Abraham, our new environmental health and safety (EHS) officer. During the past year as companies everywhere have navigated the new landscape, environmental health and safety concerns have been catapulted to the forefront of everyone’s minds. However, for Abraham, monitoring and innovating safety protocols has been a way of life for nearly a decade. He has made a career of fostering the communication and trust necessary to keep teams safe, reliable, and at their best. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our team.
Natural esters: more than a sustainability fix?
Mineral oil is the most common transformer liquid. However, natural ester oil, a vegetable-based dielectric fluid, has actually been in use since the 1990s and offers a few significant benefits. Natural esters improve fire protection with significantly higher fire and flash points. Some natural esters also provide self-drying properties that help reduce the moisture in your transformer’s insulating paper, extending its reliable life. But, are there any downsides? And how do natural esters compare to mineral oil?
Moisture. The common enemy.
Our stubborn heroes Safe and Reliable sure do like to argue over whose job is more important. Until now. Watch how they bond over one common enemy—moisture. Neither can bear to see a transformer’s paper insulation degrade, ultimately rendering the unit useless. Is oil reclaiming the answer? Reliable says, “Not so fast.”
What is the safest way to install an IR window?
Short answer: it depends on your window type. If you have a rectangular window like the one shown in this installation image, a jigsaw is your safest option. If you’re working with a circular window, a metal knockout punch (pneumatic or manual) is your best bet. In both instances, make sure you de-energize the equipment inside the panel first and wear any necessary PPE, such as safety goggles. When installed properly, IR thermography windows are an excellent addition to your safety and reliability programs.
Training corner! New format for Transformer Management 1.
We’re excited to announce that we have revamped our most “in demand” course—to make it “on demand” for your convenience. Transformer Management 1, a solid foundation in transformer components, testing, and maintenance, is now available as 32 on-demand modules that you have access to for one full year. Each 30-minute module consists of lectures, video presentations, interactive activities, and a knowledge-check quiz to earn a total of 1.65 CEUs and 16.5 PDH credits.
Leverage our substation reliability knowledge.
With 55+ years of experience in electric power reliability, SDMyers has developed a deep understanding of substations. Whether you’re interested in testing and diagnostics, remote monitoring technology, moisture reduction, or another substation reliability topic, chances are that we have resources for you. Take a moment to select your preferences, and we’ll curate the content you’ll find most helpful.
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