Mk 10 Buchholz relays lft 15th 4/6/03 13:38 Page 1

MANUFACTURING BUCHHOLZ RELAYS

FOR 50 YEARS Mk 10 BUCHHOLZ RELAYS
FOR THE PROTECTION OF
OIL FILLED TRANSFORMERS

The Weir Electrical Instrument

Company was established in 1937 to
manufacture electrical instruments.
In the mid 1940s, the Company
identified a requirement for gas and oil
operated (Buchholz) relays to protect
oil filled transformers and the first
production units were installed at that
time. A continual development
programme in conjunction with the
Central Electricity Generating Board
led to the production of the Mk10
Buchholz relay.
In 1992, the Weir Electrical Instrument
Co. Ltd was acquired by the PBSI
Group and a new company, P&B Weir
Electrical, was formed at Corsham to
continue the manufacture of the ‘Weir’
products together with a range of
portable earthing equipment.
P&B Weir Electrical maintains a quality
assurance system, certified in
accordance with BS EN ISO 9001.

PBSI Ltd trading as

P&B WEIR ELECTRICAL

Unit 10 Leafield Way

Leafield Industrial Estate, Corsham
Wiltshire SN13 9SW
Tel: 01225 811449 Fax No: 01225 810909
Email: sales@pbweir.com
Web: www.pbweir.com

P&B Weir Electrical operate a policy of continuous product development and therefore retain the right to alter specifications and designs without prior notice.
Mk 10 Buchholz relays lft 15th 4/6/03 13:38 Page 3

GENERAL INTRODUCTION MERCURY SWITCH TYPE

RELAY FRONT COVER
MARK 10 BUCHHOLZ RELAYS
WITH OPERATING RELAY BODY
MECHANISM SHOWING TEST JET
CONSTRUCTION AND METHOD
OF OPERATION
The relay consists of a lightweight RELAY TYPE 2DE
container fitted with two pivoted
elements. It is situated in the pipe line
between the transformer and the
conservator tank, so that under normal
conditions it is full of oil. The operating
force relies upon the principle that
when a body is immersed in a liquid it
appears to lose weight. There are no
floats or open containers which can
be punctured or collect sludge, with
consequent loss of buoyancy.

MERCURY SWITCHES
Mercury switches are employed of a
special design to prevent mal-operation
due to excessive transformer vibration.
A sample relay of this type has been
submitted to a continuous 3000 hour
vibratory type test. During this test the
relay was vibrated to an amplitude of
0.01 in. peak to peak at a frequency of
100 Hz. The mercury switches were
RELAY SHOWING TERMINAL BOX connected to sensitive detecting
equipment and no mal-operations
MARK 10 BUCHHOLZ RELAYS

APPLICATIONS There should be a straight run on the To test the trip element, the valve were recorded.
Most faults in an oil filled Transformer transformer side of the relay of at controlling the bottle is opened
The mercury switches are spring
are accompanied by the generation of lease five times the internal diameter quickly so that the air rushes in,
mounted within the switch cylinders
gas. By using a suitable relay the of the pipe, and at least three times impinges on the flap and depresses it,
and protected from possible damage.
formation of this gas can be used as a this diameter on the conservator side. operating the switch. The pressure
Alarm and trip circuit mercury switches
warning of a developing fault. A machined surface is provided on the required is dependant upon the
will make break and carry continuously
relay body for the purpose of testing equipment used. To facilitate on-site
Double element relays can be used 2 Amps at 250 Volts A.C or D.C. They
the mounting of the relay, both in the testing a portable foot pump providing
for detecting minor or major faults. will also make and carry for 0.5 sec.
inclined direction and at right angles to air which has been passed through a
The alarm element will operate after a 10 Amps at 250 Volts A.C. or D.C.
the pipe where it should be horizontal. desiccant is available.
specified volume of gas has collected
to give an alarm indication. Examples CONNECTIONS PRINCIPAL OF OPERATION
NOTE: It should be appreciated The operating mechanism consists of
of incipient faults are: The terminal boxes on double element that this test is no substitute a solid non-metallic cylinder containing
a. Broken-down core bolt insulation relays are normally drilled and tapped for a proper works the mercury switch, counterbalanced
b. Shorted laminations M20 x 1.5mm for bottom entry by calibration of the relay. by a smaller solid metal cylinder. Both
conduit or cable gland. Side entries and
c. Bad contacts cylinders are jointed and free to rotate
alternative thread sizes can be supplied the oil level. This results in gradual
d. Overheating of part of the windings for most types upon request. Alarm and ROUTINE TESTING about the same axis, the amount of
Relays are individually calibrated, in rotation being controlled by stops. restoration of the apparent lost weight,
The alarm element will also operate in tripping circuit connections are made to until the weight of the switch cylinder
accordance with BEBS T2 (1966). When the relay is empty of oil, the
the event of oil leakage or if air enters OBA terminal stems, in the terminal predominates. The element rotates as
Values are recorded for loss of oil/gas weight of the switch cylinder
the cooling system. box, and secured by OBA nuts and the oil level continues to fall and
collection to operate the alarm switch predominates and the switch system
The trip element will be operated by washers. The maximum recommended eventually the alarm switch operates.
and steady oil flow to operate the trip rests against the bottom stop, the
an oil surge in the event of more torque valve should not be exceeded
switch. The unit is also observed to mercury switch being in the closed
serious faults such as: when making connections.
ensure the trip switch operates due to circuit position. TRIP OPERATION
a. Earth faults a complete loss of oil. When the relay is full of oil, both When a serious fault occurs, the
NOTE: If the relay is repainted on generation of the gas is so rapid that
b. Winding short circuits site, care should be taken Assembled relays are pressure tested cylinders appear to lose weight. Due to
the different densities, the switch an oil surge is set up through the
c. Puncture of bushings that the vent/drain hole in with transformer oil at 1.4 bar for 6
cylinder appears to lose enough relay. This oil flow will impinge upon
the terminal box is not hours. Electrical circuits are flash tested
d. Short circuits between phases weight to enable the weight of the the flap fitted to the trip element
obstructed. at 2000 volts r.m.s. and the insulation
The trip element will also operate if a counterbalance cylinder to causing it to rotate about its axis and
resistance measured at 500 Volts is
rapid loss of oil occurs. predominate and rotate the whole so bring the mercury switch to the
not less than 10 Megohoms in air.
TESTING ON SITE system until it reaches the top stop, with closed position, which in turn operates
MOUNTING POSITION Double element relays are provided Although specifically designed to the tripping devices.
function with transformer oil the mercury switch in the open position.
The relay should be mounted in the with a separate ballvalve to enable the In the event of serious oil loss from the
according to BS148, successful trials
connecting pipe between the injection of compressed air to be used
have also been conducted utilising
“ALARM” OPERATION transformer, both alarm and trip
transformer and the conservator tank. for testing on site. elements operate in turn, in the
Silicone coolant. When a slight or incipient fault occurs
This pipe should be as long and as To test the operation of the alarm within the transformer, the gas manner previously described for gas
straight as possible, and must be element, air from an air bottle should generated will collect in the top of the collection. The oil level in the double
arranged to slope upwards, towards the be admitted slowly so that the alarm relay housing. As gas collects, the oil element relay can be monitored
conservator, at an angle within the limits element falls gradually until the level will fall and increasing amounts against a graduated scale on the
of 3 to 7 degrees to the horizontal. switch operates. of the alarm switch will appear above windows both sides.
Mk 10 Buchholz relays lft 15th 4/6/03 13:38 Page 5

REED SWITCH TYPE SINGLE ELEMENT AND TAP-CHANGER TYPES

MARK 10 BUCHHOLZ RELAYS MARK 10 BUCHHOLZ RELAYS
For use in situations subject to SEISMIC DISTURBANCES and mining activities such as BLASTING.
Single element type relays are available A special open frame unit designated
Shock and vibration acting along the Double Element Relay for 1” bore size, designated 1 SE, R575/1 suitable for fitting inside the RELAY TYPE 1SE
tube of a conventional mercury switch with normally open Reed RELAY TYPE 2 DE/VO which operate indiscriminately for Gas header tank of tapchangers
can cause the mercury within it to move Switches (normally means or Oil collection and are suitable for which operate due to gas
and momentarily bridge the switch with the relay full of oil). small oil filled transformer, capacitor collection, oil loss and surge
electrodes, even though the switch is and potential transformer protection. A conditions, is available.
tilted in the open position. This is OPERATION special range of single element relays
considered to be a mal-operation of the In the double element are also available for Tap-Changer type A protective diode unit
relay in that it is caused by external relay, collection of gas transformers which operate for a surge type D1 can also be
influences and not by a fault within the causes the oil level condition or loss of oil only and allow provided to protect
transformer. Consequently where within the relay to fall. gas, normally produced during tap- Reed switches
relays are to be used in situations as This in turn causes changing operations, to pass freely. employed in single
described above a more suitable the upper element to The single element relay has only one element units.
alternative to the usual mercury switch rotate on its pivots, operating element and operates in a
is required. Magnet operated reed bringing the magnet similar manner to that described for
switches were selected specifically for it carries into a the double element types.
this purpose and this choice is position where it
supported by the following type tests operates the alarm DESIGNATION INDEX
which were successfully withstood. switch. DE Double Element Relay
An oil surge through SE Single Element Relay
ABILITY TO WITHSTAND POWER the relay will cause V Unit fitted with reed switches
FREQUENCY VIBRATIONS the lower element to O Switches normally open
The device, having its contact rotate about its pivots
electronically monitored by means of an K Switches normally closed
and bring its magnet
instrument capable of registering and into a position so as to AKTO Alarm switch normally closed and Trip
recording a contact closure of 1ms operate the tripping switch. switch normally open
duration, shall be subjected to a c/o Change-over state reed switches fitted
sinusoidal vibration having a frequency OPERATIONAL HF High calibration units
of 100 Hz and an amplitude of 0.25 CHARACTERISTICS ML Mechanical latched element
– 0.05 mm peak to peak (thus a
+
All double element relays are adjusted 3 DE/HF2 Special high calibration relay to meet the
maximum acceleration of 6g) in the so that their performances lie within the requirements of C.E.G.B. Standard
plane of movement of the contact limits specified in BEBS T2 (see table 2). 993412 TPS4/25.
making arrangement for a period of Alternative values may be available upon
1000 hours, during which there shall specific request. These switches have not be removed from relays in service.
be no mal-operation of the contacts. Rhodium contacts, located midway along Protection of reed switch contacts TABLE 2: OPERATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS FOR P & B WEIR BUCHHOLZ RELAYS
the length of their glass tubes. The tubes against the effect of inductive loads,
ABILITY TO WITHSTAND contain an atmosphere of Nitrogen. such as are imposed by Tripping Relays Steady Oil Flow (mm/sec) to) Oil Level (cc) to operate
VIBRATION DUE TO EARTH Connected in series with each reed is achieved by means of a diode wired Model Operate Trip Element Switch Alarm Element Switch For Equipment
TREMORS AND BLASTING switch, and mounted within the terminal across each load. This diode must be Designation Pipe angle 1° Pipe angle 9° @ 5° Inclination Containing
Immediately before, and again box, is an inductor of approximately 30 rated with forward current at least as
immediately after, the vibration test, the high as the steady load current and Not less than Not more than min max
microhenries and 0.04ohm. These
stability of the device and its contacts inductors are intended to protect the connected observing polarity so as to 1 SE 650 900 140 200
under earth tremor conditions shall be reed switch contacts from the effects of absorb the back e.m.f. A protection unit,
proved by subjecting the device, whilst 1 SE/VO 650 900 120 160
capacitive loads, such as are imposed designated D2, fitted with suitably rated
being vibrated under the conditions of by long leads or pilot cables, and must diodes for this purpose in available. 1 SE/VK/ML 900 1050 150 230
the vibration test above, to further 1 SET
vibrations superimposed on the 100Hz TABLE 1: REED SWITCH DATA
vibration and supplied separately in each 1 SET/K 450 600 N/A
of the three perpendicular axes one of Single Contact Change-over Contact 1 SET/VO
which should be in the same plane as 1 SET/HF 650 750 N/A
the 100Hz vibration. Type Gunther Type 1526 Gunther Type 1621
1 DE
These vibrations shall have a constant
Switch Capacity Max. 250 VA/W Max. 60 W/80VA 1 DE/K
peak to peak amplitude of 2.5mm and
shall be carried by a continuous slow 1 DE/AKTO 1000 1300 200 300 up to 1000 litres
Switching Current Max. 5A Max. 2A 1 DE/VO 1000 KVA
sweep over the range of 0.1 to 33Hz
(at which frequency the maximum Switching Voltage (0-60Hz) Max. 250 V Max. 220V 1 DE/Vc/o
acceleration will be 5.5g) in order to 2 DE
search out resonances. Initial Contact Resistance Max. 100 milliohms Max. 100 milliohms 2 DE/K
The appearance of these relays is the 2 DE/AKTO 1100 1400 200 300 1001/10,000 litres
same as mercury switch types but they Breakdown Voltage Min. 600 v r.m.s. 500/400 V d.c.
2 DE/VO 1001/10,000 kVA
are distinguished from them by the
symbol /VO or /Vc/o following their type Resonance Frequency 900Hz - 2 DE/Vc/o
markings. The letter V (for vibration) 3 DE
Shock Resistance Max. 50g (duration 11ms) Max. 50g (duration 11ms)
indicates that the relay contains reed 3 DE/K
switches, the letter O that the contacts Vibration Resistance Max. 35g (50-500Hz) Max. 35g (50-500Hz) 3 DE/AKTO 1200 1600 200 300 10,000/50,000 litres
are normally open and the symbol c/o
for change-over contact reeds. Thus a 3 DE/VO 10,001 kVA/99 MVA
Temperature range – 55°C to +150°C – 40°C to +50°C 3 DE/Vc/o
Type 2DE/VO signifies a 2” (Pipe Size)
3 DE/HF2 1900 2500 250 350 50.000 litres plus
WARNING: It is essential, for the satisfactory operation of these relays that their contacts be protected against the effects 3 DE/HF2/VO 100 MVA and above
of capacitive and inductive loads as described.
Other values may be available upon specific request.
Mk 10 Buchholz relays lft 15th 4/6/03 13:39 Page 7

BALL VALVES
TEST JET GAS SAMPLING RELAY SIZE 1DE A
TEST GAS BALL VALVE J
RELAY SIZE 1SE
H

TERMINAL
4-BOLT HOLES
BOX K
M10X11mm DEEP
D K D
H TERMINAL M
BOX B
B
K
N
J E

CONSERVATOR 4-BOLT HOLES

E M10 X 11mm DEEP
CONSERVATOR DRAIN
PLUG
CONDUIT G F
ENTRY
DRAIN
CONDUIT C
ENTRY PLUG F G
A
C

A J
BALL VALVES BALL VALVE
TEST JET GAS SAMPLING RELAY SIZE 2DE RELAY SIZE 1SET
TEST GAS

4-BOLT HOLES
TERMINAL M10 X 11mm DEEP
BOX
L L 6-BOLT HOLES
11.1 mm DIA D
H
D K M
B J
N
TERMINAL
B BOX
E
K
J

CONSERVATOR DRAIN
CONSERVATOR PLUG
E
CONDUIT G F H
ENTRY
C

CONDUIT DRAIN
ENTRY PLUG F G
A
C

BALL VALVES
TEST JET GAS SAMPLING RELAY SIZE 3DE
TEST GAS
TABLE 3: DIMENSIONS
Size

DIMEN’S
and A B C D E F G H J K L M N
L L H Type
6-BOLT HOLES
11.1 mm DIA
mm 127 269 232 171 98 76 114 72 76 25 - - -
D 1DE
K in. 5.0 10.6 9.13 6.75 3.9 3.0 4.5 2.84 3.0 1.0 - - -
B TERMINAL mm 184 269 232 158 111 76 114 110 139 51 13 - - -
BOX 2DE
J in. 7.25 10.6 9.13 6.2 4.37 3.0 4.5 4.33 5.5 2.0 0.5 - -
mm 184 269 234 158 111 80 114 130 160 76 13 - -
CONSERVATOR
3DE
E in. 7.25 10.6 9.21 6.2 4.37 3.15 4.5 5.12 6.31 3.0 0.5 - -
mm 120 174 212 110 64 76 103 72 76 25 - 3.0 22
1SE
in. 4.75 6.85 8.35 4.33 2.52 3.0 4.0 2.84 3.0 1.0 - 0.13 0.85
CONDUIT DRAIN
ENTRY PLUG mm 120 174 212 104 70 76 103 72 76 25 - 3.0 22
F G
A
1SET
C in. 4.75 6.85 8.35 4.1 2.75 3.0 4.0 2.84 3.0 1.0 - 0.13 0.85