In a major fire accident at the Raichur Thermal Power Station (RTPS), Shaktinagar, about 18 km from here, a 220 kV generator transformer was destroyed on Saturday leading to shutting down of Unit-3.
According to sources in the RTPS, the generator transformer developed a sudden problem around 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 major damage by preventing the fire from spreading to other units. The personnel pumped out as many as 200 barrels of oil present in the generator transformer and doused the fire using water. By the time the fire was doused completely, the generator transformer of Unit-3 was almost destroyed. The incident created panic on the RTPS premises. The exact reason for the fire could not be ascertained.
As per 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, manufactured by Crompton Greaves Ltd. (CGL) had been installed in Unit-3 24 years ago. The Central Power Research Institute had examined the transformer in February last and concluded that it was in perfect condition.
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“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 come in a day or two. It is after the joint inspection by CGL and KPCL only that 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, said.
According to the 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, but needs to be repaired.