Chriss Kabongo, MBA, CPEng, PMP®

Research gate Profile providing all my publications and ongoing research projects.

This article is devoted to the feasibility study of an in-tank oil treatment of an operating transformer. This study has been performed with Frontier mine’s ZYD 50 purifier. This purifier operates via filtration, drying and vacuum degassing at a temperature T ranging from 20 ℃ to 80 ℃ with a flow rate of 50 litres per minute. During our study, an identification of the constraints that may occur during a purification of an in-tank oil operating transformer was performed. As a result, the… Show more

This article is devoted to the feasibility study of an in-tank oil treatment of an operating transformer. This study has been performed with Frontier mine’s ZYD 50 purifier. This purifier operates via filtration, drying and vacuum degassing at a temperature T ranging from 20 ℃ to 80 ℃ with a flow rate of 50 litres per minute. During our study, an identification of the constraints that may occur during a purification of an in-tank oil operating transformer was performed. As a result, the temperature and oil level control of the in-tank oil transformer were found to be the key constraints. Thus, in order to guarantee a safe purification for the transformer within its environment, as recommended by the IEC 60422 standards, we have chosen an HYDAC oil cooler, written a Sequential Function Chart (SFC) for the automation and the safety of the oil purification process. This research makes possible for industry and public sector, the purification of a transformer while connected to the network in order to keep the power supply available while increasing the transformer life. Show less

Electrical safety is generally referred to when it comes to implementing policies, procedures and the use of Personal Protection Equipment in the execution of any work activity in relation to electrical power and equipment. The above assumes a fully functional protection system and an acceptable quality of supply within the working environment in such a way that in case all the relevant measures are adhered to, personnel would remain in a safe condition. Surprisingly, we have been involved in a… Show more

Electrical safety is generally referred to when it comes to implementing policies, procedures and the use of Personal Protection Equipment in the execution of any work activity in relation to electrical power and equipment. The above assumes a fully functional protection system and an acceptable quality of supply within the working environment in such a way that in case all the relevant measures are adhered to, personnel would remain in a safe condition. Surprisingly, we have been involved in a specific context - in Southern Africa where, all the above measures were existent but the power supply system from the utility suddenly became imbalanced thus causing some unthought issues such as a considerable difference of potential between transformers’ secondary star point, known as neutral point, and the earth bars. As a result, maintenance personnel became subject to potential electrical shock despite the established safety policies such as the isolation and lockout procedure which mostly consists of isolating live phase conductors only. In addition, switchgears and cables earthing not being a common practice for Low Voltage unlike Medium and High Voltage Systems, the hazard was maintained and correspond risk unchanged. Therefore, using a practical case, this paper aims to highlight the identification of an imbalanced high voltage power system, its probable consequences to the low voltage level and how best they could possibly be mitigated in case users are not in position to fully address the root cause. Show less

The engineer in his different occupations is expected to meet the needs of the society in general and chiefly those relating to mining industry sector. Engineering professions extend not only to open and underground pit production tracking, to metallurgical process plant and its waste management; but also, to production planning, infrastructures maintenance, performance continuous improvement, innovative systems design, construction and commissioning of equipment, long term planning capital… Show more

The engineer in his different occupations is expected to meet the needs of the society in general and chiefly those relating to mining industry sector. Engineering professions extend not only to open and underground pit production tracking, to metallurgical process plant and its waste management; but also, to production planning, infrastructures maintenance, performance continuous improvement, innovative systems design, construction and commissioning of equipment, long term planning capital requirements, operations costs optimization etcetera. In the current context marked by professions globalization, permanent technological evolution, and a greater availability of knowledge, while the Congolese engineer is in competition with his peers from other countries, he is called to remotely work with them on an ongoing basis. Therefore, it is essential that the gap, between the academic skills and professional skills, is made as smaller as possible in order to align oneself to the real needs of the industrial world which is characterized by continuous technological advances. The gap reduction is only possible through the education reinforcement of which the renovation should start with a thorough analysis of the industrial sector in which the engineer is working or is called to exert his occupation. In addition to an effective training and education, the engineer should continually upgrade his skills and equip himself with managerial, organizational and interpersonal skills that will enable him to take on leadership and management roles with more decisions and responsibilities. Besides the fact that he should rely on his personal efforts, Laws of the country should ensure his protection on the employment market and in his entrepreneurship initiatives from the competition as it is the case in other countries. Show less