Ultra Violet Corona Detection

In 2004, along with its current inventory of 3 FLIR Infrared cameras, Pace Technologies Inc. acquired the latest in ultraviolet detection systems. The Daycor II imaging system can detect and record ultraviolet light energy which is part of non-visible light that is emitted with corona leakage. This is the only system of its kind available in the world today and its worth in the predictive maintenance field is invaluable.

This service is offered immediately to all of our Power Systems clients utilities and anyone who utilizes voltages over 13.8KV. The attached document provides complete details of this system.

Cost-Effective Maintenance Tool

The DayCor® II daytime camera makes corona inspection a low-cost procedure, and eliminates the need for nighttime inspections. Furthermore, daytime capability allows performing safe airborne inspections. The new DayCor® II technology assures power system reliability by detecting defective components at early stages of degradation. Call Pace Technologies Inc. for inspection details.

We service all of Canada as we are the first to provide this new technology to our clients. UV corona detection reduces maintenance costs, minimizes unscheduled outages and facilitates predictive maintenance. The DayCor® II can also easily locate RF interferences and audio noise sources.

    

What is a Corona?

A corona is a local electric field that ionizes the air and causes a discharge. This process leads to the excitation of Nitrogen molecules, leading to emission of UV radiation. A buildup of ionization only occurs if an electron is traveling fast enough. Thus, a problem or defect in a component creating a high electric field will show a corona.

    

View our brochure on corona detection here.

 

 

Infrared Imaging

Infrared Thermography is a valuable tool in determining the condition of electrical equipment.

Basically all objects emit thermal energy which can be viewed with a scanner, whose purpose is to convert this electromagnetic thermal energy radiated to electronic video signals. Results may be interpreted by obtaining a hard copy (photograph) of the thermal image and determining temperatures at the suspect areas. These temperatures can be compared to equipment thermal ratings and recommendations made.

Pace Technologies Inc. uses only the latest of INFRARED THERMOGRAPHIC equipment. Large projects, such as scanning the entire outdoor distribution system at Syncrude Canada - Mildred Lake, have been completed by Pace Technologies Inc.

Faulty electrical components will almost always generate heat before failing and causing an open circuit or fire. As a matter of interest, heat is generated from an electrical component directly in proportion to the square of the current passing through it multiplied by the component's resistance (IR loss).

As the condition of the component deteriorates, its resistance increases and it generates more heat. Then as the component temperature rises the resistance increases further. This self-propagating process continues until the melting point of the weakest component is reached. By utilizing thermography to inspect electrical systems and components under load, these faults can be identified and classified as to their severity. It is interesting to note that because heat loss is proportional to the current, overload conditions can also be identified.

Thermography identifies radiant heat loss from an object and displays radiant thermal patterns on a video screen. When making an inspection of an electrical system there are six basic ways through which an "apparent" hot spot can be observed on the thermographic screen. These are:

1. Increased resistance
2. Loading
3. Emissivity Difference
4. Reflection
5. Solar Gain
6. Eddy current induced (Hysteresis) Heating