Selection of Partial Discharge Analyzer

[Addy71]

Our company has decided to purchase a PD Analyzer to enhance our diagnostic capabilities on generators & motors. Currently, we use tan delta, AC & DC hipot, surge and IR, PI & DD.

I have got offers from Tettex, Iris, PD Tech, Power Diagnostix, Adwel, M & B Systems and Cutler Hammer. However; I am confused on the criteria for selection of the right product. Besides, most of these guys are unable to give demos in India, so I have to select on paper only.

Any advice or feedback from users of the above systems would be most welcome. We want on-line as well as off-line capability. We have ruled out Iris as it is too expensive.

Thanks in advance,

Aditya

 

[olicg]

Aditya,

One of the most important thing is the local support for your system. Price will come next in my books. It is also vital that you know what PD testing techniques are employed by manufacturers. Some systems are good if you have past history, some are good if you install them on new equipment, some have good intelligent software like Lemke.

Coming to price, if Iris is expensive then Adwel will also be in the similar price range. Adwel's COPA is a good online system and PDA Premium is their periodic or offline measurement tool. Together with Iris, these two companies are leading PD system manufacturer.

Cutler Hammer is mainly re-knowned for switchgear PD testing tools. There RTD based PD detection technology is not very accepted methodology. So i would say rule it out.

Other two options of PD tech and Power Diagnostics are both econimical and yet technically good enough.

PD Tech i believe is a good option as they have a nice setup in India. Dr. Fruth one of the top experts on Generator and Motor PD testing will be on a visit to India later this month. I think if you can get hold of him, you can have a great discussion with him. Dr. Benz from Power Diagnostics is also a champion expert on PD.

Another manufacturer which comes to mind is Lemke from germany. The great thing about their system is Intelligent software.

I will also recommend that you go through IEC standard on PD for rotary equipment (dont quite remember) and IEEE Trial use guide for PD on rotary equipment P1434 perhaps.
You may also take a look at IEEE guide for insulation maintenace of large rotary equipment and Power factor tip up guide.

I will be more than happy to share more with you on this aspect.


Olic

 

[JRodr]

Tettex, PD Tech, Power Diagnostix, M & B Systems and Cutler Hammer perform low frequency tests, similar to off-line tests. The test results must be analyzed by a specialist.

Iris and Adwel perform tests at higher frequencies, only around high voltage coils so they detect only generalized problems (like thermal delamination, contamination and loose coils). The tests results are analyzed directly by the user.

JRodr

 

[groovie]

Dear Aditya,
Though your impression that IRIS is expensive is not incorrect, however IRIS has the infrastructure to support their customers in the time of need, and also IRIS office exists in India for your information.
Can you forward me your contact details and will get in touch with you to clarify your doubts if any.

regards

Sanjeev Grover
for IRIS power India