Containment trays for transformers

Self-extinguishing transformer oil collection trays, also for retrofitting

The transformer oil containment tray offers full compliance with EN 61936-1, AS2067, REACH and RoHS requirements. It is an alternative to concrete pits or tanks when the ground is unsuitable or a rapid solution is needed: areas where excavation is difficult, rising groundwater, tight deadlines, etc.

We also offer the refurbishment, maintenance, and sealing of existing old oil containment trays for transformers . At the same time, a self-extinguishing fire protection system can be retrofitted.

Patented self-extinguishing transformer fire protection system, also suitable for retrofitting existing concrete tanks

Transformer fires pose a significant challenge for firefighters due to the flammable transformer oil and the associated risk of explosion . Such fires can lead to massive consequential costs due to prolonged power grid outages.

Instead of using expensive automatic (firefighting) cannons to "shoot sparrows," our patented self-extinguishing containment trays, by design, smother the fire. The transformer oil flows through narrow gaps in the tray's intermediate floor, and any fire underneath is extinguished on its own. Our transformer containment trays allow the flames to extinguish naturally without the risk of reignition.

In addition to modular, self-extinguishing containment trays for transformers, we also offer the transformer fire protection system for concrete trays housing high-voltage electrical transformers (63 kVA to 400 kV).

The globally unique patented fire protection system can also be used to retrofit existing concrete troughs for transformers!

Why are self-extinguishing containment trays important for transformers?

Self-extinguishing containment trays for transformers prevent costly and dangerous fire brigade operations involving burning transformer oil and protect surrounding equipment from damage and consequential damage (e.g., from extinguishing water).

The self-extinguishing transformer oil containment trays with integrated fire extinguishing system for electrical transformers enable the rapid drainage of dielectric substances into the tray and the natural extinguishing of flames. Suitable for transformers (between 10 and 100 MVA), neutral point coils (between 300 and 1000 A), capacitors, compensated impedance transformers, autotransformers, auxiliary transformers, and frequency feed-in transformers.

" When transformers or substations catch fire, firefighting is always a very delicate and difficult matter. Since water conducts electricity, it is not a suitable extinguishing agent and is even prohibited in some cases . For example, if a solid jet of water hits live parts, the voltage could arc and thus injure or even kill the firefighter." (Source: EmiControls - Fire protection in substations and at transformers )

" Extinguishing power transformer fires is complex and can be very time-consuming. This was particularly evident in the fire involving a 500 megavolt-ampere (MVA) transformer in Abu Dhabi on April 17, 2014. Due to the size of the transformer and the burning, leaking transformer oil, the scene was not fully under control until April 19, 2014. One of the most common causes of transformer fires is the loss of the oil's dielectric properties. This can lead to the formation of an electric arc. Part of the oil filling evaporates within milliseconds. The pressure increase destroys the transformer casing, and the burning oil escapes." This is also known as "thermal runaway" ....

The particular challenges for firefighting are

• Extensive liquid fire in the transformer's containment area.
• The transformer oil continues to flow, burning.
• The system is still under high voltage
• The heated metal parts and burning solid materials can cause the liquid fire to reignite.
• The transformer is usually difficult to access .

(Source: Berlin Fire Department: Research project) AERIUS: Fires at high-voltage power plants & Oil transformers ​