Author: AitorK

French Certification Body ASEFA recognises BELA-Zamudio as appoved laboratory for testing power transformers
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French Certification Body ASEFA recognises BELA-Zamudio as appoved laboratory for testing power transformers

In September 2020, ASEFA added FUNDACIÓN TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION electrical equipment laboratory to its list of ASEFA Approved Laboratories for testing power transformers. FUNDACIÓN TECNALIA RESEARCH & INNOVATION, also known as BELA-Zamudio, is one of the founding members of BELA. The recognition falls into the IEC 60076 standard family (i.e. IEC 60076-1, IEC 60076-2, IEC 60076-3, IEC 60076-5, IEC 60076-6, IEC 60076-10, IEC 60076-11, IEC 60076-13 and IEC 60076-16) and French standard ENEDIS ST-25-S-27. These standards are applicable to oil immersed distribution transformers and medium power transformers, dry-type power transformers, self-protected liquid-filled transformers and reactors.

ASEFA is an international certification body accredited by COFRAC (French national accreditation body member of ILAC) in accordance with ISO/IEC 17065. ASEFA has an international network of more than 20 approved high-level laboratories, that like BELA-Zamudio are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by the relevant ILAC member.

This recognition will allow clients to test their equipment in BELA-Zamudio under the verification by ASEFA.

BELA finishes the tests awarded for qualification of distribution transformer providers for ONEE
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BELA finishes the tests awarded for qualification of distribution transformer providers for ONEE

Early 2020, BELA was awarded a contract by the Public Laboratory for Testing and Studies (LPEE) in Morocco to test distribution transformers for ONEE. The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) is a state-owned electricity and water company committed to delivering electricity and water safely, reliably and efficiently to the customers in the Kingdom of Morocco.

The tests performed by BELA-Zamudio were part of the qualification campaign conducted by ONEE for selection of 22 kV / 400 kVA distribution transformer providers. Several oil immersed transformers by important Moroccan manufacturers were subjected to the short-circuit test according to IEC 60076-5 standard.

LPEE is a public laboratory for tests and studies of which dates from 1947. Its services also cover the entire life cycle of civil engineering works and associated products (i.e. design, study, testing, monitoring, technical assistance, and consultancy).

BELA aims at market share in Turkey
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BELA aims at market share in Turkey

BELA continues to expand its testing services into other markets. Elisa Ruiz, Business Developer Manager at BELA, travelled to Turkey to meet with electrical equipment manufacturers in the country. The visit focused on companies located in Istanbul, Ankara, Adana, Bozüyük and Izmir, where Elisa noted the strength of electrical sector in Turkey, as well as its testing capabilities. Thank all the companies for the friendly and warm reception. Undoubtedly, the best start for future collaborations together.

A special mention to ICEX Turquía (see picture) which was instrumental in arranging the meetings and providing Elisa with all the support she needed for a successful trip.

BELA, an example of “coopetition” in testing services
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BELA, an example of “coopetition” in testing services

Relationships among competitors have traditionally focused either on competitive or on cooperative relationships between them, and one relationship was argued to harm or threaten the other one. However, this is not necessarily the case. Coopetitive relationships have been proved to be advantageous relationships among competitors, where companies both compete and cooperate with each other.

BELA is a very good example of coopetition, and it was recognized as such in the Biscay Business 2020th Meeting held in Bilbao on 20th February, hosted by Biscay Provincial Government.

ARTECHE Centro Tecnológico, ORMAZABAL Corporate Technology and TECNALIA Research & Innovation are three cutting edge companies that decided to join efforts to pursue new opportunities. BELA brings together the facilities and expertise of three testing laboratories that complement to each other to offer a wider range of tests to international manufacturers of electrical equipment. As they say, union is strength. And BELA is not an exception

BELA launches its newly designed website
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BELA launches its newly designed website

We announce the launch of our newly designed website. By browsing through our About Us and Testing Laboratories sections, you’ll get a pretty good idea of who we are and what testing capabilities we offer. In the Accreditation section, you’ll see a full overview of standards and tests according to which we are accredited. The new website is fully responsive on mobile devices, and the pages are faster, easier to navigate, and more user-friendly using a wide range of web browsers.

If you want to learn more about BELA laboratories, please contact Elisa Ruiz (Business Development Manager) on elisa.ruiz@bela-labs.com or +34 607 326 011.

BELA founding members participation in STL Technical Committee meetings as applicant
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BELA founding members participation in STL Technical Committee meetings as applicant

The 67th STL Technical Committee meeting was held on 19-20 November in Hyderabad (India), hosted by CPRI, one of the STL members.

The Short-Circuit Testing Liaison (STL) is an association that provides a forum for voluntary international collaboration amongst testing laboratories. STL aims at harmonising the application of IEC and Regional Standards to HV transmission and distribution equipment that include short-circuit and dielectric tests within their type tests.

BELA-Boroa and BELA-Zamudio have been participating in STL Technical Committees as applicants under the name of AELP (Spanish Association for Power Laboratories) since 2016. BELA test facilities include one short-circuit generator of 2,500 MVA (3-phase and 50/60 Hz); 1.8 MV lightning and 1.1 MV switching impulse generator; and 550 kV AC generator. BELA laboratories meet the test requirements for a wide range of equipment addressed by STL guides.

This year, AELP presented three technical articles in the 67th STL Technical Committee meeting. One on IEC 61869 standard concerning temperature rise test on current transformers with several rated primary currents. And two on IEC 62271-202 standard concerning short circuit and internal arc tests on prefabricated substations. The issues will be discussed in the relevant STL Technical Groups and if necessary, the resolutions included in the STL guides.

BELA wishes you Happy World Standards Day 2019!
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BELA wishes you Happy World Standards Day 2019!

BELA wishes Happy World Standards Day 2019 to all the experts who voluntarily contribute to the development of international standards. Indeed, some of those experts are amongst our BELA staff.

In a world without standards there would be no certainty that products and services are reliable, invariable and safe. Standards are our best tool to enhance knowledge, manufacturing, competitiveness, commerce and safety. Let´s honor them today!