Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
(OP)
We have a client with 45 year old Westinghouse 5kV DH switchgear. We have recommended new switchgear but the client has asked for the cost to refurbish the existing gear. At a minimum all breakers would need to replaced with vacuum retro fill breakers, all relays and controls would need replaced, and the existing Main-Main auto transfer equipment would need to be replaced.
As a Westinghouse service engineer in 1980 I recommended that the gear be replaced. The facility, which was used for manufacturing, shut down and has been converted to warehousing. I may have been the last person to service this gear.
Other than the usual comments about safety and obsolete parts, I would like to have some comments on thoughts.
As a Westinghouse service engineer in 1980 I recommended that the gear be replaced. The facility, which was used for manufacturing, shut down and has been converted to warehousing. I may have been the last person to service this gear.
Other than the usual comments about safety and obsolete parts, I would like to have some comments on thoughts.






RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
There are companies that make electric operated switches if THEY need an automatic throw over scheme.
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
We will not touch the old gear but the folks at the client are board members that have no idea.
I am looking for comments that justify junking the old gear.
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
If this is for warehousing, they should not need sophistication and automation of a manufacturing plant. So I agree with the suggestion of MV fuse/switch metal enclosed gear.
A cost estimate and comparison of the two options and explanation of the above (if it is in line with your assessment as well) should do it. If the client still insists, it is their call.
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
Alan
----
"It's always fun to do the impossible." - Walt Disney
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
The refurb is in he range of 750K$ and the proposed new gear is 250K$.
Dan
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
How many breakers you talking about?
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
The gear has actually been in service for 56 years.
What would you all be willing to leave in place and warranty the project????
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
The RFQ indicated recondition to be meet current standards.
This is the global headquarters and automated warehouse for a major retail chain that requires a reliable system with auto transfer. There are two 40kV Utility feeds and two primary transformers at 5MVA each.
Reconditioning this gear is not really an option at this point.
Why would you consider leaving 56 year old induction disc relays, PT's and CT's, and and obsolete transfer scheme in service?
How would you warranty your engineering and work???
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
RE: Refurbish 45 year old 5kv Switchgear????
Funnily enough, I was involved with a project that involved refurbishing and replacing equipment that dated back to the 19th century. It came as a shock to many involved that a lot of the new equipment would be larger than the original. Something to do with enclosing live bus-bars, providing something passing as controls for generators, meeting 21st century safety standards, etc...