CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
1.1Introduction

Fire hazards occurring at power transformer and interconnecting transformer installations

are the matter of serious problem. These affects fire in power transformer because of several
reasons such as internal faults, over-heating, high order harmonics, failure of dielectric,
lightening etc. This may result into loss of valuable components used in substations or
industries. One Power transformer costs is of Rs. 4 Crores. Moreover, such types of
incidences may cause fatal or non-fatal accidents to human being or animals. On number of
occasions there is a sudden blasting of porcelain bushings. The pieces of porcelain are
scattered in the switchyard with a velocity of bullet and cause damage to nearby equipment's
in the switchyard [1].
Therefore, it is highly desirable to protect transformers from fire hazards. The system of
protecting transformers from fire hazards is providing a Nitrogen Injection System [1].

Figure 1.1 Introduction of Nitrogen Injection System

1
 1.2NECESSICITY-

The type of protection for the transformer varies depending on the application and the
importance of the transformer. Transformer are protected primarily against faults and overloads. The
type of protection used should minimize the time of disconnection for faults within the transformer
and to reduce the risk of catastrophic failures to simplify eventual repair. Any extended operation of
transformer under abnormal condition such faults or overloads compromises the life of transformer,
which means adequate protection should be provided for quicker isolation of the transformer under
such conditions. [5]

1.3OBJECTIVE –

1. To study need of transformer protection

2. To know about various protection system used for transformer
3. To analyze and validate the performance NITROGEN INJECTION FIRE PREVENTION
SYSTEM .
4. To protect transformer from faults like short circuits, and measure the parameter like oil
level, fire detect temperature.

2
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE SURVEY-

Ali Qasmi, Talha (2014). Power Transformer protection. He says that , Power transformers used
in High voltage (HV) / Extra high voltage (EHV) / Ultra high voltage (UHV) systems as they transfer a
huge amount of power to the customers but the volume of vulnerability and damage is also huge and
destructive. Therefore, in order to avoid such destructive and loss, protective devices are used with
differential protection schemes to provide safe and secure power to the customers. These devices not only
protect the equipment but also preserve human life and secure the system from impairment.[6]

2.1 REASONS FOR FIRE IN OIL FILLED TRANSFORMERS: -

Internal Causes-

 Line to ground fault or line to line fault on HV and LV external terminals.

 Line to ground or line to line fault on HV and LV windings.
 Short circuit between turns of HV and LV windings.
 Due to break down of insulation of lamination bolts etc., a poor electrical connection of
conductors which causes arcing under oil.
 Bad load sharing between transformers, in parallel, which can cause overheating due to
circulating current [2].

External Causes-

Faults which occur in other part of the system outside the transformer are called external
faults.
 Bushing Failure.
 OLTC Fire
 Spread of fire from surroundings [2]

3
 2.2What is Fire?
Fire is an exothermic chemical reaction in which combustible material combines with oxygen
in the atmosphere to give out heat and flame. But once fire has begun, the heat produced may
often be sufficient to support or even accelerate the process. The materials involved in the
combustion process may be in solid, liquid or gaseous state. They are also identified as two or
three-dimensional

 Two-dimensional fires are those where fire and fuel are on a single plane or flat surface.
Ground fire or trench fire fall in this group of fires.
 Three - dimensional fires are complicated fires of falling liquid streams or fuel under
pressure escaping from a container. Fire resulting from leak of transformer oil falls under
this category.

Fire is not happening by their selves. It requires some elements, four factors/ Elements must
be required in order before combustion occurs. They are,

 Heat-Sufficient to raise the temperature to ignition point

 Oxygen at sufficient quantity
 Fuel
 Chemical Chain reaction of above three mixtures.

These Four elements may be represented in the form of a Tetrahedron.

Just as removal of one or more sides of a tetrahedron causes its breakdown, the removal of
one or more factors causes the fire to cease.

4
Stages of Fire -

Figure 2.2.1 Fire Triangle.

The Fire Triangle/Fire Tetrahedron

Except explosion, most fires have humble starting and grow through the following four
stages of combustions:

 Incipient stage:
At this stage decomposition is occurring at the surface of the fuel due to the influence
of some form of heat. Products of combustion given off at this stage are invisible to the
eye
.
 Smoldering Stage:
At this Stage, up to 10% of the decomposing products released at the surface of the
fuel are visible.

 Flaming Stage:
Vapors from the decomposing fuel have ignited and are at the stage where flames are
self-propagating.

5
  Heat stage: At this stage the burning has progressed to the point where the fire is still small
but generating sufficient heat to warm the air immediately around the fire sending warm
products of combustion upwards by convection. The above principle is used for the
selection of fire detectors.

Classification of Fire as per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)-

Combustible substance can be present in three states - solid, liquid and gaseous state. The burning
of most materials produces a flame, this occurs when vapor or gas given off by the liquid or solid
materials is ignited. Depending upon the nature and state of the burning material, fires are generally
classified into A, B, C or D type.

Class - A: Fire -

These are fires involving solid materials, normally of carbon compounds in which combustion.

Generally, occurs with the formation of glowing embers.

These types of fires are most common. Examples of Class A - fires are fires involving wood,
rags, paper, plastic coal etc.

Class - B: Fire -

These fires involve flammable liquids or liquefiable solids. That is, fires occurring in vapor- air
mixture over the surface of flammable liquids such as gasoline, oils, paints & thinners. These
types of fires occur in storage tanks and chemical storages.

Class - C: Fire -

These are fires involving liquefiable gases like propane, butane, LPG, H2, etc.

Class - D: Fire -

These are fires that occur in combustible metals such as magnesium, Titanium, Sodium etc. For
Controlling such fires, special extinguishing agents/equipment and techniques are to be used.

Electrical Fires -
As per latest classification of Bureau of Indian Standards, electrical fires do not constitute a
Particular class. The normal procedure is to cut off electric supply and extinguish the fire using
Equipment & medium appropriate for the burning material (burning material may be PVC
Insulation around the conductors or the conductor material themselves such as aluminum and
Copper). Extinguishing agents which are non-conductors & non-damaging to the equipment
should be used. In case of doubt positive isolation of electric supply should be done.

6
Important Properties of Flammable Materials-

Flash Point-

Flash Point of a liquid is the minimum temperature at which sufficient vapor is given off to form
an ignitable mixture with the air near the surface of the liquid. By Ignitable mixture is meant a
mixture that is within the flammable range and that is capable of propagation of flame away from
the ignition source. Although vapors are evolved at temperatures below the flash point, the
concentration is not sufficient for ignition to occur.

Flash point of transformer oil is 146ºC Fire Point-

The lowest temperature of a liquid at which vapors evolved is hot enough to support continuous
Combustion is its fire point. This temperature is usually a few degrees above the flash point.

Auto Ignition Temperature-

Auto-ignition temperature is the minimum temperature required to initiate self-sustained
combustion in a substance without any apparent source of ignition (spark or flame). The substance
may be solid, liquid or gaseous. Thus, auto ignition is the ignition of a combustible material without
initiation by any external agency like a spark or flame - when the material has been raised to the
auto ignition temperature.

Auto ignition temperature of is transformer oil 340ºC-

Vapor Pressure-

When a petroleum product is transferred into a container, it commences to vaporize, that is, it
liberates gas into the space above it. There is also a tendency for this gas to re-dissolve in the
Liquid and equilibrium is ultimately reached with a certain amount of gas evenly distributed
throughout.

Fire Extinguishing Methods-

For the purpose of extinguishing fires, we have to basically limit or eliminate one or more
elements of the fire triangle tetrahedron namely fuel, source of ignition, oxygen (air) and chain
reaction for stopping the combustion process. Whatever may be the equipment or the extinguishing
media used for firefighting, they follow the following four basic mechanisms for fire extinction.
These are the commonly adopted methods of extinguishing fires:

1. Starvation - Elimination of fuel.

2. Smothering - Limitation of Oxygen.
3. Cooling - Removal of temperature (Ignition Source).
4. Inhibition - Breaking the chain reactions.

7
1. Starvation-

Starvation can be brought about in 3 ways:

 By removing combustible material from the vicinity of fire such as transfer of fuel from
burning transformers, isolating or closing off valve on oil or gas line leading to fire, taking
material out of the ware-house etc.

2. Smothering-

If the oxygen or air source to the burning material can be minimized or limited, the combustion
will tend to retard. This method of extinguishment is accomplished by covering a burning surface
with a wet blanket, Sand, DCP, Foam, etc.

3. Cooling-

If the heat generated during combustion can be dissipated at a faster rate than generation by
some means, the combustion cannot sustain. By proper cooling, the heat of combustion is
removed at a faster rate thus reducing the temperature of the burning mass, continuously. In
due course of time, the heat lost will be more than the production and the fire will die down.
Application of water jet or spray for this cooling purpose is based on this method and principle.
The efficiency of an extinguishing agent as a cooling medium depends upon specific and latent
heats, as well as the boiling point. For these reasons, water is a good cooling medium as its
specific and latent heats are higher than those of other common extinguishing media.

4. Chemical Chain Inhibition-

Combustion consists of rapid chain reactions involving hydrogen atoms and other active
substances [2].

8
2.3DAMAGES CAUSED DUE TO THE FIRE IN OIL FILLED
TRANSFORMERS: -
 Explosion of tank as shown in following figure.

 Rupture of tank, Winding and core.

 Personnel injury.

 Neighboring equipment’ssuch as CT‟s, Lightning arrestors, power cables etc. catching fire.

 Environmental effect [2].

Figure 2.3.1 Damages of Transformer.

9
 CHAPTER 3

SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT –

3.1 BLOCK DIAGRAM

Figure 3.1 Block Diagram.

This is block diagram of the nitrogen injection system. The system includes

following Equipment’s: -

3.2EQUIPMENTS-
1) Fire Extinguishing Cubic
2) Control Box
3) Pre-stressed non-return valve (PNRV) or Transformer Conservator Isolation valve
(TCIV)
4) Fire Detectors
5) Valves

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 6) Pipelines ko
7) Indoor Cubic in Control room
8) Oil Pit

1) Fire Extinguishing Cubic: -

Fire extinguishing cubicle placed on distance at about 5-10 meter away from the transformer.
It consists of nitrogen cylinder, switches, valves, oil drain pipe. With base frame and containing oil
drain assembly, nitrogen cylinder, electromechanical. control unit for oil drain and nitrogen release,
pressure monitoring switch for backup protection for release of nitrogen, detectors necessary for monitoring
system, flanges with gate / butterfly valves on top panel for connecting pipe connections from transformer,
panel lighting etc.[2]

Fire extinction period-

a. On commencement of N2 injection → Maximum 30 seconds

b. On system activation up to post cooling →Maximum 3 minute.

Figure 3.1.1 Fire Extinguishing Cubic.

2) Control Box: -

The control box receives signals from sensors and accordingly sends command to operate
the system. For monitoring system operation, automatic control and remote operation, with
alarms, indication light switches, push buttons, audio signals, line fault detection suitable for
tripping and signaling on station battery DC supply. [2].

11
3) Transformer Conservator Isolation valve (TCIV):-The valve is provided between
conservator and breather. The oil in conservator tank not comes in transformer while fire is
occurring. Working mechanically on transformer oil flow rate, with proximity switch for remote
alarm indication and with visual position indication [2]

PNRV setting for operation "Minimum 60 liters per minute”.

Figure 3.1.2 Transformer Conservator Isolation valve

4) Fire detectors: -
The required number of fire detectors rated for 141ºC for heat sensing fitted on the top of the
transformers.
Heat sensing temperature "141ºC
Heat sensing area” 800 mm radius

Whenever there is an occurrence of fire hazards, there is obliviously rise in temperature.

This temperature rise is detected by the sensors as shown by square packets in the figure3.1.

12
5) Valves:-The valves provided at three locations. a.) Between conservator and breather. b.) On
oil drain pipe and c.) At nitrogen cylinder.

6) Pipelines:-Basically two pipelines are provided, one for oil evacuation and the other for
nitrogen filling. As per standard code, the components of this system are shown by red color.
Therefore, pipelines, cubicles, valves and other components of this system are painted by red color.

7) Indoor Cubic in Control room:-The indoor cubicle is installed in the control room. It is
connected to the system through a control cable. It comprises of fire switch, glass cover, hammer,
LED indicators, Fire alarm indicators etc.

Indoor cubicle:

The indoor cubicle is installed in the control room. It is connected to the system through a
control cable. It comprises of fire switch, glass cover, hammer, LED indicators, Fire alarm
indicators etc. Whenever there is an occurrence of fire hazards, there is obliviously rise in
temperature. This temperature rise is detected by the sensors as shown by square packets in the
figure. The sensors inform abnormal condition caused because of rise in temperature to the
control box. In response, the control box performs following three actions in a sequential manner.
The valve provided near buchholz relay is closed. This stops circulation of transformer oil
between conservator and main tank. The Oil drain valve is opened and a small quantity of oil
(usually 1%) is taken from top of the tank to the underground pit as shown in the figure. This
creates a small gas at top of the transformer tank. Now the nitrogen valve is opened so that the
nitrogen gas is released from cylinder and gets injected inside the transformer tank. The nitrogen
gas is injected at the bottom of tank. However, because of low density it goes up and fills the
gap created by evacuation of the oil. The nitrogen quenches the fire immediately [2].

8.Oil Pit: -It is the underground pit below the soil in which the small quantity of oil is drained
from transformer.

13
 Main components in transformer-
BUCHHOLZ RELAY-

Figure 3.2.1.1 Buchholz Relay

Buchholz relay relies on the fact that an electrical fault inside the transformer tank is
accompanied by the generation of gas and if the fault is high enough it will be accompanied by a
surge of oil from the tank to the conservator.
Whenever a fault occurs inside the transformer, the oil in the transformer tank gets overheated
and gases are generated. The generation of the gases depends mainly on the intensity of fault
produced. The heat generated during the fault will be high enough to decompose the transformer
oil and the gases produced can be used to detect the winding faults. This is the basic principle
behind the working of the Buchholz relay.

Construction-
Buchholz relay can be used in the transformers having the conservators only. It is placed
in the pipe connecting the conservator and the transformer tank. It consists of an oil filled chamber.
Two hinged floats, one at the top of the chamber and the other at the bottom of the chamber which
accompanies a mercury switch each is present in the oil filled chamber. The

14
mercury switch on the upper float is connected to an external alarm circuit and the mercury
switch on the lower is connected to an external trip circuit.

Operation-
Operation of the Buchholz relay is very simple. Whenever any minor fault occurs inside
the transformer heat is produced by the fault currents. The transformer oil gets decomposed and
gas bubbles are produced. These gas bubbles moves towards the conservator through the pipe line.
These gas bubbles get collected in the relay chamber and displaces oil equivalent to the volume of
gas collected. The displacements of oil tilts the hinged float at the top of the chamber thereby the
mercury switch closes the contacts of the alarm circuit.
The amount of gas collected can be viewed through the window provided on the walls of
the chamber. The samples of gas are taken and analyzed. The amount of gas indicates the severity
of and its color indicates the nature of fault occurred. In case of minor faults the float at the
bottom of the chamber remains unaffected because the gases produced will not be sufficient to
operate it.
During the occurrence of severe faults such as phase to earth faults and faults in tap changing gear,
the amount of volume of gas evolves will be large and the float at the bottom of the chamber is
tilted and the trip circuit is closed. This trip circuit will operate the circuit breaker and isolates the
transformer.

When does a buchholz relay operate?

Buchholz relay operates during three conditions:
1. Whenever gas bubbles are formed inside the transformer due to severe fault.
2. Whenever the level of transformer oil falls.
3. Whenever transformer oil flows rapidly from the conservation tank to the main or from the
main tank to the conservation tank.

Advantages of Buchholz relay

 Buchholz relay indicates inter turn faults and faults due to heating of core and helps in the
avoidance of severe faults.
 Nature and severity of fault can be determined without dismantling the transformer by
testing the air samples.

Limitation of Buchholz relay

It can sense the faults occurring below the oil level only. The relay is slow and has a minimum
operating range of 0.1second and an average operating range of 0.2 seconds.

15
Conservator Tank of a Transformer-

This is a cylindrical tank mounted on supporting structure on the roof the transformer main tank.
The main function of conservator tank of transformer is to provide adequate space for expansion
of oil inside the transformer.

Function of Conservator Tank of a Transformer-

When transformer is loaded and when ambient temperature rises, the volume of oil inside
transformer increases. A conservator tank of transformer provides adequate space to this expanded
transformer oil. It also acts as a reservoir for transformer insulating oil.

Construction of Conservator Tank-

This is a cylindrical shaped oil container closed from both ends. One large inspection cover is
provided on either side of the container to facilitate maintenance and cleaning inside of the
conservator. Conservator pipe, i.e. pipe comes from main transformer tank, is projected inside the
conservator from bottom portion. Head of the conservator pipe inside the conservator is provided
with a cap. This pipe is projected as well as provided with a cap because this design prevent oil
sludge and sediment to enter into main tank from conservator. Generally silica gel breather fixing
pipe enters into the conservator from top. If it enters from bottom, it should be projected well above
the level of oil inside the conservator.

Figure 3.2.2.1 Conservator Tank

16
 3.3CONNECTION DETAILS-

 Fire extinguishing cubical (FEC) to be placed on plinth at about minimum 5 MT away from
the transformer it consists of Nitrogen cylinder with regulator and falling pressure electrical
contact manometer.
 Oil drain pipe with mechanical quick drain valve.
 Electromechanical control equipment’s for oil drain and pre-determined regulated
nitrogen release.
 Pressure monitoring switch for backup protection for nitrogen release.
 Control box with activating, monitoring devices and line fault indicators, (to be placed
in control room).
 Pre-Stressed Non-return Valve (PNRV) to be fitted in the conservator pipeline; between
conservator and buchholz relay operating mechanically on transformer oil flow rate with
electrical signal for monitoring.
 Fire detectors fixed on transformer tank top cover for sensing fire.
 Signal box fixed on transformer side valve for terminating cable connections from fire
detector and PNRV.

Other connection requirements for system installation-

 Oil drain and nitrogen openings with gate valves on transformer tank, flanges with
dummy piece in conservator pipe and fire detectors brackets on transformer top cover.
 Spare potential free contacts for system activating signals that is differential relay,
buchholz relay, and pressure relief valve for transformer isolation.
 Pipe connections between transformer to fire extinguishing cubicle & fire extinguishing
cubical to oil pit.
 Cabling on transformer top cover all fire detectors to be connected in parallel and inter
cabling between signal box to control box and control box to fire extinguishing cubicle.
 Plinth for fire extinguishing cubicle, oil pit with capacity as 10% of total oil quantity of
transformer [2]

17
3.2WORKING PRINCIPLE-

The system work on the principle of “DRAIN AND STIR” and on activation, shall drain
a predetermine quantity of oil from the tank top through the outlet valve, to reduce the tank
pressure and inject nitrogen gas at high pressure from the lower side of the tank through inlet
valves to create stirring action and reduce the temperature of top oil surface, below flash point
to extinguish the fire as shown in figure 4.1 [1

Figure 4.1 Nitrogen Injection System.

Whenever there is an occurrence of fire hazards, there is obliviously rise in temperature. This
temperature rise is detected by the sensors as shown by square packets in the figure. The sensors
inform abnormal condition caused because of rise in temperature to the control box. In response, the
control box performs following three actions in a sequential manner. The valve provided near
buccholz relay is closed. This stops circulation of transformer oil between conservator and main tank.
Conservator tank oil shall be isolated during tank explosion and oil fire, to prevent aggravation of oil
fire. The Oil drain valve is opened and a small quantity of oil (usually 1%) is taken from top of the
tank to the underground pit as shown in the figure. This creates a small gas

18
 at top of the transformer tank. Now the nitrogen valve is opened so that the nitrogen gas is released
from cylinder and gets injected inside the transformer tank. The nitrogen gas is injected at the
bottom of tank. However, because of low density it goes up and fills the gap created by evacuation
of the oil. The nitrogen quenches the fire immediately [1].

System activating signals-

For Prevention: Differential relay trip + buchholz or pressure relief valve trip + circuit
breaker trip (Transformer isolation).

For Extinction: Fire detector operation + buchholz or pressure relief valve trip + circuit
breaker trip (Transformer isolation).

Maintenance-

Practically Nitrogen Injection and Drain method of Fire Protection and Extinguisher
system is maintenance free. It is recommended for monthly visual inspection for about 15-20
minutes and annual operational test schedule.

19
 CHAPTER 4

4.1 ADVANTAGES -

1. Low investment cost as compared to other conventional system.

2. Very low post fire and no secondary damages.

3. Minimum maintenance and running cost.

4. No climatic effects.

5.Minimum space requirement.

6.No water reservoir or major civil work required.

7.Considerable savings.

4.2 DISADVANTAGES-

1. If there is leakage in nitrogen gas cylinder, there is loss of gas.

2. Heavy steel cylinders and pipes required when compared to halon, equipment is

similar to other inert gases

3. Low cooling potential

20
 4.3APPLICATION –

1. In many substation –

2. Industries where high rating of transformer is used.

3. Preservation of food-

Nitrogen is used for creating a modified atmosphere where is applied along with
carbon dioxide for preservation of the fresh of packaged or bulk foods by safeguarding against
oxidative damage. Pure nitrogen is also leveled as food additive in the European Union with E
number E941.

4. Use of nitrogen in pharmaceuticals-

It is extensively used in the pharmaceutical industry. In fact, it is present in every

major pharmacological drug class, including antibiotics. As nitrous oxide, it is used as an

21
anesthetic. Besides, cryopreservation also uses nitrogen to preserve sperm, egg, blood various

other biological speciments.

5. Application of nitrogen in Manufacturing and construction industry-

It finds application in shrink fitting which is now more commonly used than the

traditional expansion fitting. The inner part of the metal is cooled by using liquid nitrogen

making it to shrink. Upon its insertion, the metal returns to its original size once the

temperature is normal giving it a tight fit. It is also used as liquid nitrogen in tunnel

construction where the ground is water-soaked for freezing the ground. Liquid nitrogen is

pumped into the ground through pipes. When nitrogen is deposited into the soil, it vaporizes

eliminating heat from the soil and freezing it.

6. Use of nitrogen in electronics industry-

It is used in the CPUs of computers in order to prevent them from heating up. It is
widely used in the fire suppression systems for Information Technology (IT) equipment.
Nitrogen is also used X-ray detectors.

7.Use of nitrogen in stainless steel-

Nitrogen finds application as a purging gas in the steel industry. It also finds application

as a shield gas for safe guarding technological processes against oxidation. It is used for creating

an inert atmosphere for steel casting and vacuum degassing of molten metal.

22
4.4 Comparison of different fire Prevention system [2]:

Figure 4.2.1 Comparison of different System.

23
 CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION-

The Nitrogen injection system is the traditional method of quenching fire hazards occurring
at transformer installations. The 'Nitrogen injection & Drain method' to protect the Power
Transformer from catching fire is a best method technique suited for Indoor/Outdoor application
because of its low investments, low maintenance & with practically no running cost beside assuring
„Fool proof operation‟ & is being satisfactorily adopted by many state electricity Board. 'Fire is
good servant but bad master' safe way is best way. The above system can quench the fire in power
transformer within one minute.

24
 REFERENCES

[1] Prof. Dr. Priya N. Gokhale & S.M.Bakre Sir, “Design of an Intelligent Nitrogen Injection
System for Fire Saftey of Power Transformer”, IJRET: International Journal of Research in
Engineering and Technology. (Volume: 04 Issue: 02 Feb-2015)

[2] Mr. S. S. Shingare, “Nitrogen Injection Fire Prevention System for Oil Filled
Transformers”, IJARIIE-International journal of advance research and innovative ideas in
education (vol-2 Issue- 5 2016)

[3] Diagram (Fig 2.3.1) from ELECTRICAL INDIA Magazine March 2015.

[4] Treanor, Whtman, “Relation of transformer design to fire protection”, Volume 72, issue 2,
IEEE journals and magazines 53.

[5] IEEE Std C37.91-2000 IEEE Guide for protective Relay Application to Power
Transformer

[6] Paper on “ Power Transformer Protection ”by Ali Qasmi,Talha (2014).

25