Partial Discharge Detection Services

Partial discharge is the active breakdown of an insulator due to tiny electrical sparks that occur in medium and high voltage applications. The process of deterioration can propagate and increase, until the insulation is no longer able to withstand the electrical stress therefore leading to flashover. Partial discharge activity associated with insulator breakdown is detectable and thus, with a proper preventative maintenance program preventable. Prism technicians are trained to detect discharge activity using state of the art equipment. Once data is collected Prism can assist with prioritizing preventative maintenance efforts into a predictive maintenance program.

Prism partial discharge detection can even be incorporated into your commissioning / QA/QC programs. Defects in insulators caused by manufacturing processes or during installation are one of the main causes of insulation breakdown, but you don't have to wait years to detect problems. In this case, even newly commissioned equipment and cables can be scanned for discharge activity. Once voltage is applied to a defective insulator it will instantly produce discharge activity. When problems are detected the equipment can be de-energized and inspected further reducing potential failures in the future.

Utility companies around the world have turned to partial discharge detection as a proven means to identify deficiencies in their systems. Prism employs several methods of detection capabilities such as UHF, Acoustic, and Acoustic imaging. All three of these technologies can be deployed while your system is on-line. There is no need to schedule shut downs or put your system at risk. Prism partial discharge detection is a non-intrusive, non-destructive scan that has the potential to prevent costly future outages and failures.