RIF® bushings

The paperless, dry-type bushing technology Abstract Paper-insulated bushings (OIP and RIP) have been the dominant bushing type for the power transformer industry for many years....

byEric EUVRARD, Robert L. MIDDLETON


The paperless, dry-type bushing technology

Abstract

Paper-insulated bushings (OIP and RIP) have been the dominant bushing type for the power transformer industry for many years. However, as our transformer assets age, bushing failures can become more frequent. Resin-impregnated fibre bushings offer the user a paperless and dry-type alternative for MV, HV and EHV condenser transformer bushings. Two technologies are currently offered: resin-impregnated fiberglass (a proprietary technology trademarked RIF®) and resin-impregnated synthetic (RIS). This article will discuss the RIF® bushing technology, which offers an extended range of capabilities including an optional line of smart bushings that use integrated monitoring components.

Keywords: resin-impregnated fibre bushing, RIF® transformer bushing, smart RIF®, partial discharge

1. Introduction

The main purpose of a transformer bushing is to safely transfer power through the earthed transformer tank. OIP and RIP type bushings have for many years been the industry standard for transformers, and in general have performed satisfactorily. However, as our transformer assets age, paper deterioration in these bushings can eventually cause these bushings to fail, some even catastrophically.

The purpose of this article is to introduce a new dry-type paperless bushing technology that is currently on the market – the resin-impregnated fibre bushing. Currently, there are two technologies on the market: resin-impregnated fiberglass (a proprietary technology trademarked RIF®) and resin-impregnated synthetic (RIS). The RIF® technology has been on the market since the early 2000s while the RIS technology is a relative newcomer to the market. These technologies now provide the user with better levels of safety and reliability for their expensive transformer assets, thereby contributing to reduced lifecycle costs.

This article discusses the design, construction, validation and self-monitoring features of the RIF® dry-type bushing, which is the older and more established resin-impregnated fibre bushing technology.

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