Cable Diagnostic is a unique, non-destructive on-line electrical system condition assessment process that enables circuit owners at a wide range of commercial/industrial facilities to evaluate the condition of cable systems, transformers, and switchgear.

Knowing a cable system’s weaknesses enables owners, asset managers and reliability engineers to be proactive in identifying and repairing problems before they cause outages.

Cable Diagnostic technology was developed and initially implemented in 1984 on a 138 kV rated cable system owned and operated by Detroit Edison. Additional research and development ensued over the next several years with a focus on distribution-class cables. The technology successfully detects the deterioration in cables, splices and terminations on both new and aged cable systems. This innovative technology is now available to all utilities and industrial customers. Over 15,200 Km of cable systems (predominantly distribution and transmission-class) have been assessed in the field. The technology is applicable to all cable types (PILC, XLPE, EPR, Rubber, etc.). Customers, including electric generators and industrial consumers alike, have applied the CableDIAGNOSTIX condition assessment program annually in order to improve the reliability of their power delivery systems.

        — On-line Expertise
        — Assessment is performed on-line at system voltage
        — No over-voltage is applied
        — Non-destructive
        — CableDIAGNOSTIX assessment does not shorten the remaining life of the cable accessories or other equipment
        — No outages or switching operations are required
        — Non-invasive
        — Provides “true” assessment of cable system under operating conditions

        — On-line data acquisition is performed in minutes

        — Subject cables are not required to be disconnected from the system
        — Exposure of personnel to energized environments is minimal

        — Assessment results indicate the condition of the cables, cable accessories and connected equipment under normal operating conditions

Cable Diagnostic technology is not simply cable testing; it is much more than that.

Cable Diagnostic delivers a comprehensive cable system assessment that includes, condition of the cables, the cable accessories, and connected equipment, along with the suggested corrective action measures. During the CableDIAGNOSTIX data acquisition, field technicians conduct a thorough on-site examination of the entire cable system under normal operating conditions.

Upon conclusion of the on-site examination and RF data acquisition process, a comprehensive analysis of the entire cable system is conducted by a Cable Diagnostic engineer who specializes in the ageing of cable systems. All of this information is then compiled into a comprehensive report, detailing the assessment of the entire cable system and recommended corrective action measures. Allowing informed decisions on dollars spent towards reliability.

1. Technology
Partial discharge is a phenomenon that occurs within imperfections of the cable system resulting from ageing, thermal, mechanical or electrical stresses. Another primary cause of ageing is moisture entry in both extruded and PILC cable systems. Cable degradation is caused by partial discharge and water entry. High frequency signals radiate from these sources in both extruded and laminar insulations. CableDIAGNOSTIX records partial discharge and other emissions and analyzes them to assess the condition of the cable circuit.

2. Acquisition
Technicians begin the assessment process by placing sensors over the electric power cables. The cable remains in service and does not have to be isolated from the system. The sensors, which can detect signals over wide frequency bandwidth, relay information to measuring equipment. Data is acquired and recorded, then analyzed to assess the condition of the cable sections and accessories.

3. Analysis
The Cable Diagnostic data acquisition displays ageing-induced signals in both time and frequency domains. Frequency data reveals the source of the signals and the condition or extent of degradation of the cables. Pulse data identify the type of defect and the equipment that is producing it. CableDIAGNOSTIX assessment distinguishes between the harmful effects of different types of defects and estimates future performance based on analysis of such signatures.

4. Report
Cable Diagnostic customers receive a detailed, written report. This written report includes the condition of each section of cable and cable accessory; enough information to decide whether to repair, replace, or continue operation of the cable system.

5. Consultation
A CableDIAGNOSTIX services expert will use the test results to recommend the best plan of action; repair, replacement or periodic monitoring of the system. These recommendations should be incorporated into the reliability program. Benefits

Selecting CableDIAGNOSTIX to assess transmission and distribution cable systems, results in these direct benefits:

        — Eliminate downtime and potential damage to existing cable systems
        — Prioritize capital expenditures by identifying cables for repair, treatment or replacement
        — Increase customer satisfaction by identifying incipient faults before they become outages
        — Assist asset management in justifying increased funding for improved reliability

        — Voltage class from 2.4kV to 345 kV
        — All types of insulation: PILC, EPR, XLPE, TRXLPE and Butyl Rubber
        — All conductor sizes shielded and non-shielded circuits
        — Armored and pipe-type cables
        — Laminar, extruded and mixed cable circuits
        — All installations–direct buried, conduit, trays
        — Any circuit configuration–straight or branched

        — Industrial plants
        — Chemical/refinery plants
        — Government and military facilities
        — Municipal water and waste facilities
        — Commercial facilities
        — Universities, hospitals and shopping malls
        — Utility companies: Generation, Transmission, Distribution
        — T&D system owners