ACTOM Distribution Transformers recently completed the manufacture of its first 66 kV transformer and the company is aiming to become a dominant force in the supply of high voltage (HV) small power transformers on the African continent.
ACTOM Distribution Transformers recently completed the manufacture of its first 66 kV transformer.
Having previously manufactured a range of transformers up to 44 kV, it decided to expand its manufacturing capabilities to 66 kV transformers in response to customer demand. Lee Mbenge, Divisional CEO of ACTOM Distribution Transformers says, “Customers were aware of ACTOM’s exceptionally short lead times, based on our ability to produce our smaller power transformers up to 10 MVA fairly quickly. So, we started receiving requests for the design and manufacture of 66 kV transformers.
“Historically, industry lead times for the manufacturing of these transformers have been between six months and a year. We can complete these units in about 14 to 16 weeks. This is what customers want to take advantage of.”
However, he cautions that ACTOM Distribution Transformers’ lead times are being impacted to some extent by current market conditions in Europe where the company sources some of the material for its 66 kV transformers. Major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in Europe cite material, equipment and skilled labour constraints as the main issues delaying supply and consequently increasing their lead times.
Mbenge explains that higher voltage transformers are typically used in the electricity transmission and generation sectors, whereas lower voltage units are used mainly on the distribution side. He says ACTOM Distribution Transformers’ 44 kV and 66 kV units can be classified as either small power transformers or large distribution transformers.
Quality control
Commenting on the development and production of the 66 kV transformer, he notes that manufacturing higher voltage units requires a meticulously clean environment and top-quality materials.
“Quality control must be of the highest standard. We have to ensure the environment is thoroughly clean and to ensure the coil-winding tension is sufficient,” Mbenge says. “We also have to check the material used in the manufacturing process to ascertain that it conforms with our standards and requirements.”
He says ACTOM Distribution Transformers did not have to upgrade or acquire any new equipment to manufacture the 66 kV transformers, but the company did a comprehensive check on its machinery to make sure it was in good condition – to manufacture the first unit and for continuing production.
“We serviced our equipment beforehand and we were able to use our existing facilities to manufacture the 66 kV transformers, but we are looking at upgrading our testing facilities as we are currently reliant on our sister companies to do type and special testing of the new units. We would like to conduct these tests in-house in future,” says Mbenge.
Training test technicians
He adds that the company’s current workforce has the necessary skills and expertise to manufacture the 66 kV units, and the test technicians were trained on the new test requirements. They gained new skills to ensure adherence to the safest test protocols possible.
Mbenge notes that the introduction of 66 kV transformers gives ACTOM Distribution Transformers exposure to new market opportunities in the energy sector and customers who were not previously aware of the company’s manufacturing capabilities in this voltage range of transformers. “We will demonstrate our capabilities, so the market recognises we are here for the long haul,” he says.
As a 121-year-old company, ACTOM is well recognised and aims to grow its visibility in other African markets.
For more information visit: www.actom.co.za
