INDUSTRY 4.0
the surface of insulation. * Void (internal) discharge: This is frequently caused by a defect in the solid insulation of cables, bushings, gas installation substation junction insulation, etc. Typically caused by a minor defect and resulting in thousands of mini repetitive discharges, a partial discharge grows over time. It can have many damaging effects on equipment because of mechanical, heat, and chemical damage to insulators and conductors. These can have significant safety, efficiency, and financial implications.
Identifying partial discharge In undertaking a check for partial discharge, Kenter had previously used electrical measurement methods relying on such tools as oscilloscopes to identify potential problem areas, located in the first instance using the senses or gut instinct considering noise and smell. However, these methods were slow, required significant training, and the desired outcome was sometimes found by chance. As a result, Kenter was looking for a new way to help quickly and accurately detect and locate partial discharge. After initial desktop research, followed by a trial of the equipment by the team, Kenter selected the Fluke™ ii910. The device is handheld and uses an array of integral microphones to convert acoustic signals covering audible and ultrasound range into a clear visual image or SoundMap™ acoustic image on the display screen.
Employees are enjoying the ease-of-use, speed and accuracy of the new tool. The ii910 allows engineers to quickly scan a customer’s electrical equipment from a safe distance whilst operational, and the kit immediately visually highlights any areas of partial discharge. The image can then be quickly analysed to identify the type of partial discharge, enabling the team to undertake appropriate maintenance. “Being able to scan a whole installation in one go is a real game changer in regard to how quickly we can identify a partial discharge issue,” adds Martin Damen, technical engineer manager at Kenter. “Once there is an image, it is easy to identify the discharge and fix the problem.”
Customers, employees, and management have all experienced benefits since the team switched to the ii910. It has crucially helped the team keep their customers’ operations online. For example, a recent review at a customer’s site displayed partial discharge using the ii910 that was occurring on switchgear installation. This might not have been detected before, as there was no distinctive smell or sound of any kind during the interim review and with no reported issues, the customer was reluctant to shut down operations for assessment using an oscilloscope. Failure to identify this issue could have had significant consequences, with the switchgear ultimately at risk of failing. The cost to replace the switchgear alone would have been in the region of €30,000, and that is without the potential damage
to the customer’s reputation—who work to tight deadlines—as a result of their business being offline. The ii910 enabled this problem to be averted. It was reported that the tool has also helped management to deploy their workforce more effectively. The complexity of operating the oscilloscope meant the time required to train engineers was significantly higher, whereas the simplicity of training for this device means 18 engineers are now fully competent, with further online training being rolled out across the entire national team of engineers.
The future Kenter has purchased five ii910s to-date and the tool will form a key part of scheduled maintenance programmes moving forward. “The ii910s are making a positive impact in the field. Engineers have the confidence to use the equipment, identify partial discharge issues and undertake the appropriate maintenance”, comments Dirk Kwik. “They are making a real difference in minimising unscheduled downtime and keeping our customers’ operations online. We are currently looking at other Fluke products to see how they can further improve the service we offer to our customers—something we take very seriously at Kenter.”
Alliander
https://www.alliander.com/en/
FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | MARCH 2022 43
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