Electrical Field Service Condition Monitoring
The latest condition monitoring technologies enable the identification and prediction of a vast array of potential failure patterns. To extract, interpret and utilise the full value of the results obtained from these technologies sometimes requires specialist skillsets. Some of the more sophisticated technologies come with a price tag and in other instances, owning technology that is only used periodically, does not validate the cost.
Martec’s Field Services give clients access to the value that condition monitoring technologies offer through skilled resources and the latest technologies, at a fraction of the cost. Our team has years of extensive experience in both the mechanical and electrical fields. However, we offer distinguishing capabilities and expertise with electrical infrastructure and equipment.
We use a combination of world-class technology and industry experience to identify, locate and assign risk levels to each critical asset during the on-line and off-line assessments. These levels make it easy for us to assist the client in deciding on the correct action and timeline.
| Risk levels are aligned to international standards and displayed on an interactive Asset Health Portal where the levels can be trended from assessment to assessment. |
|---|
| Level 0 | Asset Not assessed |
| Level 1 | No discharges (PD) were detected |
| Level 2 | Low discharges (PD) were detected |
| Level 3 | Moderate discharges (PD) detected, follow up assessment required |
| Level 4 | High discharges (PD) were detected, advanced diagnostics required |
| Level 5 | Highest probability of imminent failure, isolate and shut down if possible |
Providing the appropriate service based on the criticality of the asset
Not all assets are equally critical, thus we tailor-make our solutions.
| Technology | Cost | Purpose | What will be assessed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handheld Scanning | Low cost Limited Diagnostic | Is to advise the operator of electrical activity either for safety reasons or an early warning to maintenance personnel that unwanted electrical discharges. | Surface (tracking) and corona discharges in switchgear, terminations, transformers, reactors, overheard line insulator and connection links. |
| On-Line Advance Assessment | Low cost Good Diagnostic |
| Internal (insulation), surface (tracking) and corona discharges in switchgear, terminations, transformers, reactors, motors, generators, overheard line insulator and connection links |
| On-Line Advance Diagnostic | Moderate cost Excellent Diagnostic |
| Internal (insulation, surface (tracking) and corona discharges in switchgear, terminations, feeder cables, transformers, reactors, motors, generators, overheard line insulator and connection links. |
The benefit of on-line assessments
On-line assessments of assets are conducted with the plant running in its normal operating condition. The operation requires no additional downtime to facilitate condition assessments, saving the asset owner time and money. From a Reliability perspective, it is also beneficial to assess the condition of systems under “TEAM” stresses.
Thermal | High thermal stress during start up process deteriorate insulation systems until failure |
Electrical | Poor electrical installations are the number one cause of failure |
Ambient | High operating temperatures and moisture ingress contribute to failures |
Mechanical | Poor electrical contacts can add to premature failures |
On-line condition assessments should be conducted periodically (preferably six-monthly) and trended over time to monitor the tempo of degeneration in large critical assets.
TechTalk | What is Partial Discharge?
Partial Discharge activity is an indication of a fault in medium voltage and high voltage insulation systems.
It is widely regarded as the best ‘early warning’ indicator of the deterioration of electrical assets.
