In a major fire accident at Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS), Shaktinagar, about 18 kms from here, a 220 KV generator transformer was destroyed on Saturday evening leading to shutting down of Unit-3.
As per the sources in RTPS, generator transformer developed sudden problem at about 4.30 p.m. leading to fire accident within seconds. The Central Industrial Security Force personnel and fire-fighting units stationed at the power station averted a major damage by swinging into action and preventing the fire from expanding to other units.
The personnel pumped out as many as 200 barrel of oil present in the generator transformer and successfully doused the fire. By the time the fire was doused completely, the generator transformer of Unit-3 was almost destroyed. The incident created a panic in RTPS premises. The exact reason for the fire is not yet ascertained.
As per the preliminary information, 12 safety valves at the generator transformer got active within 40 milliseconds after the fire broke out and avoided further damage. The transformer, made by Crompton Greaves Limited (CGL), had been installed in Unit-3 of RTPS 24 years ago. Central Power Research Institute had examined the transformer in last February and concluded that its condition was perfect.
“At present, it is not possible for us to go inside and see what exactly happened. We have informed CGL authorities about the incident and they are sending a team of experts which is expected to visit within a day or two. It is after the joint inspection by CGL and KPCL only, the exact reason for the fire accident, extent of damage, cost and time for restoring the generator transformer and other issues would be clear,” Venugopal C., Executive Director of RTPS, told The Hindu on Sunday.
According to sources, Unit-3, with an installed capacity of 210 MW, was generating power at optimal level when the fire broke out. RTPS has an additional 220 KV generator transformer, also made by CGL, but needs to be repaired.
