Why You Need Impact Recorders for Transformer Transportation
Knowing that a transformer may have experienced potentially damaging impacts that could have caused damage can save a company hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Hidden damage will not be known which is a problem after the transformer is installed and operating. This could trigger failures for no apparent reason, leading to expensive diagnostics and repairs. Some potential damage includes impaired windings, reduced coil clamping pressure, oil contamination, or unintentional grounding of the core or the core frame.
Visible damage, like scratches to protective coatings, can allow corrosion to form. Nitrogen leaks may develop and foreign particles may contaminate the bushings. Dust or water may enter through cracks or compromised seals, prematurely wearing insulation, bushings, and other components.
And the task is harder than it sounds because, believe it or not, transformers are fragile. Typically, impacts of about 2.5 to 3 Gs can damage very large transformers. Rough roads or turbulent seas can cause vibrations or impacts that may cause immediate damage or result in equipment failures later.
Installers can review impact recorder data to see if what may have occurred in transit.
Monitoring transformers for impacts during shipping with impact data loggers like our Shocklog 298 to ascertain. The many different carriers that be involved in between the start and end of the journey is another reason to use an impact recorder to ascertain some accountability should there be any problem when delivered.
How Impact Recorders for Transformers Optimise Logistics and Enable Accountability
When transformers arrive damaged, there will be some conjecture around how that may have occurred. Impact monitoring with data loggers can assist with eliminating how and when this may have occurred with some data. Impact Recorders record date, time and amplitude of any events along the way. This can assist in pinpointing where the problem occurred accountability is clear, restitution can be made, and everyone can return quickly to business as usual.
By understanding what happens during shipments, logistics managers can minimize future damage.
Installing impact recorders for transformers enables accountability throughout the supply chain.
Logistics managers can use this data to create a logistics baseline to support trend analyses, helping managers prioritise changes to the product, packaging, carriers or routes, to determine whether those changes reduce their risks.
Unlike many impact monitors, SpotSee’s ShockLog 298 generates automatic, user-friendly, journey reports that are compatible with Windows 10 and 7. Peak values of threshold-exceeding impacts are shown in an easy-to-read chart with the date, time, direction, amplitude, and duration of multiple impacts for the X, Y, and Z axes. This data, plus a detailed impact curve, removes the guesswork from analyses.
ShockLog 298 records up to 870 events and 262,000-time slots to ensure that all threshold events are recorded, despite long journey times. And, with up to 18 months of battery life, there’s no need to recharge or replace batteries mid-transit.
The ShockLog298 is IP-67 rated, which means it is dust tight and can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for at least 30 minutes. It is designed for the harsh environments common to transformers.
The Shocklog 298 is also available with GPS, Tilt and Roll, external temperature and humidity recording and with an external humidity, pressure and temperature sensor.
The Shocklog 298 is also available as part of our Shocklog Satellite and Shocklog Cellular products.
How to Use the ShockLog 298
Using the ShockLog 298 is straightforward.
Configure the impact monitor: ShockLog 298’s software is intuitive. An engineer or similiar can easily set up the Shocklog and set it with a start date in the future ready for placement on the transformer with a suitable configuration.
Mount the monitor to the transformer: The Shocklog can be mounted on the transformer using a magnetic mount or screwed on.
Start the Shocklog ready for monitoring: The Shocklog can start automatically if a start date/time has been setup, connecting to the software on a laptop and starting from the software or by using the START iButton. Doing this before it’s moved enhances transparency and ensures that impacts are recorded throughout the journey.
Stop recording once the transformer is in its final position: Use the STOP iButton® to end the recording period or connecting to the software on a laptop and stopping from the software.
Download the data: The logger’s data can be downloaded using a USB cable and ShockLog software and can then be emailed for analysis.
Analyze the reports: Using ShockLog software, the data can be analysed to determine whether the transformer experienced any over threshold events to determine any further action.
See how easy it could be to bring new levels of transparency to your transformer supply chain.
Contact us today for our impact recorder solutions for power transformers.
