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EVALUATING DIELECTRIC CONDITION IN SF6 CIRCUIT BREAKERS Linda Nowak Doble Engineering Company 85 Walnut Street Watertown, MA 02472 617-393-3003 [email protected] ABSTRACT The purpose of the Doble test is to detect the presence of contamination and/or deterioration of the breaker’s insulating system, this will allow corrective actions to be taken to ensure the integrity of the breaker. The objective of this paper is to introduce the test techniques that have been developed for SF6 circuit breakers including double pressure and single pressure types. Also included is an explanation of how to analyze test results and several test case studies illustrating various problems detected by Doble testing. INTRODUCTION The use of SF6 gas as an insulation medium has been used throughout the world for more than 30 years. The high dielectric strength and thermal conductivity of the gas is why SF6 breakers are currently the principal breaker type being purchased by electric utilities. These breakers are available in dead-tank designs ranging from 15 kV up to 800 kV and live-tank designs ranging from 72.5 kV up to 1200 kV. The insulation system of these breakers is critical to ensuring the safe operation of the device. This paper will highlight how power factor testing can determine the condition of this insulation. SIGNIFICANCE OF TESTS As mentioned above, the purpose of the Doble tests is to detect the presence of contamination and/or deterioration of the breaker’s insulating system. This is done by measuring the insulations dielectric-loss and capacitance and calculating the power-factor. The increase of the dielectric-loss, and consequently the power factor, is representative of an increase in contamination and/or deterioration of the insulating system and can detect a number of problems including: • Moisture contamination resulting from leaks or incomplete cleaning and drying • Deterioration of line-to-ground and contact-grading capacitors • Surface contamination of weathersheds • Deterioration of insulating components such as operating rods, interrupters, interrupter supports caused by corrosive arc by-products. • Internal corona damage of the same components listed above as a result of voids within the insulation system. • Impurities, contamination and/or particles within the SF6 gas 1-18 PREPARATION FOR TESTS The insulation systems of many types of SF6 circuit breakers are of relatively low capacitance (charging current); accordingly, special attention must be given to the preparation of the test starting with the isolation of the breaker. Because of the low capacitance involved, it is extremely important to fully disconnect and ground all of the circuit breaker leads. The inclusion of leads and their associated standoff insulators is detrimental for two reasons. First, the leads tend to act as antennae, which amplify the effects of electrostatic interference. When high interference levels are present, it may not be possible to use the most sensitive Current and Watt Meter ranges, resulting in a less accurate reading. Disconnecting and grounding these leads not only reduces the interference transmission, but the grounds tend to act as interference shields, thus further reducing the effects of the interference. With the interference rejection capabilities of the M4000 the problems listed above are less prominent then when using an M2H or MEU instrument. Secondly, the presence of bus and support insulators contribute to the current and dielectric losses that are being measured which can potentially reduce the sensitivity of the test. A short section of bus with one or two standoff insulators can increase the measured charging current by 50%. If a moderate amount of surface contamination is also present on the bus and support insulation, the resulting watts measurement can be more than twice the amount of watts loss which would have been seen without the added bus work. The next step in test preparation is to minimize the effects of surface contamination and humidity which can cause higher-than-normal losses. If contamination is visually observed, it may be more efficient to clean the bushing surface prior to the start of testing. Guard collars may also be used to further reduce surface leakage effects. For additional information, see the “Test Procedures, General” Section of the Doble Test Set Instruction Manual. TEST PROCEDURE The test procedure for SF6 circuit breakers is dependent on the breaker design; this paper will discuss both live- and grounded-tank breakers. For grounded-tank breakers, the test procedure depends upon whether the breaker is equipped with single or multiple contacts. Live-tank breakers are divided into two categories; the first will include T or Y styles, and the second, candlestick or I style. The procedure for each depends upon the number of contacts per phase. Grounded Tank Single-Contact Design The dielectric circuit and test procedure for single-contact grounded-tank circuit breakers is outlined in Figure 1 and Table 1, respectively. Not all insulation components depicted in the diagram of the dielectric circuit are necessarily present in all models of circuit breakers. The optional components are indicated by symbols which are not in bold print. 2-18 Terminal No. 1, 3, 5 Terminal No. 2, 4, 6 CB CB ROR CGC CSI CIE CSI Insulation Components CB – Bushing CSI – Support Insulator CGC – Grading Capacitor CIE – Interrupter Envelope ROR – Operating Rod Dielectric Circuit for Single-Contact Grounded-Tank Circuit Breakers Figure 1 Table 1 Test Procedures for Single-Contact Grounded-Tank Circuit Breakers Test No. Breaker Position Test Mode Terminal Energized Terminal Floating Terminal UST Insulation Measured 1 OPEN GST-GROUND 1 2 – CB + CSI + ROR 2 OPEN GST-GROUND 2 1 – CB + CSI 3 OPEN GST-GROUND 3 4 – CB + CSI + ROR 4 OPEN GST-GROUND 4 3 – CB + CSI 5 OPEN GST-GROUND 5 6 – CB + CSI + ROR 6 OPEN GST-GROUND 6 5 – CB + CSI 7 OPEN UST 1 – 2 CIE + CGC 8 OPEN UST 3 – 4 CIE + CGC 9 OPEN UST 5 – 6 CIE + CGC In addition, supplemental Hot-Collar tests should be performed on all bushings. On large bushings, collar tests should be performed at several locations (top, middle and bottom) or a multiple collar test can also be performed with several collars located along the length of the bushing. Under conditions of severe electrostatic interference, it may be helpful to modify the procedure listed in Table 1 by applying grounds to the bushing of the tanks not under test. 3-18 Grounded-Tank Multi-Contacts Design The dielectric circuit and test procedure for a multi-contact grounded-tank SF6 breaker is shown in Figures 2 and Table 2, respectively. These designs contain additional interrupters, support insulators and/or operating rods which are connected between the interrupters and are therefore not directly stressed when the breaker is in the open position. Additional closed breaker tests must be performed to evaluate the integrity of these added assemblies. These closed breaker tests are listed as tests 10, 11 and 12 in Table 2. Hot-Collar tests as mentioned in the grounded tank single contact section should be performed on all bushings. Terminal No. 1, 3, 5 Terminal No. 2, 4, 6 CB CSI CB CGC1 CGC2 CIE1 CIE2 CSI CSI ROR Insulation Components CB – Bushing CSI – Support Insulator CGC – Grading Capacitor CIE – Interrupter Envelope ROR – Operating Rod Dielectric Circuit for Multi-Contact Grounded-Tank Circuit Breakers Figure 2 4-18 Table 2 Test Procedures for Multi-Contact Grounded-Tank Circuit Breakers Test No. Breaker Position Test Mode Terminal Energized Terminal Floating Terminal UST Insulation Measured 1 OPEN GSTGROUND 1 2 – CB + CSI 2 OPEN GSTGROUND 2 1 – CB + CSI 3 OPEN GSTGROUND 3 4 – CB + CSI 4 OPEN GSTGROUND 4 3 – CB + CSI 5 OPEN GSTGROUND 5 6 – CB + CSI 6 OPEN GSTGROUND 6 5 – CB + CSI 7 OPEN UST 1 – 2 CIE1&2 + CGC1&2 8 OPEN UST 3 – 4 CIE1&2 + CGC1&2 9 OPEN UST 5 – 6 CIE1&2 + CGC1&2 10 CLOSED GSTGROUND 1 or 2 – – (2)CB + (3)CSI + ROR 11 CLOSED GSTGROUND 3 or 4 – – (2)CB + (3)CSI + ROR 12 CLOSED GSTGROUND 5 or 6 – – (2)CB + (3)CSI + ROR Live-Tank T and Y Module Designs The dielectric circuit and test technique for T and Y module breakers are outlined in Figures 3 and Table 3, respectively. Higher ratings are achieved by adding modules that are connected in series. For these designs, the same procedure is utilized for each module. It is advantageous to ground modules which are not being tested so as to minimize the effects of the electrostatic interference. For circuit breaker modules equipped with multi-section support insulators, greater sensitivity can be obtained by performing tests on parallel sections of individual module supports. The operating rod is also included in the measurement for this test due to the capacitive coupling (CC) through the insulating gas. Refer to Test No. 4 in Table 3. Please note the “Observations and Other Considerations” has additional comments regarding test techniques and recommendations. 5-18 CGC1 CGC2 Terminal D CIE1 Terminal A CIE2 Terminal B CRE1 ROR CSI CRE2 Insulation Components CGC – Grading Capacitor CIE – Interrupter Envelope CRE – Resistor Envelope CSI – Support Insulator ROR – Operating Rod Dielectric Circuit for T and Y Module Circuit Breakers Figure 3 Table 3 Test Procedures for T and Y Module Circuit Breakers Test No. Test Mode Terminal Energized Terminal Ground Terminal Guard Terminal UST Insulation Measured 1 UST D B – A CIE1 + CGC1 + CRE1 2 UST D A – B CIE2 + CGC2 + CRE2 3 GST-GUARD D – A&B – CSI + ROR 4 For multi-section support column, energize between each section with other ends grounded Live-Tank Candlestick or I Type The dielectric circuit and test technique for a single-contact candlestick-type breaker is outlined in Figures 4 and Table 4, respectively. This design is similar in concept to the T and Y module breaker; however, one of the distinctions is that it utilizes only one interrupter per module. These breakers should NOT be tested with bus-work nor current transformers connected for the same considerations discussed in the “preparation for tests” section. 6-18 Terminal A CIE CGC CRE Terminal B ROR CSI Insulation Components CGC – Grading Capacitor CIE – Interrupter Envelope CRE – Resistor Envelope CSI – Support Insulator ROR – Operating Rod Dielectric Circuit for Candlestick or I Type Module Circuit Breakers Figure 4 Table 4 Test Procedures for Candlestick or I Type Module Circuit Breakers Test No. Breaker Position Test Mode Terminal Energized Terminal Guard Terminal UST Insulation Measured 1 OPEN UST B – A CIE + CGC + CRE 2 OPEN GST-GUARD B A – CSI + ROR There may be instances where the presence of excessive levels of electrostatic interference prevents the use of the most sensitive Watt Multiplier or possibly prevent obtaining a null balance of the Watts Adjust Dial (applies to M2H and MEU instruments). In these situations the alternative test procedure outlined in Table 5 may be employed. Table 5 Test Procedures for Candlestick or I Type Module Circuit Breakers (Alternative Method) Test No. Breaker Position Test Mode Terminal Energized Terminal UST Insulation Measured 1 OPEN UST A B CIE + CGC + CRE 2 CLOSED GST-GROUND A – CSI + ROR 7-18 Higher voltage ratings for Candlestick or I Type module circuit breakers are achieved by combining additional single-contact modules in series, per phase. The method of connection for the modules may vary. If it is possible, the preferred approach is to disconnect and test each module on an individual basis. If this is not practical, the proper test procedure will depend on the specific configuration of the phases of the circuit breaker. Diagrams and outlines of procedures for some of the possible design options are included in the following figures. The higher-voltage multi-contact Candlestick or I Type circuit breakers are usually designed with multisection support columns. A more thorough test can be performed by testing two individual insulator sections together, in parallel. The operating rod is also included in the measurement for this test due to the capacitive coupling (CC) through the insulating gas. Terminal A Terminal B CIE1 CGC1 CRE1 CGC2 CIE2 CRE2 Terminal D CSI1 CC Terminal C CC CSI2 ROR1 ROR2 Terminal E CSI2 CSI12 Insulation Components CGC – Grading Capacitor CIE – Interrupter Envelope CRE – Resistor Envelope CSI – Support Insulator ROR – Operating Rod Multi-Contact Circuit Breaker with Multi-Section Support Columns Figure 5 Table 6 Test Procedure for Candlestick or I Type Module Circuit Breaker Shown in Figure 5 Test Breaker No. Position Test Mode Terminal Terminal Terminal Energized Grounded UST Insulation Measured 1 OPEN UST D B A CIE1 + CGC1 + CRE1 2 OPEN UST D A B CIE2 + CGC2 + CRE2 3 OPEN GST-GROUND D – – CSI1&2 + ROR1&2 4 OPEN GST-GROUND C D – CSI1 + ROR1 5 OPEN GST-GROUND E D – CSI2 + ROR2 NOTE: Repeat Test Nos. 4 and 5 for each pair of Support Insulators 8-18 Terminal D CIE1 CGC1 CGC2 CRE1 Terminal A CSI1 CC CSI2 ROR1 CRE2 Terminal B CC Terminal C CIE2 ROR2 Terminal E CSI1 CSI2 Insulation Components CGC – Grading Capacitor CIE – Interrupter Envelope CRE – Resistor Envelope CSI – Support Insulator ROR – Operating Rod Multi-Contact Circuit Breaker with Multi-Section Support Columns Figure 6 Table 7 Test Procedure for Circuit Breaker Shown in Figure 6 Test Breaker No. Position Test Mode Terminal Terminal Terminal Terminal Energized Grounded Guarded UST Insulation Measured 1 OPEN UST D B – A CIE1 + CGC1 + CRE1 2 OPEN UST D A – B CIE2 + CGC2 + CRE2 3 OPEN GSTGROUND A – B – CSI1&2 + ROR1&2 4 OPEN GSTGROUND B – A – CSI1&2 + ROR1&2 5 OPEN GSTGROUND C A – CSI1 + ROR1 6 OPEN GSTGROUND E B – CSI2 + ROR2 9-18 Terminal D CGC1 CGC2 CRE1 CIE1 Terminal A CSI1 CIE2 Terminal B CSI2 CC Terminal C CGC3 CRE2 CRE3 Terminal F CSI3 CC Terminal ROR1 E ROR2 Terminal G CSI2 CSI3 CSI1 CIE3 CC ROR3 Insulation Components CGC – Grading Capacitor CIE – Interrupter Envelope CRE – Resistor Envelope CSI – Support Insulator ROR – Operating Rod Multi-Contact Circuit Breaker with Multi-Section Support Columns Figure 7 Table 8 Test Procedure for Circuit Breaker Shown in Figure 7 Test Breaker No. Position Test Mode Terminal Energized Terminal Grounded Terminal Guarded Terminal UST Insulation Measured 1 OPEN UST D B – A CIE1 + CGC1 + CRE1 2 OPEN UST D A&F – B CIE2 + CGC2 + CRE2 3 OPEN UST B D – F CIE3 + CGC3 + CRE3 4 OPEN GSTGROUND A – B – CSI1&2&3 + ROR1&2&3 5 OPEN GSTGROUND B – A&F – CSI1&2&3 + ROR1&2&3 6 OPEN GSTGROUND F – B – CSI1&2&3 + ROR1&2&3 7 OPEN GSTGROUND C A – – CSI1 + ROR1 8 OPEN GSTGROUND E B – – CSI2 + ROR2 9 OPEN GSTGROUND G F – – CSI3 + ROR3 10-18 ANALYSIS OF TEST RESULTS Grounded-Tank Breakers Generally, test results are analyzed on the basis of measured current and watts. If the test includes a measurement of a grading or line-to-ground capacitor, power factor and capacitance should also be evaluated. Changes in any of these parameters would warrant concern. Usually, insulation problems are reflected in an increase in the watts or power factor and either an increase or decrease in the measured capacitance. Results should be compared with data from similar breakers that are tabulated in the Doble Test-Data Reference Book. Comparison should also be made with initial and previous test data and with other bushing tests on the same breaker and similar breakers on your system. Higher-than-normal power factors and watts readings are usually indicative of moisture contamination and/or by-products of arced SF6 which have condensed or deposited on insulating surfaces. If elevated measurements are noted, consideration should be given to the following: 1. High readings may simply reflect the presence of excessive external surface contamination. Accordingly, the bushing surfaces should be cleaned. The use of guard collars may also be effective. 2. The moisture content of the gas should be checked. Low moisture content does not guarantee that the breaker is dry because the water could be condensed on internal surfaces; however, high moisture content would confirm a general condition of contamination. 3. If the measurement includes contact grading or line-to-ground capacitors, changes from previous readings could reflect temperature sensitivity of the capacitors. This condition has been documented for older air-blast circuit breakers6 7. Capacitors on the High Voltage Breaker, Inc. Type HVB-242-31.5 are temperature sensitive (see HVB Instruction HVK-102) and this condition may be common in a number of circuit-breaker types. If a change in test data that might be related to temperature is noted, the circuit breaker’s manufacturer should be asked to supply both power factor and capacitance versus temperature curves. As a general rule, capacitance variations in excess of 5% of the previous or original test data will warrant an investigation. 4. Suspect measurements that cannot be attributed to an innocuous source should be investigated. An investigation should include an internal inspection followed by vacuum drying. Hot-collar measurement should be evaluated on the basis of the current and watts measurements. Under ideal test conditions, readings in the order of 0.01 watt at 10 kV can be expected. Readings higher than 0.1 watt at 10 kV are unacceptable and require an investigation. Consistency between similar readings on similar bushings is more important than absolute limits. For example, if 0.02 watts is obtained on five out of six bushings on one circuit breaker, and 0.08 watts is obtained on the sixth bushing, then the bushing with the high reading should be investigated. Multiple Hot-Collar tests are effective for evaluating the overall condition in the upper porcelain region. Analysis of that is based on a comparison with similar bushing on the same or similar circuit breakers.3 Live-Tank Design Measurements of support insulators and interrupter assemblies that are not in parallel with grading capacitors are evaluated on the basis of current and watts. If the interrupter assembly includes a contact grading capacitor, the evaluation is based primarily on the measured capacitance and calculated power factor. The results should be compared with other phases, previous tests if available, tests on similar 11-18 breakers on the system, and data contained in the Doble Test-Data Reference Book. Higher-than-normal watts readings may be related to excessive moisture contamination. Under these situations, operating the breaker several times may improve the results. Higher-than-normal capacitance readings may indicate short-circuited sections of the grading capacitor assembly. Under these situations separate tests should be made with the grading capacitors disconnected from the breaker. See Item 3 under analysis of GroundTank Designs for comments regarding change as a result of temperature variations. OBSERVATIONS AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 1. The current transformers associated with these breakers should be tested. For Live-Tank breakers the CTs are usually of the free-standing design. Older circuit breaker models may incorporate the CT as part of the interrupter support column of the module. For information on testing the current transformers, please refer to the Instrument Transformer Section of the Doble Test-Data Reference Book or to the test set Instruction Manual. 2. After maintenance is performed, it may be advantageous to perform tests prior to re-pressurizing the breaker. Assuming that the internal condition of the breaker is clean and dry and that dry air or SF6 is used to fill it, field experience indicates that virtually identical readings will be obtained both with the gas at atmospheric pressure and at operating pressure. 3. During the installation of a new circuit breaker, it is advantageous to perform tests which would be included as part of an investigation of questionable readings or when problems are suspected. This benchmark data can then be used as a reference when trouble is experienced. Investigative tests can include: Ground-Tank Circuit Breakers a) Hot-Collar tests on each skirt of all bushings b) Separate measurement of internal capacitors c) Hot-Collar tests on internal support insulators. Live-Tank Circuit Breakers a) Measurements of the grading capacitors with them isolated. b) Measurements of the resistor envelope with it isolated. c) Standard test across interrupter assembly with the capacitors and resistors removed; then repeat the tests with the addition of each assembly. d) Hot-Collar tests at several locations along the interrupter envelope with the circuit breaker in the closed position. e) Hot-Collar tests at several locations along the insulated support column. FIELD EXPERIENCE – CASE STUDIES With the intention of helping field-testing personnel and engineers with the analysis of test data for SF6 circuit breakers, we present the following Case Studies obtained as a contribution from several clients. 1. Testing with and without the bus connected. Due to the low currents and watts-losses expected on most SF6 Circuit Breakers diagnostic tests, leaving pieces of bus connected will have a significant influence on the test results. Let’s illustrate this point by 12-18 analyzing test data from an ABB 72PM31-12 Dead-Tank circuit breaker. When the circuit breaker was tested with the bus connected, the following test results were obtained (Table 9): Table 9 Doble Test with Bus Connected Bushing 1 2 3 4 5 6 1–2 3–4 5–6 Test Mode GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground UST UST UST Current(uA) 690 520 680 500 690 520 9 8 8 Watts-Loss 0.020 0.180 0.020 0.038 0.120 0.070 0.002 0.002 0.003 % Power-Factor 0.29 3.46 0.29 0.76 1.74 1.34 N/A N/A N/A At first sight, the current readings show a typical pattern for SF6 circuit breakers, with similar readings for bushings 1, 3, and 5, where the operating rod is installed. Higher than normal watts-losses readings were obtained for bushings 2, 5, and 6, and this prompted the testing crew to investigate what could be causing these readings. The UST tests showed acceptable and comparable test results. They decided to disconnect all incoming and outgoing bus sections and re-tested the breaker, obtaining the following test results (Table 10): Table 10 Doble Test with Bus Disconnected Bushing 1 2 3 4 5 6 1–2 3–4 5–6 Test Mode GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground UST UST UST Current(uA) 520 350 520 350 520 350 7 7 7 Watts-Loss 0.006 0.005 0.006 0.004 0.006 0.004 0.001 0.001 0.001 % Power-Factor 0.12 0.14 0.12 0.11 0.12 0.11 N/A N/A N/A This example demonstrates the importance of isolating this type of specimen from all other parts of the electrical system to obtain suitable test results. It shows that the charging current and watts-losses associated to the bus sections will affect the ground tests by including the contribution from these sections and their standoff insulators. Note that the UST tests performed across each pole will not be affected by leaving the bus connected because all ground currents will not be measured in the UST mode. Additionally, if the bus sections are left connected, they tend to act as antennae amplifying the effects of electrostatic interference. Disconnecting and grounding these sections will reduce this interference and the grounds will also act as interference shields. 13-18 2. Moisture Effects on Test Results The following example shows the effects that moisture can have on the Doble Test Results. This ABB Type 72-PM-31-20 Circuit Breaker was manufactured in 2000. In 2004 the client discovered a leak in the C phase pole of the breaker. The SF6 gas was tested and C phase tested high for moisture. A Doble test was performed with the following results (Table 11): Table 11 Doble Test after Leak Discovered Bushing 1 2 3 4 5 6 1–2 3–4 5–6 Test Mode GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground UST UST UST Ph. C C B B A A C B A Current(uA) 364 533 360 530 359 525 17 10 10 Watts-Loss 0.086 0.078 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.073 0.000 0.000 % Power-Factor 2.36 1.46 0.08 0.06 0.08 0.06 N/A N/A N/A Technicians opened the C phase pole, cleaned the interior and fixed a faulty seal located at the end of the tank. The SF6 gas was filtered and placed back in the pole. The following test was performed after repairs and cleaning (Table 12): Table 12 Doble Test after Leak Repaired and Moisture Removed Bushing 1 2 3 4 5 6 1–2 3–4 5–6 Test Mode GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground UST UST UST Ph. C C B B A A C B A Current(uA) 360 527 359 530 359 525 13 11 11 Watts-Loss 0.002 0.008 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.000 0.000 0.000 % Power-Factor 0.06 0.15 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.04 N/A N/A N/A This example shows that moisture inside a SF6 circuit breaker will cause increased losses for the ground and UST tests. 3. Flash-over inside Dead Tank Circuit Breaker The following example will show the effects of an internal flash-over on Doble Test Results. The breaker for this example is an ABB Type 72-PM-31-20, manufactured in 1996. This breaker along with two others, same vintage and type were being moved from one location to another. Before placing them in service the three breakers were Doble Tested. One of the UST readings was much higher than the other phases on all three breakers. The following results are for the problem breaker (Table 13): 14-18 Table 13 Doble Test after Moving Circuit Breaker Bushing 1 2 3 4 5 6 1–2 3–4 5–6 Test Mode GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground UST UST UST Current(uA) 727 531 724 528 732 528 20 16 20 Watts-Loss 0.018 0.028 0.017 0.011 0.013 0.008 0.008 0.001 0.000 % Power-Factor 0.25 0.53 0.23 0.21 0.18 0.15 N/A N/A N/A A comparison of all three circuit breakers UST results can be seen in Table 14 below: Table 14 Comparison of UST Results for Three Similar Circuit Breakers Breaker # 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 3 3 Bushing 1–2 3–4 5–6 1–2 3–4 5–6 1–2 3–4 5–6 Test Mode UST UST UST UST UST UST UST UST UST Current(uA) 20 16 20 21 18 20 21 17 20 Watts-Loss 0.008 0.001 0.000 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 % Power-Factor N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A The client opened the pole for the first breaker and discovered clear signs of a flash-over. Photos of the damage can be seen in Figure 8 and 9. Internal Inspection of Suspect Pole Figure 8 15-18 Close Up of Flash-Over Evidence Figure 9 After finding the flash-over signs for this pole the client replaced the pole with a new unit. The breaker was retested after pole replacement. The final results can be seen in Table 15 below: Table 15 Final Results for Circuit Breaker after Replacing Pole Bushing 1 2 3 4 5 6 1–2 3–4 5–6 Test Mode GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground GST-Ground UST UST UST Current(uA) 729 531 727 533 734 530 18 15 18 Watts-Loss 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.010 0.006 0.005 0.000 0.000 0.000 % Power-Factor 0.08 0.11 0.08 0.19 0.08 0.09 N/A N/A N/A This example shows the benefit of comparing data with similar apparatus. In this case, comparing the results with the same type and vintage breakers showed the high watts results for the UST test and high power factor on the ground tests for the same phase. 4. Defective Capacitor Found on Live Tank Circuit Breaker During a routine test on a Merlin-Gerin Type FA-2 Circuit Breaker, a client detected higher test results on one of the entrance bushing and grading capacitor combination. The following table shows the test data obtained: 16-18 Table 16 High Power Factor Results on B Phase, C2 Assembly Test C1 (A) C2 (A) S1 (A) C1 (B) C2 (B) S1 (B) C1 (C) C2 (C) S1 (C) Current (mA) 9.304 9.328 0.220 9.292 9.462 0.235 9.218 9.141 0.219 Watts 0.428 0.477 0.020 0.424 2.818 0.014 0.372 0.384 0.014 % Power Factor 0.46 0.51 N/A 0.46 2.98 N/A 0.40 0.42 N/A Capacitance (pF) 2467.9 2474.4 58.26 2464.6 2508.7 62.37 2445.1 2424.7 58.13 Higher watts and percent power-factor were obtained on entrance bushing and grading capacitor assembly C2 on phase B. The capacitance value was comparable with all other assemblies. The client suspected a problem with the capacitor and decided to replace the capacitor. After replacing the capacitor the C2 test was repeated with the following results (Table 17): Table 17 Results after Replacing Capacitor on B Phase, C2 Assembly Test C2 (B) Current (mA) 9.283 Watts 0.126 % Power Factor 0.14 Capacitance (pF) 2462.4 The test in Table 17 verified that the capacitor was defective. This example shows that a defective grading capacitor can affect the watts and power factor for the associated assembly test. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge Leah Simmons, Doble Engineering Company, for her assistance with the original version of this paper presented at the 2011 Doble Conference. REFERENCES [1] Gryszkiewicz, F.J., Bailey, W.L. and Salmeron, M.A., “Doble Testing SF6 Puffer Circuit Breakers (A Progress Report),” Minutes of the Sixty-Seventh Annual International Conference of Doble Clients, 2000, Sec. 4-5. [2] Rivers, M.H., Manifase, S.J. and Leech, J.F., “Doble Testing SF6 Puffer Circuit Breakers (A Progress Report),” Minutes of the Fifty-Sixth Annual International Conference of Doble Clients, 1989, Sec. 510.1. [3] Dodds, J. J., “Moisture Content In SF6 Equipment,” Minutes of the Fifty-Second Annual International Conference of Doble Clients, 1985, Sec. 5-601. [4] Manifase, S. J. and Osborn, Jr., S. H., “Doble Testing of SF6 Puffer Circuit Breakers,” Minutes of the Fiftieth Annual International Conference of Doble Clients, 1983, Sec. 5-501. [5] Stallard, B. K., “Hot Collar Testing,” Minutes of the Forty-Fifth Annual International Conference of Doble Clients, 1978, Sec. 4-301. 17-18 [6] Rickley, A.L. and Osborn, Jr., S.H., “EHV Circuit-Breaker Test Procedures (A Progress Report),” Minutes of the Forty-Third Annual International Conference of Doble Clients, 1976, Sec. 5-401. [7] Connors, Sr., G. J. “Doble Testing and Design Features of the General Electric Company ATB 550-3 Air Blast Circuit Breaker,” Minutes of the Thirty-Eighth Annual International Conference of Doble Clients, 1971, Sec. 5-601. [8] Rickley, A. L. and Osborn, Jr., S. H., “EHV Circuit Breaker Test Procedures,” Minutes of the ThirtyFifth Annual International Conference of Doble Clients, 1968, Sec. 5-901. BIOGRAPHY Linda A. Nowak is a Principal Engineer for Doble Engineering. She previously has 13 years of experience working for Northern States Power and Xcel Energy. During her time at these utilities she spent time in Electric Maintenance, Substation Engineering and Power Plant Engineering and Maintenance. At Doble and Northern States Power she compiled extensive experience in the area of diagnostic testing and condition assessment. While at Doble she has published several papers on various power equipment topics. She is currently the secretary of the Doble Circuit Breaker Committee which concentrates on issues associated with circuit breakers, disconnect switches and batteries. Ms. Nowak has a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota. She is an IEEE member and Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Minnesota. 18-18