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.

Plant layout with risk levels assigned to assets
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.
Interpretation of condition (risk) levels
Level 0Asset Not assessed
Level 1No discharges (PD) were detected
Level 2Low discharges (PD) were detected
Level 3Moderate discharges (PD) detected, follow up assessment required
Level 4High discharges (PD) were detected, advanced diagnostics required
Level 5Highest 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.

(Swipe right on table)
TechnologyCostPurposeWhat will be assessed
Handheld ScanningLow 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 AssessmentLow cost

Good Diagnostic

  • Identify what type of electrical discharge
  • Locate source of electrical discharges
  • The intensity of the electrical discharge
  • And quantify the severity of the risk of failure.
Internal (insulation), surface (tracking) and corona discharges in switchgear, terminations, transformers, reactors, motors, generators, overheard line insulator and connection links
On-Line Advance Diagnostic

Off-Line Advance Diagnostic

Moderate cost

Excellent Diagnostic

  • Identify what type of electrical discharge
  • Locate source of electrical discharges
  • The intensity of the electrical discharge
  • Quantify the severity of the risk of failure
  • Conduct PD mapping in feeder cables
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.

Find more TechTalks here

Resources

Case Study | Online condition Assessment Findings of MV Power System (DRUPPS) | Nampak

A failure of the DRUPPS unit 2 reactor led to an investigation and online condition assessment of all the units (1 to 10).

Client Reference | Improved MV Substation Reliability and Safety with Condition Monitoring

Our client is an electrical utility responsible for the supply and distribution of bulk electrical power to industrial and residential customers in six administrative regions within their country.

Online Condition Assessment of Feeder Cables

The online condition assessment technologies with large bandwidth and memory, is capable of acquiring the entire pulse shape of a large number of partial discharge signals, allowing deep partial discharge (PD) analysis to be performed.

Contact the specialists

James Cowling
James Cowling

Partner Consultant

Naldo Bester
Naldo Bester

Advisory Executive

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