Corona Cameras: Helping to Improve Maintenance and Drive Down Costs in T&D
Ofil Systems manufacture handheld, drone, vehicle, and helicopter-mounted corona detection cameras, which can help network operators drive down maintenance costs and improve service levels. Distributing Ofil’s cameras in the UK and Ireland, PACE have spoken to a number of network operators and supported them in specifying cameras, as well as creating methodologies around turning camera’s outputs into usable data.
Corona discharge can highlight a range of maintenance issues from degradation of polymeric insulators, cracked porcelain insulators, rusted and loose hardware, contamination from salts and dust, and mechanical and electrical failures. In addition, Corona detection cameras can help identify RFI, TVI and audio noise sources which may be leading to customer complaints. A UK operator recently purchased a camera to better understand where they were likely to have issues and to take pre-emptive action.
The adoption of corona cameras can prove invaluable in the move from a time-based maintenance schedule to a predictive schedule based on condition data, resulting in longer maintenance periods and reduced site revisits. Any problems with specific components can be monitored with zero/minimal disruption and identified early on to be addressed before the impact becomes more damaging and costly.
The full Ofil product range includes handheld, drone, and helicopter-mounted corona cameras, with user friendly interfaces and data collection. The daytime camera shows the UV corona so it can be easily pinpointed and investigated.
Contact PACE today to arrange a trial or demonstration of these cameras and discuss how they can support your project or ongoing operations.
