Excellent point. I faced same problem in my dairy plant.
Capacitor was bursting every 2 months. Everyone was saying capacitor is duplicate. But real problem was reactor.
When we checked with clamp meter, one phase current was 40% less. Reactor coil was damaged.
After replacing reactor with correct 7% rating, same capacitor is now running for more than 1 year.
My suggestion to all engineers - Before replacing capacitor, always check reactor current in all 3 phases with clamp meter.
If current difference is more than 5%, replace reactor first. Do not waste money on new capacitor.
What fails first in your plant - Reactor or Capacitor? Please share your experience.
Excellent point. I faced same problem in my dairy plant.
Capacitor was bursting every 2 months. Everyone was saying capacitor is duplicate. But real problem was reactor.
When we checked with clamp meter, one phase current was 40% less. Reactor coil was damaged.
After replacing reactor with correct 7% rating, same capacitor is now running for more than 1 year.
My suggestion to all engineers - Before replacing capacitor, always check reactor current in all 3 phases with clamp meter.
If current difference is more than 5%, replace reactor first. Do not waste money on new capacitor.
What fails first in your plant - Reactor or Capacitor? Please share your experience.