As part of the Eskom value chain process, a decision has been taken to buy a Kelman TransFix eight gas analyser with each new large power transformer purchased. Generation and Transmission are also standardising the Kelman Transfix on the older power transformers. The Kelman Transfix is more than a just a standalone piece of condition monitoring equipment, as it has internal processing power, LAN and modem connectivity options, and the capability to interface with a number of analogue inputs. Eskom has a contract to purchase 250 of these Kelman Transfix units. Both Transmission and Generation have made the decision to have a full transformer condition monitoring system based around this Kelman Transfix unit. A project is under way to allow this unit to be used as a total transformer condition monitoring system. This will integrate developments that both Eskom and Kelman have made

The output of this project will be the integration of both Eskom and Kelman transformer condition monitoring developments, the design of communication infrastructure to support the required data protocols, and a centralised server to store the data.

Generation has identified this development as critical to its recovery programme and has made provision for the purchase of the required hardware and software in its technical plan.

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The requirement for a dedicated generator plant monitor was identified following the increased generator failures, leading to plant unavailability.

Eskom has an agreement with VibroSystM, Canada, which has resulted in the development of a generator monitoring system. This system has been successfully demonstrated on Unit 3 at Matla power station. It includes the Eskom-developed partial discharge and stray flux modules. As a result of this initial development, Eskom has an agreement with VibroSystM that they will commercialise any new generator condition monitoring products that Eskom develops.

Since entering into the initial agreement, Eskom has improved the partial discharge and stray flux systems and added modules for EMI and shaft voltage. These modules are being integrated into the total generator monitoring system.