ArticleJune 26, 2026

Transformer DGA at CHP: What to Add Beyond Oil Chromatography

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is the gold standard for transformer diagnosis but not the only tool. Companion methods at CHP plants: cooling vibration, PD ultrasound, SF₆ and O₂ on adjacent switchgear.

⚠️ EN version — draft. Ready to publish once kk/en routing (i18n) is implemented across the site.

DGA (dissolved gas analysis) remains the core method for assessing internal transformer condition at CHP plants. It has time lag and blind spots outside the tank — especially cooling failures and switchgear faults.

Companion layers:

  1. Cooling vibration3500/42M / Orbit DCM on oil pumps and fans; weeks ahead of ethylene in DGA.
  2. PD ultrasoundSDT340 on bushings and terminations (partial discharges).
  3. Bay switchgear gasRapidox SF6 6100, fixed SF₆/O₂, Clean Air monitoring.

Sync DGA sample dates with SF₆ tests in one CMMS. Example: rising C₂H₂ and SO₂ in the line breaker → revise the breaker, not only the oil.

Scope: thermal and hydro power; not oil & gas substations.

Request an audit of your transformer diagnostic programme.