13kv Non segregated bus duct failure prevention
13kv Non segregated bus duct failure prevention
(OP)
We are dealing with 40 year old insulated tubular aluminum outdoor 13kv bus duct. Over the years my customer has experienced several outages due to faults caused by deteriorating insulation. Repairs are made to clear the fault and the circuit is reenergized. Short of replacing all of the insulating support members is there any method to prevent future failures. All internal heater cicuits are in working order, and they have coated the exterior with a supposed waterproof paint coating. We have never found any obvious leaks but over the years everything is fairly dirty and with approximately 1000ft. of duct there has been some water seepage. Any ideas for fault prevention will be appreciated.






RE: 13kv Non segregated bus duct failure prevention
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: 13kv Non segregated bus duct failure prevention
RE: 13kv Non segregated bus duct failure prevention
No good ideas are cheap, no bad idea is ever worth its cost savings. If you are a consultant, all you can do is give the best advice. Let the owner come up with money.
If they insist on just repairing, walk-away from the project or appraise them of the risks.
Rafiq Bulsara
http://www.srengineersct.com
RE: 13kv Non segregated bus duct failure prevention
RE: 13kv Non segregated bus duct failure prevention
If the duct or insulator system is already damaged then there may not be much option other than renewal of the dmaaged parts.
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If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: 13kv Non segregated bus duct failure prevention
RE: 13kv Non segregated bus duct failure prevention
http://www.ritzusa.com/common/content.asp?PAGE=383
RE: 13kv Non segregated bus duct failure prevention
[*1] What kind of material are the supports made from ?
[*2] Do the insulators pick up moisture (porous)?
[*3] Can the insulators it be cleaned?
[*4] Perhaps periodic insulation resistance testing can be used as early warning of support degradation?
[*5] Perhaps additional insulation sleeve or tape can be added directly around the conductor at the location of the support (maybe out to 6" on each side of each support so that flashover does not occur even if support degrades).
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(2B)+(2B)' ?