Vaisala Launches Online Monitor for Transformer Dissolved Gas Analysis

Vaisala presents a new online measurement device for transformer dissolved gas analysis. Building on unique technology, the Vaisala Optimus(TM) DGA Monitor for Transformers solves many current problems in transformer maintenance.

VAISALA CORPORATION                      PRESS RELEASE                      MAY 3, 2016

Power transformers are critical in the energy generation and transmission, but also one of the key vulnerabilities. This is because any transformer downtime will lead to substantial financial losses and to energy shortfalls for national grids. Repairs and replacements can take months, greatly increasing associated business interruption costs.

Efficient condition monitoring is one of the only means of proactively mitigating the risk of transformer downtime. Furthermore, real-time monitoring of the dissolved gas content in transformer insulation oil allows a utility to diagnose any emerging faults quickly and reliably, and plan their maintenance activities better.

Dependable Data, no False Alarms

"Approximately 50 percent of power transformer faults can be detected with the right online monitoring tools, meaning that severe failures can be prevented.  But nobody wants monitors that give false alarms or require regular maintenance. So we created a product that does not," says Product Manager Juhani Lehto at Vaisala Controlled Environment.

Thanks to its careful design and the patented technology, the Vaisala Optimus(TM) DGA Monitor for Transformers does not give false alarms. It carries an IR sensor based on Vaisala core measurement technology and components manufactured in our in-house cleanroom. It uses vacuum gas extraction, which gives a fully representative sample and means no data fluctuation due to oil temperature, pressure, or type. Hermetically sealed and protected optics prevent sensor contamination, and long-term drift is eliminated with a unique autocalibration functionality.

Installation in Less than Two Hours

The Vaisala Optimus(TM) DGA Monitor is designed to be installed in less than two hours - just by connecting the oil, power and communications. Browser-based user interface brings ease of use, as no additional software is needed. In case of a disturbance such as power outage, self-diagnostics enables automatic recovery.

We have used our 80 years long experience from operating in different environments and climate conditions to build a solid product that withstands harsh conditions. The Optimus has a robust construction with stainless steel pipes and temperature controlled housing, and it is rated IP66. The hermetically sealed structure tolerates vacuum and pressure variation, and its magnetic pump and valves mean superb performance and durability in any environmental conditions. There are also no consumables to service or replace.

 
For More Information

Juhani Lehto, Product Manager, Vaisala Controlled Environment
Tel. +358 50 3711 398
juhani.lehto@vaisala.com

Katri Ahlgren, Communications Manager, Vaisala Controlled Environment
Tel. +358 40 350 2557
katri.ahlgren@vaisala.com

Website:  http://www.vaisala.com/dga

Video Animation: Vaisala Optimus(TM) DGA Technology

About Vaisala
Vaisala is a global leader in environmental and industrial measurement. Building on 80 years of experience, Vaisala provides observations for a better world. Our instruments and systems are used in over 150 countries in demanding industries, including airports, pharmaceuticals, and power generation. Over 10,000 companies in safety and quality-critical sectors already rely on Vaisala. Our sensors are used in the harshest places on earth - arctic, maritime, and tropical environments - and even on Mars. Headquartered in Finland, Vaisala employs approximately 1,600 professionals worldwide and is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.  www.vaisala.com  www.twitter.com/VaisalaGroup

For power generation and transmission industry, Vaisala provides, with 20 years of experience on the power market, unique measurement equipment for online monitoring of transformer insulation oil. Our reliable solutions support in planning and optimizing the preventive maintenance of power transformers, and thus help to extend their lifetime and reduce the risk of unexpected and costly outages.