Extracting oil from a Voltage Regulator - 7200 volts

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  • Опубліковано 23 лис 2021
  • Hey Everyone!
    Just another responsibility of being a Lineman... Oil Samples! I often wondered how many other companies out there do this?? Its certainly not something guys are going to do on storm work, so I don't ever see it when helping out in other areas.
    After extracting the oil, we send it off to a lab where they do all kinds of tests and "science" stuff. (way over my head!✈️) These tests can often find clues within the oil that a particular unit may be about to fail!
    Oh! Here's the link if you want to check out my costume 😁👻
    This one's from a few years ago now, I changed it up a bit each year!
    ➡️ • Halloween Stilts Costu...
    - 😁🍻 Cheers!
    ** These video's are NOT intended for training or D.I.Y. Only properly trained and authorized personal are allowed to work on this equipment. Always adhere to work methods and procedures particular to the company you are working for. **
    Don't forget to drop a 👊 along with where you're watching from!
    Huge thanks to my Patreons!
    ➡ / bobsdecline
    Music courtesy of:
    "All good in the wood" by Audionautix
    UA-cam audio
    #Bobsdecline, #Beingalineman, #Lineman

КОМЕНТАРІ • 316

  • @dannynormile3550
    @dannynormile3550 2 роки тому +23

    I just pulled oil samples out of 2 station transformers, but never out of voltage regs, unless we’re performing acceptance testing. Great video, Aaron

  • @skeeterskoville9226
    @skeeterskoville9226 2 роки тому +10

    Regulators make me nervous. Lol especially working hurricane damage and restoration. Great vid!

  • @MXSLICK
    @MXSLICK 2 роки тому +41

    I did work on testing/identifying dioxin contaminated oils used heavily until it was banned many decades ago. Lots of this equipment exists in the wild. Knowing about PCB/Dioxin and it's effects on human health made me outright quit. Too much personal risk even with proper handling. Keep an eye open for old transformers, you simply don't want to have contact with that poison.

    • @the_hamrat
      @the_hamrat 2 роки тому

      Were you using HPLC or GC for dioxin?

    • @BlackSoap361
      @BlackSoap361 Рік тому

      After I found out how much PCB/DLC is in some fish, I severely cut back how much seafood I eat.

    • @keithfork8663
      @keithfork8663 Рік тому

      You are so correct.

  • @christopherrichardson5352
    @christopherrichardson5352 2 роки тому +59

    I've never heard of Power Line Technicians taking gas-in-oil samples. That was always a task of Substation Technicians like myself and I don't recall ever taking one from a downline voltage regulator. We only did these tests on our main substation and generation transformers on a yearly basis. In addition we would always start with the syringe completely emptied of air and do a couple of "flushes" with the oil to be tested before doing the final fill to be sent off to Morgan Shaffer for dissolved gas in oil analysis. As well we would not do any type of sampling on a transformer with a "negative" pressure on the tank since opening the main valve at the bottom of the tank could possibly draw in air bubbles which could then work there way up through the oil and the windings and cause a fault. This of course was only an issue on nitrogen blanketed "sealed" tank transformers. In this case we would try again on a warmer day or add nitrogen to the top of the tank until a "positive" pressure could be seen on the pressure gauge. In addition we used mason jars to take larger samples which we would then take back to the shop to perform power factor and dielectric breakdown testing.

    • @dannynormile3550
      @dannynormile3550 2 роки тому +9

      I’m a substation technician as well and I agree with your post. Certainly not discounting any content of this video.

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +26

      Our sub techs do the majority of this work (within our sub yards). Biggest reason we do it as well is because of the mounting height.
      We cover the VR's and Or's out on the line. There wasn't quite an actual negative pressure, just not enough pressure to push the oil out into the syringe as a result of the cold temperature. We cease testing once temps dip below 0.
      Great info also by the way, thank you! 👊👊

    • @christopherrichardson5352
      @christopherrichardson5352 2 роки тому +14

      @@Bobsdecline No worries Aaron and as Daniel said I'm not trying to discount the content of your video either. As always you did a great job in this video keeping things accurate and concise. Cheers brother.

    • @chosen1one930
      @chosen1one930 2 роки тому

      Every country or even company does it differently im sure

    • @earlestes8649
      @earlestes8649 2 роки тому +1

      @@chosen1one930 that’s what I was getting ready to say. Work orders are different on the same jobs with different companies, they will put as much on you as they can get by with!

  • @inothome
    @inothome 2 роки тому +33

    I DON'T miss taking oil samples, we used to have to take samples of all our equipment. Now it's contracted out. One important point when taking oil with a syringe for a DGA (dissolved gas analysis), which you most definitely were with a regulator. After you draw the sample and the oil sits, if you see an air space, do not burp the air. That is some of the dissolved gas coming out and that is what they are testing for. We had a guy years ago, he would take samples, let them sit for a day or so, them burp the air out. Since the instructions were to completely fill the syringe, but didn't mention that if you saw after it was full to leave it. Not good to do for a DGA!
    But it is amazing what they can look for and determine the health of the equipment based on what chemicals they find or don't find in the oil. Much more than just moisture and dielectric strength.
    Thanks for the video and work safe.

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +10

      Excellent advice! I didn't know that, Thanks for sharing 👊👊

    • @ocsrc
      @ocsrc 2 роки тому +1

      There are so few people who actually know how things work, how to repair them, and keep the world working.
      And almost all of them are unsung heroes, never getting recognition for their work, and often times getting screamed at by people who have not a clue, can't even fill their own gas tank, but they keep on, doing the job, while taking the abuse.
      I love the show Undercover Boss
      They have the owner or CEO and they are given entry level tasks to complete, and they do thousands of dollars in damage in just seconds, while the actor they hire to be the " competition" against the undercover boss does the job flawlessly
      It shines a stark spotlight on how the people at the top are completely useless
      If all of the people at the top, the CEOs, if they disappeared for a year, no one would notice
      But let just one of the people who they say aren't worth minimum wage not show up, and the business have to close, the power goes out all over the city, state, country
      And with the new corporate model of 1 employee doing all the work that literally used to have 6 employees, if that one person doesn't show up, the businesses literally have to close
      I really wish the little people would strike nationwide till their demands were met for a living wage, but they would all be labeled domestic TERRORISTS and the military would be sent to put them down, literally

  • @mikel9567
    @mikel9567 2 роки тому +34

    I'd like to see how you add or change the oil in these. With our last windstorm we were working alongside PUD to get the roads back open and they brought one of these out to replace what I assume was a damaged one. These things are huge up close. Much bigger than I thought. Got to give credit to those power guys, they did quick work. We had a mile long stretch where the poles were snapped or broken and they had the entire stretch fixed with brand new poles and wire in less than a day. Not an easy task when massive trees are down blocking the road too.

    • @michaelcatchpole7230
      @michaelcatchpole7230 2 роки тому +6

      They are indeed a lot bigger up close. When I was in high school the local power company had a booth at a career fair. They had one of these regulators that probably was built for a trade show - the casing was glass or plastic so you could see the insides of it and there was no oil. It didn't have power to the 7200v windings of course but they demonstrated how the tap changer worked and you could actually see the parts moving around inside because of the glass case.

    • @chasetrent2450
      @chasetrent2450 2 роки тому +4

      Hey Mike as a substation electrician we deal with regulators on a normal basis. From what I can tell you at least for the company I work for we do not change or add oil to regulators. If they fail the Kellman test (oil sample test) the whole unit gets replaced.

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Рік тому

      Yeah, they're like 7-8 feet tall. Big cans!

  • @estouch
    @estouch 2 роки тому +7

    Love the care that is taken for each job that you do. Can tell that you love what you do. Gives me allot more respect when the power goes out, to give the lineman a break

  • @Marks-Garage
    @Marks-Garage 2 роки тому +9

    I have a decent story regarding sampling of a 400kv bushing once. Transformer was only 9 years old. During routine maintenance we took a sample. The tell tale sign that something was wrong with the bushing was that when my coworker undone the sampling point cap it shot up in the air with the pressure inside. When the results from the sample came back it was full of acetylene and ready to explode. Bushing was changed and transformer returned to service. In the UK some of our transformers are fitted with Hydrans that monitor the oil quality constantly and give a good indication of equipment health. We also have trailers that can be attached to monitor the gas real time. They tend to use these when a transformer is near end of life and a replacement can take up to 18 months to build

    • @mybeachshack
      @mybeachshack 2 роки тому

      Satisfying & informative video Sir. Do you ever smell the oil as well as (just) look at it as a preliminary inspection ?

    • @jameswyatt1304
      @jameswyatt1304 2 роки тому +1

      Wow! How does it get pressurized with Acetylene? Someone thought it was nitrogen or what?

    • @Marks-Garage
      @Marks-Garage 2 роки тому +2

      @@jameswyatt1304 When the insulation starts to break down you get arcing occurring within the bushing. The by products of arcing are lots of different gases and acetylene being the most explosive of all the gases. The transformer was only 8 years old so it was lucky that we found the issue during maintenance. It was a 1000MVA transformer so a failure of a transformer that size would of been pretty spectacular.

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Рік тому

      @@Marks-Garage Yes! Regular maintenance!

  • @psykolikwid
    @psykolikwid 2 роки тому

    As always, thanks so much for all the work all linewomen/ linemen do!!

  • @williamdegnan4718
    @williamdegnan4718 2 роки тому +14

    Wow! Haven't seen glass syringes in 60 years. Back in the day, my dad had a project which required him to extract samples of transformer oil from some respectably-sized distribution transformers.

    • @dannynormile3550
      @dannynormile3550 2 роки тому

      We use them regularly.

    • @christopherleubner6633
      @christopherleubner6633 2 роки тому +2

      They are called gas tight sampling syringes, made of glass and teflon. Pretty expensive. They can also safely be filled up with some pretty horible chemicals as well.

  • @ghalgren
    @ghalgren 2 роки тому +2

    As a Lineman, I have performed these tasks many time inside and outside of sub stations.

  • @rogerbeck3018
    @rogerbeck3018 2 роки тому +3

    thank you for the ongoing insights to the electrical distribution industry - I very much appreciate your efforts. From my comfortable desk in suburbia I am "learning"

  • @brothers4ever2
    @brothers4ever2 2 роки тому +3

    Be careful taking samples with the live regulator you might accidentally suck out some electricity.

  • @williammay5300
    @williammay5300 2 роки тому +1

    You are the Doctor for the electric grid...

  • @robertlapointe4093
    @robertlapointe4093 2 роки тому +1

    Hi Aaron, great to see preventative maintenance being done. So rare these days with many providers thinking it is cheaper to wait for failures (and screw the customers). I've used syringes like those for more than 40 years, for handling air-sensitive chemicals, mostly pyrophorics like triethylaluminum.

  • @cerealchild166
    @cerealchild166 2 роки тому

    That is interesting!! I like how you explain things, clear and simple!!

  • @pressrichardson6407
    @pressrichardson6407 2 роки тому +1

    Love your videos, planning on going to line school next august and getting into the trade! Incredibly excited and eager to get going! Have always had the dream to work on the most powerful force on earth and you have been a huge inspiration to get me ready to go and make the jump! Thank you and keep these videos coming! ⚡️

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Рік тому

      Money is the most-powerful force on Earth. Second place goes to the Strong atomic force. Wife force comes in third. Electromagnetic force comes in fourth.

  • @henrycems
    @henrycems 2 роки тому +3

    I think the nurse used a syringe-like that drawing my blood the other day LOL. Keep up the great work.

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +2

      🤣 Them ones hurt!! 👊👊🍻

  • @bobgallo3775
    @bobgallo3775 2 роки тому

    Good post, never knew that was part of the duties of being a lineman.

  • @timjorden8329
    @timjorden8329 2 роки тому

    Always very interesting. Thanks

  • @pleasureincontempt3645
    @pleasureincontempt3645 Рік тому +1

    I love that physics permeates everything. Head is head whether you work in Wastewater or Hydro. I enjoy your perspective and insights Aaron. Wonderful work as always! Thankfully I’ve never had to experience work in Delta P.

  • @marillima6350
    @marillima6350 2 роки тому +1

    Love your videos man

  • @oicfas4523
    @oicfas4523 Рік тому

    "Checking the oil" in some electrical equipment sounds like one of those made-up tasks you prank newbies with 😂. Like "blinker fluid" or the "keys to the sea chest."

  • @the_townleys
    @the_townleys 2 роки тому

    Morning Aaron🤝
    Going over transformer maintenance checked out the tap changer counter for an OLTC..extracting oil samples from a tap changer...cool stuff.

  • @kevinpoore5626
    @kevinpoore5626 2 роки тому +4

    Hey it's no fair when you're the first one on your channel LOL be safe keep up the good work

  • @johnwalker890
    @johnwalker890 2 роки тому

    Good job Aaron.

  • @mrmatt2525able
    @mrmatt2525able 2 роки тому

    Love the videos!

  • @thomasmleahy6218
    @thomasmleahy6218 2 роки тому +2

    I sent you a notice about a glove company in Chicago called Kunz Gloves. Looks like they have a wide variety of equipment. They've been in business a long time. I used to buy mittens and liners when I was still working on a large Chicagoland freight railroad, through some bitterly cold winters in the '70s. Hope this helps, it's pretty hard to keep out rain, very miserable when it's 40°F and blowing sideways, sometimes partially frozen. Always did like working during a snow storm, though. Thank You for your fact based videos, and appreciate the thorough procedures you follow.
    Regards,
    T.

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +2

      I do remember remember seeing a mention of "Kunz" somewhere. It must have been your. I'm going to screen shot this comment right now so I don't lose it and I'll check it out! Appreciate it ! 👊👊

  • @danyoung5346
    @danyoung5346 2 роки тому

    Yo another great video Keep on making them.. people need to see where and how they get their Electricity

  • @bgundercover
    @bgundercover 2 роки тому

    I like the cap you had on in the shop.

  • @thetooth
    @thetooth 2 роки тому

    Thanks for the info, I also take samples to make bio diesel for my truck, there are a lot of transformers in my area so no need to pay for fuel these days.

  • @sethdeppen8439
    @sethdeppen8439 Рік тому

    I work for an environmental company from the United States that responds to the transformer spills and pumpouts, we also take samples, ours are to determine pcb content in the oil, prior to late 1960s, pcb oil was used and long term exposure can lead to cancer and health problems for those who might not know. I find it very interesting to see the day to day life as a lineman and how it all works. Stay safe out there.

  • @JohnThomas-lq5qp
    @JohnThomas-lq5qp 2 роки тому

    Back in the late 1970's POS GE service department would check our 13.200 & 4,160 volt transformers. They would test it what looked like a basic Megger to test oil. If reading was low they would run oil thru a blooter press for a few hours. Halve ass GE used the same hoses on transformers so ended up contaiminating one of the 13,200 volt transformers with PCB'S

  • @martinelectrician5637
    @martinelectrician5637 2 роки тому

    Fantastic 😍😍

  • @Dingomush
    @Dingomush 2 роки тому +17

    How many times can you sample the oil like that before it needs topping up? Love the vids. I’m not a lineman, I don’t play one on TV. lol. Just always wondered how most of that was done, then I stumbled across your channel.

  • @andrewsmedy7799
    @andrewsmedy7799 2 роки тому

    Thanks I like to wach all your videos

  • @omaristephens2143
    @omaristephens2143 2 роки тому +1

    Been meaning to say: love the hat 👍🏽 🏳️‍🌈
    Cheers from the Bay Area in northern California. Not a lineman, but I love learning about this stuff. Thanks!

  • @cobrastrike5793
    @cobrastrike5793 2 роки тому

    Hey man from Wallingford Connecticut USA 👊 stay safe and happy Thanksgiving

  • @longviewstud26
    @longviewstud26 2 роки тому

    Support educational I had no idea

  • @DoubleVoddy
    @DoubleVoddy 2 роки тому

    this is awsome i have the same job

  • @assassinlexx1993
    @assassinlexx1993 2 роки тому

    Sometimes it is not if you are a good Lineman but how good a secretary you are.
    People say electricity keeps world going
    Nope paper work. 🤦‍♂️👷

  • @imeprezime1285
    @imeprezime1285 2 роки тому

    Didn't know that was a part of your job. Quite surprised!

  • @NkRemTeh
    @NkRemTeh 2 роки тому

    Спасибо, интересная тема про трансформатор)

  • @endtimes2100
    @endtimes2100 2 роки тому +2

    I nvr knew there was oil inside those transformers until I started watching your channel.

    • @ntsecrets
      @ntsecrets 2 роки тому +3

      I had a circa 1950s transformer leak all over my lawn - they had to replace it.

    • @gorillaau
      @gorillaau 2 роки тому

      @@ntsecrets Did they replace the lawn?

    • @ntsecrets
      @ntsecrets 2 роки тому

      @@gorillaau it was like a 2x2 foot square... so no. But they assured me that the 1950s oil had "little to no PCBs" lol. It did grow back.

    • @gorillaau
      @gorillaau 2 роки тому

      @@ntsecrets LOL. Little to no PCBs, right. :) It sounds like ACS which depending who you ask is either American Cement Sheeting or Abestos Cement Sheeting. I have adopted it from Australia.

    • @ntsecrets
      @ntsecrets 2 роки тому

      @@gorillaau actually the power company at first did not want to replace it, so I called the EPA state agency and they had a truck out within an hour to replace it!

  • @russianlineman4059
    @russianlineman4059 2 роки тому +1

    Круто! У нас пробы масла берутся только из силовых трансформаторов на подстанциях напряжением от 35 кВ и выше, а на линиях 10 кВ у нас применяются вакуумные трехфазные выключатели.

  • @pierreletourneau722
    @pierreletourneau722 2 роки тому

    I used to work for Hydro-Québec in 1971 and when we took oil sample from big transformers and breakers, we had to save some on the side. A lot of old guys were using old oil for rubbing on their rhumatism, I knew it was not good, but since I was beginning my 'career' , I did not argue. The oil had to have suffered some arcing to be good.....Of course at that time the oil was full PCB!

  • @Bobsdecline
    @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +33

    After extracting the oil, we send it off to a lab where they do all kinds of tests and "science" stuff. (way over my head!✈️) These tests can often find clues within the oil that a particular unit may be about to fail!
    Oh yeah, this is more footage from back in October 😬 hence the mention of Halloween👻👊👊🍻
    My costume ➡️ ua-cam.com/video/K_0CVLhUCEI/v-deo.html

    • @BlackBaron705
      @BlackBaron705 2 роки тому +3

      You mentioned that you send off the syringe for testing, but what do you do with the other 90% of the oil you drained into the jars?

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +6

      Jars go too! I think they use the larger amount in the jar for di-electric testing. I vaguely remember doing that back in 2004 when training with some sub techs

    • @generatorjohn4537
      @generatorjohn4537 2 роки тому +3

      We use to have a lab in house of my old company but now they use Doble out of Watertown, Massachusetts.
      Important information is captured from these samples. They can tell you whether or not the equipment can continue to remain in service.

    • @ke6gwf
      @ke6gwf 2 роки тому +6

      A lot of heavy equipment gets this type of testing regularly on engine oil and other fluids, especially Caterpillar stuff.
      When an oil change can cost thousands of dollars, plus down time, and not changing the oil in time can cost tens of thousands of dollars, it makes a lot more sense to test it for $25 so you know exactly when it needs to be changed, as well as being able to see if you have a bearing or cylinder or something starting to go out, since each part in the engine uses a different alloy, and so by looking for the phosphorus or brass or whatever in the oil sample you can see wear metals.
      Plus seeing if the additives are breaking down, it's getting contaminated, etc.
      A lot of trucking fleets use oil sampling as well, either to determine when to change the oil, or find the average life for a particular engine hauling a particular type of load.
      Trucks in stop and go traffic will wear the oil out faster than trucks on the open road, etc.
      FYI, if you want to test your own oil in a pickup or whatever, you can buy the prepaid oil sample test kits from Caterpillar (and other places too), and it comes with a mailer to send it to the lab.
      They do coolant etc too.

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +2

      That's great info Ben! I didn't realize that, thanks for sharing. Cheers!🍻

  • @TorrentPerformance
    @TorrentPerformance 2 роки тому

    In a apocalypse type situation, him showing you this is vital for the ability to drive. Maybe not the new diesels but older diesel engines will run on the mineral oil if the oil supply chain dies in a event. Just get a large tarp and brace it on all four corners and run a small round in the bottom and badda boom you have fuel to run your diesel if you can catch it. It will render the unit completely useless but it may get you farther down the road in a apocalypse situation. It does work and could be vital info to save you and your family sometime.

    • @M3rVsT4H
      @M3rVsT4H 2 роки тому

      Just be aware that not all Transformer oil is Mineral oil. Not sure how some of the synthetic esters they use these days will go. Might be fine.. Might be a fine mess to fix.

  • @linehandibew6205
    @linehandibew6205 2 роки тому +1

    Wish our utility installed regulators this way. Instead of a 3 pole stand for the bank they have them each hung on their own individual pole in a row. A B C. And they don’t have bypass switches. They are actually tapped directly to the line. Their reasoning is they down want anyone to be able to just throw in the byspass unknowing that they must be in neutral position. Makes sense but it makes it interesting when you have to put them on line to zero them out.

  • @JimwombatLand
    @JimwombatLand 5 днів тому

    use to take samples and test the oil , pcb's ,low arc range , recomend changing .

  • @dLikesDDs
    @dLikesDDs 2 роки тому

    having worked on oil spill/pipeline spill clean ups, some from leaked transformers, that mineral oil was by far the worst as to how far into the ground it leeched

  • @marcdich9066
    @marcdich9066 2 роки тому

    aahhh yes the regulators are grand standing upthere just regulating lol anyway happy thanksgiving to you and your family

  • @mpeg2tom
    @mpeg2tom 2 роки тому +19

    Do you ever check the potential on transformers and voltage regulators whose cases "are supposed to be" bonded to ground before you touch them?

    • @credit__devin
      @credit__devin 2 роки тому +3

      I freaked the fuck out watching him do that

    • @AureliusR
      @AureliusR Рік тому +1

      @@credit__devin He had probably already tested it before watching the video. This guy is very meticulous.

  • @davidca96
    @davidca96 2 роки тому

    Whats fun is when you see a failure and the oil spews out and catches fire. Ive seen that a couple times, its pretty wild. Get that stuff hot enough and it burns.

  • @avlawns3037
    @avlawns3037 2 роки тому +1

    mmm Dioxin! Timesbeach says hi.

  • @teh_supar_hackr
    @teh_supar_hackr 2 роки тому

    Not sure why I got recommended this, but have watched it anyways

  • @shellyrobinson2795
    @shellyrobinson2795 3 місяці тому

    wow cool i really hope you added some oil back after doing that as if it gets too low or no oil at all it might explode on you guys

  • @mikeznel6048
    @mikeznel6048 2 роки тому +1

    Howdy Aaron. Hope all is well with you amd your family!

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +1

      Hey Mike! Thank you and hope all is well with you and yours! 👊🍻

  • @Elizondough
    @Elizondough 2 роки тому +15

    Why isn't there a regular service interval to just change the oil? Seems like over time if you keep draining to oil to check it you have to add more eventually right?

    • @charlesbaker6403
      @charlesbaker6403 2 роки тому +12

      Mineral oil is considered hazardous waste so utilities in different areas properly want to minimize the amount they have to dispose of.

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +22

      They get a top up about every 10 years! While it's a big jar, it doesn't take much from those big tanks

    • @ke6gwf
      @ke6gwf 2 роки тому +21

      It's actually not ideal to change oil on a regular schedule, because oil doesn't wear or get contaminated on a regular schedule.
      Imagine a car in Florida by the beach, and one in Nevada in the desert. Same miles per day, which will actually need an oil change first?
      With cars we are used to fixed schedules, but that's just for convenience, and because it's a small cost to change the oil.
      But when you get to larger engines, heavy equipment, etc, the best practice is to periodically test the oil, looking at additive levels, oil breakdown, wear metal levels, contamination, etc, and only change it when it actually needs it, partly because if it's under mild conditions and light use, it may be able to go twice as long and thus save a lot of money, but on the flip side, if it's under heavy use or harsh conditions, or has a leak or something wearing badly, it may need to be changed much more frequently to avoid engine damage.
      Also, if you see a high level of a particular metal in the oil sample, you can get early warnings that a bearing is going out, or something else is having issues, so that you can plan for preventative maintenance before it fails, or replace a bearing before it destroys a crankshaft or block.
      With this application, you are not just checking oil condition, you are basically taking a blood sample from the device, so you can actually see if the device itself is having any problems, whether major ones like a leaky seal allowing moisture in, or subtle ones like arcing inside that will leave dissolved gasses and probably elevated copper or aluminum levels in the oil.
      And if you find those problems, then you can repair or replace the unit before it fails.
      Just changing the oil won't identify the unit faults.

    • @mpeg2tom
      @mpeg2tom 2 роки тому +5

      PCBs are still found at permitted levels in a small and decreasing number of in-service transformers...

    • @Elizondough
      @Elizondough 2 роки тому

      @@Bobsdecline TY sir

  • @sethtaylor5938
    @sethtaylor5938 2 роки тому

    They do a DGA (Dissolved Gas analysis) on the transformer oil, usually Shell Diala. Why? Arcing in the oil when contacts operate, creates acetylene gas. All regulators have moveable contacts in the oil that are part of the tap changing mechanism. Usually this test is done based on a calendar or based on a mechanical counter at the regulator or recloser that counts the number of times the electrical contacts submersed in the oil have moved. At First energy we collected this data based on quarterly inspections. If the amount of dissolved gas exceeds the parts per million threshold, the oil has to be replaced. Acetylene is a combustible explosive gas. Also the oil has an affinity for moisture which has to be analyzed. We did not do DGA on fixed PAD and pole transformers as there are no contacts in the oil that move or operate on a regular basis. Some transformers have a NLT (NO Load Tap Changer) that should only be moved when the device is ***de-energized***. This is how we avoid making acetylene gas in the transformer oil.

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому

      Excellent explanation! 🙌🤝🍻

  • @chosen1one930
    @chosen1one930 2 роки тому

    I'm surprised more people aren't stealing ground wires from the poles.

  • @danbrey9357
    @danbrey9357 2 роки тому

    Very cool videos. I appreciate the Chanel. One question about an observation- I notice not all tools have a wrist lanyard or other tie off. Before university and becoming an EE I apprenticed in a rigging related Industry. There any tools with overhead workers had to have have a security line in case dropped elevated. Thoughts and perspectives from your industry? I am sure there is always a compromise where one safety mitigation might make another factor more hazardous. Cheers.

  • @stephenrowley4171
    @stephenrowley4171 2 роки тому +1

    Trick is not to break the tap off like a college did on a JW420(large 275kv oil filled circuit breaker). Had to wedge a bit of wood in there to stem to flow. So he could go get the circuit tripped out and arrange and emergency oil tanker

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Рік тому

      Oh dear!! 😲

  • @AureliusR
    @AureliusR Рік тому

    Oh wow, this is right at Crossroads Pentecostal! I know where that is :)

  • @damonabets3779
    @damonabets3779 2 роки тому +2

    Very cool video! I’m not familiar with oil filled voltage regulators(I usually work with PCB boards) but if you took oil samples every year wouldn’t the oil eventually run out of oil in the voltage regulators? Keep up the great content and stay safe up there!

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Рік тому

      Yeah, a syringe-worth didn't seem that bad, but that jar... was that close to a liter? I hope they check the oil windows after they're done, too.

  • @hallgrimurkhallgrimsson1200
    @hallgrimurkhallgrimsson1200 2 роки тому

    I would've thought the sediment was nessacery in the oil test since it would show how much material has dissolved into the oil

  • @alan.macrae
    @alan.macrae 2 роки тому

    👊👊

  • @unwired1281
    @unwired1281 2 роки тому

    If you need to add oil is it possible to push it in at that valve or pour it in at the top?

  • @electroshed
    @electroshed 2 роки тому

    Love the Oakley pride cap! 😍🏳‍🌈

  • @troubleshooter1975
    @troubleshooter1975 2 роки тому

    Does the oil ever get too hot to comfortably handle? What is the typical operating range high end on pole transformers, regulators, etc? I have noted convection cooling tubes or fans on substation equipment (and sometimes pole transformers too)...

  • @ocsrc
    @ocsrc 2 роки тому

    How do you fill the regulator back up with oil ?

  • @yj5225
    @yj5225 2 роки тому

    When do you feel back the oil that you remove?

  • @TheKdizzle1971
    @TheKdizzle1971 2 роки тому

    Be safe oooooooooooooooooot there in Canada

  • @hariranormal5584
    @hariranormal5584 2 роки тому

    6:29 the cables just below this are they Fiber/Copper for network purposes?

  • @aspopulvera9130
    @aspopulvera9130 2 роки тому

    Do that mineral oil also had a second function like a cooler of some sort?

  • @MrBen527
    @MrBen527 2 роки тому

    How do those regulators work? Are they like a "choke"?

  • @navasmnavasmnavasmnavasm8823
    @navasmnavasmnavasmnavasm8823 2 роки тому +3

    Allahu bless you care and health for workI am Indian (Kerala)god's own country Electricity Lineman

  • @plasmaman9592
    @plasmaman9592 2 роки тому

    My neighbors kid was shooting holes in transformers draining the oil out of 9 different transformers

  • @James_Bowie
    @James_Bowie 2 роки тому

    Which day of the year is the sun scheduled to shine in that part of Canada?

  • @chaimilch6008
    @chaimilch6008 2 роки тому

    Whats the function of these 3 transformers /regulators with that insulated 7200 line?

  • @joshuapk9808
    @joshuapk9808 2 роки тому

    It always seems like those VR's or tapchangers are near a church! In my "roaming area" there are a couple of sets of those and both sets of them are in front of a church. Before I knew what they were I was really curious as to why a church would need 325kW to praise the Lord lol...

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому

      Lol, it's true tho eh!? 🤔🤔

  • @IIGrayfoxII
    @IIGrayfoxII 2 роки тому

    Are those frayed conductors on that pole sticking out at 3:50

  • @tehlaser
    @tehlaser 2 роки тому +1

    I'm curious why they want a jar and a syringe both. I would have assumed the syringe would be all the science types would need.

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +2

      I think they need a larger volume for the di-electric test

  • @gregcaples4356
    @gregcaples4356 Рік тому

    Aaron (or anyone knowledgeable) please give an explanation of what is the proper way to interpret oil levels with a ball-in site gauge.

  • @ezquimal
    @ezquimal 2 роки тому

    Why don't use dry transformer?

  • @ocsrc
    @ocsrc 2 роки тому

    My substation has installed a telephone pole and put a VHF stick antenna on top and they also put up an 800 or 900 MHz Yagi antenna
    I saw a box truck from the power company yesterday and they had plugged the VHF cable into the back of the truck
    Any idea what they were doing ?
    Their license is for VHF and Low band frequencies
    The VHF they use digital, might be DMR or some other digital method
    They have analog on the low band, but I have heard digital bursts on low band in the past, I am guessing to control remote equipment.

  • @herbcraven7146
    @herbcraven7146 2 роки тому

    Aaron, what is the oil in the brown bottle used for if the syringes are seemingly the only thing sent off for testing?

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Рік тому

      Sent off for dielectric testing. Active tests of the insulating properties of the oil.

  • @missumenimsatanass
    @missumenimsatanass 2 роки тому

    He's stoned. Haha. You could blind fold him with dental floss....hahaha

  • @reborntroll
    @reborntroll 2 роки тому +1

    Happy thanksgiving

    • @jamess1787
      @jamess1787 2 роки тому +2

      Thanksgiving was last month bud! You're on the wrong side of the 49th parallel 😂

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +1

      🤣👊👊🍻

    • @jamess1787
      @jamess1787 2 роки тому

      @@Bobsdecline 🍻👍👌

  • @aubreyroche5080
    @aubreyroche5080 2 роки тому

    Question, would you connect a new wire to the bottom of a 15kv fuse cut out with just the Cut out open, power still on main over head lines ? Trusting the Cut out insulator ?

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +1

      There are situations where you would (while using hot line methods). In most cases no, you would un-tap the riser/lead.

  • @grahamek86
    @grahamek86 2 роки тому

    Please tell me you carry another adjustable spanner. I can only imagine the expletives that would resonate round the area if I dropped it.

  • @wawrzynzatorski5631
    @wawrzynzatorski5631 2 роки тому

    Taking oil samples for testing for the content of eg cellulose, gases, etc. I see that the structures are made of wood, how do you keep them in good condition, there is no decay?

  • @robbyharrison9915
    @robbyharrison9915 Рік тому

    Hey eric i love watching u and buy the way i was born on halloween texting from gainesville fl gator country

  • @redsquirrelftw
    @redsquirrelftw 2 роки тому +4

    3:31 it sounds like you're speaking from experience haha. Actually I'm kind of curious how those regulators work, I assume it's basically an autotransformer, but how does that work with only 1 wire going in then out? I guess basically same idea as single earth wire return?

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Рік тому

      One side of the transformer is connected together. Both the incoming neutral/ground and the outgoing neutral/ground are connected, and even share just one bushing which you can see in the video. Generally the incoming wire ratio is fixed. The outgoing wire ratio has the tap changer. Most tap changers I've read out on regulators have 32 positions with each position having a certain additional deviation (like 1.5% V) off of neutral. The box at the bottom of the pole that the big black wound-up cable runs to monitors the voltages and adjusts the taps automatically as needed to keep the output voltage the programmed level.

  • @exinfocompany
    @exinfocompany 2 роки тому

    My Ford Transit 2.0tddi is working great on oil from transformer. It runs more quiet than diesel 😂

  • @topduk
    @topduk 2 роки тому

    In Africa they use that oil for frying street food.

  • @ntsecrets
    @ntsecrets 2 роки тому +3

    How do you add / top off the oil when it gets too low? Guessing at some point that happens If you’re testing it on a regular basis?

    • @rupe53
      @rupe53 2 роки тому +2

      I would guess there's a special task force to handle that aspect of doing a full service. I would also surmise they have extra oil in there so the level stays above acceptable for the 10 year service interval.

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +2

      That's correct!

  • @grabasandwich
    @grabasandwich 2 роки тому

    Are these regulators a fairly new design or feature? I seem to remember them popping up in and around Winnipeg only about 15-20 years ago?? Did they replace an older system?

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Рік тому +1

      I've seen them in my parts (central US) for 40+ years.

  • @kisielthe1st
    @kisielthe1st 2 роки тому

    forbidden broth

  • @linehandibew6205
    @linehandibew6205 2 роки тому +1

    Quick question. To me it looks like line side and load side bypass switches are closed in. Where is the bypass to take them offline?

    • @linehandibew6205
      @linehandibew6205 2 роки тому +2

      Disregard I watched that part 5 more times and noticed that those are double knife with a third horizontal knife for bypass up top. Do those have a safety to prevent them being closed before zeroing out the regs? Or just common sense hahahaha

    • @Bobsdecline
      @Bobsdecline  2 роки тому +4

      Mostly common sense! Haha. Actually VR's are one of the device included in a list that absolutely cannot be operated without first communicating with our dispatch. The communication includes a 3 way conversation of the zeroing procedure. (2 means of identifying "0"). Operating a device without permission in our company results might result in some pretty serious consequences.
      That all being said. Your right, this particular one is a 3 in 1 with the horizontal by-pass. We have many versions, this one does not have a lock out. We sometimes build the entire setup with cut outs and also have auto by pass switches which can be kinda sketchy if they're stiff.
      I should also add that regardless of the type of switch we have another rule that states:
      Any device can be operated to ISOLATE a line only, without permission is it's an emergency.... Like a fire or a life is in danger.