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Corona 2.jpg

Corona in TWF file format 

Tracking.jpg

Tracking in TWF file format 

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Arcing in TWF file format

ULTRAPROBE Electrical Inspections

Si2 Camera Electrical Inspections

Ultrasonic Electrical Inspection

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Ultrasound inspection may be performed on both open access and enclosed electrical equipment at all voltages (low, medium and high).

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When electrical apparatus such as switchgear, transformers, insulators or disconnects and splices fail, the results can be catastrophic. This is just as true in industrial plants as it is in the power transmission and distribution side. Electrical discharges such as arcing, tracking or, in higher voltages, corona have the potential to create equipment failure and costly downtime.

 

In addition, the problems of RFI and TVI impact on our valuable communication networks. In enclosed equipment, if left undetected, these conditions can become a source of an arc flash incident, which can result in severe injury or death. Arcing, tracking and corona produce ultrasound and are detected with an Ultraprobe.

 

How Ultrasonic Electrical Detection Works

Arcing, tracking and corona all produce ionization which disturbs the surrounding air molecules. An Ultraprobe detects high frequency sounds produced by these emissions and translates them (via heterodyning) down into the audible ranges.

 

The specific sound quality of each type of emission is heard in headphones while the intensity of the signal is observed on a display panel. These sounds may be recorded and analyzed through ultrasound spectral analysis software for a more accurate diagnosis.

 

Normally, electrical equipment should be silent, although some equipment such as transformers may produce a constant hum, or some steady mechanical noises. These should not be confused with the erratic, sizzling frying, uneven and popping sound of an electrical discharge.

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Detection Method

Before beginning any inspection of electric equipment, be sure to review your plant or company’s safety procedures. Be familiar with NFPA 70E (in Canada, CSA Z462) Essentially, as in generic leak detection, the area of inspection is scanned starting at a high sensitivity level. To determine the location of the emission, reduce the sensitivity and follow the sound to the loudest point. If it is not possible to remove covers, or plates or doors, scan around the seams and vent slots. Any potentially damaging discharges should be detected.

 

When it is not possible to get close to the test equipment, such as for safety reasons or while inspecting over-head power lines, use a parabolic microphone. UE Systems has two models, a parabolic dish – the Ultrasonic Waveform Concentrator (UWC) and the Long Range Module (LRM). These highly sensitive, directional sensors double the detection distance of a standard scanning module and provide pinpoint accuracy.

For more accurate diagnosis, ultrasound spectral analysis software helps identify sound patterns related to electrical emissions through spectral (FFT) and Time Series screens. Some of the more advanced instruments have on-board sound recording while others have on-board spectral analysis screens to help provide a diagnosis on the spot.

Technical Support

Ian         0448 901 774 (SA, NT, TAS, VIC)

Mule      0419 794 036 (QLD, NSW)

Gerard   0400 828 613​ (WA)

U5 / 2-4 Maiella Street

Stapylton QLD 4207

Australia

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Ultra-Tek

Ultra-Tek is not only Australia's leading supplier of precision monitoring and ultrasonic testing equipment; we also provide field services and ISO accredited training to our leading mining, petrochemical, oil & gas, power generation, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, aviation, and defence industries.


Proudly Australian owned and staffed by seasoned industry-leading technicians, not salespeople, we know what works, but just as importantly, what doesn't. 

 

To deliver tangible results through effective condition monitoring, with proven methods developed over decades of field work; that is our commitment to you.

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