CO2 suppression contamination on generator windings
CO2 suppression contamination on generator windings
(OP)
At our site,a contractor accidentally tripped(while x-raying the floor above) our CO2 systems for our back-up generators(not running at the time of the trip) that are in a totally enclosed soundproof enclosure within our building.Once the CO2 is replaced,can these generators be immediately started or is there a dryout/cleaning process req'd? I am concerned about the old winding insulation(15 years) absorbing the condensed moisture etc. and having a flashover occur in the alternator.
Thanks
Thanks






RE: CO2 suppression contamination on generator windings
RE: CO2 suppression contamination on generator windings
1 - In our hydrogen cooled generator during maintenance air is allowed in. When we put the machine back in service we cannot mix the H2 with air, so we need another gas to flush the air out before we put the H2 in. CO2 is the gas we use.
2 - Dry ice pellets made of CO2 are routinely used for field cleaning of electrical machine windings. The pellets turn into gas and disappear.
I'm not sure exactly what type of CO2 system you have... is there any residue left (indicates something other than CO2 mixed in) or the CO2 gas vanished?
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RE: CO2 suppression contamination on generator windings
Very good points. Proof of the pudding.. :)
Another point - If CO2 is going to damage the winding, why would it be used be as a fire retardant in the generator ?
RE: CO2 suppression contamination on generator windings
BUT this may or may not happen. It depends.
Bill
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"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter
RE: CO2 suppression contamination on generator windings
edison has mentioned megger/PI which would be the primary means to assess this. But perhaps not foolproof. If it is a 460vac, I don't have any hesitation to say there is no concern as long as passes those tests. But the higher the voltage and larger the machine the more inclined I would be to suggest (as a conservative approach) consideration of a period of time with heat applied to provide added assurance all surface moisture is removed.
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RE: CO2 suppression contamination on generator windings
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