Measuring and testing – Sampler – sample handling – etc. – Capture device
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-14
2001-12-25
Williams, Hezron (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
Sampler, sample handling, etc.
Capture device
C083S919000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332368
ABSTRACT:
THIS INVENTION relates to apparatus and method for live line sampling of insulation. In particular, the invention is directed to a tool for obtaining different types of samples from polymeric insulators in high voltage installations under live line conditions.
BACKGROUND ART
The insulators used in high voltage installations are prone to deterioration, particularly when exposed to harsh environmental conditions, such as strong sunlight and heat, for prolonged periods. Further, dust and other material accumulated on the insulation surfaces may provide a current path, leading to insulation breakdown. Proper preventative maintenance requires that the insulation be inspected regularly. New techniques of insulation condition monitoring require sampling of the insulator surface for laboratory analysis.
For obvious safety reasons, the high voltage power lines must be de-energised while such sampling or other contact occurs. Such power outages are not only inconvenient for electricity consumers, but also disruptive to the normal operation of power transmission systems.
It is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus and method for obtaining small samples of insulating material from high voltage installations under live line conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one broad form, the invention provides an apparatus for obtaining a sample from an insulator in a high voltage installation during live line conditions, the apparatus including
a sampling head adapted to be mounted to one end of a hot stick in use, and
a sampling device mounted to the sampling head, the sampling device being adapted to collect a sample from the surface of the insulator upon manipulation of the hot stick by a user remote from the sampling device.
The sampling device is typically a sampling cartridge. Preferably, different sampling cartridges are interchangeably mountable on the sampling head.
In the preferred embodiment, one particular type of sampling cartridge is adapted to obtain a sliver of material from an insulator. Another type of cartridge is designed to obtain surface material from the insulator.
The sampling head preferably has biasing means to urge the sampling device into contact with the surface of the insulator. In one embodiment, the sampling head has a pivoting block or turret on which the sampling device is mounted. The turret can be cocked against the bias of a spring, and released when the sampling head makes contact with part of the insulator. Upon release of the biased turret, it pivots and places the sampling device onto the surface of the insulator, the bias applied to the turret also serving to keep the sampling device on the surface of the insulator.
By moving the sampling head remotely via the hot stick, a sliver or surface sample (depending on the particular sampling device being used) can be obtained. The sample is normally retained in the sampling device for further analysis.
This application also discloses a method of obtaining samples from an insulator, using the abovedescribed apparatus.
In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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patent: 5299464 (1994-04-01), Bennett
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patent: 31 36 770 A1 (1983-03-01), None
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Birtwhistle David
Blackmore Paul
Cash Gregory Anthony
Deabill Frank George
George Graeme Allan
Burns Doane , Swecker, Mathis LLP
Garber C D
Queensland University of Technology
Williams Hezron
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