Engineering Students' Industrial Visit to Oman Industry Transformer and Switchgear

The visit to Oman Industry Transformer and Switchgear provided valuable insights into the various stages of manufacturing distribution transformers. This company specializes in the design, manufacturing, and supply of transformers and switchgear equipment, catering to local and international markets. The visit was organized to understand the technical aspects of transformer production, from raw materials to the final testing and quality assurance.

The visit began with a briefing session led by the company's manager Mr.Sriram. He introduced us to the company's history, mission, and the variety of transformers they manufacture, including step-up, step-down, and specialized distribution transformers for industrial and utility applications. We were also given an overview of the safety protocols and company policies that ensure quality and worker safety by Ms.Noor, Testing Engineer and Mr.Ibrahim, Production Engineer.

The production of transformers was divided into several sections, and we had the opportunity to visit each one like core manufacturing, winding section, assembly unit and quality & testing section.
The core manufacturing process began with the cutting and stacking of electrical-grade silicon steel sheets, which reduce energy loss due to eddy currents. In the winding section, copper conductors were wound around the core to create the primary and secondary windings. The engineers emphasized the importance of precision to prevent overheating and ensure longevity.
The assembly line is where the core and windings are placed into a robust, insulated casing. Workers used advanced hydraulic presses to secure each part, ensuring a compact and durable structure that would withstand various environmental conditions.

In quality testing and control section, we were shown various tests each transformer must undergo before shipping like Dielectric Testing: Ensures the insulation can handle the rated voltage, Heat Run Testing: Simulates full-load conditions to verify that the transformer can operate safely under maximum load, Noise and Vibration Testing: Ensures compliance with regulatory noise standards, critical for urban installations and Routine test: Conducted on all manufactured transformers.
The quality control manager explained that these tests are crucial for customer satisfaction and to maintain international standards. The team also emphasized their rigorous health and safety protocols, including regular training sessions and protective gear for workers.

The visit to Oman Industry Transformer and Switchgear was highly informative, showcasing the technical complexities of transformer manufacturing. The experience highlighted the importance of precision engineering, stringent quality control, and environmental responsibility in creating reliable and efficient distribution transformers.  

Writeup by Dr.Muthukumar Selvakkannu