www.davidson.com.au - UE Systems Ultrasonic Detection Applications

DESCRIPTION
When electrical apparatus such as switch gear, transformer, insulators or pot heads 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 corona are all potential for equipment failure. In addition, the problems of RFI and TVI impact on our valuable communication networks. All these conditions produce ultrasound and are detected with the Ultraprobe.

How Ultrasonic Electrical Detection Works
Arcing, tracking and corona all produce some form of ionization which disturbs the air molecules around it. The Ultraprobe detects the high frequency noise produced by this effect and translates it, 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 meter. Normally, electrical equipment should be silent, although some may produce a constant 60 cycle hum or some steady mechanical noises. These should not be confused with the erratic, sizzling frying, uneven and popping sound of an electrical discharge.

Corona & tracking often do not generate heat. Scanning with ultrasound & infrared is the best method.

Detection Method
Before beginning any inspection of mid or high voltage equipment, be sure to review your plant or company's safety procedures. Essentially, as in generic leak detection, the area of inspection is scanned using a high sensitivity level. As the discriminate direction, reduce the sensitivity until this is possible. If it is not possible to remove covers, or plates, scan around the seams and vent slots. Any potentially damaging discharges should be detected.

When it is not possible to get close to the equipment you need to inspect due to logistics, such as over-head power lines, or for safety when working around high voltage equipment, use the UWC-2000 Ultrasonic Waveform Concentrator. This highly sensitive parabolic dish doubles the detection distance of the Ultraprobe and provides pinpoint accuracy.

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