Transformer DGA Extraction Coil for Leak-Free Gas Equilibrium
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dissolved gas analysis systems for transformers face challenges in accurately determining the characteristics of dissolved gases in transformer fluids, particularly due to issues with active sampling methods that can lead to fluid leaks, contamination, and the need for precise calibration, which complicates the extraction and analysis of gases.
Innovation Solution
A gas analysis system incorporating a gas-permeable extraction coil and a gas analyzer with a gas cell, utilizing a circulation loop and optical analysis to determine gas characteristics, which allows for passive extraction and equilibrium with dissolved gases, reducing the need for precise calibration and minimizing risks of fluid leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If active sampling methods are used to extract dissolved gases from transformer fluids, then gas extraction efficiency is improved, but the risk of fluid leaks and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the dissolved gas component from the transformer fluid using a gas-permeable membrane, while leaving the bulk fluid in place. This selective extraction eliminates fluid leak risks associated with active sampling methods that require opening fluid pathways, while maintaining efficient gas extraction through the membrane interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas-permeable membrane acts as an intermediary between the transformer fluid and the analysis system. It allows dissolved gases to pass through while blocking the bulk fluid, enabling gas extraction without direct fluid handling and thereby eliminating leak risks.
2Productivity
If active sampling methods are used to extract dissolved gases, then gas extraction capability is improved, but the need for precise calibration increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves self-calibration through the natural equilibrium relationship between dissolved gas concentration in the fluid and gas phase concentration on the other side of the membrane. The known membrane permeability characteristics and equilibrium constants provide inherent calibration references, eliminating complex external calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the equilibrium parameter relationship between dissolved gas concentration and gas phase partial pressure across the membrane. By measuring gas phase composition and applying known equilibrium constants, the system directly calculates dissolved gas concentrations without requiring separate calibration for each measurement condition.
3Reliability
If passive extraction with gas-permeable membrane is used, then reliability is improved by reducing fluid leaks, but gas extraction rate may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits the phase transition of dissolved gases from the liquid phase (dissolved in transformer fluid) to the gas phase (on the other side of the membrane). This natural phase transition drives continuous gas extraction through the membrane without requiring active pumping, maintaining high extraction rates while ensuring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive membrane extraction enables continuous gas extraction as long as there is a concentration gradient between the dissolved gas in the fluid and the gas phase on the other side of the membrane. This continuous equilibrium-driven process maintains high productivity without the need for intermittent active sampling operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enables accurate and non-destructive analysis of dissolved gases in transformer fluids, improving measurement reliability and reducing maintenance needs by achieving gas equilibrium and eliminating the requirement for precise extraction rate calibration.
Implementation Method 1
an extraction coil for contact with the fluid, the extraction coil including gas-permeable material for receiving dissolved gas
Implementation Method 2
the transport conduit may include a motive pressure source fluidly coupled with the extraction coil to circulate gas through the transport conduit
Implementation Method 3
the gas analyzer may include a light source and at least one light detector for receiving light from the light source. In some embodiments, the light source may be arranged to pass light from one side of the gas cell through gas within the cavity of the gas cell
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for determining gas characteristics to monitor transformer operation include extracting gas from transformer fluid for analysis.