APTP Articles

How to Quickly Locate Partial Discharge (PD)

For many years utility companies have been performing partial discharge (PD) measurements on high-voltage electric equipment. PD is an indicator of insulation deterioration that can lead to equipment failures or, even worse, a catastrophic incident.

With traditional ultrasonic solutions, the systems can be large and cumbersome and the inspection reports usually need to be analysed by an acoustic engineer. Given this, inspections can become less frequent, leaving equipment like motors, generators, switchgear and transformers vulnerable to PD related issues.

The FLIR Si124

HIGHLIGHTED SOLUTION

Acoustic imaging, or the ability to see ultrasonic sound, has emerged as an effective method utility organisations use to locate the existence of partial discharge (PD). It enables professionals to conduct more frequent predictive maintenance routines, helping provide a crucial first warning of impending electrical failure that could lead to downtime of critical systems. The FLIR Si124 industrial acoustic imaging camera senses, displays, and records sound waves producing a precise acoustic image. The acoustic image is overlaid, in real time, onto a digital camera image all with an easy-to-use, ergonomic, one-handed camera solution weighing a little more than 2 pounds (980 grams).

The Si124 helps speed up inspections by scanning large areas from a safe distance

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