Case Studies / Johnson & Phillips

Plastics & Polymers - Oil Filled Transformer Failure

Johnson & Phillips recently received an enquiry for a large amount of capacitors from a manufacturing facility who manufactured speciality polymers. The amount of capacitors requested prompted our service desk to ask numerous questions. The reason was explained that there had been a power surge due to polymer machine overload and they thought the capacitors had failed. Their main switch was tripping under-load and the facility was now on stop.

The challenge

The Challenge

The service desk at Johnson & Phillips recommended we send an engineer to investigate further. Our engineers investigated the problem on-site and found that the Main Oil-Filled Transformer had failed, causing the Main Switch to interrupt. The transformer was also absorbing the additional volume from the PFC Capacitors.

It was also found that the main switchboard was an old Ellison type with obsolete mechanical Circuit Breakers. This switchboard had been supplied as a second-hand unit and was once part of a packaged substation. It was no longer reliable and would not provide adequate protection according to BS7671 guidelines.

The solution

The Solution

  • J&P Isolated the failed Transformer.
  • J&P Provided a new ECO Transformer from Stock.
  • J&P Provided the Installation of a new Transformer.
  • J&P also Installed a new Air Circuit Breaker.
  • J&P carried out repairs to the switchboard.
  • J&P serviced the Power Factor Correction.
The result

The Result

Johnson & Phillips’s End-to-End Capability meant there was no need for additional contractors to get involved. Being HV, we could isolate and renew the transformer. We manufacture switchgear, so replacing the Main Switch was a formality on-site. Our extensive capability in Power Factor Correction allowed us to look further and find the real issue.

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