Insulator Washing
Aeropower’s helicopter live line insulator washing system is one the most efficient and cost-effective available. Comprising a ‘belly’ mounted water tank, water pump and a 5.5m non-conductive boom, the Aeropower wash system was developed in-house, and has been refined over 25 years.
Aeropower’s insulator wash system uses a stream of high pressure, demineralised water to remove pollutants from glass and porcelain insulators.
The helicopter is flown adjacent to the insulator string and positioned by the pilot to enable the line worker to direct a high-pressure stream of water onto and under each insulator. The swirling motion created by the water flow removes pollutants such as dust and dirt, salt, and bird droppings. The insulator washing is conducted in line with IEEE 957: Guide for Cleaning Insulators which specifies water quality requirements and the ‘hot-end to cold-end’ wash and then rinse method.
The Aeropower live-line insulator wash system is suitable for washing horizontal and suspension type insulator strings. Whilst wash time will vary by line voltage/string length and how dirty the string is, the Aeropower helicopter based approach enables a string to be typically washed in 15 – 45 seconds.
To support washing operations and to improve operational efficiency, Aeropower has developed a truck mounted mobile helipad with fuel and water tanks which enables the aircraft to be refuelled and to take on board additional water close to the power-line, minimising ferry flight times.
Aeropower’s live line insulator washing 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
- IEEE 957: Guide for Cleaning Insulators
Hardware Repair & Replacement
Aeropower’s MD500 helicopters can be fitted with an approved ‘platform’ that provides a safe and stable workspace from which the lineworker can perform a range of live line maintenance tasks including:
- Conductor / earth-wire repairs
- OPGW Maintenance / installation
- Installation / removal of aerial marker balls
- Installation / removal of bird diverters
- Installation / maintenance of dampers
- Installation of helical wraps
The platform can accommodate a range of tools and other equipment, as well as components and parts.
Working as a team, the pilot and lineworker complete a range of tasks with the helicopter moving to assist the lineworker.
Aeropower’s live line maintenance 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