33110B Residual Life Estimation of Non-Ceramic Insulators End of Project Webinar
May 22, 2025 • WEBEX
We would like to invite you to an end-of-project webinar on OTD 33110B: Residual Life Estimation of Non-Ceramic Insulators, presented by Dr. Christiane Baer, Wacker Company and Jaka Strumbelj, Pfisterer Company on Thursday, May 22nd from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM ET.Webinar Abstract:Non-ceramic insulators (NCI) have become a highly developed alternative to conventional insulators made of glass or ceramic. They are widely and successfully used in all distribution and transmission voltage levels for AC and DC applications worldwide, with nowadays service experience of more than five decades. They have convincing qualities when designed appropriately, both in terms of construction and in terms of material selection. To ensure a reliable long-term operation, individual optimization of the used polymeric materials and components, such as end fitting, FRP core, and housing, including their interfaces to each other, is possible and necessary for the desired service conditions. Next to a proper insulator and string design, as well as the correct manufacture of these components, correct handling and installation are required when bringing NCIs into operation. This report contains detailed information about the commonly used materials and components and manufacturing of NCIs and highlights the necessity for a proper string design. It provides specific recommendations to the utilities for an NCI specification, including the main aspects and properties to be fulfilled by the NCI manufacturer.Since NCIs are manufactured with polymeric insulating materials, reversible degradation or irreversible deterioration - commonly summarized as “aging” - of the polymeric housing may occur when subjected to environmental stresses. Such aging phenomena do not necessarily mean a reduction of insulator performance with respect to their mechanical and electrical function if the housing material maintains its insulating function, forms a tight interface with the FRP core, and fully embeds it.To ensure the proper long-term performance of NCIs, this report provides specific information on an in-service evaluation of non-ceramic insulators, criteria for the selection of insulators for more detailed laboratory analysis and describes test methods for laboratory investigations. It classifies potential conditions of insulators in service by using a traffic light system and gives detailed information on actions to be taken and suitability to remain insulators in service. Finally, case studies of laboratory analysis of NCIs taken from service according to this traffic light system for each main category are included in the report. The case studies give detailed information on the analysis methods, results, and interpretation, including a conclusion on the suitability of the investigated NCIs for further operation.We look forward to your participation in this project webinar!Thank you!