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Transformer Bunds & Oil Filled Substation Transformers – BS EN 61936-1 : 2010

Transformer Bunds | Bunds for oil-filled transformers manufactured from steelwork on reduced lead time and at competitive prices from Thorne & Derrick | Contact us with your requirements | Stock, Service & Product Support

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Thorne & Derrick can provide design and manufacturing services for Transformer Bunds with optional oil filters, drain valves, filter systems and ancillaries in both mild and galvanised steel (painted or unpainted) – innovative, efficient, safe and cost-effective solution for protection against leakages of insulating liquid to BS EN 61936-1:2010.

Sealing Transformer Bunds (TX) | Failure to correctly and effectively seal cable ducts with a compliant system can inflict catastrophic damage to LV-HV electrical distribution networks, substations and power supply. View below our complete ranges of Duct Sealing Products including cable transits to provide a watertight seal and defence against flood damage to low, medium and high voltage cable ducts with additional protection against harmful flammable gas migration and fire spread.

BS EN 61936-1:2010

Power Installations Exceeding 1kV a.c. Common Rules

The following information and clauses concerning transformer bunds is extracted from BS EN 61936-1 : 2010.

Transformer Bunds

8.8 Protection Against Leakage of Insulating Liquid & SF6 Gas

8.8.1 Insulating Liquid Leakage & Subsoil Water Protection

8.8.1.1 General

Measures shall be taken to contain any leakage from liquid-immersed equipment so as to prevent environmental damage. National and/or local regulations may specify the minimum quantity of liquid contained in an equipment for which containment is required. As a guideline, where no national and/or local regulations exist, containment should be provided around liquid immersed equipment containing more than 1,000 litres (according to IEEE 980: 2,500litres).

8.8.1.2 Containment for indoor equipment

In indoor installations, spills of insulating liquid or transformer oils may be contained by providing impermeable floors with thresholds around the area where the equipment is located or by collecting the spilled liquid in a designated holding area in the building (see Figure 11).

The volume of the insulating liquid in the equipment as well as any volume of water discharging from a fire protection system shall be considered when selecting height of threshold or volume of the holding area.

8.8.1.3 Containment for outdoor equipment

The quantity of insulating liquid in equipment, the volume of water from rain and fire protection systems, the proximity to water courses and soil conditions shall be considered in the selection of a containment system.

NOTE 1: Containments (sumps) around liquid immersed equipment, including 11kV transformers, and/or holding tanks (catchment tanks) are extensively used to prevent escape into the environment of insulating liquid from equipment.

Containments and holding tanks, where provided, may be designed and arranged as follows:

 tanks;

 sump with integrated catchment tank for the entire quantity of fluid (Figure 8);

 sump with separate catchment tank. Where there are several sumps, the drain pipes may lead to a common catchment tank; this common catchment tank shall then be capable of holding the fluids of the largest transformer (Figure 9);

 sump with integrated common catchment tank for several transformers, capable of holding the fluids of the largest transformer (Figure 10).

The walls and the associated pipings of sumps and catchment tanks shall be impermeable to liquid. The capacity of the sumps/catchment tanks for insulating and cooling fluids shall not be unduly reduced by water flowing in. It shall be possible to drain or to draw off the water.

Transformer Bund

A simple device indicating the level of liquid is recommended.

Attention shall be paid to the danger of frost.

The following additional measures shall be taken for protection of waterways and of ground water:

 the egress of insulating and cooling fluid from the sump/tank/floor arrangement shall be prevented (for exceptions, see 8.8.1.1);

 drained water should pass through devices for separating the fluids; for this purpose, their  specific weights shall be taken into account.

NOTE 2: For outdoor installations, CIGRE Report 23-07 [30] recommends that the length and width of the sump is equal to the length and the width of the transformers plus 20 % of the transformer’s height (including the conservator) on each side. IEEE 980 recommends that spill containment extends a minimum 1,500 mm beyond any liquid-filled part of the equipment.

♦ IEEE 980-2013 – IEEE Guide for Containment and Control of Oil Spills in Substations.

NOTE 3: Examples for the automatic draining of water and separating of liquids is given in CIGRE Report 23-07 and IEEE 980.

State and regional laws and regulations shall be taken into account.

Figure 8 – Sump With Integrated Catchment Tank

Key

a) Containment: the entire quantity of fluid of the transformer plus rain water

b) Gravel layer for fire protection see B.7-2

NOTE : In addition, the water from the fire-extinguishing installation arty) should be considered.

Figure 9 – Sump With Separate Catchment Tank

Key

a) Containment: minimum 20 % of the fluid from the transformer

b) Gravel layer for fire protection see B.7-2

Figure 10 — Sump With Integrated Common Catchment Tank

Key

a) Containment outdoor: the entire quantity of fluid of the largest transformer plus rain water Containment indoor the entire quantity of fluid of the largest transformer

b) Gravel layer for fire protection see 8.7.2

NOTE: In addition, the water from the fire-extinguishing installation if any should be considered.

Figure 11 – Example For Small Transformers Without Gravel Layer & Catchment Tank

NOTE : The dotted area denotes the volume of the entire quantity of insulating fluid of the transformer spilled on the floor.

Further Reading

• Transformer Oils – 11kV 33kV 66kV Substation Transformer Oil Refilling, Sampling & Analysis
• Utilising Distribution Transformers To Optimise Solar
• 11kV Transformers | Introducing Amorphous Core HV Transformers
• VIDEO How To Verify Total Absence of Voltage By The Push Of a Button
• BundGuards | Substation & Transformer Oil Spills & Leaks Containment

THORNE & DERRICK SPECIALIST ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTOR

The 11kV Specialists

Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of 11kV Cable Jointing, Terminating, Pulling & Installation Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at 11kV and up to and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.

• Key 11kV Products: MV-HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Cleats, Duct Seals, Cable Transits, Underground Cable Protection, Copper Earth Tapes, Cable Jointing Tools, Feeder Pillars, Cable Ducting, Earthing & Lightning Protection, Electrical Safety, Cable Glands, Arc Flash Protection & Fusegear.

• Distributors for: 3M Cold Shrink, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, Catu, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Furse, Lucy Zodion, Nexans Euromold, Panduit, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec.

LV – Low Voltage Cable Joints, Glands, Cleats, Lugs & Accessories (1000 Volts)

MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)

Cable Laying – Underground Cable Covers, Ducting, Seals & Cable Pulling Equipment

T&D, CATU Electrical Safety & Arc Flash Protection Specialists for SAP’s, Linesmen, Jointers & Electrical Engineers – Largest UK Stockist

ATEX & Cold Shrink | Certification & Safe Working In Zone 1 / Zone 2 Hazardous Areas

Oil | Gas | Petrochemical | Hazardous Area Industries & Cable Accessories | ATEX

3M Cable Accessories In Relation To The ATEX 94/9/EC Directive

The ATEX Directive covers a large range of electrical equipment, potentially including equipment used on fixed offshore platforms, in petrochemical plants, mines, flourmills and other areas where a potentially explosive atmosphere may be present – commonly referrred to as “hazardous areas” and categorised by Zone (Zone 0, 1 or 2) according to the degree of explosion risk.

In very broad terms, there are 3 pre-conditions for the ATEX Directive to apply to the equipment:

a) must have its own source of ignition
b) be intended for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere (air mixtures); and
c) be under normal atmospheric conditions

When used as directed, Cold Shrink cable accessories do not have a source of ignition – they are installed “cold” without requirement for “naked flames or hot-work permit applications for safe jointing, termination and abandonment of LV MV HV cables in hazardous area locations.

The firing of an explosive atmosphere may be caused by a short circuit, but when
installed according to 3M Electrical instructions, these products are safe against short circuits.

To conclude, 3M Cold Shrink cable accessories are not within the scope of the ATEX directive.

Conclusion

Cold Shrink cable accessories are not covered or categorised according to ATEX or any other notified body – they are effectively “non-sparking” and when installed in accordance with the manufacturers installation instructions, in this case 3M Electrical, do not pose a potential explosion risk.

In this instance, a “Statement of Exclusion” applies to cable accessories with respect to the ATEX Directive.

Cold Shrink Cable Accessories

Cable Joints | Cable Terminations | Cable Caps | Cable Abandonment | Tubes

LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt

Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.

THORNE & DERRICK Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV

Pfisterer | Nexans Euromold | Prysmian | Cable Joints & Terminations MV HV

Powerstar Partners With Renowned Specialist Distributor Thorne & Derrick

Smart Transformers | 415/11kV | Manufactured In UK

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick International Sales & Marketing Manager

Transformers

415V 11kV

Powerstar, UK manufacturer of leading-edge smart energy solutions, has announced a new partnership with Thorne & Derrick International to help bolster its smart transformers offering for energy conscious businesses, allowing them to improve their existing medium/high voltage (MV HV) infrastructures, maximise efficiencies and reduce electricity consumption and costs with a solution that enables real-time asset monitoring to assess performance and operation.

As one of the largest specialist distributors and worldwide exporters of LV MV HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt, Thorne & Derrick distribute in excess of 100,000 products from over 50 manufacturers globally.

The partnership will facilitate knowledge sharing between the two companies and enable them to collaboratively promote the range of fit-for-purpose solutions and services available to I&C customers, such as Powerstar SO-LO range of 11kV transformers, a super low loss amorphous core smart transformer with remote monitoring capabilities.

Ideal for a wide range of organisations in both the private and public sector, including manufacturing, petrochemical, telecoms, retail, healthcare and leisure, Powerstar SO-LO provides a cost-effective way to reduce energy costs by maximising efficiencies on the HV electrical power side with a super low loss amorphous core.

Additionally, the remote monitoring functionality, which brings LV – 11kV distribution transformers in line with the modern expectations of connected technology, allows constant monitoring of the asset’s performance, helping to avoid critical errors and avoid operational downtime. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses who own or operate solar (PV) where any downtime can have costly ramifications.

The collaboration will be underpinned by the exemplary customer service offered by both companies to support and inform organisations on how they can further improve their HV infrastructure through customised recommendations such as the implementation of smart transformers, and other complementary services, as well as technologies, that are ‘Industry 4.0’* ready.

Dr. Alex Mardapittas, Chief Executive Officer at Powerstar, commented: “We are proud to partner with the renowned HV Electrical Equipment Distributor Thorne & Derrick. The partnership will heighten the visibility of smart transformers and enable a wide variety of organisations to learn how they can modernise their HV infrastructure.”

Chris Dodds, Sales and Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick, added: “Powerstar SO-LO transformers are UK manufactured, online, smart technology transformers with amorphous core and integrated remote monitoring capabilities – with reduced core losses by up to 75% when compared to traditional CRGO transformers this range of LV/11kV transformers improve and inform scheduled maintenance and minimise outage risks associated with grid supply voltage.”

“Thorne & Derrick look forward to developing existing relationships and presenting the full portfolio of Powerstar Transformers up to 11kV to new clients.”

To find out more about Powerstar, please visit https://powerstar.com.

Photo caption: (L-R) Chris Dodds of Thorne & Derrick meeting with Lindsay Brownless (Head of Commercial and Marketing at Powerstar) recently at T&D’s offices in Durham, UK.

Manufactured & Designed In UK | Short Lead Time | Transformers LV 11kV

THORNE & DERRICK SPECIALIST ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTOR

The 11kV Specialists

Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of 11kV Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipment – we service UK and international clients working on underground cables, overhead lines, substations and electrical construction at 11kV and up to and EHV transmission and distribution voltages.

• Key 11kV Products: MV-HV Cable Joints & Terminations, Cable Cleats, Duct Seals, Cable Transits, Underground Cable Protection, Copper Earth Tapes, Cable Jointing Tools, Feeder Pillars, Cable Ducting, Earthing & Lightning Protection, Electrical Safety, Cable Glands, Arc Flash Protection & Fusegear.

• Distributors for: 3M Cold Shrink, ABB, Alroc, Band-It, Catu, Cembre, Centriforce, CMP, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Furse, Lucy Zodion, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec.

LV – Low Voltage Cable Joints, Glands, Cleats, Lugs & Accessories (1000 Volts)

MV HV – Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors (11kV 33kV EHV)

Cable Laying – Underground Cable Covers, Ducting, Seals & Cable Pulling Equipment

T&D, CATU Electrical Safety & Arc Flash Protection Specialists for SAP’s, Linesmen, Jointers & Electrical Engineers – Largest UK Stockist

Ellis Patents Cable Cleats & Cable Basket Tray for Securing High Fault Level Cables

Ellis Patents Basket Tray Clips

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager

Ellis Patents Cable Cleats

Ellis Patents Basket Tray Clip

Ellis Patents, the leading manufacturer of cable cleats and clamps, have launched a cable basket tray clip that provides a strong and reliable means of securing low and high voltage cables with high fault levels to the increasingly popular cable management solution when used in conjunction with its heavy duty trefoil cable cleats – manufactured in Type 316L Stainless Steel for excellent corrosion resistance in industrial and hazardous area installations including medium/high voltage substations.

The Ellis Patents cleat clip means cable basket tray can now compete with traditionally stronger cable management solutions such as cable ladder and cable tray on this kind of cable installation.

Richard Shaw, managing director of Ellis Patents said: “the idea for the Ellis Patents clip came about while we were carrying out testing with Cablofil to look at the performance of its basket tray in short-circuit scenarios.

“At the time there was no proven means of safely securing heavy duty cleats to basket so that they would be guaranteed to stay in place in the event of a short-circuit. And with demand for basket tray growing significantly we decided to look at a way of delivering a fixing accessory that would do exactly this.”

The resulting product, the basket tray clip is manufactured in 316L stainless steel and has been tested for use with Ellis Patents Vulcan, Emperor and Alpha trefoil cable cleats.

The cable cleat clip simply snaps in to position on the basket wires and the cable cleats are then secured to it using a standard set screw and flange nut.

Cable Basket Tray Installation Images

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Ellis Cleats | Emperor | Vulcan | Atlas | Phoenix | Single Trefoil Quad Bundled Cables

LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt

Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.

THORNE & DERRICK Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV 

Cable Cleats Help Tackle Copper Cable Theft on Railways

Cable Theft – Photo Credit: Network Rail

• uploaded by Chris Dodds - Thorne & Derrick Sales & Marketing Manager

Cable Cleats

Crime Busting Cable Cleats Combat Copper Theft

At its peak, cable theft was costing the UK economy £770 million per year but now cable cleat and clamp manufacturer, Ellis Patents, has designed and developed a tamper proof rail cable cleat to beat the thieves.

The Ellis Patents cable cleat design means thieves will not have the time to remove cables before the police arrive.

Reports earlier this month highlighted a dramatic reduction in the incidents of copper earthing and cable thefts from UK railways, and now cable cleat manufacturer, Ellis Patents claims to have developed a means of completely eradicating the problem of rail cable theft.

At its peak, cable theft was estimated to cost the UK economy £770 million per annum.

And even now, after a major crack down by the British Transport Police (BTP), which has been aided by £5 million of Home Office funding, there were 2,700-hours of delays and compensation payments of over £12.7 million in the 12-months to April 2013.

UK Rail Industry: thieves target signalling cables, overhead power lines and even metal fences to sell for scrap.

Ellis Patents, the global leader manufacturer of cable cleats, has designed and developed a tamper proof rail cable cleat that its Managing Director, Richard Shaw says will stop thieves in their tracks.

“The biggest issue with this crime is the ease and speed with which thieves are able to disconnect and remove long lengths of copper cable,” he said.

“The BTP action has aimed to cut off the route to market by banning cash payments by scrap metal dealers in England and Wales and increasing fines for offences under the Scrap Metal Dealers Act, but while the crime remains relatively simple the problem will remain.”

Ellis Patents Tamper Proof Cable Cleats

“Ellis’ tamper proof cable cleat is designed to make removing copper cables nigh on impossible. Its box design makes the job of detaching the cable cleat from the cable it is securing laborious and time consuming, while the requirement to fit the cleats at regular intervals along cable lengths means thieves will simply not have the time to remove cables before the police arrive.”

“Quite often the best solution to a problem is the simplest and our tamper proof cable cleat is certainly a simple, but effective deterrent,” added Richard. “By delivering a great level of security, both in terms of the strength and number of the fixings, we are confident that it will help bring an end to copper cable theft.”

Further Reading

• Ellis Patents No-Bolts Cleats Improve Electrical Safety Of Rail Cable Installations
• Ellis Patents Pegasus Cable Hangers For Rail Cable Support

Ellis Cleats | Emperor | Vulcan | Atlas | Phoenix | Single Trefoil Quad Bundled Cables

LV, MV & HV Jointing, Earthing, Substation & Electrical Eqpt

Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.

THORNE & DERRICK Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV