ON-LINE PARTIAL DISCHARGE (OLPD) TESTING AND MONITORING

STRATEGIES FOR OIL & GAS HV ASSETS

Copyright Material PCIC Europe
Paper No. PCIC Europe (will be assigned)

Lee Renforth Riccardo Giussani Marc Foxall

IEEE Member IEEE Member IEEE Member
HVPD Ltd HVPD Ltd HVPD Ltd
Manchester Manchester Manchester
UK UK UK

Abstract On-line Partial Discharge (OLPD) condition terms of criticality as they drive the critical processes [4]
monitoring (CM) refers to the diagnostics of the high [6]. OLPD spot testing and continuous monitoring is
voltage (HV) insulation of in-service HV cables and plant possible under normal working conditions for in-service
in the voltage range of 3.3kV and above. The technique cables, switchgear, rotating machines and transformers.
can be used for CM of the HV insulation systems within This paper describes some options for the deployment of
rotating machines, switchgear, cables and transformers. OLPD technology to support condition based
OLPD CM has recently become accepted in the oil and maintenance (CBM) and other asset management
gas industry as a valuable tool to support condition based schemes. The level of technology chosen (from Levels 1
maintenance (CBM) through preventative maintenance to 4 in Fig. 1 below) depends on the importance/criticality
interventions and repairs to help to reduce the number of of a specific asset within a network. This can range from
unplanned outages and increase plant reliability. Level 1 - periodic OLPD surveying with a handheld unit up
This paper describes a number of options for the to Level 4 continuous OLPD monitoring. The various
deployment of OLPD CM technology in HV networks. The technology and sensor options available are discussed.
various OLPD sensor options available for each type of The paper concludes with two case studies that highlight
HV asset are discussed along with a range of CM asset the benefits that the OLPD condition monitoring
management options. Options range from the use of technology can bring.
portable, handheld OLPD test technology (to make
periodic OLPD spot test measurements) up to the use of
continuous OLPD monitoring technology. The importance
of using OLPD trend data to identify incipient HV
insulation faults is discussed along with the benefits of
condition benchmarking where OLPD trending data is
compared with data held on similar types of plant within a
statistically significant measurements database. The
OLPD technology described can provide the operator with
an indication of the HV insulation condition across an
entire HV network through the benchmarking of OLPD
CM data with developing HV insulation faults detected
most effectively using continuous OLPD monitoring
technology. The paper concludes with two case studies
showing different approaches to HV network OLPD CM
using periodic OLPD spot testing, data trending,
benchmarking and continuous, 24/7 OLPD monitoring.

Index Terms On-line Partial Discharge, OLPD,

condition monitoring, CM, Maintenance Strategy,
continuous OLPD monitoring, Oil and Gas, HV network.

I. INTRODUCTION: ON-LINE PARTIAL DISCHARGE

(OLPD) CONDITION MONITORING

The on-line partial discharge (OLPD) condition

assessment of the insulation of in-service high voltage
(HV) plant is now becoming more widely adopted within
the worldwide oil and gas industry [1][3]. This is further to
HV network operators recognizing the benefits that such
condition monitoring (CM) technology can provide. With
knowledge of the severity and location of any partial
discharge (PD) activity in a network, it is possible to direct
preventative maintenance interventions to avoid a
complete HV insulation fault and the unplanned outage
that would result. The OLPD monitoring of rotating HV
machines is the main focus at present within the
petrochemical industry as these are the key HV assets in Fig. 1 Four (4) Levels of OLPD CM Technology
 II. OLPD MONITORING APPROACHES
In this section the range of OLPD testing and
monitoring approaches available is discussed. With
reference to Table 1 below there is now a range of
technology available in the marketplace for the testing
and monitoring of all types of cables and plant (Levels 1
to 4). There remains a gap in the market for a reliable
handheld test unit for rotating machines and transformers
(due to the difficulty in testing these) although it is
anticipated that this gap in the market will be met soon.
TABLE I
OLPD Test and Monitoring Strategies and their Applications
OLPD HV Asset Type
Condition
Assessment Rotating Power
Switchgear Transformers
Solution Machines Cables
L1 - OLPD
Screening with X X
handheld unit
L2 - Periodic
OLPD
diagnostic
testing
L3 - Short-term,
continuous
OLPD
monitoring (<6
mths)
L4 - Long-term,
continuous
OLPD
monitoring (> 6
mths)
A. Level 1 - OLPD screening with a Portable, Handheld
OLPD screening refers to quick look-see OLPD
scanning of the HV plant/cable to detect any OLPD using
a simple to use, handheld test unit. Handheld testing is
possible for switchgear and cables at present but is not
suitable for rotating machines and transformers as these
require diagnostic OLPD testing (Level 2). Testing is
typically performed in the switchroom where personnel
can test an entire switchboard for PD quickly and easily
using transient earth voltage (TEV) sensors and
ultrasonic/airborne acoustic probes. Handheld test units
can provide data for the trending of OLPD levels over time
and the more advanced units in the market can store data
and download this into OLPD trending software.
B. Level 2 - OLPD Diagnostic Testing
Level 2 test technology is referred to as OLPD
Diagnostic Test technology. This is typically a 4-6
channel test unit with synchronous data acquisition on 4
or more channels. This type of technology allows more
detailed testing to be undertaken where OLPD data is
collected from all three phases at once (to within 10 ns on
all channels on advanced test units). This enables
discharge type i.e. phase-to-phase or phase-to-earth to
be ascertained. Typical diagnostic spot test times range
from around ten minutes to one hour per asset with
detailed data analysis and reports often required upon
completion of the tests. If OLPD activity is detected then
the diagnostic testing is extended to locate the source of
the PD site(s) within the circuit under test. In the case of
HV cables, OLPD cable mapping is carried out to locate
the source(s) of PD activity along the cable circuit. These
sources can include OLPD activity from the end of the
cable from the remotely connected plant. A minimum
specification for an OLPD diagnostic test unit suitable for
use in an industrial environment is:
4-channel synchronous acquisition
Wideband analogue detection (0 400 MHz)
High speed data acquisition (100 250 MS/s)
Dedicated de-noising software modules
High resolution phase resolved partial discharge
(PRPD) plotting capability suitable for 50/60 Hz
and variable speed drives (VSDs).
To be able to pre-sort PD pulses by category
(switchgear, machine, cable etc.) whilst
removing noise with de-noising software,
To be able to locate PD sources, using the
technique of time of flight (TOF) calculations
along cables and between multiple distributed
sensors in switchgear and transformers.
C. Level 3 - Temporary Continuous OLPD Monitoring
In situations where the budget for the continuous OLPD
monitoring (Level 4) is not available, an alternative
solution is to install permanent OLPD sensors and
perform periodic (1 month per substation) continuous
OLPD monitoring with a portable unit. This solution
provides most of the advantages of the permanent OLPD
continuous monitoring when a lower budget is available
whilst allowing for multiple substations to be monitored
sequentially, typically for 1 month a time.
D. Level 4 Permanent Continuous OLPD Monitoring
Permanent, continuous OLPD monitoring technology is
becoming more widely accepted within the petrochemical
industry as an effective CM tool to provide an early
warning against HV insulation failure through developing
insulation faults. By carrying out preventative
maintenance interventions and repairs of the cable/plant
where OLPD is detected, it is possible to avoid costly,
unplanned network outages that can be caused by an HV
insulation fault [7]. Continuous, complete HV network
OLPD monitoring systems are now becoming increasingly
specified in Request for Quotations (RFQs) from Oil and
Gas operators for new build facilities. These RFQs
include the requirement for the data from the OLPD
monitor to networked through a Local Area Network (LAN)
connections into the operators asset management
system in conjunction with other CM systems to provide a
holistic CM scheme [8].
Examples of other CM technologies that can be
combined with the OLPD technology to provide more
holistic monitoring solutions include: 1. Rotating HV
machines - vibration, current signature analysis (CSA),
power quality (PQ), 2. Cables distributed temperature
sensing (DTS), 3. Switchgear thermography and 4.
Transformers - Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA). Such
systems are now becoming more commonplace as
operators begin to see the interdependence of the various
CM data streams they receive. The combination of
mechanical and electrical CM data is considered to be
particularly important in the case of rotating HV machines.
 With the ever increasing demands on HV assets to rotating HV machines cable terminal box. The second is
operate at the highest level of availability, the continuous to use inductive, high frequency current transformer
trending of OLPD data from continuous monitoring (HFCT) sensors. Due to their frequency response into the
systems is considered to be the most effective way to sub 1 MHz range, the HFCT sensor can detect PD pulses
provide the necessary data to identify trends and any rise originating from a significant distance away (2 km+) down
in PD levels over time. Continuous OLPD monitoring a cable and can therefore be installed either at a
systems detect operational and environmental variations motor/generator cable terminal box or in the switchgear
in PD activity and provide the best early warning against panel that connects to the machine, using the technique
HV insulation failure. This early warning needs to provide of remote OLPD monitoring.
sufficient time to schedule a planned, preventative HVCC sensors have the highest sensitivity (at 10
maintenance intervention, at minimum cost and maximum MHz) of the OLPD sensor options available [9] and are
convenience for the operator, whilst avoiding what can be normally supplied in 80 pF, 500 pF and 1 nF ratings. It
very costly, unplanned outages. The condition is known that higher capacitance HVCCs (500 pF and 1
benchmarking of OLPD data also plays a critical factor in nF) provide a better lower frequency response below 10
effective CBM, whereby the CM data obtained from the MHz than the 80 pF HVCC sensors and are thus
HV asset under test is compared with a large, statistically capable of the detection of PD pulses deep into the HV
significant data-set (from similar types of plant based on windings. The negative here is that the higher
voltage and power rating). capacitance HVCC sensors (500 pF and 1 nF) also
pick-up more electromagnetic (EM) interference than
the 80 pF HVCCs that are inherently more immune.
III. HV ASSETS: DEDICATED SENSORS
Whatever HVCC sensor rating is used, it is crucial that
& RECOMMENDED MONITORING APPROACHES
any OLPD monitoring system employed is capable of
effective de-noising of the data received in order that
It is important to select the correct sensor or
real PD pulses can be reserved and EM noise rejected.
combination of sensors for the HV asset to be monitored.
HFCT sensors have been used successfully for the
TABLE II below gives a summary of which OLPD sensor
remote OLPD monitoring of Ex/ATEX HV motors located
options are applicable for various cable/plant types.
in hazardous gas zones and are also useful when there
are space limitations inside smaller HV motor cable
TABLE II boxes which preclude the installation of HVCC sensors.
OLPD Sensor Options and Plant Specific Applications
In the case of direct-fed HV motors, located in the
APPLICATION Ex/ATEX zone, it is possible to install the HFCT sensors
Direct fed VSD

Rotating HV Cables Swgr* Tx** in the cable box of switchgear (in a non-Ex/ATEX
OLPD Machines Motors switchroom) to detect PD pulses originating from the HV
SENSOR
stator winding of the motor. These pulses travel down
HFCT - High
Frequency
the HV power cable that acts like a waveguide for the
Current
X travelling wave PD pulses. With this application, there is
Transformer no requirement to install sensors in the Ex/ATEX with
HVCC High the advantages here being; a safer installation, cost
Voltage savings and that the entire HV circuit will be monitored,
Coupling
X X
including the switchgear, cables and motor stator.
Capacitor Another sensor option that has been used historically
AA - Airborne
Acoustic
within the industry is the air-cored, Rogowski Coil (RC)
(Ultrasonic)
X X X sensor. These are installed within the machines cable
Sensor terminal box but, as result of their air core, these
UHF Ultra sensors have a relatively low sensitivity and have been
High Frequency X X X now largely superseded now by HFCT sensors that
coupler have a sensitivity of 20-30x of the RC sensor.
TEV - Transient
Earth Voltage X X
Sensor B. VSD-fed HV Motors
RC Rogowski
Coil (Air Cored)
X X X Nowadays an increasing number of HV motor
TB3- Tri-band applications in the oil and gas process requires varying
Sensor with speed and power demand. This is achieved through the
Power Quality use of Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) to control the
SSC - Slot- operating speed of the motor. It is known that if they are
Section Coupler
X X X X
not designed and installed correctly, VSD-operated HV
*Swgr = Switchgears motors can have a negative impact on the local HV
**Tx = Transformers network and/or grid that they are connected to, as well as
serious, damaging effects on the HV stator winding of the
A. Directly fed HV Motors and Generators motor they are driving [7]. With regards to the application
of OLPD CM to monitor the HV stator insulation of the
For rotating HV machines, including motors and VSD-operated HV motors, there are a number of
generators, there are two main sensor options in use in challenges to achieving reliable OLPD data detection
industry. The first (and most common) solution is to install and analysis, as summarized overleaf:
High Voltage Coupling Capacitor (HVCC) sensors in the
 The VSDs switching transistors can produce
high levels of EM interference (noise) that can
obscure the (much smaller) PD signals.
The supply frequency cannot be easily isolated
due to the continuously varying output frequency
from the VSD and so a clean (without
harmonics) voltage reference source is
sometimes difficult to obtain.
The HV motors are often located in Ex/ATEX
hazardous gas zones with often only limited
space for safe sensor installations.
However, a number of new OLPD monitoring solutions
have been reported [10], [11] for continuous monitoring of
partial discharge activity in the HV stator winding of VSD-
operated HV motors. These new monitoring solutions
need to have the ability to detect and assess PD pulses
whilst discounting any high-frequency EM noise signals
caused from the VSDs switching electronics. The solution
to this problem requires a combination of hardware and
software noise reduction techniques, including the use of
multiple, distributed sensors and synchronous data
capture on 4-6 channels to enable precedence pulse
arrival measurements to be made (which pulse came
first?) to separate VSD noise from PD originating in the
HV stator windings.
C. Switchgear
Air insulated switchgear (AIS) in the voltage range
3.3-36 kV can be tested using a combination of
Transient Earth Voltage (TEV) electromagnetic sensors
and Airborne Acoustic (AA) ultrasonic sensors.
Fig. 2 Section view of Switchgear Panel with Sensors
The TEV sensor is a small, capacitive pick-up
electromagnetic sensor that is either magnetically
attached or permanently affixed to either the outer
surface or inner surface of metal-clad air insulated
switchgear. TEV sensor acts like an aerial and has a
wideband frequency response suitable for the detection
of Local PD i.e. PD from a source within 10m of the
probe. TEV signals are high in frequency (4 - 100 MHz)
depending upon the distance of the TEV probe from the
origin of the discharge. The closer the probe to the PD
source, the higher the frequency of the PD will be.
When local PD occurs within metal-clad switchgear,
radio frequency energy is emitted from the PD site and
a high frequency voltage is induced onto the inner metal
surfaces of the switchgear. This sets up a high
frequency travelling voltage, the so-called transient
earth voltage - TEV. This TEV pulse will them emerge
onto the outer skin of the metal-clad housing where
there are gaps, such as at joints, seams, gaskets and
vents. The fact that the TEV signals pass to the outside
of the switchgear is the reason why this OLPD
measurement technique has become popular, as it is
totally non-intrusive and TEV sensors are now
incorporated into a number of commercially available
handheld test units. The detection of these high
frequency TEV pulses can also be used for localisation
of a PD source along a HV switchboard using TOF
measurements (with a very fast A to D digitizer) when
multiple TEV sensors are used along a switchboard.
The other sensor used for HV switchgear OLPD
detection is the airborne acoustic (AA) sensor, an
ultrasonic sensor with a narrow frequency response of
40 kHz +/- 2 kHz. This AA sensor is particularly useful
for detecting corona and surface discharges into air
from cable terminations and within AIS. The AA sensor
can either magnetically attached or permanently affixed
to either the inside or outside of AIS housing. If the
sensor is used on the outside of the switchgear panel
then it must be installed over air vents or gaps with the
acoustic sensor looking into the panel through the
vent/gap. Fully enclosed switchgear with no grills, vents,
or air gaps require the installation of permanent AA
sensors inside the switchgear. The AA probes pick-up
is directionally sensitive and so it is possible to locate
the source of any airborne/surface discharge through a
'point-and-measure' approach, as is used in a number
of handheld OLPD test units available in the market.
D. HV Power Cables
The detection of partial discharge within HV power
cables is the basis by which complete HV networks can
be monitored for partial discharge, using wideband
HFCT OLPD sensors located at strategic positions
across a network. This is due to the HV cable acting as
a waveguide for the partial discharge signals, effectively
acting as a large (and very efficient) co-axial cable for
the travelling wave PD pulse.
Wideband, HFCT sensors have now become the de
facto sensor of choice for the detection of PD activity
within HV cables. This is due to the HFCT sensors very
good low frequency response (down to 200 kHz and
below) which means that it has a measurement range of
up to several kilometers (2 km+) on polymeric HV
cables. The HFCT sensors are installed at the cable
terminations at the switchgear and/or at the remote
plants HV cable box. All types of HV power cable can
suffer failures from partial discharge activity including
paper-insulated lead covered cables (PILC), cross-
linked polyethylene (XLPE) and ethylene propylene
rubber (EPR) cables. As cables are not isolated during
on-line tests it is also possible to detect PD signals from
the switchgear, machine or transformer to which the
cable is terminated.
 IV. COMPLETE HV NETWORK MONITORING
Complete HV network monitoring using distributed,
wideband HFCT sensor is made possible due to the
power cables acting as large co-axial cables, providing
a waveguide for the travelling wave PD signals from
remotely connected HV plant. This means that it is
possible to detect OLPD activity in directly-fed, remotely
connected HV plant, such as EX/ATEX HV motors, with
wideband HFCT sensors installed at the switchgear end
of the cable. This installation of HFCT sensors (1 per
cable phase) in conjunction with TEV and AA sensors at
the switchgear panel provides OLPD sensor coverage
along the entire HV circuit. With intelligent pulse wave
shape analysis of the pulses detected and TOF
mapping of the PD pulses along the cable length, it is
possible to detect and locate PD site(s) along the entire
circuit to discriminate between PD pulses generated
within the remotely connected HV plant, the feeder
cable or from within the switchgear itself. The key
advantages to this approach are:
- OLPD monitoring of the complete HV circuit is
possible, from sensors installed at the
switchgear.
- This remote OLPD monitoring technique is
particularly useful for Ex/ATEX HV motors
- Efficient HV network CM coverage is possible
with one monitor covering up to four (4) circuits
Fig. 3 below illustrates how a single OLPD monitoring
unit located at the HV switchboard can monitor four (4)
complete HV motor feeder circuits [1], [4].
Fig. 3 Monitoring four (4) complete HV motor feeder
circuits from the switchboard using HFCT sensors
V. THE IMPORTANCE OF TRENDING DATA
As has been stated already in this paper, no matter
which test or monitoring approach is used (OLPD
screening, periodic diagnostic testing or continuous
monitoring) the trending of the OLPD measurements and
monitoring data is of fundamental importance. Data
trending between tests and peer-to-peer comparison of
data (with a statistically valid database) are both highly
recommended in order to understand what is the norm
for a network and what is abnormal i.e. to pick out the
bad actors within a HV networks plant population
VI. REAL-TIME POOLING OF CM DATA USING A
CENTRALISED SERVER & DATABASE
It is proposed that comprehensive HV network CM
coverage can be achieved by pooling of the insulation CM
data from multiple OLPD sensors and monitoring units.
This can be best achieved by networking this data (via
LAN) through to a centralised CM server for viewing at the
control centre. Such a complete network OLPD
monitoring solution allows the operator to identify any
plant across their network where PD activity produces a
significant risk of insulation failure and a fault. By
pinpointing any localised sites of PD on the network,
preventative maintenance interventions can be made.
The processed CM data is viewed via a user interface
containing colour-coded plant condition data
superimposed onto a mimic of the HV networks single-
line diagram (SLD). Logging, comparison and trending of
the CM data provides real-time HV insulation condition
status of the HV cables, switchgear, motors, generators
and transformers across the network. Additionally, it is
recommended that to avoid false alarms caused by
intermittent noise spikes and network switching, any
increasing levels of OLPD activity should be investigated
through a full diagnostic data analysis (performed
remotely by a diagnostic PD engineer) before any
preventative maintenance interventions are carried out.
The real-time evaluation of the summarised CM data is
carried out in the CM Database. The top-level of such an
interface is shown Fig. 4 below which is based on the
network SLD and allows individual substations to be
selected and viewed by the user.
Fig. 4 Top level overview substations can be selected
and viewed from central layouts
Within the second-tier substation level, the operator
can access more detailed asset condition with alert levels
and trends, as shown in Fig. 5. With this second level
view it is possible to observe the condition of individual
plant items with the condition criticality of each plant item
displayed in form of colour-coded plant condition
indicators, the colour-codes indicating the insulation
condition criticality and risk of failure on a scale of 0-100%
through direct comparison with the OLPD CM data from
both the local plant population and also a statistically valid
measurements database.
 Fig. 7 TEV measurements along a 13.8 kV switchboard

By using the AA sensors directional measurement

capability, it was confirmed that the PD location was
within the bus section of Panel 211 as the highest levels
Fig. 5 Level 2 - Substation View detailed PD info of audible ultrasonic discharge signals were detected
provided by substation, with alert levels and trends from a gap between the cable box and the busbar
compartment.
It is proposed that significant cost and operational
benefits can be gained from the application of continuous
OLPD CM technology and the data can be used to
support CBM schemes to direct preventative maintenance
interventions to repair plant/cables ahead of insulation
failure from PD activity.

VII. CASE STUDY 1 13.8 KV SWITCHGEAR OLPD

SCREENING, TESTING & VISUAL INSPECTIONS

OLPD screening was conducted on four (4) primary

13.8 kV switchboards as part of the routine monthly
maintenance inspections at a processing facility.
High levels of Local PD (Red Level - 47 dB) were
detected on Panel 211, Bus #2 using a handheld OLPD
screening unit with an inbuilt TEV sensor as shown in
Fig. 8 Airborne Acoustic OLPD measurements
Fig. 6.
With the source of the high PD activity suspected to be
within the bus section of switchgear panel 211, further
diagnostic OLPD testing was carried out using a
portable, 4-channel, diagnostic OLPD test unit. The
PRPD plot from this testing is shown in Fig. 9. This
shows Local PD peaks of up to 37 dB. These PD levels
had subsided from the 47 dB measured on the
handheld unit tests conducted on the previous day, but
were still in the RED condition category major concern.

Fig. 6 47 dB TEV measurement on 13.8 kV panel

High levels were identified on panel 211 and 210, with

levels decreasing as the switchgear panels were
screened from the left (211 47 dB) to the right (201
30 dB) along the switchboard, as shown in Fig. 7.
The operators HV safety rules permitted the opening of
the switchgear panels whilst live with the appropriate
PPE, a suitably rated arc-flash suit. Additional testing
was conducted to pinpoint the source of the PD by a
test technician in an arc flash suit using the same
handheld test units AA sensor with a directional
parabolic receiver attachment as shown in Fig. 8.
Fig. 9 PRPD plot for 13.8 kV switchgear PD
To pinpoint the source of PD, TEV sensors were
distributed along the switchboard, and TOF testing was
conducted. A portable 4-channel, diagnostic OLPD test
unit was used to synchronously acquire data from 4x
TEV sensors at different locations on the switchboard,
whilst maintaining matched coaxial signal cable lengths
(Fig. 10). These TOF measurements confirmed the
source of the PD within the bus section of panel 211.
Fig. 10 TOF measurements with TEV sensors
Based on the results of the testing, the operator de-
energised the switchgear and conducted visual
inspections on panel 211 where it was found that a
conductive switchgear cover strip had become detached
and was vibrating close to busbar A. Considerable
amounts of white oxide powder were also observed
during the visual inspection as shown in Fig. 11, this
being a typical by-product of surface PD activity
combined with moisture.
Fig. 11 Detached metallic trim and white oxide deposits
caused by PD on a 13.8 kV switchgear busbar
Upon re-attachment of the metal trim the switchboard
was re-energised with the 211 panels circuit breaker
open and earthed down. OLPD screening with the
handheld test unit was then re-conducted with 20 dB
background noise TEV measurements present on all
panels. Panel 211 was re-energised and the
switchboard was then re-tested with the handheld test
units TEV sensor and TEV levels of 26 dB were
detected. The handheld PD test unit with Parabolic
Receiver (AA) was used as previously to locate this
second source of PD that was one of the epoxy busbar
stand-off insulators that was removed from service. The
results from the visual inspection and investigation
showed white oxide PD by-products as shown in Fig.
12.
Fig. 12 White oxide by product deposits caused by PD
and moisture on a 13.8 kV switchgear busbar insulator
To conclude, undoubtedly a costly and hazardous,
unplanned flash-over at the bus-bar was avoided in this
case through the detection of the PD caused by the
detached metallic trim and the stand-off epoxy
insulators. The operator is in the process of replacing
any epoxy busbar insulators where there is evidence of
white oxide PD by-products whilst continuing to conduct
monthly OLPD screening with a handheld test unit.
VIII. CASE STUDY 2
PERMANENT MONITORING OF 13.8 KV SWITCHBOARDS
In June 2013, continuous OLPD monitoring units were
installed on two (2) 13.8 kV air insulated switchboards at
a petrochemical processing facility. TEV and AA
sensors were installed inside the switchgear, as shown
in Fig. 13.
Fig. 13 TEV & AA Sensors in a 13.8 kV switchgear panel
Due to difficulties in the networking of the data from the
monitors to the control centre, the OLPD monitoring
data was not available for review by the diagnostic PD
engineer from installation up until May 2014, when the
operator reported a phase-to-ground failure of
switchgear panel 105B, as shown in Fig. 14.

Fig. 14 Flashover fault in a 13.8 kV switchgear panel
During the forensic investigation of this failure, the
OLPD monitoring data for panel 105B was retrieved and
reviewed by the diagnostic PD engineers. The
monitoring data for the 50-day period leading up to
failure is shown in Fig. 15 below.
Fig. 15 50-day pre-fault OLPD monitoring data for a
13.8 kV switchgear panel
The OLPD trend data in Fig. 15 shows that, whilst the
Peak PD Level detected remained relatively constant
over the 50-day period (with an average of 28 dB and a
variance between 24 dB and 32 dB), there was an
increasing trend in the OLPD Activity levels measured,
from 405 mV/cycle up to 1050 mV/cycle (a 260%
increase). The OLPD Activity trend measurement is
viewed as the most important in terms of insulation and
pre-fault identification diagnostics as it gives an
indication as to the intensity of the PD. Many pre-fault
failures are characterised by an increase in OLPD
activity (the cumulative measurement of all PD pulses
across a power cycle) whilst often the Peak PD Level
will remain constant, as was observed in this case.
After the repair, panel 105B was monitored and it was
found that the Peak PD Level (over 1-day period as
visible in Fig. 16) had dropped to 18 dB and the OLPD
Activity had dropped to 300mV/cycle, both acceptable
levels. This data is shown below in Fig. 16.
Fig. 16 1-day Post-fault OLPD monitoring data for a
13.8 kV switchgear panel
This Case Study illustrates the importance of measuring
the intensity of PD activity whilst also illustrating the
importance of regular data download and review by
diagnostic engineers. In this case, properly set
threshold alarms for changes in OLPD activity would
have raised an alert in advance of the failure if the data
had been downloaded. The other lesson learnt here is
the importance of ensuring reliable data download to the
CM server in the control centre of a facility through a
dedicated LAN.
IX. CONCLUSIONS
This paper has provided an introduction to the
application of OLPD CM technology for monitoring
complete HV networks in the oil and gas industry. The
paper has described how it is possible to carry out reliable
and effective OLPD testing and monitoring of complete
HV networks to support condition based maintenance
(CBM) schemes. OLPD CM technology is now
commercially available ranging from portable, handheld
test units up to continuous, 24/7 OLPD monitoring
systems for complete HV networks.
Complete HV network monitoring is achieved through
the integration of OLPD diagnostic monitoring data from
multiple monitoring units and nodes distributed around a
network with data transferred between nodes into a
central database. It is proposed that condition
benchmarking (to produce a condition criticality rating
from 0-100%) for each type of HV asset being monitored
is carried out based on comparison with a statistically
significant OLPD measurements database. This
information can be used by operators to identify and
prioritise assets for repair/replacement whilst also
providing an early warning for the ordering and
procurement of spares, replacements or repair services.
Continuous OLPD monitoring technology also identifies
any variations related to daily, operational, environmental
and seasonal variations to provide underlying trends in
data that can be compared to any abnormal trends in
OLPD activity.
In order for the condition benchmarking to support CBM
asset management regimes, the quality of the diagnostic
condition data used in any decision-making process must
be of a high level to make informed engineering decisions
based on it. With continuous OLPD monitoring technology
and regular (weekly) trend analysis, it is possible to
measure the daily, weekly, monthly and longer term
trends in OLPD activity to provide the required level of
diagnostic data.
X. REFERENCES
[1] L. Renforth, P. Hammer, D. Clark, S. Goodfellow, and
R. Tower, Continuous, Remote On-line Partial
Discharge (OLPD) Monitoring of HV Ex/ATEX Motors in
the Oil and Gas Industry, in IEEE Petroleum and
Chemical Industry Technical Conference (PCIC), 2013.
[2] G. C. Stone and J. Kasper, Stator Winding Monitoring,
in IEEE Cement Industry Conference, 1997.
[3] S. Haq, B. Mistry, and R. Omranipour, How Safe is the
Insulation of Rotating Machines Operating in Gas
Groups B, C & D?, in IEEE Petroleum and Chemical
Industry Technical Conference (PCIC), 2011.
[4] L. Renforth, R. Armstrong, D. Clark, S. Goodfellow, and
P. S. Hamer, A NEW TECHNIQUE FOR THE
REMOTE PARTIAL DISCHARGE MONITORING OF
THE STATOR INSULATION OF HIGH-VOLTAGE
MOTORS LOCATED IN Ex ( HAZARDOUS )
LOCATIONS, in IEEE Petroleum and Chemical
Industry Technical Conference (PCIC), 2012.
[5] IEEE Std. 1434: Trial Use Guide to the Measurement SLD Single Line Diagram
of Partial Discharges in Rotating Machinery, 2000. .
[6] CIGRE Task Force 15.11/33.03.02, Knowledge Rules SNR Signal-to-noise
for Partial Discharge Diagnosis In Service. 2013.
[7] L. Renforth, M. Foxall, R. Giussani, and T. Raczy, ON- SSC Stator Slot Coupler
LINE PARTIAL DISCHARGE (OLPD) INSULATION Swgr Switchgear
CONDITION MONITORING SOLUTIONS FOR
ROTATING HIGH VOLTAGE (HV) MACHINES, in TB-3 Tri-Band Sensor
Petroleum and Chemical Industry Technical Conference
TEV Transient Earth Voltage
Middle East (PCIC), 2015.
[8] R. Giussani, L. Renforth, M. Seltzer-Grant, and C. TOF Time of Flight
Zachariades, A Holistic Combined Electrical and
Mechanical Condition Monitoring Technique for Oil and Tx Transformer
Gas High Voltage Rotating Machines, in IEEE UHF Ultra-High Frequency
Electrical Insulation Conference EIC, 2015.
[9] M. Foxall, A. P. Duffy, J. Gow, M. Seltzer-Grant, and L. VSD Variable Speed Drive
Renforth, Development of a new high current, Hybrid
Ferrite-Rogowski, high frequency current transformer
XLPE Cross-linked Polyethylene
for partial discharge sensing in medium and high
voltage cabling, in 59th International Wire & Cable XII. VITAE
Symposium, 2010.
[10] L. Renforth, R. Giussani, T. Knutsen, B. Aardal, and T.- Lee Andrew Renforth studied Electrical and Electronic
E. Kjenner, A NOVEL SOLUTION FOR THE
RELIABLE ONLINE PARTIAL DISCHARGE
Engineering at the University of Manchester between
MONITORING (OLPD) OF VSD-OPERATED EX/ATEX 1986 and 1993 where he received a BSc, MEng and
HV MOTORS, in Submitted to Petroleum and Chemical finally a PhD in 1993, in the field of HV insulation
Industry Technical Conference Europe (PCIC), 2016. breakdown under sponsorship by the National Grid
[11] G. Stone and I. Culbert, Experience With in On-Line Company, UK. In 1994 he set-up IPEC Ltd where he was
Partial Discharge Measurement High Voltage Inverter Managing Director for 10 years before leaving to set-up
Fed Motors, in Submitted to IEEE Petroleum and HVPD Ltd Manchester, UK in 2004. Over the past 10
Chemical Industry Technical Conference (PCIC), 2016. years, HVPD have become one of the market leaders in
the growing field of OLPD monitoring technology. Lee
XI. APPENDIX 1 oversees the relationships with HVPD's customers and
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS partners in more than 100 countries worldwide whilst
remaining involved in the companys R&D activities with
AA Airborne Acoustic Sensor end-users and manufacturers.
lee.renforth@hvpd.co.uk
AIS Air Insulated Switchgear
ATEX ATmosphere EXplosibles Riccardo Giussani was born in Legnano, Italy and
graduated as an Electrical Engineer from Politecnico di
CAS Contact Acoustic Sensor
Milano, Italy and went on to complete a PhD in electrical
CBM Condition Based Maintenance and electronic engineering at The University of
Manchester, United Kingdom. Since joining HVPD in
CM Condition Monitoring
2013 as Senior Development Engineer, he has been an
DTS Distribute Temperature Sensing active member of the HVPD R&D team, taking the lead
EPR Ethylene Propylene Rubber on a number of projects and also contributed to a
variety of published work and conference papers.
EM Electromagnetic Riccardo is a member of IEEE, DEIS and IET.
Ex Explosion Protected riccardo.giussani@hvpd.co.uk

HFCT High Frequency Current Transformer Marc James Foxall received a First Class BEng (Hons)
HV High Voltage (> 3.3 kV) Degree from De Montfort University, Leicester in 2010 in
Electronic Engineering, fully accredited by the IET. He
LAN Local Area Network was awarded the IET Outstanding Achievement Award
O&M Operation and Maintenance and Department of Engineering Best Final Year Project
for the development of a new type of high current HFCT
OLPD On-line Partial Discharge sensor. Marc is a member of both the IEEE and IET,
PD Partial Discharge currently working towards Chartered Engineer (C.Eng)
status. Since joining HVPD in 2009, Marc has carried
PILC Paper Insulated Lead Covered
out a wide variety of on-line and off-line PD test projects
PRPD Phase Resolved PD Plot for the utility, industrial and marine sectors with over 60
projects now completed. Marc presently manages
RC Rogowski Coil
HVPDs test services team.
RFQ Request for Quotation marc.foxall@hvpd.co.uk