Improved transformer-oil pump. Final report

The main objective of the program was to design a prototype transformer oil circulating pump or system of improved reliability which would not contaminate a transformer with conductive debris either during normal operation or in the event of pump failure. After a review of a wide range of possible alternative pump concepts and assessing their failure modes and merits relative to the major performance criteria, a conclusion was made that a design based on the rotating-casing pump principle would most closely meet the program objectives. The detailed design of a prototype rotating casing pump was completed with full manufacturing drawings and parts list. These are included in the report. The design was based on nominal operating conditions of 400 gpm (0.025 m/sup 3//s) and 30 ft (9.1 m) head. It incorporated self-aligning, nonmetallic bearings with positive lubricant supplies, backup bearings, and built-in particle separation and filtration systems to protect the pump unit from damage by foreign material and minimize the possibility of conductive debris being generated in the event of a pump failure.