Page 1
Installation & User Guide QualConnex On-Line Transformer Monitor Installation & User Guide DGALT1-11120, DGA-LT1 GTW-RF-3311, QGateway, USA GTW-RF-3311-CA, QGateway, Canada Version: 2.0: July 2022 www.qualitrolcorp.com...
Page 2
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. This document is provided to purchasers or users of Qualitrol products for use in the installation, operation, and servicing of such products. No other use, nor any reproduction, distribution, or the making of any derivatives of this document is authorized, without the express prior written permission of Qualitrol Corporation.
Page 4
Contents Assembling the QGateway Antenna and Mount ..........14 Determining the Magnetic Base Mount Angle and Configuration ..........14 Assembling the Magnetic Mount ....................17 Connecting QGateway to Magnetic Base ..................19 Attaching LoRa Antenna to QGateway ..................20 Installing the QGateway ..................22 QGateway Positioning ........................
Installation & User Guide Product Overview DGA-LT1 QGateway QualConnex The QualConnex platform consists of 3 main parts. The DGA-LT1, QGateway, and QualConnex web portal. DGA-LT1 The DGA-LT1 is a transformer oil sensor array reporting oil hydrogen ppm, moisture, and temperature. The DGA-LT1 sensor is directly mounted to an existing valve on the transformer and provides a continuous reading of the transformer oil.
The QGateway receives and transmits encrypted raw signals via RF frequency to and from the DGA-LT1 sensors. That data is then transmitted via cellular transmission through TCP/IP to the remote monitoring system. This data is viewed via Qualitrol’s QualConnex ® web portal.
Installation & User Guide Product Specifications Environmental Specifications The DGA-LT1 and QGateway units are designed to operate within the following environmental conditions: CHARACTERISTIC VALUE Altitude Maximum 8,000 ft. 2,500 m Humidity Range 5% to 95% Noncondensing Ambient Temperature Range -40°F to +150°F -40°C to +65°C DGA LT1 Specifications The DGA-LT1 is designed to operate with the following specifications:...
Installation & User Guide CHARACTERISTIC VALUE Solar charging temp range -4°C < t < 130°C (-20°C < t < 55°C) Expected Availability >90% below 55° latitude Ambient Temperature Range -40°F to +150°F (-40 C to 65 600m (~2000 ft) at ≥ 1.5m (~5ft) mounting height RF Range 1,500m (~5000ft) at >...
12” (~30 cm long) wrench to tighten DGALT1 onto the drain valve. • Qualitrol recommends a Dissolved Gas Analysis sample be taken at or immediately prior to installation to provide a baseline level for Hydrogen concentration •...
Installation & User Guide Transformer Elevation Evaluation Large terrain variations can also lead to reduced signal strength due to earth obstructions. The elevation of each transformer should be noted with any variations of hills or other land masses between the transformers noted.
Page 11
0.5 for medium 0.8 for light 1 for none The above are rules of thumb and Qualitrol does not guarantee adequate performance of the wireless connection based on these alone. Communications performance must be confirmed at the time of installation.
Installation & User Guide Transformer Details to Prepare for Installation Qualitrol recommends collecting the following information during site preparation to enable configuration of the QualConnex website prior to installation. If this is not possible, the information can be collected during installation and set up in the field.
Upon receipt of your transformer monitor, it is important to verify the contents of the shipping carton with the packing list. After inspection of the contents, please notify Qualitrol via our "contact us" page if there are any missing parts or any signs of damage that may www.qualitrolcorp.com/contact-us/...
Page 14
Concentration, Moisture Concentration and Oil Temperature, 1" Connection, Bleed Tube Tubing for bleeding air from DGA LT1 after installation GTW-RF-23310 Qualitrol QGateway, Wireless Sensor Transceiver for RF to Cellular Communication, Battery Powered with recharging through Solar Power (LoRa antenna shipped detached)
DGA-LT1 was installed on the linked transformer (the associated transformer can be adjusted if units got switched during installation). See Qualitrol’s separate guide “QualConnex Website Guide” for instructions on how to navigate QualConnex and how to enter the required details into the website:...
Installation & User Guide Required Tools for Installation • 1 3/8” (33mm) fixed wrench or adjustable wrench of an adequate size for leverage (12-14 inch / 30 – 35 cm) • Extra high density Teflon tape (0.0032” or ~0.08 mm thick) •...
Installation & User Guide Assembling the Magnetic Mount The magnetic mount is shipped as shown in Figure 2 below. 1. First open the adjustable magnetic base and attach (2) support struts using (2) flange head screws as shown in Figure 3. 2.
Page 20
Installation & User Guide Figure 4: Support strut orientation 4. Adjust the angle of the adjustable base and align the threaded end of the support strut with the desired mounting hole per the configuration chosen as shown in Table 1. 5.
Installation & User Guide Connecting QGateway to Magnetic Base After the base has been configured to the correct installation angle, the QGateway must be attached to the base. 1. Place the QGateway on its mounting surface on the adjustable magnet mount with the front of the QGateway facing the hinge of the adjustable magnet mount (See Figure 6 &...
Installation & User Guide Figure 8: Align holes on QGateway tabs with threaded holes on the adjustable magnet mount Figure 9: Secure QGateway to the adjustable magnet mount with (2) flange head screws Attaching LoRa Antenna to QGateway The QGateway is shipped without the LoRa antenna connected to help protect the antenna during shipment. The antenna must be attached and configured during site installation.
Page 23
Installation & User Guide Figure 10: LoRa antenna and SMA connector Figure 11: Screw on LoRa antenna using knurled thumb screw...
QGateway is required to enable the DGA-LT1 sample confirmation during commissioning. The position of the QGateway to the DGA-LT1 will also indicate the success of the communication link or that adjustments are needed. It is Qualitrol’s recommendation that the QGateway is installed first for the given DGA-LT1 sensor(s) intended to communicate with the QGateway.
QGateway. This will require a reevaluation of the QGateway positioning to allow for maximized solar collection and cellular range. Consult Qualitrol if assistance is needed. Figure 13: QGateway solar panel orientation towards due South...
Page 26
Installation & User Guide Figure 14: Securely holding QGateway Figure 15: Rolling the magnet mount onto the magnetic surface...
Installation & User Guide Figure 16: Rolling the magnet mount onto the magnetic surface (cont.) Power on and Confirm QGateway Cell Signal After placing the QGateway in the correct install position, follow the steps to ensure the QGateway is powered on and has cellular signal.
(to turn the power off) and pressing the button again (turning the system back on). If the unit still does not show the green LED, please contact Qualitrol for help If the amber LED does not light up, wait 3 more min to ensure the system is fully booted and has had a chance to communicate with the cellular tower.
Installation & User Guide 4. Verify DGA-LT1 housing is free from external cracks 5. Note the DGA-LT1 serial number 6. Have all tools and bleed tube and container for oil collection ready DGA-LT1 Installation steps 1. Check to make sure drain valve is closed. Failure to close the drain valve could drain a significant amount of the transformer oil and cause personal or environmental harm.
Installation & User Guide Bleeding the DGA-LT1 Monitor Warning! To prevent atmospheric air from entering the transformer, there must be positive oil pressure to install and bleed the DGA-LT1 monitor. Check the headspace pressure gauge to make sure that it is zero or positive. 1.
Removal / Decommissioning of LT1 Monitor If the LT1 needs to be removed to perform maintenance on the transformer or to be shipped back to Qualitrol, follow these steps to ensure proper handling and prevent any damage to the unit.
Installation & User Guide c. Absorbent towels. d. Drain valve plug and LT1 shipping cap. e. Extra high density Teflon tape, 0.0032” or ~0.08 mm and sealant. Thread cleaning brush. 2. Close transformer oil drain valve. 3. Place catch tray beneath drain valve/LT1 connection. 4.
Warranty Qualitrol warrants its goods to be free from latent defects in materials or workmanship for the period of one year from the date of shipment. Additional details on terms and conditions are provided in the signed agreement. Please contact Qualitrol via our "contact us" page at if there are www.qualitrolcorp.com/contact-us/...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the DGALT1-11120 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers