CORONA
Insulator affected by corrosion formed by atmosphere ionization.
Corona results in power loss, noise, electrical magnetic interference, and more.
ARCING
Overloaded circuits get overheated. Damage is caused to the circuit breaker and the connection to the bus.
TRACKING
When there is a partial electrical breakdown along the surface of an electrical insulating material, conductive paths form across the insulator surface. This is typically caused when the insulator is exposed to high-voltage stress or contamination.
Ultrasound Electrical Systems Solutions
Airborne and structured-based (A&SB) ultrasound can be used to detect various electrical faults; including corona discharge, tracking, and arcing. The PowerBeam 300 parabolic accessory allows the technician to locate sources of ultrasound with pinpoint accuracy from distances up to 300 feet away. Additionally, the InCTRL platform and InCTRL mobile app can be used to record samples, store testing history, and communicate faults through a management chain. InCTRL’s FFT spectral analysis feature can be used to diagnose recorded samples for electrical failures.
Power Transmission and Distribution
The UL101 Electrical Inspector and PowerBeam 300 are used together to inspect medium and high voltage power lines, switchgear, and transformers. Inspection focuses the detection of corona, which is a symptom of two types of failures including material degradation and indeterminant by other technologies. The UL101 Electrical Inspector is very affordable and very effective in all types of environments for these tasks.
CTRL IN ACTION
“India’s Certified R&D Institute has certified the functional aspects of CTRL UL101 [Electrical Inspector] with the PowerBeam 300 for detection of corona discharge from 400 kV single suspension insulator string consisting of 1 x 25 Nos. of 120 kN B/s discs with arcing horn and corona control ring and 245 kV single suspension insulator string consisting of 1 x 14 Nos. of 120 kN B/s discs with arcing horn and corona control ring. Readings were taken by the UL101 and PowerBeam 300 from 50, 100, and 150 feet respectively.”
HOW TO INSPECT TRANSMISSION LINES
This method of detection during day time is added advantage over other methods like infrared imaging
#1: Quickly Scan
#2: Partial Discharge
#3: Prevent Transmission Losses
#4: Pinpoint
#5: Effective Technology
#1: Quickly Scan
Scan the Electrical transmission system network such as Insulator or cable string with the CTRL UL101 Electrical Inspector and PowerBeam 300 attachment.
#2: Partial Discharge
The UL101 Electrical Inspector will pick up the ultrasound signal which is generated at the source due to electrical arcing, tracking, or corona discharge.
#3: Prevent Transmission Losses
If there is a continuous corona effect during transmission near the insulator, it results in transmission losses.
#4: Pinpoint
The intensity of the ultrasound will increase as you direct the PowerBeam 300 scan the area, allowing you to pinpoint which insulator is punctured or damaged.
#5: Effective Technology
In most cases, a punctured insulator or coated insulator produces the high intensity ultrasound rather than emitting heat. Thus ultrasound is very effective in these applications to detect corona/arcing over other methods.
The PowerBeam 300 is very effective from 66 KV to 440KV Electrical system for finding out the faults with following applications.
Broken Strands
Loose Hardware
Improper Installations
Damaged or Punctured Insulator
HOW TO INSPECT ELECTRICAL PANELS
Safety is the first line of defense. Scan cabinets & MMCs with panels closed. Use the CTRL UL101 Electrical Inspector together with a airborne attachment.
Step 1: Quickly Scan
Step 2: Arcing, Tracking, Mechanical Looseness
Step 3: Open Panels
Step 4: De-Energize if Questionable
Step 1: Quickly Scan
Scan with UL101 Electrical Inspector. Listen for arcing and discharge with panels closed
Step 2: Arcing, Tracking, Mechanical Looseness
Determine if ultrasound is present and determine what is producing the sound. Easily hear the ultrasound from a safe distance.
Step 3: Open Panels
Safely open panels with appropriate PPE
Step 4: De-Energize if Questionable
High levels of ultrasound indicate severe problems
CASE STUDY – COLOMBIA
“The implementation of the technique of ultrasound propagated in air and in structures, has allowed troubleshoot previously hidden from visual and thermographic inspections.”
“This program has helped to center the maintenance of overhead and underground medium voltage (34,500, 13,200 and 11,400 V), complemented by the technique of thermography.”
“The ultrasound technique is also used to evaluate the quality of new works in networks, and allows a better management and ex-post inspection of each job held in underground and overhead networks.”
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Miles of overhead power lines
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Decreased overall circuit faults
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Annual Savings
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