CoroCAM4+Manual

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CoroCAM IV+ Your Corona Detection CameraUser ManualIssue 6 June 2004

Designed and manufactured by:Inspection and Control

CSIR


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CoroCAM IV+ : User manual Issue 6 Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................2

2 SYSTEM OVERVIEW ..............................................................................................2

2.1 F EATURES ....................................................................................................................32.2 P RINCIPLE OF OPERATION ............................................................................................3

3 CONSTRUCTION OF THE COROCAM IV+ ..........................................................4

3.1 T HE PHYSICAL COMPONENTS .......................................................................................43.2 T HE FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS ...................................................................................4

4 OPERATION..............................................................................................................6

4.1 U SING THE CORO CAM IV+ S YSTEM ...........................................................................6

4.2 C ORO CAM IV+ S OFTWARE . .......................................................................................74.2.1 BUTTONS....................................................................................................10 4.2.1.1 Button combinations.......................................................................................................................... 10 4.2.2 MODES........................................................................................................10 4.2.3 DISPLAY......................................................................................................11 4.2.4 MENUS........................................................................................................12 4.2.4.1 Visible Menu .................... ..................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ..................... ..... 13 4.2.4.1.1 Mirror menu....................................................................................................................................... 14 4.2.4.1.2 Colour menu ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ................... ..... 14 4.2.4.1.3 Zoom menu........................................................................................................................................ 14 4.2.4.1.4 Focus menu........................................................................................................................................ 14 4.2.4.2 UV menu ........................................................................................................................................... 14 4.2.4.2.1 Gain menu ......................................................................................................................................... 14

4.2.4.2.2 UV Colour menu ............................................................................................................................... 15 4.2.4.2.3 UV Display menu ...................... ..................... ...................... ..................... ..................... ................... 15 4.2.4.2.4 UV Window menu............................................................................................................................. 15 4.2.4.2.5 UV Mode menu ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ................... 15 4.2.4.2.6 UV Integration menu ................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... .............. 16 4.2.4.3 Settings menu .................................................................................................................................... 16 4.2.4.3.1 Editing the date and time ................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ..................... ......... 16 4.2.4.3.2 Editing the title .................................................................................................................................. 16 4.2.4.4 Freeze menu....................................................................................................................................... 17 4.2.4.5 Stabilise ..................... ...................... ...................... ...................... ...................... .................... ............ 17 4.2.4.6 Help menu ......................................................................................................................................... 17 4.3 E SSENTIAL PRECAUTIONS ..........................................................................................174.4 C HARGING THE BATTERY ...........................................................................................184.5 R ECORDING IMAGES ...................................................................................................18

5 MAINTENANCE .....................................................................................................19

6 SUPPORT.................................................................................................................19

APPENDIX A: System Specifications APPENDIX B: Spectral Irradiance of Corona and Solar Energy APPENDIX C: CoroCAM Applications APPENDIX D: Corona Types and How to Identify them APPENDIX E: CoroSOFT Features

APPENDIX F: Warranty APPENDIX G: Typical Images obtained with CoroCAM IV+

Copyright,2001 CSIR South Africa


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CoroCAM IV+ : User manual Issue 5 Page 2 _________________________________________________________________________________________________

1 Introduction

The CoroCAM (Corona Camera) family of ultraviolet viewers and imagers are acontinuing development by the CSIR, South Africa, to inspect high-voltageequipment for corona.

The monitoring of corona will assist the user in: identifying insulation problems identifying areas of high electrical stress identifying radio interference (RIV+) problem areas locating punctured insulators, defective arrestors, NCI with carbon tracks locating broken strands on transmission lines designing stress-relief rings (corona rings) and transmission line cable bundles monitoring flashover areas

performing pollution research on insulators quantifying corona which allows for the scheduling and pre-failure replacement

of insulators indicated defective with corona.

More camera applications are listed in Appendix C.

The CoroCAM System provides a video image of the corona spot. This informationis sufficient to determine the exact position of the corona and its possible cause.Since the video provides a moving image, it is possible to determine thecharacteristics of the corona and identify the type in question (see Appendix D for corona types and how to identify them).

The CoroCAM System complements the infrared scanner and telescope to providea comprehensive inspection package for high-voltage equipment. Defects areeasily located when the RAD provides conditions for corona development.

The CoroCAM system will assist the user in: reducing maintenance costs, for example by monitoring a corona source in its

development and scheduling repairs before failure. improving safety, for example by inspecting NC insulators on transmission lines enhancing system reliability, for example by tracing RIV+ sources.

The CoroCAM IV+ is a leading model in solar-blind or daytime corona detectionand was specifically designed for the location of corona during daylight conditions.

2 System Overview

This chapter describes the features, the principle of operation and the systemcomponents of the CoroCAM IV+.The CoroCAM IV+ is a member of the CoroCAM family of Ultra-violet imagingsystems. The camera includes the latest daylight technology for inspecting high-



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voltage transmission components in service. CoroCAM IV+ is portable, highlyautomated, easy to use, and will work during daylight or, with the help of artificiallight, at night.

CoroCAM IV+ is a quick diagnostic tool. It illustrates areas of high voltage

electrical stress and RIV sources and allows for monitoring of potential flashover areas in all conditions.

2.1 Features

The following are features of CoroCAM IV+:

It can operate in daylight or at night (with the help of artificial light). It produces a video image of the corona superimposed on the test object. This

allows the user to determine the exact location of the corona. It is portable, ie it fits into a carry-case and is powered by a clip-on

rechargeable battery lasting approx 4 hours/charge. It is a pick up and go device requiring little or no assembly on removal from its

carry-case. Its output can be connected to a suitable portable video recorder that allows for

the recording of results on site. It has the option of a durable battery belt, with battery charger, instead of

mounting the battery on the camera.

2.2 Principle of operation

Corona is a phenomenon that results from the ionising of air due to a high electricor electrostatic field. These fields often form as a result of poor electric fielddistribution and/or choosing incorrect parameters during design and/or environmental pollution deposits during operation.

During this ionisation, the electrons in the gases continuously gain and releaseenergy. When the electrons release the energy, light and sound waves areradiated. The CoroCAM system detects and produces images of the light-wavesgenerated by the corona. The light/sound waves are directional, requiring line-of-sight visibility to be inspected.

The frequency of this light falls in a spectrum that is specific to the gas beingionised. In air, it is mainly nitrogen gas, and its spectrum mainly falls within that of ultra-violet (UV) light, i.e. between = 280-400 nm. There is, however, a smallportion of the energy that is below 280nm. This wavelength falls into the solar-blind spectrum and is used in the detection of corona in the CoroCAM IV+. Nosolar radiation occurs between 240-280 nm, due to the ozone layer surroundingthe earth stopping the suns energy, so only terrestrial radiation is detected. Thespectral irradiance of corona and solar energy is illustrated in Appendix B.

There are many man-made sources of ultraviolet light including arc welding,electric corona and flames. These UV sources can also reflect from water dropletsin the air and appear like a snowstorm.



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In the CoroCAM system, a sophisticated lens and filter system projects the UVlight onto an electro- optical device (one image converter and monochromecamera). The monochrome camera, with the help of a spectrum converter (converting radiation from one particular wavelength to another one), is used for

the detection of corona in the solar blind spectrum. The normal image is projectedthrough an optical device onto a colour camera. The two resultant images arecombined and presented as one colour image to the user.

The image can be observed in the viewfinder in real time. Images can betransferred to a monitor or video recorder and/or computer for later analysis.

3 Construction of the CoroCAM IV+

3.1 The physical components

CoroCAM IV+ Camerao Camera body containing:

- The colour day light camera for background image- The UVc channel camera for the corona image

o Viewfinder Lens cap and hood Pistol grip handle for camera Video output cable for recording Clip-on battery pack Battery belt , power cable and charger Battery charger cable Remote control box and cable (if fitted)

3.2 The functional components

The functional components refer to all the components of the CoroCAM IV+system that the user needs to know about in order to operate the cameracorrectly.

LensThe lens is a 110 mm quartz refractive lens. The lens aperture should bekept clean and protected with a lens cap when not in use. Focussing for thedaylight channel is automatic and for the UVc channel is motorised.

CamerasThe system includes a monochrome hi-resolution camera and asophisticated colour camera. The video output is in standard PAL (or optional NTSC) format, and can be viewed or recorded with anything that isPAL (or optional NTSC) compatible.



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Viewfinder The viewfinder is pivot mounted on top of the CoroCAM housing. The focusring is located immediately behind the eyepiece.

Power Switch

There is one switch on the side of the camera (illustrated as main switch)for switching on the camera.

Video out

Power in from

Batter belt

Control cableout

Remote Control Box

HoodThe hood is collapsible and lightweight. It must always be fitted onto thefront of the lens to protect it from stray light. The camera will function better with the hood.

HandleThe handle screws into the rear camera mount onthe bottom of the camera.

Tripod support mount



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The camera can be supported on a lightweight tripod or a monopod. Thetripod can be connected to the standard tripod mount n x 20 NC tappingon the bottom of the camera, where the handle is connected. Make surethat the mounting screw does NOT exceed a length of 4 mm becauselonger lengths may not secure the camera on the tripod

CablesThree cables are supplied with the camera: - a power cable which connects the camera to an external 14 V-battery

belt (part of the battery belt).- a mains power cable for the battery charger. - a video cable which connects the cameras video output to a video

recorder or any other video device.

BatteryThe battery is a Nickel Metalhydride battery with a fuel gauge availableworld wide from any Anton Bauer representative. See the web sitewww.antonbauer.com It has a 50WH capacity that is good for approximately 4 hours operation.For more details, see the battery operating instructions supplied by themanufacturer.

Battery-beltThe adjustable battery-belt can be placed around the waist or slung over the shoulder of the user.

Charger The charger is purpose made to charge the Ni-Mh batteries as required. Ithas several functions that are described in the operating instructionsmanual. The charger unit input voltage range is 90 Vac to 240 Vac. Thecharger can simultaneously operate the camera as well as charging thebattery.

Remote controlThe remote control box and cable allow the camera to be controlled from adistance. The Remote control cable plugs into the socket on the bottom of the control button block on the side of the camera. The remote control

functions duplicate those on the camera, which can still be used when theremote control is fitted, except for the Gain control that is over-ridden bythe Remote control box gain when switching on the camera on the remotecontrol box. The power cable that connects the camera to an external 14V-battery belt also plugs into the Remote control box.

4 Operation

4.1 Using the CoroCAM IV+ System

The CoroCAM IV+ is a very user-friendly system and is easy to operate. Use thefollowing steps when setting up the camera with gain control feature:

http://www.antonbauer.com/http://www.antonbauer.com/


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1. Remove the camera from the case.2. Mount camera handle or mount to a tripod.3. Connect the charged battery to the camera housing or into the belt and

connect the belt to the camera (bottom connector).

4. Connect the video cable if video recording is required.5. Remove the lens cap and deploy the hood in order to prevent stray light from

entering the lens.6. Switch on the camera using the Power switch on the left-hand side of the

camera7. Point the camera to the object under investigation and observe the background

image and the corona image.Remember that the default focus position for the background image (colour)camera is automatic. Therefore it is not required to make any focus adjustmentfor the daylight camera.

8. Adjust the corona focus position until the observed corona is in focus at theviewfinder. Start the focussing process by placing the UVc focussingmechanism on infinity, i.e. press the front focus button for 5 seconds so thatthe UVc channel focus is on infinity and then move the focus position closer. If the corona image is blurred and there are many white speckles around thesuspect area press the rear focus button until the corona source is welldefined and there are less white speckles.

9. Adjust the eyepiece on the viewfinder to ensure the object is projected in focusat the users eye.

10. Adjust the gain on the control box until the corona is observed, 0% no gainand 100% setting maximum gain.

Notes: Maximum gain setting is usually not the best setting because most of the

time there would be too much additional corona noise seen and the actualcause of the corona is then hidden by the noise. It is suggested that thegain is set at 80% initially and then adjusted until the corona is just visible.

If the user wishes to see either minute corona discharges or only thecorona image then select the UV colour menu option and scroll throughuntil the UV only screen is selected.

For best viewing results get as close as possible to the object but adhere tothe prescribed safety standards. Note that the UV light decreases in a

squared function with distance. If you hear the corona but dont see it remember the source could beobscured by the physical structure and therefore it is recommended to tryan alternative observation position

Always use a tripod for making quality recordings

4.2 CoroCAM IV+ Software.The CCIV+ software has the following functions:

UV photon noise reduction. Corona sensitivity enhancement. Photon counting.



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Title editing/display. Video freeze function. Date/Time editing/display. UV gain indication (software and hardware gain). Visible (colour) image processing. Visible image zoom. Corona colour setting (some opaque, some transparent). UV processing window size selection

The software performs three main functions:

1) UV Image integration. The basic operation of the integration software is toperform a moving average of a number of video fields. This serves toremove the UV noise photons which are much more random (in time) thancorona photons. It is done by summing (integrating) the most recent x image fields (number specified by user) and dividing by the number of summed fields. By decreasing the dividing factor (also user selectable), theaveraging operation becomes more of a summing operation thus increasingthe sensitivity of the instrument. Due to the length of the average sample(64 video frames) the integrated image can take up to 10 seconds to updatewhen the camera is moved.

The averaging process may be envisaged as follows (for x=4 and dividefactor=4):

Input Video Frames:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Time

Etc ...

4

4

Output Video frames:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

2) Live UV image with photon counting . Photon counting simply counts the number of photons in each video frame, performs a moving average of this count anddisplays the result as a number at the top of the video image. This could be

used to test or calibrate the instrument, as well as providing an indication of corona intensity. There are 2 counts displayed. The first number displays the



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4.2.1 BUTTONS

Down Select Up

The three buttons at the front left of the camera control all software functions:

1. UP - The top button moves up through menus.2. SELECT - The middle button executes the selected function.3. DOWN - The bottom button moves down through menus.

4.2.1.1 Button combinations.Certain special button combinations are used for title and date/time editing (rather than using the normal menu system). This has been done to allow faster editingwith only three buttons.

4.2.2 MODESThere are two UV modes: Live mode and integration mode. In the live mode noprocessing is performed on the UV image which passes straight through to thedisplay. A photon count is displayed only in the live mode. In the integration modea moving average of up to the previous 64 image fields is displayed. The modemay be set in the UV image menu.



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4.2.3 DISPLAYThe following two images show the positions of various indications on the videoimage. The first shows a typical integrated image and the second a typical liveimage.

Fig 1. Typical integrating mode display.

Fig 2. Typical live mode display.

TitlePhotoncount

UV gainindication

UV displaymode

Zoomindication

Software UVgain indication

Date/Time dis la

UV colour indication

Freezemode

Manualfocus

Menu

Visible imagemonochrome

UVc corona

Colour (visible)image



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The menu structure is as follows:

GAINUpDownExit

UV DISPLAYTransparentOpaqueExit

UV WINDOWLargeSmallExit

MODEIntegrateLive+CountExit

INTEGRATION

IncreaseDecreaseExit

MIRRORInvertNormalExit

COLOURColour MonochromeExit

ZOOMTeleWideDefaultExit

FOCUS Auto

ManualExit

VISIBLE+Mirror +Colour +Zoom+FocusExit

UV

+S/W gainUV Colour +UV Display+UV Window+UV Mode+IntegrationExit

SETTINGSDate/TimeTitleExit

MAIN+Visible+UV+settingsFreezeStabiliseHelpExit

4.2.4.1 Visible Menu

The visible menu controls all aspects of the visible (colour) image. This includesthe colour of the image as well as the zoom. These functions are useful inidentifying the cause of corona.



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4.2.4.1.1 Mirror menuThe mirror menu allows one to invert the colours of the visible image. In certainsituations this provides better contrast. In the inverted mode the text NEG.ART isdisplayed. The options are Invert and Normal .

4.2.4.1.2 Colour menuThe colour menu allows one to display the colour image as a monochrome image.This provides better contrast on monochrome displays (such as the eyepiece) andunder low light level conditions. In the monochrome mode the text B&W (black andwhite) is displayed. The options are Colour and Monochrome .

4.2.4.1.3 Zoom menuThis allows the user to closely examine and identify the potential physical cause of corona. Remember only the visible image is zoomed . This results in differentscales for the visible and UV images. A default zoom position has been included atwhich point both the scales are equal. During zooming a slide bar showing thecurrent zoom is displayed. The options are Tele (zoom in), Wide (zoom out) andDefault (zoom to default zoom position). Also during zooming a small window isshown in the centre of the screen. This can be used to aim at the object beinginspected to ensure that it remains in the screen view when zoomed.

Note: At lower magnification the zoom is done optically. At high magnification thezoom is performed digitally which results in a slightly lower resolution image. Thevertical divide in the middle of the bar indicates the change from Optical to Digitalzoom.

4.2.4.1.4 Focus menuCertain conditions may result in poor auto-focussing. A manual focus has beenincluded to overcome this problem. Every time the SELECT button is pressed over the manual focus menu the camera will focus once and then remain at that focus.Manual focus mode is indicated by an icon of a hand. The options are Auto andManual .

4.2.4.2 UV menuThe UV menu controls all aspects of the UV (corona) image. This includes the

software gain, colour, corona transparency, processing window size andprocessing mode.

4.2.4.2.1 Gain menuThe UV channel gain may be altered in the gain menu. The gain is set in steps to1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64. The gain setting is displayed on the right of the screen asa bar graph and a percentage figure. In the live mode the gain has no meaningand is not displayed. Increasing the gain increases the corona sensitivity as wellas photon noise. Decreasing the gain decreases corona sensitivity as well asphoton noise. The gain defaults to 1 at power on. The options are Up (increasegain) and Down (decrease gain).



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4.2.4.2.2 UV Colour menuIn certain conditions the corona and text may be difficult to see against thebackground visible image. To improve visibility the colour may be set to one of eight different colours:1: invert

2: transparent purple3: transparent red4: transparent blue5: Monochrome6: transparent grey7: solid black8: solid whiteThe colour is indicated at the lower centre of the image. The camera boots up inthe solid white colour. The monochrome colour (number 5) completely hides thevisible background image while displaying only the UV image in white. The colour is changed by repeatedly pressing the SELECT button over the UV Colour menu.

4.2.4.2.3 UV Display menuThis function has been deleted from the camera and is replaced by the solid colour and transparent colour selections in the UV colour menu

4.2.4.2.4 UV Window menuThere are two selectable windows (small and large) in which the UV image isprocessed. Selecting a smaller window speeds up the processing rate whiledecreasing the processed area and vice-versa. A smaller window is also useful inthe Live (photon counting) mode where more noise photons can be rejected (thoseoutside the window). The processing window is displayed as a rectangle in thecentre of the screen. The camera boots up with a large window. The options areLarge and Small .

4.2.4.2.5 UV Mode menuThere are two processing modes, Live and Integration.

In the live mode, a live (unprocessed) UV video image is displayed together with

the photon count. The photon count is averaged over a period of 1 second toprovide a less noisy count value. Only those photons inside the displayedprocessing window are counted. The count value is displayed at the top of thescreen.

In the integration mode, the UV image is averaged over 64 video frames. Thisreduces photon noise while increasing corona sensitivity. A photon count is notdisplayed in this mode since it does not relate to the average image beingdisplayed.

The software boots up in live mode. The options are Integrate and Live+Count .



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Never point the camera directly into the sun, as this will damage the colour camera.

Turn off the camera when not being used. In order to ensure trouble-free hours of operation always use a fully

charged battery. Only use the supplied battery. When a 12 V external supply is used, ensure

that the polarity is correctly connected (pin 1 is ground and pin 4 is +ve)and that the supply is not more than 14 V or less than 10,5 V.

Always fit the lens cap over the lens aperture after use. If the camera is placed on a tripod or other platform, use the correct

standard mounting thread. The mounting screw should NOT extend more than 4 mm into the camera

housing. Do not expose the camera to temperatures lower than -10 C.

4.4 Charging the battery

A 220V/90Vac converter is supplied together with the battery belt. Connect theconverter to mains and clip it to the battery belt for charging the battery. Thebattery will recharge in approximately 2 hours. The CoroCAM can be operated for approximately 4 hours on a fully charged battery.

4.5 Recording images

Use a RCA video cable to connect the camera to a PAL (optional NTSC) videorecorder. Place the appropriate end of the video cable into the connector holder atthe bottom of the camera. The other end can be connected to either a VCR or amonitor.

Make sure that the video cable is always firmly connected to prevent failedrecordings. If necessary connect a monitor to the VCR video output to verify thatthere is a video signal.



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5 Maintenance

In normal usage, no maintenance is required. When the lens has dirt on itssurface, remove this by applying synthetic alcohol sprinkled on a soft tissue andwipe the window surface.

6 Support

Contact numbers and Web address:Mr Roel Stolper

Tel: +27 12 841-2817Fax: +27 12 841-4038Email: [email protected]

Web address: www.corocam.com

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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APPENDIX A:System Specifications

Optics:

Field of View: 8 Horizontal 6 VerticalFocus range: 2m to infinity

Detector sensitivity:

Lifetime: Infinite under normal usage

Video camera output:

Camera Resolution: 460 (H) TV lines (NTSC / PAL)Scanning Resolution: 525 lines EIA (NTSC) / 625 lines CCIR (PAL)

Physical Dimensions:

Length: 310 mmWidth: 120 mmHeight: 170 mmWeight: approx. 3,6 kg excluding battery

Viewfinder:

Type: Monochrome viewfinder (optional LCD available on requestMounting: Positioned on top of the camera with an adjustable eye

focus mechanism

Battery Belt and charger:

Power supply: re-chargeable Ni-Mh cellsBattery operation time: approx 4 hoursCharger power supply: 90V to 250VAC @ 50-60 Hz

Temperature range:

Storage temperature: - 5 to 50 COperating temperature: - 10 to 55 C (at a humidity of up to 95% RH)



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APPENDIX B:

Spectral Irradiance of Corona and Solar Energy



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APPENDIX C:CoroCAM Applications

1. Corona will always appear where the electrical field strength per square area of a surface is high enough to ionise the surrounding air. This ionisation processgenerates at certain frequencies - a radio influence signal (RIV-radio influencevoltage). When this corona source is close enough to a residentialneighbourhood it creates RI signals on TV sets.

2. A very important camera application is the detection of partial dischargesaround insulator rings, which indicate a potential flashover danger, resulting ina power failure. The amounts of discharge and corona on insulator surfacesindicate the rate of air pollution on the surface as well. This information will helpthe electricity supplier to determine at what time intervals the insulators shouldbe washed.

3. The camera can detect loose strands on overhead transmission lines, whichcould generate RI signals to the neighbourhood.

4. The camera can easily detect spark gaps on 11 kV overhead distribution lines.Many RIV cases at distribution poles are caused by poor workmanship onclamping, bolting and finishing of wires, resulting in small air gaps with differentvoltage levels due to the leakage current along the pole. These gaps act asspark gaps and generate RIV. It is also possible for the wooden poles to catchfire. By scanning this particular problem pole, the spark gap can easily be seenby the camera.

5. Newly released high-voltage designs and products can be tested for coronaperformance by exposing them to the camera.

6. Corona audits on new substations can easily be carried out. The newinstallation can be checked for workmanship, finishing, etc. by scanning theinstallation with the camera.

7. The camera can be used as a preventive maintenance tool. In order tounderstand this type of application during a demonstration, compare theCoroCAM with the better-known IR-camera. The CoroCAM can detect the first

signals of insulation breakdown between different voltage levels at an earlystage. The IR-camera reveals poor connection problems and the CoroCAMreveals poor insulation problems. By using both cameras, the entire field of maintenance can be covered.

8. The recordings made with CoroCAM could be used to train line workers inquality standards of workmanship.



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APPENDIX D:Corona Types and How to Identify Them

This is a brief practical guide to assist in identifying types of corona when usingCoroCAM. This guide is by no means complete, but it is a good starting point for those who have not had any experience with corona.

Three corona/discharge types are discussed:

1. Negative flame like corona

This corona typically occurs on a negatively charged conductor, i.e. duringthe negative half of the mains cycle. This type looks like a flame and it isvariable, always changing its shape, direction and size. It is very sensitive toenvironment changes. It also has an audible (sound) pitch at roughly doublethe mains frequency (i.e. 100 Hz) or a multiple thereof.

2. Spark gaps

Spark gaps typically form between two insulated but nearby metallic plates.The leakage current along the pole induces a voltages level across theplates, and there is a discharge between them. These discharges arenormally hard to locate because they are not directly connected to the high-voltage supply.With CoroCAM, the spark gap will look small, constant and very bright. It hasan audible pitch higher than that of the negative corona, and does not seem

related to the mains frequency.Spark gaps typically cause a great deal of radio and television interference.(i.e. high RI)

3. Positive glow corona discharge

The positive glow corona discharge forms on a positively charged conductor.(i.e. during the positive half of the mains cycle.) It is typically found on sharppoints. The corona is small and looks like a glow around the point. It is arelatively weak corona source and emits very little audible sound.

How serious is the corona/discharge in terms of RIV?

Generally:

All spark gaps cause severe RIV. If the corona is at all visible with the eye (at night), then it is causing severe

RIV. (Use the CoroCAM to quickly locate all the corona sources and then try tosee them with the naked eye.)

A positive glow corona does not cause severe RIV.



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APPENDIX E:

CoroSOFT Features :

IntroductionThis software has been developed to complement the CoroCAM camera byeffectively managing corona, generating reports, and assists in predicting andlocating potential failures.

A number of functions aid the effective management of corona. These include: capturing the data, management of the data, a data reference book, image enhancement facilities, geometric analysis of the image,

easy report generation

Capturing image data is easy and flexible and of the highest quality. Images canbe captured into the database from a variety of sources. These include videosources and other media such as scanners or other complementary software.This flexibility provides scope for creating a much more comprehensive databaseincluding all aspects of the problem. (e.g. Infrared images, Photographs, PD or Oscilloscope printouts, etc. can be imported into the database)

Keeping track of the data is essential for any data capturing software. CoroCAMsoftware provides the user with a number of labels (i.e. User, Place, Equipment,Date, Time, Comments, Markers) to help keep track of data and effectively manage it.

The user can build up a Reference Book of good examples. This is useful for onsite comparisons or tutoring.

An Image enhancement toolbox allows the user to achieve even better qualityimages for report generation. The enhancements available include pseudocolouring, snow reduction, image sharpening, etc.



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APPENDIX F:

Terms and conditions of guarantee for CoroCAM Systems

1. Introduction

1.1 The CSIR reserves the right at all times and without prior notice to changethese terms and conditions. Such changes will not be applicable toCoroCAM Systems supplied prior to notice of the changes in the terms of the guarantee having been given to the other contracting party.

1.2 In this guarantee, the singular shall incorporate the plural unless the contextindicates otherwise.

2. The Guarantee

2.1 The CSIR warrants that CoroCAM Systems will be manufactured and/or produced in accordance with current specifications and that the systemsare free from defects in the materials used, including defects in thesoftware, and faulty workmanship.

2.2 The guarantee shall accordingly apply to any failure in the operation of theCoroCAM System, supplied by the CSIR, which arises from a defect inmaterials used or workmanship.

2.3 This guarantee shall apply for a period of one year from the date of deliveryof the system.

2.4 CSIR shall, in terms of this guarantee, remedy any failure by adjusting,repairing or replacing the system in question.

2.5 The CSIR shall not be liable for any damage or failure of the CoroCAMSystem caused by another person or entity.2.6 The CSIR will not be liable for consequential damage arising as a result of a

defect in or failure of the CoroCAM System. This exclusion shall not belimited in time.

2.7 All decisions relating to the application of the guarantee as well as theappropriate remedy in terms of the guarantee shall be at the sole discretionof the CSIR.

3. Conditions for the guarantee to apply:

3.1 The CoroCAM System must be operated according to its specifications aswell as any additional instructions issued by the CSIR, none of which maybe exceeded even occasionally.

3.2 The CoroCAM System must be used for the purpose for which it is intendedand no other.

3.3 Unless by written agreement with the CSIR, the CoroCAM System must notbe mounted on any installation that does, or may, affect unfavourably theoperation or life expectancy of the system or any of its parts.

3.4 The CoroCAM System must be transported, unpacked, otherwise handled,installed and used by persons with knowledge and experience of suchsystems, and without negligence or recklessness.



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3.5 The CSIR must be afforded the opportunity to examine the CoroCAMSystem alleged to be defective, and if necessary, the CSIR must be givenaccess to the equipment in which the CoroCAM System is installed.

3.6 The CoroCAM System must not be tampered with in any way.3.7 After delivery and installation of the CoroCAM System, the consignee must

conduct tests according to the instructions supplied by the CSIR toestablish the condition of the system. In the event that the system fails thetests, the service report supplied with the system shall be completed andreturned to the CSIR within seven days of the failure.

3.8 If, after despatch of the CoroCAM System by the CSIR to the consignee,the system is or has to be stored for a period of three months or more for any reason whatsoever, the instructions relating to the maintenance of theCoroCAM System must be complied with.

3.9 In the event of failure of the CoroCAM System the CSIR must be notifiedimmediately and such notification shall be followed within seven days by acompleted service report to confirm and describe the failure.

3.10 If, at the time of the receipt of the CoroCAM System, there is manifestdamage to the system the consignee shall immediately:

3.10.1 assess the extent of the damage insofar as the consignee is able todo so and prepare a written report of such assessment;

3.10.2 make a claim against the carrier, if appropriate;3.10.3 notify the consignees insurers and make an appropriate claim for

indemnity and/or compensation;3.10.4 notify the CSIR and submit to it a copy of the report referred to

above.

3.11 All records and reports relating to defects and/or failures in the CoroCAMSystem, as referred to in clauses 3.8, 3.9 and 3.10, must have beensubmitted to the CSIR within the time period stipulated. All informationrequested by the CSIR in response to such records and reports must alsobe supplied in a timely manner.

4. Return of the CoroCAM System to the CSIR

4.1 In the event that the CoroCAM System is returned to the CSIR, whether atthe request of the CSIR or at the insistence of the consignee

4.1.1 the system shall be packed in the same manner employed by theCSIR and in the same materials used by the CSIR

4.1.2 the same method of transport as was employed in the despatch of the system shall be used

4.2 The CSIR shall not be responsible for any damage arising during thetransportation of the system.

4.3 All transport and insurance costs arising from the return of the system to theCSIR are the responsibility of the consignee unless otherwise agreed inwriting with the CSIR.



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APPENDIX G:

Typical images obtained with CoroCAM IV+

Typical image from UV channel



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CoroCAM IV+ (live image recording)

CoroCAM IV+ Recordings (in integration mode)

Corona discharges on a steel bird guard structureon DC line (-375kV)



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CoroCAM IV+ Recording (in integration mode)

Corona discharges on a non ceramic insulator due to an internal carbon track anda punctured hole (132kV)

Documents

CoroCAM4+Manual