Transformer hydrogen indicator
AssigneeServeron Corporation
InventorSteven Mahoney
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A reliable, low cost device for determining when dangerous levels of hydrogen gas have been generated in a transformer is disclosed. The hydrogen indicator is defined by a module assembly that threads into either the headspace or into the oil-filled body of a transformer. The module has an open interior that contains a film that incorporates a hydrogen-sensitive chemochromic indicator. The indicator film is visible through a lens. When the film has been exposed to hydrogen, chemical changes in the chemochromic indicator cause the film to change color—the color change is immediately visible through the lens.
Claims19
A transformer hydrogen gas indicator, comprising:
- a module having a first end adapted for insertion into a transformer and a second end exposed externally of the transformer, the module having a body with an open interior;
- a chemochromic indicator in the open interior of the body;
- and
- a translucent lens on the second end of the module.
A transformer hydrogen gas indicator, comprising:
- a body having a threaded first end, a second end with a translucent lens and an open interior between the first and second ends;
- and
- a film retained in the body, said film comprising a chemochromic indicator compound adapted for changing color in the presence of hydrogen gas.
A method of monitoring a transformer for the presence of hydrogen gas, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a transformer with insulating oil;
- b) inserting an indicator module into the transformer, the indicator module having a chemochromic indicator retained therein and exposed to an interior space of said transformer containing insulating oil, said indicator module inserted into the transformer such that the chemochromic indictor is visually apparent externally of the transformer;
- c) visually inspecting the indicator module to determine if the chemochromic indicator has changed from a first color to a second color;
- and
- d) based on the determination of color change in step c) determining if hydrogen gas is present in the transformer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.