How to deal with the aging of sealing materials of current transformers?

1. Replacement of sealing materials
Determine the type of sealing material to be replaced: First, choose the appropriate sealing material according to the model, working environment and medium type of the current transformer. For example, for oil-immersed current transformers, sealing gaskets generally choose oil-resistant rubber materials, such as nitrile rubber, which has good tolerance to mineral oil, etc.; for gas-insulated current transformers (such as SF6 gas insulation), you can choose materials with good gas sealing properties such as polytetrafluoroethylene. At the same time, consider the material's temperature resistance, aging resistance and other properties to ensure that it can adapt to the operating conditions of the transformer.
Prepare replacement tools and materials: Before replacing the sealing material, you need to prepare suitable tools, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, etc., for disassembly and installation of components. For sealing materials, make sure that their size and specifications are completely matched with the original sealing parts. For example, the inner diameter, outer diameter and thickness of the sealing gasket must meet the requirements to ensure a good sealing effect. In addition, you can also prepare some sealants to assist in sealing when installing the sealing material and enhance the sealing performance.
Safe removal and replacement: When replacing sealing materials, first make sure that the current transformer is powered off and take safety measures, such as grounding. For transformers with pressure (such as SF6 gas-insulated transformers), release the internal pressure first. Then, carefully remove the original sealing components, taking care not to damage other components. When installing new sealing materials, make sure that they are installed in the correct position and the sealing surface is clean and flat. For example, when installing the sealing gasket, place it flat in the sealing groove to avoid wrinkles or distortion. After installation, you can apply some sealant appropriately, but be careful not to let the sealant enter the transformer.
2. Maintenance and care of sealing materials (in the early stage of aging)
Cleaning and protection: If the sealing material only shows slight signs of aging, such as a small amount of dirt or slight discoloration on the surface, it can be cleaned and protected first. For dust, oil and other impurities around the sealing part, wipe with a clean cloth or a special cleaning agent. Then, a layer of protective agent, such as silicone grease, can be applied to the surface of the sealing material, which can prevent further aging of the sealing material to a certain extent, while also enhancing the sealing performance. However, attention should be paid to the amount of protective agent used to avoid excessive use leading to other problems.
Adjust working environment conditions: If it is found that the aging of the sealing material may be caused by working environment factors, such as high temperature, high humidity or chemical pollution, measures can be taken to improve the working environment. For example, in a high temperature environment, a sunshade or cooling device can be installed to reduce the temperature around the transformer; for an environment with high humidity, a dehumidification device can be installed to control the humidity within a reasonable range; if there is chemical pollution, consider sealing the transformer, such as installing a protective cover, or moving the transformer to a less polluted location.
3. Formulate a regular inspection and replacement plan
Regular inspection plan: In order to detect the aging problem of the sealing material in time, a regular inspection plan should be formulated. The inspection cycle can be determined based on factors such as the importance, operating environment, and service life of the current transformer. For example, for important transformers installed in harsh environments, an appearance inspection can be carried out every quarter, focusing on the status of the sealing material; for transformers in general environments, an inspection can be carried out every six months or one year. The inspection content includes the appearance of the sealing material (such as whether there are cracks, deformation, etc.), whether there are signs of leakage in the sealing part, etc.
Replacement plan: Develop a reasonable replacement plan based on the service life of the sealing material and the inspection results. Generally speaking, the service life of the sealing material is affected by factors such as material quality and working environment. For example, ordinary rubber sealing gaskets may be used for 3-5 years under normal conditions, but may only be used for 1-2 years under harsh environments (such as high temperature and chemical pollution). When the sealing material shows obvious signs of aging or is close to the end of its service life, it should be replaced in time to ensure the good sealing performance of the current transformer.