PRETORIA – SGB SMIT POWER MATLA (SSPM) has successfully tested a 45 MVA transformer in the newly built testing facility at the Pretoria Power factory.

SGB-SMIT POWER MATLA is marking the commissioning and operation of the on-site testing facility following the fire accident at the Pretoria power manufacturing plant in March 2021.

The SGB-SMIT POWER MATLA team successfully manufactured a 45 MVA 88/11 kV double-wound three-phase transformer for a local utility and tested the unit on 8 March 2022 in the newly built on-site test facility.

The project to reconstruct the plant and equipment damaged in the fire is progressing according to schedule. SGB-SMIT POWER MATLA is taking the opportunity to modernize and improve the plant, the equipment and the manufacturing and testing services. Upon the completion of the full rebuild project, the Pretoria Power factory will have two testing facilities, a source from the company said.

The Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) started on 28 February 2022 and concluded on 8 March 2022. FAT included full wave Lighting Impulses of 450 kV on the HV, 170 kV on the HV Neutral, 95 kV on the LV line terminals and Neutral. The Applied Voltage (Separate Source), LTAC induced voltage, induced voltage resistance and induced voltage with partial discharge measurements for 1-hour were also successfully conducted, resulting in the unit successfully passing all required transformer tests, the manufacturer said in a press release.

The Pretoria plant has a manufacturing capacity from 5 MVA / 66 kV, up to and including 800 MVA / 420 kV and incorporates power and specialized transformers, such as but not limited to furnace, rectifier, traction transformers, shunt reactors and related equipment. All transformers manufactured are tested according to international standards (IEC 60076).

Source: SGB-SMIT Group