By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net,
Bhopal: Electrical Machines Group in Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, (BHEL), Bhopal Unit has achieved another milestone by developing Special Electrical Test facility, such as High Voltage Test on Stator Capsule and Impulse test on Stator coil in an explosive gas atmosphere containing Hydrogen on 6.6kv & 11kv motors in presence of CIMFR Scientists. S. R. Prasad, GM (EM), A. K. Dhingra, AGM (IMS) and other senior officers were present on this occasion.
BHEL, Bhopal is engaged in supply of AC Motors and Generators up to 25 MW to the Industry. In Refinery, Petrochemical & Fertilizer sector the installation contain explosive gases. Electrical machines operating in such installation are potential hazards and to ensure safety of personal and installation, machines are to be specially designed and manufactured and are to be certified by statutory bodies before use.
The special design, constructional and testing requirements are specified in IS/IEC 6381-2004 for increased safety type Ex’e’ machines and IS/IEC 60079-15-2005 for Non sparking type Ex’n’ machines. These national standards have been revised in 2004-2005 and made more stringent in line with International (IEC) Standards. Special Electrical Tests viz., High Voltage test on Stator Capsule and Impulse test on Stator Coil in an explosive gas atmosphere containing Hydrogen are now mandatory for voltages above 6 kv. Test facility for these tests do not exist in any Laboratory or Industry in India. BHEL has taken the lead and developed special facility at their Bhopal works.
With this development, BHEL has achieved yet another milestone and shall be able to supply increased safety and non-sparking motors to the industry, as per the requirements of revised standards. This development shall instill confidence in customers of BHEL’s capability and is expected to further boost the order book. ([email protected])