Kinectrics has developed and applies several
highly-effective diagnostic techniques for the condition assessment of high
voltage substations and power equipment. Our advanced diagnostic techniques
provide information on the aging, condition and management of power equipment.
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Power Diagnostics and Testing
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Root Cause Failure analysis and Forensic
Investigation
Asset Management
Kinectrics uses several proprietary computational tools
to assess the effect of maintenance policies on equipment condition,
performance and related risk implications. These tools allow users to derive
the rate of the equipment aging process as a function of the temperature
loading. This method allows an effective analysis and determination of optimum
maintenance and refurbishment policies.
DC return voltage, dielectric spectroscopy measurements
These techniques are variations on dissipation factor
measurements, but performed at frequencies other than power frequency, thereby
providing enhanced diagnostic information. Data can be obtained at a broad
range of frequencies (hence the name dielectric spectroscopy), or through a
more involved test arrangement, as done for the return voltage measurement
(RVM). For RVM, the test object is DC charged then discharged, and the open
circuit voltage subsequently attained is measured. This measurement is repeated
many times over a varied time scale to obtain condition assessment information
at different frequencies.
Power factor testing
Power factor, dissipation factor and tan measurements are
performed routinely on paper oil insulation systems to assess the losses which
are indicative of the presence of more conductive species. The presence
of such species is the result of paper and oil deterioration and/or moisture
ingress.
DGA, furan and moisture content of the oil
Gasses dissolved in insulating oils are generally the
result of deterioration of the insulation systems (paper and oil). Extensive
research has been conducted by Kinectrics to interpret the significance of
gases measured and more particularly, their ratios. In simplified terms,
hydrogen and acetylene are formed as a result of arcing/discharges, while
ethylene is associated with overheating. Carbon monoxide and dioxide are
found as a result of the breakdown of paper insulation. Thermal breakdown
of the paper also creates a number of heavier furanic derivatives, which are
present in small quantities, but provide useful markers because of their
specificity as a paper breakdown by-product.