Electricity and Control September 2020

TRANSFORMERS, SUBSTATIONS + CABLES : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Successful testing of 500 MVA transformer unit

SGB-SMIT Power Matla is an established South African company with strong regional advantages, strengthened with the global knowledge and expertise of the SGB‑SMIT Group. The company has a track record of more than 70 years of successes in the design, manufacture, testing, installation and commissioning of a range of power and distribution transformers. The Pretoria plant manufactures transformers from 10 MVA up to and including 800 MVA and up to 420 kV. The range covers power and specialist application transformers such as furnace transformers, rectifier transformers, traction transformers, shunt reactors and related equipment. The production facility includes a fully accredited testing facility, currently the largest of

distribution transformers from 16 kVA up to and including 5 MVA 36 kV, miniature substations, LNERs (liquid neutral earthing resistors), NECRTs (combined neutral earthing resistors) and other related equipment for customers in Africa. SGB-SMIT Power Matla has a track record of manu- facturing and testing high voltage transformers with the most recent 500 MVA/400/132/22 kV unit passing all fac- tory acceptance tests at the end of July 2020. This was the second 500 MVA 400 kV unit for Eskom to pass the FAT successfully in 2020. The Pretoria plant has three further similar units now in production, all for the national utility to support and augment the power grid. The latest success of SGB-SMIT Power Matla is the result of great teamwork – in the Pretoria factory and with- in the wider SGB-SMIT Group. The international cooper- ation involved group members in all steps, from design to production through to the test phase. This achieve- ment demonstrates the commitment, knowledge and experience within the South African team, supported by the group’s technical specialists. The technical support of the group represents a significant competitive advan- tage for SGB-SMIT Power Matla and is a crucial aspect in the South African team’s drive for continuous improve- ment. The latest success also demonstrates the South African capability to provide sustainable solutions for the African continent. With its regional strengths and global expertise, SGB‑SMIT Power Matla builds relationships with its cus- tomers as a dedicated partner.

its kind in Africa. This test- ing facility represents a strategic advantage for SGB‑SMIT Power Matla and all transformers manufac- tured are tested according to international standards (IEC 60076). As well as its manufac- turing and testing facilities, the Pretoria plant is home to a fully equipped laboratory which handles testing and analysis of various materials (including transformer oil), complementing the project and service department. It also provides lab services to external companies. The company’s Cape Town plant manufactures

For more information contact SGB-SMIT Power Matla. Tel: +27 (0)12 318 9802

SGB-SMIT Power Matla has marked the successful FAT testing of a second 500 MVA transformer unit for Eskom this year.

Email: jacqui.burn@sgb-smit.group Visit: www.sgbsmitpowermatla.com

Quick installation of substation replacement switchgear

WPI Power Solutions, a division of ACTOM (Pty) Ltd, brought together all management and technical personnel

from three of its branches to form a single team to perform an unusually rapid installation of new switchgear panels at Secunda’s Albany substation early this year. The substation is the main supplier of power to Secunda residents and businesses, including the town of Trichardt. All its aging medium voltage switchgear had to be replaced by new switchgear, comprising a total of 32 panels – 14 for its Main Sub 1 and 18 for its Main Sub 2. Sasol, as the town’s largest employer, arranged by agreement with the town council to foot the bill and two years ago commissioned ACTOM MV Switchgear to manufacture and supply the 11 kV replacement panels comprising its SBV4E switchgear. WPI, ACTOM’s busi- ness unit specialising in repair, maintenance and installa- tion of electrical networks, was contracted to remove the old panels and install the new ones. The installation was however put on hold until early this

WPI technicians conduct final checks on one of the new sets of switchgear panels in Albany substation.

26 Electricity + Control SEPTEMBER 2020