Electrical inspections
High-voltage testing
Whilst uncommon, catastrophic failure of high-voltage equipment can cause fatalities, serious injuries and substantial disruption to the site and local community. When an arc flash occurs, there may be several explosions within milliseconds, and the pressure wave from the blast is similar to that of an explosion from a hand grenade.
Arcing, corona or tracking discharge emits ultrasound at the site of emission. Bus bars, circuit breakers, insulators, junction boxes, relays, transformers and switchgear can all be checked on-line and without direct access, as the ultrasound escapes through gaps in the air vents, seals, etc.
On oil-filled or resin-cast equipment, we would recommend the use of a stethoscope module to listen to the internal ultrasound being generated. By using a magnetic mount and extension cable, this testing can also be done from a safe distance.
Another technology to consider is Transient Earth Voltage detection, which is used for detecting internally-generated partial discharge, and is completely non-invasive. Radio Frequency detection is another technique still used, although it isn't very effective at accurately pinpointing where the problem is.
Low-voltage testing
Electrical problems experienced at 440 volts or below can cause process problems, increase downtime and potentially result in a fire hazard. Nearly everything gets hot before it fails - particularly electrical equipment - making infrared an ideal technology for checking low-voltage systems.
Thermal imaging produces images of invisible 'heat' radiation, and offers precise, non-contact monitoring capabilities. With an infrared camera, it is easy to check electrical panels, overhead bus ducts, loose connections, motors, stand-by batteries and more.
To compliment an infrared programme, you may choose to fit thermographic inspection windows. These enable thermographers to inspect live components quickly, since infrared cameras are unable to see through materials such as glass or steel.
These ‘sightglasses' can eliminate the time-consuming and costly requirement to have a qualified person remove and replace doors and panels, and it also results in safer inspections as you're reducing the risk of arc-flash, electrocution and human error.
|
 |
|
Please contact us with questions,
or for more information |
|
|
|
