FLEXIBLE BAG, IN PARTICULAR AN AIRBAG FOR AN OIL EXPANSION TANK OF A TRANSFORMER, OIL EXPANSION TANK AND TRANSFORMER COMPRISING THE SAME AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE FLEXIBLE BAG

Abstract

The present application relates to a flexible bag for an oil expansion tank of a transformer, an oil expansion tank comprising the flexible bag and a transformer comprising the oil expansion tank comprising the flexible bag. Further, the present application relates to a method for producing the flexible bag and use of the flexible bag in an oil expansion tank of a transformer. In particular, the present application relates to an flexible bag for an oil expansion tank of a transformer, comprising a first and a second elastomer layer, and a reinforcement layer comprising a fabric, the reinforcement layer arranged between the first elastomer layer and the second elastomer layer; and the first and the second elastomer layers comprising each at least one elastomer selected from at least one of vulcanized nitrile butadiene rubber, vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or vulcanized epichlorohydrin rubber.

Claims

1. A flexible bag for an oil expansion tank of a transformer, comprising: a first elastomer layer and a second elastomer layer, and a reinforcement layer comprising a fabric, the reinforcement layer arranged between the first elastomer layer and the second elastomer layer; and the first elastomer layer and the second elastomer layer each comprising at least one elastomer selected from at least one of vulcanized nitrile butadiene rubber, vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or vulcanized epichlorohydrin rubber.

2. The flexible bag according to claim 1, wherein the flexible bag is configured to be operated at a temperature of 110° C. or more.

3. The flexible bag according to claim 1, wherein the flexible bag is an airbag or is configured to be filled with oil.

4. The flexible bag according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elastomer in the first elastomer layer and the second elastomer layer is vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber.

5. The flexible bag according to claim 1, wherein the fabric comprises at least one of polyamide threads, cotton, polyester, glass, knits, silk or aramide fibers.

6. The flexible bag according to claim 5, wherein the polyamide threads are polyamide 6.6 threads, and/or the aramide fibers are para-aramide fibers.

7. The flexible bag according to claim 1, wherein the at least one elastomer of the first elastomer layer and the second elastomer layer is the same or different.

8. The flexible bag according to claim 1, wherein the flexible bag further comprises an externally arranged barrier layer.

9. The flexible bag according to claim 8, wherein the externally arranged barrier layer comprises at least one selected from a heterocyclic polymer, an organic polymer, an organo silicon compound or organic fluorine compound.

10. An oil expansion tank of a transformer, the oil expansion tank comprising the flexible bag according to claim 1.

11. The oil expansion tank according to claim 10, wherein the oil expansion tank comprises oil, in particular wherein the oil has a temperature of −40° C. or more, in particular of 110° C. or more, more particularly 120° C. or more.

12. The oil expansion tank according to claim 11, wherein the oil has a temperature of 170° C. or lower, in particular of 155° C. or lower, more particularly of 135° C. or lower.

13. The oil expansion tank according to claim 11, wherein the oil is mineral oil, silicon oil, or natural or synthetic ester-based oil, in particular natural or synthetic ester-based oil.

14. The oil expansion tank according to claim 10, wherein the oil expansion tank does not contain a breather.

15. A transformer comprising the oil expansion tank according to claim 10, the transformer being a traction transformer.

16. The transformer according to claim 15, wherein the transformer has an oil service temperature between −40° C. and 170° C., in particular between 110° C. and 155° C. and more particularly between 120° C. and 135° C.

17. A method for producing the flexible bag according to claim 1, the method comprising: providing a fabric; and applying one layer of rubber on one surface of the fabric and one layer of rubber on the other surface of the fabric by vulcanizing the rubber, the rubber being selected from nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber and epichlorohydrin rubber.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the vulcanization is hot vulcanization in a vacuum autoclave.

19. A use of the flexible bag according to claim 1 in an oil expansion tank of a transformer, the oil service temperature of the transformer being between −40° C. and 170° C., in particular the transformer being a traction transformer.

20. The use of the flexible bag according to claim 1, wherein the flexible bag further comprises an externally arranged barrier layer comprising at least one selected from a heterocyclic polymer, an organic polymer, an organosilicon compound or organic fluorine compound.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The present application will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1a) shows a configuration in a traction transformer (TT) oil expansion tank according to the prior art whereas FIG. 1B) and FIG. 1c) show a configuration in a traction transformer (TT) oil expansion tank according to the present application.

[0016] FIG. 2. shows a cross section of the material of the airbag of the present application.

[0017] Throughout the drawings, identical components and components of the same type and effect may be represented by the same reference signs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present application relates to a flexible bag for an oil expansion tank of a transformer, comprising a first and a second elastomer layer, and a reinforcement layer comprising a fabric, the reinforcement layer arranged between the first elastomer layer and the second elastomer layer. The first and the second elastomer layers comprises each at least one elastomer selected from at least one of vulcanized nitrile butadiene rubber, vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or vulcanized epichlorohydrin rubber.

[0019] The present application also relates to an oil expansion tank of a transformer comprising the flexible bag according to the present application.

[0020] In addition, the present application relates to a transformer comprising the aforementioned oil expansion tank.

[0021] Moreover, the present application relates to a method for producing the flexible bag of the present application comprising providing a fabric and applying one layer of rubber on one surface of the fabric and one layer of rubber on the other surface of the fabric by vulcanizing the rubber, the rubber being selected from nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or epichlorohydrin rubber.

[0022] The present application also relates to use of the flexible bag of the present application in an oil expansion tank of a transformer, the oil service temperature of the transformer being between −40° C. and 170° C.

[0023] It was found that a flexible bag according to the present application has good thermal ageing properties in oil and air at higher temperatures, as well as good compatibility with oil suitable for higher temperatures. Thus, the flexible bag according to the present application can be used in higher temperature applications and also be used in combination with oil suitable for higher temperatures, in particular the flexible bag can be used in combination with ester based oil which is commonly used in traction transformers having higher working temperatures.

[0024] Moreover, the elastomers used in the elastomer layers have good mechanical properties and flexibility which lead to good vibration resistance properties for traction transformer application.

[0025] By using the flexible bag according to the present application, the dielectric oils do not come into contact with the air inside the oil expansion tank and no breather needs to be employed. Thus, the maintenance of the components will be significantly reduced. Regarding the reliability verification of the airbag material, the new airbag is supposed to be effective during the entire life of traction transformers.

[0026] Moreover, dielectric oils had been proven sensitive to moisture. By using the flexible bag, the oil expansion tank system will be isolated from the ambient air. The flexible bag can compensate the volume changes in the oil expansion tank which was caused by temperature changes and at the same time insulate the transformer oil from humidity. Meanwhile, ester based oil, which is used in traction transformers, is sensitive to oxidation reaction caused by oxygen. Since traditional breather-silica gel systems can only remove moisture from the ambient air but let the oxygen come into the oil expansion tank, the newly developed flexible bag can provide the additional benefit of an increased oxidation stability of ester based oil in traction transformers. Without the influence of moisture and oxygen, the whole system is more reliable.

[0027] The flexible bag according to the present application may be an airbag. In other words, the flexible bag according to the present application is airtight. The flexible bag/airbag comprises a first and a second elastomer layer, and a reinforcement layer comprising a fabric, the reinforcement layer arranged between the first elastomer layer and the second elastomer layer. In other words, the reinforcement layer is on the first elastomer layer and the second elastomer layer is on the reinforcement layer. Thus, the first and the second elastomer layers and the reinforcement layer form a sandwich structure.

[0028] The first and the second elastomer layers comprise each at least one elastomer selected from at least one of vulcanized nitrile butadiene rubber, vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or vulcanized epichlorohydrin rubber, in particular at least one of vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or vulcanized epichlorohydrin rubber, more particularly vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber.

[0029] In particular, the first and the second elastomer layers may comprise or consist each of the at least one elastomer selected from at least one of vulcanized nitrile butadiene rubber, vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or vulcanized epichlorohydrin rubber, more particularly at least one of vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or vulcanized epichlorohydrin rubber, most particularly vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber.

[0030] In this context, elastomer means a polymer which is viscoelastic.

[0031] In particular, the at least one elastomer in the first and the second elastomer layers may be the same or different.

[0032] The skilled reader understands from the present application that the shape of the airbag/flexible bag is not particularly limited. The flexible bag of the present application may be a bag of any volumetric shape. Moreover, several flexible bags may be linked together.

[0033] When the flexible bag according to the present application may be used in the oil expansion tank of the transformer the first elastomer layer may come into contact with air and the second elastomer layer may come into contact with the oil, or the other way round.

[0034] The skilled reader understands from the present application that when the flexible bag may be used in the oil expansion tank of the transformer, the flexible bag may contain the air or the oil.

[0035] In the present application, nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) is a rubber derived from acrylonitrile and butadiene. The nitrile butadiene rubber of the present application can be produced according to any known production method.

[0036] Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) may be produced by hydrogenation of nitrile butadiene rubber, in particular by saturating the double bonds in the butadiene segments. It is also called HSN (highly saturated nitrile). The hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber can be produced according to any known production method.

[0037] The epichlorohydrin rubber may be an epichlorohydrin/ethylene oxide copolymer (ECO).

[0038] The nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber and epichlorohydrin rubber may be vulcanized as described further below.

[0039] The reinforcement layer comprises a fabric.

[0040] In particular the fabric may comprise at least one of polyamide threads, cotton, polyester, glass, knits, silk or aramide fibers, more particularly comprises polyamide threads.

[0041] In particular the polyamide threads may be polyamide 6.6 threads.

[0042] In particular the aramide fibers may be para-aramide fibers.

[0043] More particularly, the reinforcement layer may be a composite of at least two selected from polyamide threads, cotton, polyester, glass, knits, silk or aramide fibers.

[0044] In particular the airbag may comprise further a barrier layer.

[0045] More particularly, the barrier layer may be externally arranged.

[0046] Externally arranged means that the barrier layer may be externally arranged either on the side of the first elastomer layer or on the side of the second elastomer layer.

[0047] More particularly, the airbag may comprise two barrier layers, wherein the reinforcement layer is arranged between the first elastomer layer and the second elastomer layer;

[0048] and the first and second elastomer layer and the reinforcement layer are arranged between the two barrier layers.

[0049] When the flexible bag according to the present application may be used in the oil expansion tank of the transformer the barrier layer can come into contact with the oil or the air or both depending on if the airbag contains one or two barrier layers.

[0050] Depending on the desired function of the barrier layer, the barrier layer can comprise different components.

[0051] More particularly, the barrier layer may comprise a heterocyclic polymer and/or an organic polymer. If the barrier layer contains one of the aforementioned polymers the temperature resistance can be significantly improved.

[0052] More particularly, the barrier layer may comprise an organosilicon compound and/or organic fluorine compound. If the barrier layer contains one of the aforementioned the surface energy can be lowered.

[0053] More particularly, the barrier layer may comprise at least one selected from a heterocyclic polymer, an organic polymer, an organosilicon compound or organic fluorine compound.

[0054] More particularly, the flexible bag according to the present application may contain a mean to drain stagnant water or the flexible bag according to the present application may be fixed in the oil expansion tank in such a way to allow that stagnant water is removed by gravity.

[0055] In particular, the flexible bag of the present application may be configured to be operated at a temperature of 170° C. or lower, more particularly at a temperature of 155° C. or lower, and most particularly at a temperature of 135° C. or lower.

[0056] In particular, the flexible bag of the present application may be configured to be operated at a temperature of −40° C. or more, more particularly at a temperature of 110° C. or more and most particularly at a temperature of 120° C. or more.

[0057] The flexible bag of the present application is in particular suitable for higher temperature, e.g., 110° C. and above. The flexible bag of the present application is also in particular suitable for traction transformers.

[0058] Oil Expansion Tank

[0059] The oil expansion tank of a transformer of the present application comprises the flexible bag of the present application as defined above.

[0060] In particular, the oil expansion tank may be configured to contain an oil having an operating temperature of 170° C. or lower, more particularly an operating temperature of 155° C. or lower, and most particularly an operating temperature of 135° C. or lower.

[0061] In particular, the oil expansion tank may be configured to contain an oil having an operating temperature of −40° C. or more, more particularly an operating temperature of 110° C. or more, and most particularly an operating temperature of 120° C. or more.

[0062] In particular, the oil expansion tank may comprise oil.

[0063] More particularly, the oil may have a temperature of −40° C. or more, even more particularly of 110° C. or more, most particularly of 120° C. or more.

[0064] More particularly, the oil may have a temperature of 170° C. or lower, in particular of 155° C. or lower, more particularly of 135° C. or lower.

[0065] More particularly, the oil may be mineral oil, silicon oil, or natural or synthetic ester-based oil, most particularly natural or synthetic ester-based oil.

[0066] In particular, the oil expansion tank may not contain a breather. As a flexible bag is used the transformer oil is protected from humidity or moisture from the ambient air and no additional breather is needed.

[0067] The transformer according to the present application comprises the oil expansion tank comprising the airbag as described above.

[0068] In particular, the transformer may be a traction transformer.

[0069] In particular, the transformer may have an oil service temperature between −40° C. and 170° C.

[0070] More particularly, the transformer may have an oil service temperature of 110° C. or more and most particularly of 120° C. or more.

[0071] More particularly, the transformer may have an oil service temperature of 155° C. or lower, and most particularly 135° C. or lower.

[0072] The method for producing the flexible bag according to present application comprises

[0073] providing a fabric and

[0074] applying one layer of rubber on one surface of the fabric and one layer of rubber on the other surface of the fabric by vulcanizing the rubber, the rubber being selected from nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or epichlorohydrin rubber.

[0075] In particular, the vulcanization may be hot vulcanization in a vacuum autoclave.

[0076] The vulcanization of nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber and epichlorohydrin rubber can be carried out according to known vulcanization methods.

[0077] The flexible bag according to the present application is used in an oil expansion tank of a transformer, the oil service temperature of the transformer being between −40° C. and 170° C.

[0078] More particularly, the oil service temperature of the transformer may be 110° C. or more and most particularly 120° C. or more.

[0079] More particularly, the oil service temperature of the transformer may be 155° C. or lower, and most particularly 135° C. or lower.

[0080] In particular, the flexible bag can be used in an oil expansion tank of a traction transformer.

[0081] FIG. 1a) shows a configuration in a traction transformer TT oil expansion tank according to the prior art whereas FIG. 1b) and FIG. 1c) show a configuration in a traction transformer TT oil expansion tank according to the present application.

[0082] FIG. 2. shows a cross section of the material of the airbag of the present application.

[0083] FIG. 1a) shows a configuration in a traction transformer TT oil expansion tank according to the prior art. The oil expansion tank 100 contains the dielectric oil and is connected via a breather (air drier) 102 to the ambient air. The moisture of the air is removed via a breather 102 before the air enters the oil expansion tank 100. In contrast, the flexible bag, here an airbag 104, according to present application shown in FIG. 1B) can be assembled inside the oil expansion tank 100 and the traditional breather (air drier) 102 can be removed to extend the maintenance period and increase the reliability of the whole transformer. The dielectric oil will be isolated from ambient air after the airbag 104 is assembled in the oil expansion tank 100. The oil expansion tank 100 may additionally be equipped with a security valve 103 and an oil level gauge 105. The oil expansion tank 100 may be connected to the traction transformer main tank 101. FIG. 1c) shows a configuration with the oil being filled in the flexible bag 104. In such a configuration, the ambient air is in the oil expansion tank 100 and as the bag 104 is flexible, the oil can be expanded but is not in contact with the air.

[0084] FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the material of the flexible bag of the present application. The reinforcement layer (201) comprising a fabric is arranged between the first elastomer layer (200) and the second elastomer layer (202) to form a sandwich structure. A barrier layer (203) maybe formed as an external layer.

[0085] The following items provide a summary of important embodiments of the present application: [0086] 1. A flexible bag for an oil expansion tank of a transformer, comprising: [0087] a first and a second elastomer layer, and [0088] a reinforcement layer comprising a fabric, [0089] the reinforcement layer arranged between the first elastomer layer and the second elastomer layer; and [0090] the first and the second elastomer layers comprising each at least one elastomer selected from at least one of vulcanized nitrile butadiene rubber, vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or vulcanized epichlorohydrin rubber. [0091] 2. The flexible bag according to item 1, [0092] wherein the flexible bag is configured to be operated at a temperature of 110° C. or more. [0093] 3. The flexible bag according to item 1 or 2, wherein the flexible bag is an airbag or is configured to be filled with oil. [0094] 4. The flexible bag according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the flexible bag is airtight. [0095] 5. The flexible bag according to any one of items 1 to 4, [0096] wherein the at least one elastomer in the first and the second elastomer layers is selected from at least one of vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or vulcanized epichlorohydrin rubber, in particular is vulcanized hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber. [0097] 6. The flexible bag according to any one of items 1 to 5, [0098] wherein the fabric comprises at least one of polyamide threads, cotton, polyester, glass, knits, silk or aramide fibers. [0099] 7. The flexible bag according to item 6, wherein the polyamide threads are polyamide 6.6 threads. [0100] 8. The flexible bag according to item 6 or 7, wherein the aramide fibers are para-aramide fibers. [0101] 9. The flexible bag according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the at least one elastomer in the first and the second elastomer layers is the same or different. [0102] 10. The flexible bag according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the flexible bag comprises further an externally arranged barrier layer. [0103] 11. The flexible bag according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the barrier layer comprises at least one selected from a heterocyclic polymer, an organic polymer, an organosilicon compound or organic fluorine compound. [0104] 12. An oil expansion tank of a transformer, the oil expansion tank comprising the flexible bag according to any one of items 1 to 11. [0105] 13. The oil expansion tank according to item 12, [0106] wherein the oil expansion tank comprises oil. [0107] 14. The oil expansion tank according to item 13, [0108] wherein the oil has a temperature of −40° C. or more. in particular of 110° C. or more, more particularly 120° C. or more. [0109] 15. The oil expansion tank according to item 13 or 14, [0110] wherein the oil has a temperature of 170° C. or lower, in particular of 155° C. or lower, more particularly of 135° C. or lower. [0111] 16. The oil expansion tank according to any one of items 13 to 15, [0112] wherein the oil is mineral oil, silicon oil, or natural or synthetic ester-based oil, in particular natural or synthetic ester-based oil. [0113] 17. The oil expansion tank according to any one of items 12 to 16, [0114] wherein the oil expansion tank does not contain a breather. [0115] 18. A transformer comprising the oil expansion tank according to any one of items 12 to 17. [0116] 19. The transformer according to item 18, [0117] wherein the transformer is a traction transformer. [0118] 20. The transformer according to item 18 or 19, [0119] wherein the transformer has an oil service temperature between −40° C. and 170° C., in particular between 110° C. and 155° C. and more particularly between 120° C. and 135° C. [0120] 21. A method for producing the flexible bag according to any one of items 1 to 11, [0121] the method comprising: [0122] providing a fabric; [0123] applying one layer of rubber on one surface of the fabric and one layer of rubber on the other surface of the fabric by vulcanizing the rubber, [0124] the rubber being selected from nitrile butadiene rubber, hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber or epichlorohydrin rubber. [0125] 22. The method according to item 21, [0126] wherein the vulcanization is hot vulcanization in a vacuum autoclave. [0127] 23. Use of the flexible bag according to any one of items 1 to 11 in an oil expansion tank of a transformer, the oil service temperature of the transformer being between −40° C. and 170° C. [0128] 24. The use according to item 23, [0129] wherein the transformer is a traction transformer.

Examples

[0130] Different rubber coated fabrics applied by vulcanization have been evaluated for mechanical properties, compatibility with oil and behavior under thermal conditions. The used fabric consisted of polyamide fibers. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1.

[0131] As an ester-based oil Midel 7131 was used.

[0132] As a mineral oil mineral oil #45 was used.

[0133] The pulling strength MD, pulling strength CD, tensile strength and tensile stain was measured using a mechanical testing system (MTS Shimadzu AG-X).

[0134] The compatibility with oil was measured using a glass jar and a high temperature oven.

[0135] The thermal ageing in oil and air was measured using a high temperature oven. Both oils (Midel 7131 and mineral #45) were measured. The mechanical strength after ageing was measured using a mechanical testing system (MTS SHIMUDZU AG-X).

[0136] NBR, HNBR and ECO were tested and ACM (alkyl acrylate copolymer) was tested as a comparative example.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparison of different rubber coated fabrics. Compatibility Mechanical property with Oil Pulling Pulling Thermal ageing Mineral Midel strength strength Tensile Tensile Thermal ageing in Oil in Air Material 45# 7131 MD CD strength stain 90° 105° 120° 130° 155° 120° 130° 155° type (100° C.) (115° C.) (N) (N) (MPa) (%) C. C. C. C. C. C. C. C. ACM P P 4053.16 3773.68 48.26 39.61 G G G G G P P P NBR NA NA 2974.75 3530.52 64.2 33.98 G G G G G NA G G HNBR G G 3012.46 3429.96 56.47 27.98 G G G G G G G G ECO G G 2786.16 3431.51 51.16 29.39 G G G P P P G G

[0137] In the above Table, pulling strength MD means pulling strength machine direction and pulling strength CD means pulling strength cross direction.

[0138] In the above Table “P” means poor, “G” means good, and “NA” means not measured.

[0139] The pulling strength MD, the pulling strength CD, the tensile strength and the tensile stain for all four materials (ACM, NBR, HNBR and ECO) were good, i.e. above 2000N in both pulling directions. Note that not only high mechanical strength but also good flexibility enables good vibration properties.

[0140] ACM material showed obvious swelling in oil and poor thermal stability in air condition. NBR and HNBR showed good results for thermal ageing in oil and air for higher temperatures. ECO showed good results for compatibility with oil (Mineral #45 and Midel 7131). HNBR performed good in all defined tests.

[0141] Moreover, the flexibility of the different rubber coated fabrics has been tested. The results are shown in the Table below.

[0142] The flexibility was measured in accordance with BS EN ISO 7854-1997 Annex NA.

[0143] The low temperature resistance was measured in accordance with ISO 4675:2017.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Comparison of the flexibility of different rubber coated fabrics. ACM NBR HNBR ECO Flexibility Cycling 100K 200K 200K 200K times Appearance Cracking No cracks No cracks No cracks Low Ageing −40° C. −40° C. −40° C. −40° C. temperature temperature resistance Period 24 h 24 h 24 h 24 h Appearance No cracks No cracks No cracks No cracks

[0144] NBR, HNBR and ECO showed good results for flexibility and low temperature resistance. High mechanical strength as well as good flexibility leads to good vibration properties.

[0145] While the application has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present application covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below.

[0146] Furthermore, in the claims the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. A single unit may fulfil the functions of several features recited in the claims. The terms “essentially”, “about”, “approximately” and the like in connection with an attribute or a value particularly also define exactly the attribute or exactly the value, respectively.

[0147] Moreover, if not explicitly specified differently the given temperatures refer to temperatures at atmospheric pressure.