Our new MONTESTO 200 combines on-line partial discharge (PD) measurement and temporary PD monitoring capabilities into one portable system. We asked MONTESTO product leader Andreas Cobet (AC) and product manager Frank Zokoll (FZ) to tell us how MONTESTO 200 makes performing on-line PD assessments in the field easier than before.
What is the benefit of on-line PD assessments?
AC: “On-line PD measurements and monitoring are performed while the asset is in service under regular operating conditions. They enable you to trend the impact that variable loads, temperature and vibration have on insulation condition over time to predict the risk of failure and plan maintenance accordingly.”
What have been the challenges up to now?
AC: “In the past, we received one critical piece of feedback from customers: Even though they considered on-line PD measurement and monitoring beneficial for trending insulation conditions in their electrical assets, system installation and data analysis were often too complicated and time-consuming for the average user. In addition, customers wanted a system that was more flexible for short-term and long-term use on multiple assets, rather than investing in multiple systems. That is when we decided to develop a portable on-line PD measurement and monitoring system that is easier to install and use on various assets in the field.”
How is MONTESTO 200 different?
FZ: “There are three primary features that make MONTESTO 200 the perfect solution for on-line PD measurements and monitoring in the field:
First, MONTESTO 200 is very versatile. It is designed for both indoor and outdoor use on various medium-voltage and high-voltage electrical assets under load, including motors and generators, power transformers and power cables. The same device used for on-line PD measurements onsite can be easily mounted on or near the asset and left unattended for temporary on-line PD monitoring. This versatility makes it possible for you to only invest in one system for assessing the insulation condition status of electrical assets throughout a utility or industrial plant.
Second, MONTESTO 200 is easy to setup. All you need for on-site PD measurements and temporary monitoring is included in a wheeled case for convenient transport from one asset to the next. MONTESTO 200 connects to pre-installed PD sensors via a special terminal box. Whenever you want to perform PD measurements or temporary PD monitoring on the asset, you simply connect MONTESTO 200 to the terminal box. This enables safe, plug-and-play connections while the asset is still online to avoid unnecessary downtime.
Third, MONTESTO 200 software is user friendly. Unique software features, such as 3PARD (3-Phase Amplitude Relation Diagram) and Automatic Cluster Separation, automatically separate noise from PD signals to help you quickly and reliably determine the signal source to locate defects. Data from third-party sensors can also be easily integrated for correlation with the PD data.”
Who are the primary users and applications for MONTESTO 200?
FZ: “Asset manufacturers, service companies, as well as maintenance teams at utilities and industrial sites will appreciate the versatility of MONTESTO 200. For example, the system can be used to clarify asset insulation issues during warranty periods and to periodically check the insulation condition during an asset’s service life. MONTESTO 200 will also help users to observe assets at risk over extended periods of time and to plan maintenance and investments based on asset condition.”
Discover more about MONTESTO 200 here.