Visualizing Success: Incorporating Pictures to Routes with SDT340

 

Setting up routes using SDT UAS3 software with the SDT340 includes a feature that greatly adds to the efficiency of the measurement taking process.

Some routes can have dozens or even hundreds of measurement points. By adding pictures to the measurement data in the UAS3 software it allows the user to specify the locations where data will be collected. When the route is uploaded to the SDT340, the pictures can be displayed on the screen while taking data. With the picture feature, technicians can visually confirm each measurement point, providing a clear reference.

UAS3 location identification

Pictures can be added to measurement points in the UAS3 tree structure. Then when sensors are added to the measurement point, an icon will be displayed on the picture representing that sensor. The sensor icon can then be moved around in the picture to represent the exact location on the machine that the sensor should be mounted to record data.

SDT340 measurement points, pictures to routes sdt340

The route is then uploaded to the SDT340. When the technician brings up a measurement point, the pictures can be viewed by pressing F1, helping the technician to verify where the data should be collected.

SDT340 measurement points zoomed

The picture can then be zoomed in with F1, out with F2 and scrolled with the navigation arrows as needed.

Click here for more information on UAS3
Click here for more information on the SDT340
SonaVu Electrical survey

 

Ultrasound and High Voltage

 

 

 

Precise was part of an ultrasound training course at a steel plant in Ohio. During training, the maintenance manager learned about measuring for Corona, arcing, and tracking with an ultrasound tool. We were asked to take some readings of their high voltage towers to detect if there was any indication of potential Corona damage. Corona can be easily detected by ultrasound above 2,000 volts.

The previous week a transformer below the high voltage insulators failed. (The input voltage exceeded 100,000 volts and was coupled down to 800 volts in the transformers. This was used to provide the high current needed to melt the steel.)

A time waveform signal and spectrum were taken using an SDT270. We took the measurements with a parabolic sensor because of the high voltages present and distance needed for safety. There were four condition indicators collected; RMS, max RMS, peak, and crest factor. RMS is the average signal and max RMS is the average of the twenty highest peaks.

Peak is the highest value recorded during a measurement and crest factor is the level of severity using a ratio of peak to RMS. The key indicators for this application are peak and crest factor.

As shown in the spectrum below the signals have spikes that relate to 60 HZ and its harmonics. The 60HZ spike and its harmonics validate the source of the time waveform. This noise could be a precursor to damage. (Corona has a build-up and drop-off of energy, resulting in a buzzing sound accompanied by subtle popping noises.)

The proper way to analyze the data is to trend over time and take note of the changes in the time waveform and the condition indicators.

Using ultrasound for electrical inspections can enhance the possibility of detecting anomalies and increase safety during inspections.

 

 

These measurements were taken with an SDT270 ultrasound tool with a parabolic dish. 

 

These measurements were taken with an SDT270 ultrasound tool with a parabolic dish. 

These measurements were taken with an SDT270 ultrasound tool with a parabolic dish. 

 

Corona

is an electrical discharge caused by the ionization of a fluid such as air surrounding a conductor carrying a high voltage. The air has undergone electrical breakdown and become conductive, allowing charge to continuously leak off the conductor into the air.
 

 

Arcing

 is an electrical breakdown of a gas that produces a prolonged electrical discharge. The current through a normally non-conductive medium such as air produces a plasma; the plasma may produce visible light.

 

 

Tracking

is the formation of partially conductive, typically carbonized, pathways on the surface of insulating materials by electrical breakdown arcing. This ‘track’ is then an easier path for electrical leakage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ultrasound

Common ultrasound applications are electrical inspection, lubrication, leak detection, condition monitoring, steam trap inspection and tightness testing.

Recommended tools for electrical inspections are the SDT270, SDT340 and SonaVu