SF₆ leak detection, thermal imaging and daytime corona imaging service

Select Technical Solutions (a division of SP AusNet) has an SF₆ leak detection, thermal imaging and daytime corona imaging service that provides added value to greenhouse abatement and asset management plans.

Through the use of a daytime corona imaging camera, users can accurately pinpoint the source of a corona emission and measure its intensity. The camera is designed to detect ultraviolet radiation in the UV solar blind band of the spectrum capturing vision of the small amount of corona UV discharges that would normally be invisible to the human eye. By aiming the camera at the hardware, the technician can view the luminous image of the corona on a video screen, recording it for later analysis by the asset manager.

The SF₆ leak detection camera can accurately pinpoint the exit point of the gas in leaks emitting as little as 1 kg of SF₆ a year. The camera displays the leaking SF₆ gas as a wispy black plume and the equipment is so sensitive that even a small quantity, evenly distributed across the field of vision, will render the entire screen ‘black’. The company investigates the leak on live electrical equipment in switchrooms and switchyards from the required distance.

The benefit of thermographic imaging is that condition assessments can be made while the assets stay in service, allowing any problem diagnosis, outage planning and resource allocation to occur without interruption to the customer. Should an interruption to supply be necessary, it can be minimised because of the foreknowledge gained by such measurements.