Copper & Core Consulting Ltd offers clients specialist technical services in relation to all aspects of power transformers, reactors and HV apparatus life cycle management.
This includes, specification, tender assessment, factory audit, manufacturing inspections, testing, maintenance, asset management, fault diagnosis, and failure investigation.
With over forty years’ experience in the electricity supply industry, clients can expect expert guidance and support for their electricity network assets.
Our services
Procurement Support
Purchasing High Voltage equipment such as a power transformer is a significant investment for any company. Copper & Core can provide clients with a complete service, offering support at every stage of the procurement journey, from specification through to factory acceptance testing (FAT), and site installation and commissioning.
The manufacture of transformers is complex, and to ensure that the finished product is built to the required quality it is important that every stage of production is carried out by trained, skilled, and competent staff. This should be carried out in a controlled environment and in a structured manner, with quality checks built in to every stage of the process.
Copper & Core can perform detailed inspections for clients at various stages or “hold points” in the manufacturing process. These inspection points help to ensure that manufacturing instructions have been followed correctly and that the specification and quality requirements have been implemented.
Asset Management
Power transformers are typically the most critical and expensive assets in any power system and although they are extremely reliable, they are not immune from degradation over their lifetime. This can on occasion lead to unexpected and costly failures.
Copper & Core can assist clients with the management of these expensive assets, whether it’s a fleet or one critical transformer, we can provide expert advice regarding operations, repair, refurbishment or replacement.
Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) has been used in the industry for many years and has been proven to be a reliable tool for the detection and diagnosis of faults in transformers, reactors, bushings, and other liquid insulated apparatus.
Regular insulating liquid sampling and analysis using reliable data is essential for asset owners to make informed decisions regarding the asset condition, in particular the insulating liquid and solid insulation system.
Failure Investigation
Although High Voltage equipment is typically very reliable, unexpected failures can happen; when they do, they can cause irreparable damage to the affected and adjacent equipment. The resulting loss of supply or generating capability can have other serious implications, such as significant financial loss, and reputational harm.
Copper & Core has experience in carrying out forensic investigations on failed transformers at all voltage levels, as well as distribution switchgear and apparatus. We can provide clients with the support required to understand the root cause of the failure and provide potential mitigation advice for similar plant.
Understanding why equipment has failed is crucial in preventing future occurrence, with the learning outcomes allowing asset managers time to implement interventions or replacement strategies for similar assets.
David Walker MIET – Technical Director
Prior to establishing Copper and Core Consulting Ltd, David spent 43 years with SP Energy Networks. Starting as an apprentice electrical fitter in the Glasgow / Clyde Area workshop in 1982, he finished his full time career with SPEN as the Glasgow and Clyde North District General Manager. During his career, David held a number of positions within the company, including 12 years as a HV plant and Protection Maintenance Engineer, and latterly 12 years as Lead Approval Engineer for HV equipment; predominantly as the transformer and liquids specialist. Having spent 35 years as a fully Senior Authorised Person carrying out HV operational duties, including standby for emergencies, David understands that response times are critical in fault diagnosis such that HV plant can be returned to service in a timely manner.
David is a member of numerous national and international industry groups including IEC, BSI and CIGRE. He has a passionate interest in the development of national and international technical standards and has served on a significant number of IEC working groups, including his current role as the convenor of MT22 – IEC 60422 Maintenance guide for mineral insulating oil. In recent years, he has served as CIGRE UK Regular Member for A2 (Transformers) and served on the CIGRE UK technical committee, as well as being a member of several CIGRE Working Groups. David is the current chair of BSI committee GEL10 – Fluids for Electrotechnical Applications, and a long standing member of PEL14 – Power Transformers.
KEY EXPERIENCE
- Transformer, Switchgear & Fluids specialist
- Electrical Power Systems
- Electrical Asset & Environmental Risk Management
- Electrical Safety Systems
- Asset Management
Recent Professional Highlights
- 2024 – IEC 1906 Award
- 2024 – CIGRE Distinguished Member Award
- 2023 – IET Excellence & Innovation Award (LV Engine) – Team Award
- 2022 – Appointed Glasgow & Clyde North District General Manager
- 2021 – Appointed Chair of BSI Committee Gel 10
Copper & Core Consulting Ltd
5 Drumoig Way
Drumoig
Leuchars
St Andrews
KY16 0FT
Copper & Core Consulting Ltd SC838181
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