Ultraviolet (UV) Corona Detection
In addition to our Infrared (IR) Inspection Services, we also offer Ultraviolet (UV) Corona Detection services utilizing Solar Blind UV technology to inspect and detect corona and arcing discharges.
These problems, undetected will lead to failure of components and result in an outage. UV detection is widely used for inspections in overhead transmission and distribution lines, and substations.
UV image showing corona condition
Why is corona detection so important?
Besides generating audio noise and radio interference, corona and arcing on power lines and substations accelerate degradation of various grid components and can indicate a number of factors which may cause an outage and/or safety issue.
While infrared technology is widely used for inspecting overhead lines and substations, it is not always capable of detecting a corona condition. This is because conditions that create corona are often difficult to identify with an infrared camera since they generate very little heat.
What factors cause corona conditions?
Using Solar Blind UV technology, you can
easily pinpoint components needing repair
These conditions can be caused by:
- Degradation of Polymer insulators
- Cracked porcelain insulators
- Cement or pin erosion on porcelain insulators
- Defective terminations
- Rusted hardware
- Shorted bell insulators
- Improper construction or installation of components and insulators (tie wire)
- Improper grounding or bonding
- Contamination from coastal salt, industrial vapors and dusts, cement dust, highway road-salt, tire dust and car emissions, agricultural dusts or fertilizers
- Loose hardware such as: spacers, slices, clamps etc.
What are the benefits of having a Solar Blind UV Inspection?
The information obtained during a UV inspection can help utilities increase safety and reliability. Implementing this technology into a preventative maintenance program will save a considerable amount of money by allowing them to:
- prioritize maintenance tasks
- concentrate on repairing the faulty components
- reduce and avoid unnecessary line washings
- avoid redundant testing and replacement of line elements not directly involved with corona generation
Contact us for more information or to schedule your facility's Solar Blind UV inspection.
Infrared Predictive Surveys, Inc.
2758 Lynn Street
Frederick, Maryland 21704
Additional Locations: Seattle, Washington, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Bushnell, Florida
Phone: 301-831-1978
Toll Free: 800-869-3720
Fax: 301-874-2295