SUCESSFUL EXPERIENCE COMBINING RADIO FREQUENCY SCANNING AND

LEAKAGE CURRENT MEASUREMENTS TO DETECT EVOLVING FAILURES ON

SURGE ARRESTERS.

Javier Acevedo - Doble Engineering Company

ABSTRACT

Failure of surge arresters are often catastrophic, destroying other equipment in close proximity or
injuring personnel in or around the substation. The causes of failures are moisture ingress due to
defective gaskets, puncturing and thermal cracking of oxide blocks and overheating due to excessive
leakage current.

This paper describes a successful experience combining two on-line techniques, RFS (Radio
Frequency Survey) and Leakage Current Measurement (LCM), to detect incipient and evolving failure
in one surge arrester installed on a 138 kV power transformer. Initially the leakage current
measurements, indicated abnormal results on the B phase surge arrester. Maximum level of leakage
current was exceeded and an error message on the screen of the instrument was displayed during
the leakage current measurement process on this phase. Follow-up testing was performed using
Radio Frequency Scanning (RFS). This partial discharge survey showed high levels of activity
compared with baseline taken out of the substation. The highest RFI (Radio Frequency Interference)
activity was detected close to the same surge arrester installed on the B phase.

Based on the findings, it was recommended to the client that additional tests should be performed.
These test indicated the need to replace the surge arresters. This client had reported the catastrophic
failure of several other surge arresters in the last couple of years. It was decided to engage in a more
proactive testing and diagnosing scheme, which includes the periodic use of RFS and measurement
of leakage currents.

INTRODUCTION

Surge arresters are considered highly reliable equipment, with a low failure rate and a long life
expectancy. This assessment often misleads personnel to think that arresters do not require a
particular condition assessment strategy like other more complex equipment such as power
transformers. As with other substation equipment, surge arresters experience different stresses
associated with normal operative conditions (switching, lightning and temporal overvoltage). There
are also external factors like pollution and moisture ingress. All of these factors combined lead to an
accelerated deterioration, aging and damage of the ZnO blocks at normal voltages causing
puncturing, cracking, flashovers and internal partial discharges. Increase of internal leakage current
creates an increase of the dissipated losses. These losses raise the internal temperature of the ZnO
blocks to critical limits. When this happens, the surge arrester becomes thermally unstable, a
dangerous condition which generally leads to its failure. [1]

On-line predictive techniques have gained acceptance in maintenance strategies. Decades ago, the
only on-line predictive techniques available were infrared scanning and DGA. Now applied research
and state of the art of the electronics and communications have made possible new techniques for
detecting failure modes in substation equipment. Surge arresters using resistive leakage current
measurement and radiofrequency scanning (both on-line techniques), have increased the probability
of detecting failure modes efficiently.
A GLANCE AT ON-LINE LEAKAGE CURRENT MEASUREMENT ON SURGE
ARRESTERS

Harmonic analysis of resistive leakage current using third harmonic with compensation (method B.2)
is, according to IEC-60099-5 standard, one of the most effective on-line predictive maintenance
techniques to assess condition of metal oxide surge arresters (MOSA). This technique was developed
during the 1980´s after it was discovered that resistive leakage current is a good indicator of the surge
arresters condition which are strongly affected by the moisture ingress caused by the deterioration of
gaskets [2]. This technique has been continuously improved with the purpose to get an easier
measurement process and a more effective diagnostic of the condition of MOSA´s.

The overall measurement process includes several steps. First, the third harmonic resistive leakage
current I3r is calculated from the measured total leakage current and the field probe “current” using
harmonic analysis. Second, at standard operating conditions of U/U r = 0.7 and an ambient
temperature of 20° C it has been found that the total resistive leakage current is approximately four
times the third harmonic resistive leakage current, i.e. Ir = 4·I3r. This is the value that is calculated and
shown in the LCM meter as the uncorrected resistive leakage current. If the operating conditions
deviate from the standard, the ratio between the 3rd harmonic resistive current and the total resistive
current should be taken into account and correction factors must be applied to compensate the effects
of ambient temperature and line voltage on the calculated resistive leakage current to finally obtain
the corrected resistive leakage current. Ir is a small percentage of Ic (5% to 20%) and for this reason
when it changes, it doesn´t greatly affect the magnitude of the total current which is normally
registered by surge counter / mA meters installed on surge arresters.

 The resistive leakage current IR

depends on the resistance (condition)
of the oxide blocks.
 IR is not sinusoidal because of the in
linearity of the resistance of the blocks.
 IC is the capacitive current from the HV
system.
 IC is calculated by use of the FP.
 ITot is measured by a CCT on the
ground lead above the surge counter/
mA meter.
 To simplify the calculation of the
current it has been Fourier transformed
to find the 3rd harmonic component.
 IR = 4* IR3.harmonic (experienced from lab
tests)

A graphical description of the B2 method used to measure resistive leakage current

on surge arresters according to IEC 60099-5 standard.
Figure 1

A requirement for the use of this technique is that the gapless MOSA is mounted with an insulated
base for isolation from ground. This isolation is required since a non-insulated base will allow
circulating currents to flow in the earth loop constituted by the arrester earth lead and the arrester
pedestal. Thus, with non-insulated base the measurement of the total leakage current in the arrester
earth wire will be incorrect.
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RADIO FREQUENCY SCANNING (RFS) TO DETECT PARTIAL DISCHARGE SOURCES

Partial discharge activity is generally associated with failure and/or destruction of the insulation. In
recent years, several techniques have been developed that identify various symptoms (e.g. acoustic
activity and electromagnetic activity) associated with the occurrence of this phenomenon. One
example of these techniques is Radio Frequency Scanning (RFS), a non-intrusive, in-service test
detecting electromagnetic signals (RFI / EMI) produced by Partial Discharges (PD). RFS can identify
and locate PD activity within a large area depending on the energy associated with the PD. During
PD occurrence, Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) is emitted over a broad frequency range that
extends up to 1 GHz. Frequency range of RFI can be influenced by the type of defect or failure mode
that has occurred in the insulation (associated with the energy produced by the localization of the
defect) and by the attenuation degree impressed by the equivalent distributed electric parameter
network comprised of the portion of insulation surrounding the defect. [3]

Radiofrequency signals from discharge phenomena are considered to be broadband and impulsive
in nature with low repetition rates. Spectrum analyzers and Electromagnetic Interference
Measurements (EMI) scanning receivers are widely available and used in the detection and
measurement of RFI signals. However, their use for measuring low repetition rate broadband signals
presents particular challenges for reliable and repeatable detection and measurement [4].

Example of RFI traces taken in a 13.8 kV air isolated bus duct with internal isolators
broken and PD activity at 3, 5 and 10 kV.
Figure 2

During a RFS, electromagnetic waves produced by corona and PD activity are detected. PD
surveyors usually scan electromagnetic emission in the inspected area using a frequency range from
tens of MHz up to several GHz. After being processed, the RFS signal energy is displayed in
attenuation units (dB) on the “y” axis. Linear frequency range of the measurement is displayed on the
“x” axis. Figure 2 shows an example of RFI traces taken close of a source of electric corona and
partial discharge, at different voltages in an air insulated bus bar.

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FIELD TESTS AND CONDITION ASSESSMENT OF THREE 138 kV SURGE
ARRESTERS

In October 2013 resistive leakage current measurement training was being conducted at a 138 kV
substation in Santiago, Chile. The B phase surge arrester, installed on a power transformer, was
identified with abnormal values of resistive current. Resistive current values measured with the
instrument were so excessive that a warning message, indicating the over passing of measurement
range, was showed on the screen of the instrument. The other two surge arresters installed on A and
C phases showed lower and typical results. Table 1 shows resistive leakage current values obtained
on field measurements.

Table 1
Results of two leakage current measurements carried out on the three surge
arresters installed on a 138 kV power transformer

RESISTIVE LEAKAGE CURRENT VALUES OBTAINED ON FIELD MEASUREMENTS

PARAMETER PHASE A PHASE B PHASE C

I total uA 414 Error message “signal 423

input error” showed on the
LCM 500 screen.
Ir (resistive current) 149 130
corrected uA

Temperature (°C) 20°C 21°C 25°C

I total uA 425 Error message “signal 423

input error” showed on the
LCM 500 screen.
Ir (resistive current) 147 131
corrected uA

Temperature (°C) 24°C 21°C 25°C

When surge counter / mA meter readings were checked, it was noticed that counter installed on B
phase was showing higher and abnormal total leakage current value (more than 2 mA) compared
with those on the other two phases (less than 1 mA). Figure 3 shows the counter on B phase indicating
a high total leakage current value.

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 Surge counter on B phase showing high total leakage current values. Counters on
other two phases showed values below 1 mA
Figure 3

Normally, resistive current is only a small percentage (5% to 20%) of the total leakage current and
due to that is difficult to detect its increase based only on the total leakage current registered by
common surge counters.

During the training a partial discharge survey was also demonstrated to the client. The internal defects
in ZnO blocks and discharge activity were the probable cause of the abnormal leakage current
readings on the B phase surge arrester. It was decided to perform a RFS around the transformer and
surge arresters. During the survey, a high level of RFI was detected close to the suspicious arrester.
The magnitude was almost 1000 times higher than those detected out of the substation and used as
reference level. Figure 4 shows a comparison of two frequency domain traces obtained. One trace
was taken in front of the power transformer and surge arresters. The reference trace was taken out
of the substation area. Traces taken on the survey showed high radio frequency activity throughout
the complete measuring range (50 MHz to 1 GHz). Normally, activity below 300 MHz is related with
electric corona meanwhile that above that value is normally associated to surface and internal partial
discharges. The greater the difference between the reference trace and the suspect trace, the greater
the energy associated to the PD activity.

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 RFI frequency domain traces obtained near the surge arresters. Black trace is the
reference trace. Blue and red traces were taken close to the surge arresters
Figure 4

With the purpose to confirm the measured pulse behavior, time domain traces were taken at spot
frequencies between 50 MHz to 1 GHz, the measuring frequency range used. Figure 4 and Figure 5
5 show different bursting patterns strongly correlated with the period of AC power (50 Hz).

RFI Time Domain Trace Taken at 721 MHz

Figure 5

RFI Time domain trace taken at 721 MHz

Figure 5

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 RFI Time Domain Trace Taken at 365 MHz
Figure 6

Patterns shown in Figure 5 and 6 have a similar nature, symmetrical over both half power cycles,

RFI Time domain trace taken at 365 MHz

Figure 6

Patterns shown in Figure 5 and 6 have a similar nature, symmetrical over both half power cycles,
repeated in behavior and strongly correlated with the power cycle. Nevertheless, the pattern identified
in Figure 5 shows a continuous bursting activity during both halves of the power cycle with less
periods of low activity. Normally this pattern is associated to the occurrence of discharges caused by
defective contacts or floating potentials.

On the other hand, the pattern identified in Figure 6 is characterized by less continuous bursting
activity than the pattern on Figure 5. The low frequency, at which the trace was taken, 365 MHz,
could indicate the occurrence of electric corona or discharges in air.

After the radio frequency scanning and leakage current measurements where evaluated, it was
recommended that the client check the condition of insulated cable connecting the surge arrester with
the surge counter on the B phase. Additionally, it was recommended to perform additional tests on
the three surge arresters; dissipation watts at 10 kV, insulation resistance and on-line infrared
scanning. Upon comparing the results, it was recommended to replace all three surge arresters.

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CONCLUSIONS

As it is well known in maintenance strategy, using more than one diagnostic method increases the
likelihood of detecting evolving failure modes. Normally, all failure modes generate manifestations of
different nature and each one behaves and evolves differently.

In this case, it was clear that the combination of Leakage Current Measurement and Radio Frequency
Scanning (RFS) increases the probability of detecting defects in surge arresters. Any defect inside
the ZnO blocks will evolve from a single defect until affecting a higher portion of the blocks. Increasing
the resistive leakage current creates the occurrence of partial discharges. For this reason, it is
suggested to include both on-line techniques in the predictive maintenance strategy of surge
arresters.

REFERENCES

[1]. In-Service Testing And On-Line Condition Monitoring Of Gapless Metal Oxide Surge Arresters;
Stig Kyrkjeeide, Doble Transinor; 72nd Annual International Conference of Doble Clients, Boston, April
2005.
[2]. New method for measurement of the resistive leakage currents of metal-oxide surge arresters in
service; J.Lundquist, L.Stenström, A. Schei, B.Hansen; Power Delivery, IEEE Transactions
on (Volume 5, Issue 4)
[3] Field Experiences Using Radio Frequency Scanning (RFS) to Detect Partial (PD) Discharge in
Bus Duct and Metal Clad Switchgear of Electrical Generating and Transmission Substations.;
J.Acevedo; Properties and Applications of Dielectric Materials (ICPADM), 2012 IEEE 10th
International Conference on the Properties and Applications of Dielectric Materials.
[4] “High Voltage Substation Surveillance using Radio Frequency Interference Measurement,” A.
Nesbit, L. Hall, K. Liebech-Lien, “et al”; 76th Annual International Conference of Doble Clients, Boston,
April 2009.

JAVIER ACEVEDO, DOBLE ENGINEERING COMPANY

Javier Acevedo has been with Doble since November 2007. His current position is Technical
Application Engineer and his responsibilities are within product support and training for clients in
Central and South America. Javier is an Electrical Engineer graduated from Universidad Industrial de
Santander (Bucaramanga, Colombia) in 1995. Since joining Doble, Javier has gained extensive de
field experience and product knowledge for in-service testing and condition assessment of substation
equipments. Prior to joining Doble, he was a Maintenance Analyst at Interconexión Electrica S.A
E.S.P from 1997 to 2007 and he was in charge of factory test witnessing of 500 kV and 230 kV power
transformers, evaluation of maintenance strategies on electrical companies, implementation of KPI´s
on maintenance processes, developing of automated health ranking systems applied on substation
equipments and failure analysis on power transformers.

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