July 7, 2019

Interview with Jill Duplessis, Global Technical Marketing Manager, Megger

Transformers are a marvel of physics and an engineering feat – allowing one continuous energy path to exist that meets the differing, best needs of...

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Transformers are a marvel of physics and an engineering feat – allowing one continuous energy path to exist that meets the differing, best needs of its segments simultaneously – bridging the transmission circuit, for example, that operates most efficiently at a high voltage to a distribution circuit that operates more practically at a medium voltage. It does all of this within an impressively minimalistic footprint and with remarkably low relative losses. Megger and transformers have been inextricably entwined practically from the beginning of this ingenious device’s inception in 1885. The Megger name anchors our legacy as pioneers in dielectric screening tests. The first insulation test set, invented in 1895 by Megger’s founder, Sydney Evershed, produced a DC test voltage that was high enough in magnitude to allow measurement of insulation resistance values in the megohm range. This MEGaohm metER was named a Megger and the word became a trademark name registered on May 25, 1903. Fast-forward a century and nearly a quarter later and, in the world of transformers, Megger has the broadest range of test equipment, including single function, multifunction, and comprehensive mobile (van) test solutions. Our instruments span screening and diagnostic transformer tests alike and mark our commitment to and genuine care about the preservation and wellbeing of the global population of these important assets. The significance of offering so many test solutions is the gift of perspective it brings – which, in turn, manifests in an ability to “hold the space around” each individual test, represent them honestly (strengths and weaknesses alike), and appreciate how they work together so well – all underpinning an incredible understanding and insight into transformers. This understanding is immensely important, especially as we move forward and both unite (transformer health assessment) information sources, such as electrical and oil (off-line and on-line) tests, and manage data responsibly.

Megger test instruments have many touch points with a transformer throughout its life, including:

1. as a component(s) test solution prior to a transformer’s factory assembly,
2. after the transformer’s factory assembly and dryout (e.g., as a means to efficiently identify the dryout completion point),
3. during manufacturer testing,
4. prior to departure from the manufacturer’s site (e.g., an SFRA test) and again upon the transformer’s arrival to its destination,
5. after the transformer’s field assembly and prior to energization (i.e., acceptance tests),
6. as screening test solutions during planned outages throughout its service life,
7. as diagnostic test solutions when screening tests dictate or other overt symptoms of a problem arise
8. and, unhappily, as forensic test solutions to determine the cause(s) of failure of a transformer

 

 

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