Insulator Stem Inspection
Aeropower’s Live Line insulator stem inspection service provides asset owners with a detailed assessment of the insulator stems on both suspension and strain insulator configurations.
Using a high definition camera and HotStikTM, Aeropower’s lineworker operates from a platform fixed to the helicopter skids and directs the camera to enable the capture of high quality insulator stem images. The image capture process is monitored on board the helicopter to ensure that suitable images are obtained to enable a detailed assessment to be undertaken.
During post-processing, the insulator stems are assessed and graded in accordance with the network operator’s guidelines for corrosion and other defects.
Given the proximity of the helicopter to the powerline and structure during the insulator stem inspection, detailed modelling is undertaken to ensure that critical safe electrical and physical distances can be maintained.
Aeropower’s live line inspection operations are conducted in accordance with the Aeropower Live Line Work Manual and conform to Australian and International Live Line standards:
- AS 5804 High-Voltage Live Working
- IEEE 516 Guide for Maintenance Methods on Energised Powerlines
- ESAA Helicopter for Live Line Work Guidelines
Insulator Voltage Drop Testing
Aeropower’s live-line Insulator Voltage Drop Testing services enable the voltage drop across each insulator disk to be accurately measured and recorded.
Using a HotstikTM mounted voltmeter, Aeropower’s lineworker operates from a platform fixed to the helicopter skids and directs the voltmeter prongs to measure the voltage across each individual insulator disk – from the cap to the stem. The voltage reading is confirmed in the helicopter to ensure that the data is captured, analysed, plotted and reported post flight.
Given the proximity of the helicopter to the powerline and structure during the insulator stem inspection, detailed modelling is undertaken to ensure that critical safe electrical and physical distances can be maintained.
Aeropower’s live line voltage drop testing operations are conducted in accordance with the Aeropower Live Line Work Manual and conform to Australian and International Live Line standards:
- AS 5804 High-Voltage Live Working
- IEEE 516 Guide for Maintenance Methods on Energised Powerlines
- ESAA Helicopter for Live Line Work Guidelines
Full Tension Joint Resistance Testing
High resistance, full tension joints can indicate a heightened risk of joint failure. Aeropower’s full tension joint resistance testing service enables the efficient and accurate measurement of mid-span and dead-end full tension joints from a helicopter. Using specialised equipment mounted on a HotstikTM the Aeropower lineworker can accurately measure current and resistance (ohms) across each joint.
Aeropower’s helicopter based live maintenance service can support high resistance joint rectification through the installation of spiral wraps.
Aeropower’s live line resistance testing operations are conducted in accordance with the Aeropower Live Line Work Manual and conform to Australian and International Live Line standards:
- AS 5804 High-Voltage Live Working
- IEEE 516 Guide for Maintenance Methods on Energised Powerlines
- ESAA Helicopter for Live Line Work Guidelines