Evaluation of Silicone Rubber Insulators used in High-Voltage Transmission Lines

Abstract

Three long-rod silicone rubber composite insulators used in 230 kV power transmission lines were evaluated for aging affects. The insulators were obtained from various outdoor desert locations within Saudi Arabia where they had been in service for 6 years. Surface degradation associated with the aging process was analyzed by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA). Electrical performance of insulators was evaluated by Rapid Flashover Voltage Tests (RFVT) and Pollution Severity Measurement Tests. Depending on their locations of service, the samples exhibited various types of pollutants at their surfaces. The analysis indicated that the insulator material showed localized surface degradation while there was no evidence of micro-cracking. Furthermore, it was noted that the electrical performance of the insulators was not significantly affected by exposure during the in-service period.

Evaluation of aging and degradation for silicone rubber composite insulator based on machine learning

“…The hydrolysis of SIR, the decomposition of filler and the large amount of metal elements carried by pollution will cause the change of the content and type of elements. Through SEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) detection, UL-Hamid et al [32] found that after degradation of composite insulators, the surface showed rough characteristics, and the ratio of Si to Al decreased, indicating that the low molecular weight polymer chain rich in Si was consumed due to degradation.…”

Study of dielectric properties of composite insulators for use in medium voltage overhead lines

“…[11] have proved very useful for predicting the behaviour of the insulator, and even the limitations of conventional standard test. In this work, we are led to study two types of synthetic insulators provided by STEG and planned for use in lines transport energy.…”

A correlation between the flashover voltage and the electrical bulk conductivities AC and DC on silicone rubber insulator during thermal ageing

“…To investigate these problems several papers [5,6,7] were performed on the study of the physical parameters describing the behavior of insulator surface as the surface conductivity and surface morphology. In this work, we used an experimental characterization to measure the volume conductivity regime continues both in alternative regime; the aim is to develop a new technical expertise using our correlation results between flashover phenomenon and bulk conductivity.…”