In the field of electric power distribution and transmission, a Buchholz Relay is a safety device mounted on some oil-filled power transformers and reactors, equipped with an external overhead oil reservoir called a conservator. The Buchholz Relay is used as a protective device sensitive to the effects of dielectric failure inside the equipment. Depending on the model, the relay has multiple methods to detect a failing transformer. On a slow accumulation of gas, due perhaps to slight overload, gas produced by decomposition of insulating oil accumulates in the top of the relay and forces the oil level down. A float switch in the relay is used to initiate an alarm signal. Depending on design, a second float may also serve to detect slow oil leaks. If an arc forms, gas accumulation is rapid, and oil flows rapidly into the conservator. This flow of oil operates a switch attached to a vane located in the path of the moving oil. This switch normally will operate a circuit breaker to isolate the apparatus before the fault causes additional damage.

Buchholz relays have a test port to allow the accumulated gas to be withdrawn for testing. Flammable gas found in the relay indicates some internal fault such as overheating or arcing, whereas air found in the relay may only indicate low oil level or a leak.

Buchholz Relay Test Bench RELAYSTAR-WS400 is a newly designed test and calibration equipment for Buchholz relay. This test bench can simulate Buchholz relay action mechanism inside transformer when internal faults occur. A new generation of high-precision sensors embedded control and measurement technology is adopted, test the Buchholz relay’s flow velocity value and action gas volume value accurately.

The hydraulic drive compacting mechanism is adopted for RELAYSTAR-WS400 Buchholz Relay Test Bench, which makes relay installation easily.