Dry-type transformers for dairy expansion
November 2021
Electrical Power & Protection
Trafo Power Solutions has assisted a large dairy producer through a recent expansion, supplying five dry-type distribution transformers to its facilities in a coastal region of South Africa.
“With an application in the food and beverage sector, it is important that any equipment in the plant meets the highest standards of cleanliness and safety,” says David Claassen, managing director, Trafo Power Solutions. “This means no risk of oil leaks or harmful gases is tolerated, so the dry-type transformer option is ideal, with the added advantage of requiring very little maintenance.”
The transformers are 2 MVA units, with 11 kVA input stepping down to 400 V. The warm and humid coastal environment demanded specialised enclosures coated with painting plan type C5 for demanding conditions.
“Our transformers are supplied into a wide variety of applications, so our design must often specify special materials and coatings to resist corrosion,” says Claassen. “Where units must operate very close to seawater, for instance, we ensure a selected grade of stainless steel in our manufacturing process.”
The project required Trafo Power Solutions to design, manufacture, test, deliver and install the five tonne units, as well as to assist with commissioning on site. “In some projects, we will take complete responsibility for the delivery, off-loading, rigging and positioning of transformers for installation,” says Claassen. “Where customers have their own rigging team or arrangements, we still make it our business to be there at the time. These are specialised pieces of equipment and it is important to move them correctly to avoid any possible damage.”
The transformers were fitted into three new substations constructed by the customer to power the extended dairy facility. Manufacturing of the transformers was undertaken by Trafo Power Solution’s strategic partner, TMC Transformers, a global leader in cast resin transformers, based in Italy. The completed units were shipped to Durban and then transported timeously to the customer’s site in KwaZulu-Natal.
Dry-type transformers are air-cooled rather than oil-cooled, making them safe to use in enclosed and confined spaces, as the risk of fire or explosion is low. The absence of oil also makes them suitable for applications where high levels of hygiene or environmental protection are required.
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