BUCHHOLZ RELAY (Gas & Oil Operated)

With Magnetic (Reed) Switches

Size 25 mm, 50 mm & 80 mm l Optional: Plug and Socket
India relevant models only

GOR 1M GOR 3M GOR 2M

OSR 1M
FEATURES
Reliable, time tested magnetic reed switch switches
Magnetic switch allows high AC and DC switch rating and functioning at mA current
Anti-vibration mounting pads give high stability against mechanical shocks and vibrations.
High grade Aluminium alloy construction
Unique internal design of housing prevents false air traps on top of the relay.
Bucket type float design with inherent ability to withstand vacuum treatment of transformers.
High flow versions for force cooled transformers available on request
Plug and socket connection available with models approved for PGCIL 420/765KV applications
Each relay tested for all parameters including gas volume, oil surge and loss of oil. Individual test certificates.
ATVUS relays are approved by most consultants, Power Projects and Electricity Boards in India.

AT02R1
GENERAL APPLICATIONS
Power transformers are considered to be a highly reliable type of Double element relays can be used in detecting minor or major faults in
equipment, yet, in order to ensure the continuity of service that a transformer. The alarm element will operate, after a specified volume
modern conditions demand, protective devices are required. The of gas has collected to give an alarm indication. Examples of incipient
purpose of such devices is to disconnect faulty apparatus before
faults are :
large-scale damage is caused by a fault to the apparatus or to other
connected apparatus. Such devices generally respond to a change in a) Broken down core bolt insulation.
the current or pressure arising from the faults and are used for either b) Shorted laminations.
signaling or tripping circuits.
c) Bad contacts.
Protective devices in the ideal case must be sensitive to all faults,
d) Over-heating of part of windings.
simple in operation, robust for service and economically feasible.
Considering liquid immersed transformers, a near ideal 'protective The alarm element will also be operated in the event of oil leakage, or if
device' is available in the form of Gas and oil relay described here. The
air gets into the oil system.
relay operates on the well known fact that almost every type of
electrical fault in a 'liquid immersed transformers' gives rise to gas. The trip element will be operated by an oil surge in the event of more
This gas is collected in the body of the relay and is used in some way or serious faults such as :
other to cause the alarm or the tripping circuit to operate.
The principle of the gas and oil relay was first successfully a) Earth faults.
demonstrated and utilized by "Buchholz" many years back. In a series b) Winding short circuits.
of experiments carried out extensively in Germany it was provided that
c) Puncture of bushings.
the relay is capable of bringing to light incipient fault thereby
preventing further spreading of the fault and extensive damage and d) Short circuit between phases.
thus saving expensive and protracted repairs. So successful is the
principle of this relay that despite the continued search for better The trip element will also be operated if a rapid loss of oil occurs.
protective devices in other electrical field the Gas and Oil relay is still on Single element relays can be used to detect either incipient or major
its own in providing protection against a variety of faults. faults in oil filled potential transformers, rectors, capacitors etc. A
special single element relay is available for the protection of on load
WORKING tap change equipment.
The function of a double element relay will be described here. During
normal operation of a transformer the buchholz relay is completely BASIC CHARACTERISTICS
filled with oil. Buoyancy and the moment due to counterweights keep
the floats in their original top positions. In the event of some fault in the The gas and oil relay provides protection against a number of internal
interior of the transformer tank, gas bubbles are produced which faults and is also able to indicate in several cases the type of fault. This
accumulate in the buchholz relay on the way to the conservator. In is possible because the gas collected in relay can, from its colour,
consequence, the oil level in the relay enclosure drops which in turn odour and composition, indicate where the fault may be and what its
lowers the upper bucket. nature is. By examining the gases collected it is possible to infer the
This causes the magnetic switch to operate an alarm signal. nature of fault. Thus:
The lower bucket does not change its position, because when the gas
reaches the upper inside wall of the pipe it can escape into the a) If the gas is colourless and odourless or with only a faint odour of
conservator. Hence, minor fault in the transformer tank will not trigger oil, the gas is air trapped in the oil or the insulation.
the lower switching assembly and will not trip the transformer.
b) If the gas is greyish white with sharp and penetrating odour and
In case the liquid continues to drop due to loss of oil, the lower bucket
non inflammable it is due to overheated or faulty insulation.
also goes down. In consequence, the lower switching system
operates if the level of oil goes below the bottom level of the pipe
c) If the gas is yellowish in colour and inflammable it may be due to
connected to the relay. Alternately in the event the liquid flow exceeds a
surface leakage on material like wood.
specific value the lower bucket is forced down, thus triggering the
lower switching system to operate.
d) If the gas is dark grey and inflammable it may be due to a flashover
As the liquid flow rate decreases, or the level of the liquid rises, the in oil or due to excessive overheating of the oil caused by a fault in
bucket returns to its original position. The single element relay has the winding or the core.
only trip element. and it responds to only oil surges. The method of
operation is similar to that described for double element relay. Single On the operation of the alarm if investigation of the collected gas does
element relays are suitable for potential transformers and on load lap not indicate a serious fault it is possible to leave the transformer in
changers. service till it is convenient to carry out a thorough inspection. This
The single element oil surge relay has been specifically designed for occurrence is possible on the newly commissioned transformer due
use with on load tap change equipment and it will by pass normal to air trapped in the oil or the insulation. On repeated and frequent
amounts of gas which are generated by tap change operations and will alarm signals the transformer should be taken out of service for
only respond to oil surges and loss of oil. thorough checkup.
 VARIETY AVAILABLE

Pipe size 25mm, 50mm or 80mm

Trip/Surge Velocity Standard as per IS or High flow for forced cooled transformers

Flange to flange distance (GOR 2M) 184 and 215mm

Nomenclature Switch configuration
Switch configurations
Standard Alarm NO, Trip NO
3NO Alarm 1NO, Trip 2NO
3NO-A Alarm 2NO, Trip 1NO
4NO Alarm 2NO, Trip 2NO
1NC Alarm NO, Trip NC
2NC Alarm NC, Trip NC
1CO Alarm NO, Trip 1CO
2CO Alarm 1CO, Trip 1CO

Cable termination -¾ BSC conduit on terminal box

-Plug and socket connection with KEI armoured cable

Comparison between Magnetic Reed switches and Mercury switches

Buchholz Relay with Mercury Switches Buchholz Relay with Magnetic Switches
l Uses mercury in switches which is toxic and also a carcinogen l No use of mercury.
substance. Mercury is now prohibited in most parts of the world.

l Relays with mercury switches are not accepted internationally by l Worldwide acceptance.
utilities and OEMs in most countries of the world.

l May maloperate in one or more of the following conditions :

a. Immune to such vibrations.
a. External shocks to a transformer resulting in vibration. b. Highly stable and resistant and will not operate due to oil
b. Turbulence of oil due to starting of pump in forced cooled pump operation.
transformer. c. Immune to variations of angle as experienced in transformer
c. Variation in angle of mounting of the Relay. mounting.
d. Earthquake of minor intensity. No resistance to vibration d. Vibration proof to 4M4 vibration as specified by EN60721

l Huge variation in gas volume and surge velocity readings from l Consistent readings of gas volume and surge velocity.
one relay to another.

l Mercury susceptible to oxidations resulting in no/false signal upon l No affect of ageing.

prolonged use.

l Switch activated by flow of mercury. l Switch activated by a magnet.

l Un-branded locally made mercury switches prone to rejections in l Branded switches imported from Europe are free from rejection in
incoming, process and final inspection as well as transit. all stages.
 A

A
G G

B B

RELAY TYPE RELAY TYPE RELAY TYPE

GOR 1M GOR 2M & 3M OSR 1M
C C

F
E

D
H H

RELAYTYPE GOR 1M GOR 2M GOR 3M OSR 1M

Transformer Rating (MVA) below 1 1 to 10 above 10 OLTC

A 250 250 270 144
B 128 184 or 215 215 128
Main Dimensions (mm) Aprox C 205 205 220 200
D 1”BSC Conduit 1”BSC Conduit 1”BSC Conduit 3/4” BSC Conduit
P.C.D. E 72 115 145 72

Flange Dimensions (mm) Holes /Thread F M 10 18 18 25mm dia hole

Flange Dia. G 78 square 150 185 78 square
Pipe Bore (mm) H 25 50 80 25
Surge Test(TRIP)(cm/s) IS 3637 70 to 130 75 to 140 90 to 160 45 to 60
Gas Volume(ALARM)(cc) IS 3637 90 to 165 175 to 225 200 to 300 N.A.

Operating Temperature Air: -40 C to 80 C | Oil : -25 C to 100 C

High Voltage Test IS 3637 2000 VAC at 50 Hz for 1 minute
Insulation Resistance Test IS 3637 Greater than 10 megaohms with 500 V meggar
Enclosure Protection EN 60529 IP 67/X7
Current Rating of Switch IS 3637 AC 5 Amps at 250 V and DC 3 Amps at 250 V
Paint Shade IS 5 - 631
Vibration Sensitivity CLASS 4M4 OF EN 607211-3-4:1995

Due to our policy of continuous product improvement, dimensions and designs are subject to change.

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Phones : +91 33 23352925, +91 9903805104

VIAT INSTRUMENTS PVT. LTD. (UNIT-II)

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Phones : +91 0 7575 804128 / 804174

E-mail : viatin@viatin.com l Website : www.viatin.com