Case study · Costel

Overhaul and recovery of critical assets · Morón Petrochemical Complex

Client: PEQUIVEN Industry: Oil & Gas / Petrochemical Location: Field (Morón) and Costel Industrial Plant (Valencia, Carabobo State)
  • Scope of Service: Preventive fleet maintenance (9 units) and full rehabilitation (Overhaul) of 3 power transformers (4.2 MVA and 6 MVA) with active-part intervention at the Costel workshops.

1. Executive Summary

Key Impact: Extended service life and recovered reliability of 3 critical power transformers through workshop engineering processes (untanking and oven drying), guaranteeing factory insulation parameters and avoiding the costly replacement of assets.

2. Technical Challenge (The Problem)

  • Critical Diagnosis: During the initial on-site testing at the Morón Complex, 3 units (4.2 MVA and 6 MVA) were found to have severe deviations in insulation resistance and internal contamination, which prevented safe operation.
  • Field Limitation: The complexity of the repairs required (moisture in the active part and seal degradation) made correction on site impossible, calling for the controlled environment of a specialized workshop.

3. Comprehensive Solution (Costel Workshop Engineering)

The 3 units were transported to the Costel plant in Valencia, where a major recovery protocol was carried out:

  • Active-Part Intervention: Complete untanking to inspect cores and windings.
  • Thermal Treatment: Washing and oven drying of the active part to completely remove moisture from the solid (cellulose) insulation.
  • Rebuilding and Sealing: Full replacement of gaskets and replacement of high- and low-voltage bushings.
  • Fluid Treatment: Filling with new dielectric oil under high-vacuum processes.
  • Laboratory Test Protocol:
  • Applied voltage and induced voltage.
  • Measurement of load and no-load losses (efficiency validation).
  • Insulation power factor.
  • Winding resistance.
  • Transformation turns ratio.
  • Insulation resistance.
  • Physical and chemical analysis of the dielectric oil.
  • Polarization index.
  • Dissolved gas analysis (DGA).
  • Application of paint with a special coating for corrosive environments (in accordance with national and international standards).

4. Results and Value Metrics

  • Asset Recovery: Transformers that were out of standard were returned to an "as new" condition, with formal acceptance by the client after successful functional testing.
  • Technical Precision: The ability to perform induced and applied voltage tests in-plant guaranteed that the equipment would withstand the demands of the client's electrical system, with no risk of internal arcing.
  • Capital Savings (CAPEX): The major rehabilitation cost a fraction of the price of new equipment, with significantly shorter lead times.

5. Technical Data

AttributeTechnical Detail
Fleet maintained9 units (preventive maintenance)
Full overhaul3 power transformers
Ratings serviced4.2 MVA and 6 MVA
Workshop locationCostel Industrial Plant, Valencia, Carabobo State

One contact. Every solution.

Our technical team is available 24/7 to support your operation.

Contact us