Detecting Partial Discharge

What is meant by partial discharge?

The IEC-60270 standard defines partial discharge (PD) as a localised electrical discharge, which partially bridges the conductors' insulation. The origin of the PD can occur due to local electrical stress on the insulation's surface or in the insulation itself, such as a gas bubble, a gas-filled void within an insulating material, or around an electrode in a gas. Partial Discharge can occur in medium to high voltage electrical equipment and its effects are damage to insulators and conductors.

Whether you are inspecting insulators, transformers, switchgear, or high voltage powerlines you need to be confident you can find a problem in time to fix it long before it becomes dangerous. Over time, PD activity becomes more dangerous and expensive, causing blackouts, arc flashes, equipment failure, and of primary concern, safety issues.

Partial discharges can characterise the majority of the deformations within the transformer insulation systems.  Partial discharges may lead to damage of high-voltage devices.  The damage may happen in a short time, or develop for years. Therefore, the assessment of changes in PD intensity is essential, and it can be realised by monitoring systems.

Currently there are several methods of detecting partial discharge. The primary need is to detect and locate where PD may be damaging equipment. When comparing the ii910 to other tools, the ii910 is much easier to use, providing a clear image and location of potential PD locations, and providing a method to document and share images or videos. No training is required to utilise these features.

"The Fluke ii910 has changed the game in partial discharge detection by providing an incredibly easy to use tool that both detects and locates partial discharge. Even without training, a simple scan of the high voltage equipment can be performed in very little time, which locates potential problem areas and provides a picture or video to share with others."

Justin Sheard
Senior Engineer and Industrial Imaging Applications Specialist

Now extensive training is a thing of the past... and safety is at the forefront of design...

Key areas to scan for Partial Discharge (PD):

• Transformers
• High voltage powerlines
• Switch gears
• Arrestors
• Busbars
• High voltage coils
• Breakers
• Capacitors

FLUKE have published a White Paper on Partial Discharge

Covering:

1. Refresher on the operation of the FLUKE ii910
2. How does the ii910 detect partial discharges?
3. Factors affecting PD detection
4. Transmission path
5. The frequency range of PD
6. What PD properties does ii910 measure?
7. Phase-resolved data pattern
8. Pulse per minute (PpM)

VIEW FLUKE's WHITE PAPER

▶ FLUKE ii910 Locate / Test Partial Discharge Quickly, Easily & Safely:

FLUKE ii910 Precision Acoustic Imager / Sonic Industrial Imager

Detecting electrical discharges using acoustic sensors is a challenging task. Locating the area to investigate and fix is even more challenging. 

The Fluke ii910 provides an easy way to locate those areas which may have damaging PD occurring.  The ability to save images and videos along with some analysis tools such as pulse count and PRPD plots the PD position, type, number of pulses, and the PRDP analysis provide a complete solution so you can quickly, easily and confidently monitor your equipment for partial discharge with the FLUKE ii910 and associated software!

Whether you are inspecting insulators, transformers, switch gears or high voltage powerlines you need to be sure that you spot a problem quickly and early.  Partial discharge that goes unchecked can cause blackouts, fires, explosions, or death from arc flashes.  In addition, there is a significant monetary risk of downtime.  Finally a better way to detect partial discharge.

VIEW FLUKE ii910 DATA SHEET & VIDEO HERE