Detection of partial discharges
Undetected partial discharges pose a threat to the safety and business continuity of many critical areas of business and society. Early detection provides plant operators with a powerful tool to assess operating conditions, plan effective maintenance strategies, and reduce the risk of costly failures.
Partial discharges are localized electrical discharges in the dielectric insulation, limited to only part of the insulating material. The presence of partial discharges in low-, medium-, and high-voltage electrical installations is often the first symptom of wear and tear on equipment components. In fact, it has been estimated that up to 85% of electrical failures are related to partial discharges. Over time, this deterioration process can lead to the onset of phenomena that can generate failures in equipment operation and sometimes even serious risks to operators. It is not so unusual that it is precisely from this type of phenomenon that principles of fire can arise with even very serious consequences. Early detection of ignition points is vital to avoid costly inefficiencies and plant downtime.
Points where partial discharges can be detected
A partial discharge is a partial failure of an insulating element that can progress over time and lead to a complete rupture to the point of impairing the smooth operation of the system. The most common causes of partial discharges are generally attributable to surface contamination, materials, manufacturing and installation defects, or even mechanical damage and wear due to electrical stress. Partial discharges are therefore everyday phenomena and occur wherever there are electrical installations.
- Electrical cabinets
- Transformers
- Engines
- Generators
- Isolators
- Pylons
The AESSE Measures Solution
New specialized service for the detection of partial discharges in electrical installations, using instrumentation equipped with sensors capable of acquiring noise emitted in the ultrasonic range and temperature in the infrared range. The combined use of the two measurement methodologies enables early and accurate diagnosis. Measurement in the ultrasonic range is extremely reliable because it is immune to the hostile environmental conditions and noise normally present in the 'plant. The detection of electrical anomalies can be carried out even at a great distance from the point of emission.
This solution is able to identify another phenomenon typical of industry: compressed air leaks from pneumatic systems. Read the article oncompressed air leak detection
