About Partial Discharge Detectors
When it comes to high voltage (HV) assets, keeping them reliable and safe is essential. One of the main risks to electrical equipment is partial discharge (PD). This is a small electrical spark that happens inside or on the surface of insulation. Over time, this weakens the insulation and can create serious insulation defects. If left unchecked, these defects may grow until they completely bridge the insulation, leading to equipment failure or even dangerous accidents.
This is where a partial discharge detector becomes important. By carrying out regular partial discharge detection, engineers can spot problems early, collect partial discharge data, and take action before the issue develops into a costly or unsafe breakdown.
What is Surface Partial Discharge?
One common form of PD is surface partial discharge. This occurs when stress builds up along the surface of insulation rather than inside it. It often happens when the insulation has become contaminated with moisture, dirt, or other particles. These conditions reduce the strength of the insulation and create small sparks or arcs on its surface.
Although each spark is tiny, the ongoing pd activity slowly damages the insulation. Over time, this damage can spread across the material, threatening the performance of solid insulation and reducing the life of HV assets.
Types of Partial Discharge
There are different types of partial discharge, and knowing them helps in choosing the right pd testing method. The three main types of PD are:
- Internal PD – Discharges inside voids or tiny air pockets within solid insulation.
- Surface PD – Discharges that appear on the surface of insulation, often triggered by contamination or dampness.
- Corona PD – Discharges in gas around sharp points or uneven surfaces in electrical equipment.
Understanding the types of partial discharge is essential for effective monitoring and planning maintenance.
How Partial Discharge Detection Works
Modern partial discharge detectors use several methods to pick up signals from PD events. Each has its own strengths, and together they provide a full picture of insulation health.
- Ultrasonic detection: Sensors listen for high-frequency sound waves created by pd activity. These can help pinpoint the location of a problem.
- Electromagnetic detection: Antennas capture signals from PD events, making this method effective for testing live HV assets.
- Acoustic detection: Detects audible noise from PD, which indicates issues in electrical equipment.
- Optical detection: Uses infrared cameras or high-speed imaging to identify corona discharges and heat spots linked to surface partial discharge.
By combining these techniques, operators can perform accurate partial discharge measurement and gather valuable partial discharge data.
Why PD Testing is Important
Regular pd testing is vital for any company that operates high voltage systems. The benefits include:
- Preventive maintenance: Early detection prevents problems from spreading and reduces costly downtime.
- Improved reliability: Monitoring partial discharge data helps keep HV assets running smoothly.
- Increased safety: Addressing insulation defects quickly reduces the risk of accidents.
In short, effective partial discharge detection is not just a technical task it is a proactive strategy that protects people, equipment, and investment.
Get Expert Help
Choosing the right partial discharge detector depends on your equipment, the environment, and the types of PD you are most likely to face. Our expert team can guide you through options for partial discharge measurement, explain the results of pd testing, and recommend the best maintenance approach for your HV assets.
Contact us today to learn more about protecting your electrical equipment and extending the life of your systems with effective partial discharge detection.
ā Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What is surface partial discharge?
A. One common form of PD is surface partial discharge. This occurs when stress builds up along the surface of insulation rather than inside it. It often happens when the insulation has become contaminated with moisture, dirt, or other particles. These conditions reduce the strength of the insulation and create small sparks or arcs on its surface.
Q2. Why is PD testing important?
A. Regular pd testing is vital for any company that operates high voltage systems. Early detection prevents problems from spreading and reduces costly downtime, improves reliability by monitoring partial discharge data, and increases safety by addressing insulation defects quickly.
Q3. What are the main types of partial discharge?
A. The three main types of PD are Internal PD, Surface PD, and Corona PD. Understanding the types of partial discharge is essential for effective monitoring and planning maintenance.
Q4. How do partial discharge detectors work?
A. Modern partial discharge detectors use ultrasonic detection, electromagnetic detection, acoustic detection, and optical detection. By combining these techniques, operators can perform accurate partial discharge measurement and gather valuable partial discharge data.
Q5. When should I seek expert help?
A. You should seek expert help when choosing the right partial discharge detector for your equipment and environment, when reviewing partial discharge measurement results, and when planning the best maintenance approach for your HV assets.
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