Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Prepared By
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
April, 2005
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction.................................................................................................................3
2 Using and Interpreting the Baseline Study ................................................................. 5
3 BCTC Asset Management Strategy ........................................................................... 7
3.1 High Level Asset Management Principles............................................................. 7
3.2 Differences from Historical Practice ...................................................................... 9
3.3 Prioritization........................................................................................................... 9
3.4 Asset Strategy by Class ...................................................................................... 11
3.4.1 Circuit Breakers ............................................................................................... 11
3.4.2 Disconnect Switches ....................................................................................... 14
3.4.3 Circuit Switchers.............................................................................................. 15
3.4.4 Transformers/Tap Changers (excluding HVDC).............................................. 16
3.4.5 Instrument Transformers ................................................................................. 18
3.4.6 Shunt Reactors................................................................................................ 19
3.4.7 Shunt Capacitors ............................................................................................. 20
3.4.8 Station Insulators............................................................................................. 21
3.4.9 Substation Cables and Terminations............................................................... 22
3.4.10 Synchronous Condensers ............................................................................. 23
3.4.11 Gas Insulated Switchgear.............................................................................. 24
3.4.12 Static Var Compensators............................................................................... 26
3.4.13 High Pressure Air Systems............................................................................ 27
3.4.14 Protection and Control Systems .................................................................... 28
3.4.15 Surge Arrestors ............................................................................................. 31
3.4.16 Station Grounding & Surface Treatment ....................................................... 32
3.4.17 Batteries ........................................................................................................ 33
3.4.18 Stand-By Generators and Fuel Systems ....................................................... 34
3.4.19 Facilities General........................................................................................... 35
3.4.20 Fire Protection Systems ................................................................................ 37
3.4.21 Microwave Equipment ................................................................................... 38
3.4.22 Power Line Carrier Equipment ...................................................................... 40
3.4.23 Series Capacitors .......................................................................................... 41
3.4.24 HVDC Pole 1 ................................................................................................. 42
3.4.25 HVDC Pole 2 ................................................................................................. 43
3.4.26 Conductor Systems ....................................................................................... 44
3.4.27 Metal Support Structures............................................................................... 46
3.4.28 Wood Pole Structures.................................................................................... 48
3.4.29 Vegetation / Rights-of-Way............................................................................ 50
3.4.30 Access Roads................................................................................................ 53
3.4.31 Civil Works..................................................................................................... 55
3.4.32 Underground and Submarine Cables & Oil Systems .................................... 57
3.4.33 Manholes & Duct Systems ............................................................................ 59
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1 Introduction
British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC) was established as a British
Columbia Crown Corporation to manage, maintain and operate the BC Hydro
Transmission System (Transmission System) and to provide transparent, open access
to transmission services. The Transmission Asset Condition Assessment project
(Baseline Study) was conducted to fulfill a requirement with BC Hydro under Article 7 of
the Asset Management and Maintenance Agreement (AMMA), one of the key
agreements establishing BC Transmission Corporation (BCTC) as an independent
transmission company.
o Assess the current state of health of the Transmission System Assets in order to
establish a baseline for measuring the performance of BCTC.
o Satisfy requirements of the Asset Management and Maintenance Agreement
between BCTC and BC Hydro which requires an independent expert audit
opinion of asset condition every 3 years.
o Document the methodology and define a repeatable process that can be used in
future audits.
o Develop best practice asset health metrics for the Transmission System Assets.
o Use the Asset Health Indices developed as an input to planning and decision
making for present and future capital replacement and expensed maintenance
requirements.
Before reviewing and interpreting the results of the Baseline Study, and it is important to
understand the scope of the study. AMMA specified that the project had to be
completed within a 12 month window following commencement. As assessing the
health of the Transmission System Assets was potentially a massive undertaking taking
years and tens of thousands of resource hours to complete, the scope and approach
had to be designed to meet time and budget constraints set jointly by BCTC and BC
Hydro. To put this into perspective, the Transmission System Assets1 include over:
1
Assets designated as Substation Distribution Assets are specifically excluded from these counts.
3
- 97,000 spans of overhead conductor (~18,000 circuit km);
- 20,000 metal support structures;
- 67,000 wood pole structures;
- 1.3 million support structure insulators;
- 338 km of underground and submarine cable;
- And many other assets and critical sub-components spelled out in detail in
the body of the Baseline Study.
For purposes of analysis and reporting, the transmission assets were categorized into 33
classes of items with similar characteristics or functions.
The biggest challenge in conducting the Baseline Study was gathering the right data in
sufficient quantity to arrive at a meaningful result. Given the constraints in time, budget,
impact to system availability and impact to the equipment, the scope of the study could
not include testing or invasive inspection of specific equipment items to capture new
condition data not already being collected. The same constraints did not allow for the
transformation of paper based records in the field to electronic form, or the design,
implementation or modification of technology infrastructure to enable the systematic
capture of data used to calculate the health indices.
The data used to define the baseline results was generally based on available data in
reasonable electronic form from existing systems. While it was possible to do some
evaluation of data (form, quantity and quality) at the outset of the project, it was not
possible to evaluate every system or record, or to anticipate in advance every data
element required, as the Health Indices had not yet been developed.
As part of that initial evaluation, it was determined that a significant amount of the
expected condition assessment data for substation equipment did not exist in a useable
format, and some manual data collection would be required to produce a meaningful
result. As collecting data on each piece of substation equipment in every substation was
cost prohibitive, a statistical sampling approach was utilized, and approximately half of
the substations were visited by field teams to perform visual inspections of equipment,
and if practical, review field records for further information. The field teams collecting
this data were qualified personnel with knowledge of the assets, selected through a
competitive process to conduct the work. Acres designed the data collection forms,
specified the data to be gathered and trained the teams to be able to consistently
evaluate the condition ratings, using training guides and photographs of real examples
from the field.
There was somewhat more condition data available in existing databases for calculation
of the overhead transmission and underground cable Health Indices than for substation
assets. For those assets, Acres performed a review of the data collection processes to
ensure that the raw data collected during on-going maintenance and inspection activities
had been accurately transferred to the relevant databases.
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2 Using and Interpreting the Baseline Study
When looking at the detailed results of the Baseline Study it is important to establish the
context and a frame of reference from which the results should be assessed. As
indicated in Figure 2.1 below, there are a number of considerations that go into
managing the assets. The health or condition of the asset, which was the focus of the
Baseline Study, is only one such consideration. The Baseline Study does not assess
the performance of the assets either individually or as a system, nor is it an assessment
of asset value or the overall performance of the business.
BUSINESS
PERFORMANCE
Protection of Business Value
SYSTEM
PERFORMANCE
ASSET
PERFORMANCE
ASSET
CONDITION
Except for items like real property, all assets have a lifecycle, and eventually will have to
be replaced or renewed in some fashion. There is not necessarily a single right
condition rating or health index value at any point in the lifecycle, except when an asset
is new and is expected to be in very good condition (even that is not always the case).
As individual assets operate under different conditions, it is normal to expect a
distribution of asset condition results that will move through stages if the asset is being
managed effectively, and both cost and performance are considered in making
decisions. Asset Health will depend on many factors, as outlined in the discussion of
degradation criteria for each asset in the Baseline Study (Section x.3 of each chapter in
the Baseline Study report).
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While analogous to assessing the health of a human body, asset health in the utility
industry is not as well advanced. There is not an industry standard definition or
methodology to assess asset health, and it is not an exact science. As with the human
body, wide scale exploratory internal inspections are not practical and not always
possible. Professional judgement is still required, and therefore differences of
professional opinion will exist, and is the reason Acres was brought in to perform the
assessment as a qualified but unbiased third party.
As outlined in the introduction above, the project time and budget constraints did not
allow for exhaustive collection of all of the data required for asset health measurements
to be completed. Threshold levels of data were set by Acres for the asset health index
measurements to be qualified as valid (explained in more detail in Acres introduction to
the Baseline Study, and for each asset class in the Baseline Study report). If insufficient
data was available for an asset class, modifications to the ideal health index formulation
were attempted, leading to a less than ideal health index measurement, but still
providing a reasonable indication of asset health. There were four classes of assets
where no result was possible. In three of these classes (station insulators, access roads
and civil works) data to support a health index has simply never been recorded in the
past. For the fourth class, Wood Pole Structures, some data was available, but it was
deemed by Acres to be too inconsistent to report a meaningful result.
Despite the realities of incomplete data and some inherent subjectivity in assessing
Asset Health, the Baseline Study does provide directional guidance in managing the
assets and guiding the strategy with a clarity far advanced from any previous attempts.
BCTC is in agreement with the results, which are consistent with BCTCs view of the
health of the assets prior to the study taking place. BCTC believes that collection of
additional data would not have had a significant impact on the overall result, and that for
the Baseline Study there was the appropriate balance applied between quality of the
results and value for money.
The amount of data used to calculate the health index will increase for future updates of
asset health, as more of the required data will be collected through ongoing
maintenance and inspection activity. The Health Indices may also evolve over time as
more experience with them is gained, but BCTC is aware of the need for appropriate due
diligence around any changes, both to avoid changes due to individual preference and to
document the impact on previously reported results.
As indicated by Acres in the Baseline Study report, a health or condition rating does not
by itself imply a specific course of action or timing, without consideration of the operating
context, risk and financial implications, and of course the overall strategy for managing a
particular asset. Section 3, below, outlines the strategy and philosophy at both a system
level and an asset class level that corresponds to the grouping of assets in the Baseline
Study. It provides further context and a sense of the direction BCTC is going in
addressing the state of Health and Maintenance of the Transmission System.
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3 BCTC Asset Management Strategy
As a new entity, BCTC has been highly focused on a number of tactical considerations
in defining processes and implementing technology to support the day to day operation
and management of the Transmission System. As those start-up initiatives are being
completed, more energy is being directed to reviewing and/or defining appropriate long
term strategies to manage the assets. This section is intended to provide an overview
how BCTC currently views the assets, which should provide additional context and
insight for interpreting the results of the Baseline Study.
1. BCTC will apply a lifecycle approach to managing the assets, similar to that
shown in Figure 3.1 below.
Capital
Asset Planning
Strategy Repairs
Planning
Capital
Strategy Concept/
Maintenance
Design
Procurement Planning
Decommission
Revenue & Renewal
Strategy Contract
Management
Commission &
Value Early Life
Determination Replace &
Operation Improve
Risk
Mitigation Repair
Network
Risk Maintain
Evaluation Network
Figure 3.1
BCTC will include a rigorous financial analysis that will include calculation
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of Net Present Value (NPV) and benefit / cost ratio. Factors that will be
considered include:
8
3.2 Differences from Historical Practice
BCTC continues to support RCM as a key component of the overall asset management
strategy, but views RCM as a maintenance philosophy, not an asset management
strategy. In its role as a centralized Asset Manager, BCTC brings focus and consistent
application of RCM principles. The single view of the asset inherent in this new business
model means that BCTC can consistently develop and apply the asset management
strategy, and is able to better prioritize based on implications for overall Transmission
System performance.
The exercise of conducting the Baseline Study identified a number of gaps in virtually all
asset categories that must be filled in order to compute a Health Index as prescribed by
Acres in the Baseline Study. In order to address those gaps for future reporting of Asset
Health, BCTC will need to take actions, including:
Program Prioritization
- Environmental Factors
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mandatory if required to meet new government or regulatory standards;
discretionary if based on BCTC environmental standards.
impact to health and safety of the public, workforce and surrounding
physical environment. Safety is a top priority for BCTC and consequently
has the highest consideration in the capital planning process. Investments
that are based on mitigation of safety hazards to the public, third parties,
employees or contractors are considered to be mandatory. All safety related
investments automatically pre-qualify for inclusion in the annual capital plan.
The prioritization process is described in more detail in the BCTC F2006 Capital Plan.
The methodology has been presented to IPPs and others at planning workshops and
has received favourable comment, and BCTC will continue to work with stakeholders to
improve the process.
Supply Chain
BCTC is also executing new procurement strategies to look for savings and efficiencies
through long term supply agreements for parts and replacement assets.
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3.3 Asset Strategy by Class
BCTC has also negotiated a long term supply contract for parts and
replacement with multiple suppliers, which is expected to reduce the cost of
equipment and tendering.
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3.3.1.2 Change from Historical Practice
A Quality Assurance audit program has been initiated to spot check the
performance of field services for preventive maintenance (PM) type activities.
Most audits performed to date indicate adherence to the maintenance
practices specified in the maintenance standard.
The 25kV ABB SACE breakers also leak SF6 gas. Overhaul costs
are relatively high and the results are only temporary, as
continuous corrosion leads to more leaks within a 2 year interval.
A program to replace these breakers is under way.
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3.3.1.4 Prioritization Criteria and Risk Factors
Programs are prioritized based on the BCTC Risk and Prioritization Program
guidelines. Units are select to be replaced based on:
historical reliability
availability of OEM support (parts, technical support)
maintenance and overhaul costs
change in requirements for operating conditions
environmental issues such as excessive SF6 gas leakage
seismic withstand requirements
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3.3.2 Disconnect Switches
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3.3.3 Circuit Switchers
BCTC asset management strategy for the remaining circuit switchers in the
system can be described as:
Preventive maintenance based on time intervals and number of
operations
Condition-based overhaul, and
Replacement program for the 500kV S&C switchers that switch
Shunt Reactors, with circuit breakers.
The program for replacing 500 kV S&C shunt reactor circuit switchers in poor
condition with circuit breakers will be completed in 2010.
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3.3.4 Transformers/Tap Changers (excluding HVDC)
Oil samples are now taken from bushings and have successfully detected
some bad bushings and avoided some catastrophic failures.
Oil Leak Repair. As the transformer ages, the oil sealing gasket
material for the tank covers, bushing mounting flanges, etc
deteriorates, allowing oil to leak out. This is a common and on-
going issue.
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Oil Regeneration Program. Through routine oil testing, it has
been determined that the quality of oil has aged and deteriorated
in a number of units. Oil quality has a direct impact on the
serviceable life of transformers, and as a result, the Oil
Regeneration Program will be expanded to treat more units.
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3.3.5 Instrument Transformers
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3.3.6 Shunt Reactors
As virtually all of the shunt reactors are under 30 years of age, the strategy is
to closely monitor condition through the defined Health Index, with particular
attention to oil testing and oil regeneration to extend the serviceable life.
Oil samples are now taken from bushings and have successfully detected
some bad bushings and avoided some catastrophic failures.
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3.3.7 Shunt Capacitors
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3.3.8 Station Insulators
21
3.3.9 Substation Cables and Terminations
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3.3.10 Synchronous Condensers
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3.3.11 Gas Insulated Switchgear
Some of the GIS installations are located in major generating stations, where
availability and reliability of the equipment is paramount. Because GIS
equipment is very unique, the BCTC Asset management Strategy varies with
the type, make and location of the GIS, and is summarized as follows:
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breakers are of a very rare type (FR2) and parts for overhaul are very
expensive. Minor hydraulic and gas leaks have been reported, and
BCTC is considering both refurbishment and replacement options.
Overall, the BCTC strategy for GIS installations is largely driven by the cost of
maintenance or overhaul, and availability of replacement parts.
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3.3.12 Static Var Compensators
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3.3.13 High Pressure Air Systems
BCTC will continue to maintain air systems where required using RCM
principles and ongoing condition assessments. High pressure air systems
are also maintained to meet the requirements of the Boiler Pressure Act.
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3.3.14 Protection and Control Systems
With the above system context in mind, the strategic objectives for this asset
class are to:
Sustain current and future protection of the transmission components
and system,
Sustain current and future remote control/monitoring of the
Transmission System,
Preserve the required availability and reliability (security &
dependability) of both the P&C assets and the transmission assets
they protect and control,
Meet system and customer requirements, and industry reliability
standards.
The obsolete P&C assets are being replaced with proven Protective Relaying
and SCADA RTU digital microprocessor-based hardware and software
technology. BCTC will continue to impose reliable and effective controls
around the best practices of P&C philosophy, application, design,
configuration, installation and testing.
BCTC manages the asset over the entire lifecycle, and as part of that
strategy, looks for opportunities to make one-time capital investments that
would result in elimination or reduction of ongoing OMA costs without
negatively impacting performance. BCTC expects to see a reduction in OMA
costs as a result of the P&C capital investment in digital, microprocessor-
based technology. The new technology offers the opportunity to apply
revised P&C maintenance strategies, with increased maintenance intervals
and reduced job site times which will result in reduced costs.
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BCTC is also developing a P&C spares strategy to establish and sustain a
minimum required inventory of critical devices, covering as many of the
required device types as practical. Older P&C devices in serviceable
condition removed during the replacement program will be assessed for
retention as critical spares for the old equipment still in service. Replaced
P&C assets that are not required to supplement the critical P&C spares
inventory will be salvaged.
BCTC is also looking to significantly reduce overall P&C asset life-cycle costs
through improved P&C engineering planning, design, implementation and
testing.
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approximately 28 pre-selected line terminal circuit breakers by
2006.
3. Station SCADA Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) Equipment
Replacements - Replace selected existing SCADA radio
supervisory / telemetry remote systems with standard digital
microprocessor-based RTU systems. The plan to complete
replacements for approximately one hundred SCADA Remote
units by 2020.
4. Minor & Emergency Capital P&C Program Add or replace minor
P&C equipment and material and critical failed equipment as
required, typically between $5k and $75k per instance.
For Protective and Control Relaying equipment the key criteria that typically
drive investment decisions are the:
Impact to the Transmission System reliability through demonstrated
P&C misoperation performance and/or MTBF performance-based
history;
Extent of negative impact to the Transmission System, customers and
stakeholders; and
Condition of asset, based on in-service life condition rating or non-
discretionary obsolescence, as related to lack of spare parts, lack of
OEM support and ability to meet present design requirements.
For Real Time Operate (RTO), remote control equipment (RTU), the key
criteria that typically drive investment decisions are the:
Ability to provide System Control Centre Telemetry monitoring points,
to be used by the Transmission System State Estimator (SE), and in
turn be used by advanced system control applications to improve the
security of the Transmission System operations;
Impact to Transmission System reliability through demonstrated RTU
misoperation performance and/or RTU MTBF performance-based
history;
Extent of negative impact on Transmission System delivery capacity,
customers and stakeholders; and
Condition of the asset, based on in-service life condition rating or non-
discretionary obsolescence, as related to lack of spare parts, lack of
OEM support and ability to meet present design requirements.
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3.3.15 Surge Arrestors
The Transmission System has over 2600 surge arrestors installed from 60kV
up to 500kV. At present approximately 40% of these arrestors are of the old,
SiC gap-type, and as such are in poor condition because they no longer
perform the protective function for which they were designed. The primary
problems are due to sealing failures and gap erosion.
BCTC has initiated a replacement program of these arrestors with the new,
metal oxide type arrestors. As part of the replacement program, BCTC has
negotiated long term supply contracts with multiple suppliers for surge
arrestors, which is expected to reduce the cost of surge arrestors and
tendering.
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3.3.16 Station Grounding & Surface Treatment
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3.3.17 Batteries
BCTC conducts full tests annually, and load testing every 18 years - sooner if
tests indicate problems. Historically batteries have been replaced every 25
years, regardless of condition, but BCTC is looking to move to condition
based replacements using the new health index criteria.
BCTC has also negotiated a long term supply contract with a single supplier
for batteries. This is expected to reduce the cost of batteries and tendering.
33
3.3.18 Stand-By Generators and Fuel Systems
Because they are not operated for long periods of time, standby generators
do not wear out in the same way that fully utilized generators would, and
most damage occurs on start-up.
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3.3.19 Facilities General
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3.3.19.2 Change from Historical Practice
BCTC is putting increased focus on station auxiliary equipment as historically
there has not been a standard approach. There have been over 30 new
maintenance standards developed across this asset class over the last year,
which highlights the increased attention being placed by BCTC.
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3.3.20 Fire Protection Systems
As part of that strategy BCTC is removing all CO2 and Halon based fire
suppression systems due to their adverse environmental effects and safety
issues.
BCTC is reviewing the requirements for this asset and will install or replace
fire suppression systems at critical substation and microwave sites. BCTC
will begin monitoring the condition of fire protection systems with the new
health index and will start collecting the data to evaluate it on an ongoing
basis.
BCTC is now managing fire protection systems centrally for a consistent and
effective approach, while historically this asset was managed locally and
practices were not always consistent.
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3.3.21 Microwave Equipment
At the end of 2004, the replacement program is about 81% complete, and is
expected to be 100% complete by the end of fiscal 2006.
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Station criticality;
Equipment condition;
Financial benefit.
BCTC also intends to begin collection of the data needed to populate the
condition criteria in the Health Index formulations from the Baseline Study,
since sufficient condition data were not available for the baseline study. This
data will be stored in electronic databases to facilitate analysis, rather than in
field based paper records as was done in the past.
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3.3.22 Power Line Carrier Equipment
The older equipment still in service is currently functional, but obsolete. The
maintenance strategy is to monitor the condition and replace on failure, within
the parameters of the existing replacement program.
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3.3.23 Series Capacitors
41
3.3.24 HVDC Pole 1
The HVDC link has been an important regional system, integral within the
transmission grid to provide both firm capacity and standby electrical power
supply to the Vancouver Island. In an event of a loss to the 500kV lines to the
island, the DC systems auto frequency control capability has been
instrumental in reducing fluctuations and stabilizing the islands AC system.
With the high VAR control capability, the DC system has been flexibly used to
increase VAR absorption at both ends of the link. Other HVDC associated
equipment such as filter banks are also used to control both resonance and
harmonics which are prevalent in the connected AC systems.
42
Smaller but strategic investments such as cooling system improvement will
be done to ensure consistent system availability.
43
3.3.26 Conductor Systems
The asset is managed over the entire lifecycle, and as part of that strategy,
BCTC looks for opportunities to make one-time capital investments that
would result in elimination or reduction of ongoing OMA costs, and an overall
reduction in lifecycle costs, without impacting performance.
44
3.3.26.3 Sustaining Capital Programs
The primary Sustaining Capital Program that addresses conductor systems is
the Overhead Life Extension Program. Within this program, there are several
proposed projects related to conductor systems assets:
These initiatives are expected to trigger a shift away from traditional time-
based inspections of all assets to more focussed inspections of only those
assets that require inspections.
45
3.3.27 Metal Support Structures
BCTC manages the asset over the entire lifecycle, and as part of that
strategy, looks for opportunities to make one-time capital investments that
would result in elimination or reduction of ongoing OMA costs, and an overall
reduction in lifecycle costs without impacting performance. An example of
this strategy for Metal and Wood Support Structures is the investment in
arcing horns to protect insulators from damage due to lightning strikes.
While the cost of the insulators themselves is not high, the labour, equipment
costs and outage costs to replace the insulators are very significant.
At this time, the condition of the majority of Metal Support Structure assets is
assessed visually, except for grillage foundations which are assessed using a
more rigorous procedure involving half-cell measurements.
46
3.3.27.3 Sustaining Capital Programs
There are several Sustaining Capital Program that address components in
the metal support structures category. They include the Overhead Life
Extension Program, the Overhead Line Corrosion Protection Program and
the Wind & Ice Storm Withstand Program. Within these programs the
following assets will be addressed:
Protection of insulator strings from lightning damage.
Refurbishment of failed galvanized coatings on towers.
Identification and correction of corroded grillage foundations.
Reinforcement of specific towers to withstand severe ice and wind
storms.
Over the next few years, BCTC expects this sampling program will lead to
changes in the field inspection methods and their related maintenance
standards. These initiatives are expected to trigger a shift away from
traditional time-based inspections of all assets to more focussed inspections
of only those assets that require inspections.
47
3.3.28 Wood Pole Structures
BCTC also manages the asset over the entire lifecycle, and as part of that
strategy, looks for opportunities to make one-time capital investments that
would result in elimination or reduction of ongoing OMA costs, and an overall
reduction in lifecycle costs without negatively impacting performance. An
example of this strategy for Metal and Wood Support Structures is the
investment in arcing horns to protect insulators from damage due to lightning
strikes. While the cost of the insulators themselves is not high, the labour,
equipment costs and outage costs are very significant.
At this time, the condition of some of the Wood Pole Structure assets is
assessed visually, but the major asset, wood poles, is assessed using a
rigorous test and treat program. BCTC is evaluating field tests to directly
measure remaining strength of Wood Poles which would be significantly more
accurate in assessing condition to make a replacement decision than current
tests.
48
3.3.28.2 Change from Historical Practice
BCTC is driving a change from existing subjective, visual evaluations towards
a metrics-based evaluation system. By taking periodic samples of insulators,
guy grips, and guy wires from field sites, and by performing laboratory tests,
BCTC expects to avoid significant wood pole structure component failures
and should be able to instigate future replacement or refurbishment programs
in a timely manner.
In addition, many years of paper-based wood pole test and treat data are
being converted to electronic form and are being entered into the STARR
database. This will enable calculation of a health index in future years.
BCTC is also experimenting with promising, new technologies that will enable
more accurate condition assessment of anchor rods.
The above initiatives are expected to trigger a shift away from traditional time-
based inspections of all assets to more focussed inspections of only those
assets that require inspections.
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3.3.29 Vegetation / Rights-of-Way
50
Develop Action Thresholds
- The circuits have been rated on importance of reliability and
vegetation programs are prioritized to meet these reliability
requirements
- A risk assessment framework to determine the optimum timing for
work has been implemented.
- Patrolling standards for the timing of patrols and monitoring by
ground and by air have been implemented.
Optimization of resources
- A review of the contracting strategy has been initiated to determine
the most efficient way of utilizing third party contractors to conduct
vegetation work.
Evaluate Effectiveness
- Accounting systems have been developed that will tie the amount of
money spent to a specific location on the ROW so BCTC can track
dollars spent at each location over time and evaluate the
effectiveness of various techniques
- The comprehensive inventory will provide data on changes in target
species populations over time so BCTC can determine if techniques
are causing an increase or decrease in these incompatible species.
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3.3.29.3 Sustaining Capital Programs
Vegetation management is does have any related capital programs, as all
programs are treated as OMA.
The majority of the tree caused outages on the Transmission System are
from trees falling onto the lines from the right-ofway edge rather than
from trees growing into the lines from within the corridor. A program to
survey the lines and remove those trees estimated to have a high potential
of failure has been established. In addition the Transmission System is at
risk due to the extensive infestation of the mountain pine beetle in BC. An
estimated 14,000 ha of dead lodge pole pine could be adjacent to the
lines. BCTC is investigating the possibility of initiating a salvage logging
operation to remove these extensive stands of dead timber.
2. Elimination of vegetation caused outages from trees growing into the
lines within the ROW.
Programs endeavour as much as possible to maintain the biological
diversity of the vegetation within the boundaries of the ROWs. Allowing
natural regeneration of selective plant communities results in an increase
in fish and wildlife habitat. The long term objective of vegetation
management is to promote low growing stable plant communities while
returning as much of the ROW as possible back to a relatively undisturbed
condition. This reduces safety hazards to the public and virtually
eliminates line outages from tall growing species. The program also
encourages compatible use, which enhances relationships with local
communities and reduces the area requiring vegetation management.
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3.3.30 Access Roads
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3.3.30.4 Prioritization Criteria and Risk Factors
Prioritization will be considered based on access requirements from
Transmission, Substation and Communication Maintenance and Vegetation
crews, as well as relative asset item importance to overall system operation.
54
3.3.31 Civil Works
One of the most significant risk considerations for civil works in the Lower
Mainland and Vancouver Island is seismic risk. Standards continue to evolve
and most of the civil structures that BCTC manages were built to older
standards and have not been upgraded.
Other significant risks include damage from wind and ice loadings as well as
environmental impacts from failing structures.
55
3.3.31.5 Related OMA Initiatives
Other than routine maintenance activity, there are no special OMA initiatives
in progress for this asset class.
56
3.3.32 Underground and Submarine Cables & Oil Systems
BCTC manages the asset over the entire lifecycle, and as part of that
strategy, looks for opportunities to make one-time capital investments that
would result in elimination or reduction of ongoing OMA costs and outages,
resulting in an overall reduction in lifecycle costs and improved reliability.
While the cables in the Transmission System are some of the oldest in North
America, the circuits have provided reliable service except for three circuits
installed in the 1950s. These early vintage cable circuits were manufactured
without an extruded polyethylene jacket. Without a protective covering,
corrosion on the metallic sheath has resulted random oil leaks. An extensive
replacement program was initiated in 2000 and the last problem section will
be replaced in July 2005.
Most existing cables are fluid filled as they provide the greatest reliability and
the longest life, and the BCTC strategy for new cable installations continues
to include fluid filled cables for the same reasons.
57
BCTC then develops a work program from this condition database
using RCM principles to prioritize the repairs;
Field Services is then assigned the highest priority repairs;
Field Services performs the work and electronically records it as
complete;
BCTC performs an audit function to ensure compliance;
The inspections are conducted in the next work season, and the
maintenance process cycle is repeated.
The overall strategy has not changed significantly, but there is now more
focus on the asset lifecycle and consistency in the way the asset is managed.
This structure allows the Cable Team to respond to changing asset condition
requirements quickly.
There has been an active sustaining capital program in place for transmission
cable for the last five years. Sustaining capital is focused on:
All projects are evaluated using the same, rigorous prioritization score card
system. The key criteria that typically drive decisions for this asset class are:
Reliability considerations;
Asset condition.
58
3.3.33 Manholes & Duct Systems
BCTC manages the asset over the entire lifecycle, and as part of that
strategy, looks for opportunities to make one-time capital investments that
would result in elimination or reduction of ongoing OMA costs, and an overall
reduction in lifecycle costs without impacting performance.
With the exception of drainage and sump pumps for manholes, there are no
real operating or serviceable components to this asset class. The strategy is
to monitor condition to the extent possible, and respond reactively to all other
problems.
Manholes are inspected regularly as part of the inspection process for the
cable joints in the manholes. Duct banks are not accessible for inspection
and there are currently no specific tests to assess duct integrity, other than to
physically excavate an area with a suspected failure.
59
Transmission Baseline Study
Report
Prepared for
British Columbia Transmission Corporation
by Acres International Ltd.
April, 2005
Transmission Asset Baseline Study
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Introduction
17.0 Batteries
The Transmission Asset Condition Assessment project (Baseline Study) was conducted to
fulfill a contractual requirement with BC Hydro under Article 7 of the Asset Management
and Maintenance Agreement (AMMA), one of the key agreements establishing BC
Transmission Corporation (BCTC) as an independent transmission company to operate and
maintain the BC Hydro Transmission System (Transmission System). Acres International
Ltd. (Acres International) was selected through a competitive process as the independent
engineering firm to conduct the assessment, establish a baseline for asset health, and develop
a framework of condition-based health indices for all assets managed by BCTC that can be
repeated every three years. This report presents the condition assessment methodology and
results of the Baseline Study. It represents the opinions of Acres International.
The Baseline Study did not involve monitoring, sampling or testing of any assets. Results
reflect the analysis of existing electronic data from BCTC plus information obtained in a
The asset condition assessment results of the Baseline Study are intended for use as one input
to an overall asset management planning and decision making methodology. Acres
International has typically used a model similar to that shown in Figure ES.1 when
developing an overall asset management plan, which requires consideration of several factors
to assess the risk and consequences of an assets failure in addition to an assessment of
condition. These risk-based considerations include criticality issues, reliability goals,
compliance requirements and performance expectations. All of these considerations are
critical to the development of an asset management plan that effectively balances relevant
inputs in a manner that meets BCTCs mandate under the AMMA.
Focus of the
Baseline Study
Reliability and
Regulatory
Requirements Performance
Data Cost Data
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some ageing or minor Normal maintenance
85 - 100 Very Good deterioration of a limited number
of components
Significant deterioration of some Normal maintenance
70 - 85 Good
components
Widespread significant Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious remedial work or replacement needed
50 - 70 Fair
deterioration of specific depending on criticality
components
Widespread serious deterioration Start planning process to replace or
30 - 50 Poor rebuild considering risk and
consequences of failure
Extensive serious deterioration At end-of-life, immediately assess risk;
0 - 30 Very Poor
replace or rebuild based on assessment
It should also be noted that while many of the health indices developed are based on either a
composite of components (e.g. HVDC), or on multiple subclasses (e.g. circuit breakers), the
results shown in Table ES.2 are a consolidation of component and subclasses in order to
Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) 44.4% of GIS are in Good or Very Good condition.
However, 11.1% are also in Poor condition, and a field review of the switchgear done by
BCTC and Acres International showed that many components are degrading at a higher
than expected rate.
High Pressure Air Systems (HPAS) 96.3% are in Good or Very Good condition.
However, ways to retire the HPAS associated with the Air Blast Circuit Breakers that are
being replaced, should be considered.
Batteries 94.4% are in Good or Very Good condition. However, the Field Survey
found that 5 batteries had failed a critical Discharge Test, but field personnel reported
only one to the BCTC asset manager.
Conductor Systems 88% of conductor spans are in Good or Very Good condition, but
the condition of spacer dampers and ancillary equipment puts about 11.9% of conductors
in Fair condition. Because of a lack of condition data, most of the result is based on
equipment age.
Metal Support Structures 78.4% are in Good or Very Good condition, but older
structures at 360 kV and 138 kV have a large percentage in poor condition. Because of a
lack of condition data, most of the result is based on equipment age.
Underground and Submarine Cables Generally, these cables are in Good or Very
Good condition, but some types of SCFF cable are in Very Poor condition due to leaks.
Some of BCTCs assets are in Fair, Poor or Very Poor condition. Of these assets, key
conclusions include the following:
Circuit Breakers 14.8% of circuit breakers are in Poor or Very Poor condition. These
include both Air Blast Circuit Breakers and SF6 Circuit Breakers because of known
design problems in certain models.
Shunt Capacitors 4.5% are in Poor condition due to the presence of PCBs.
Protective Relays - 59% of protective measuring relays are considered to be in Poor
condition and 29% in Fair condition due to age, obsolescence, and lack of spare parts.
Surge Arrestors 58.7% are in Very Poor condition because they are technically
inadequate to perform the duty required.
Station Grounding There is currently not a program to measure station grounding
levels, which may create unacceptable step and touch potentials during ground faults.
This could present safety issues.
Fire Protection Systems The available data show that 2.7% of the systems are in Very
Poor condition since they are CO2 based.
Microwave Equipment - 19% of equipment is in Fair condition due to decreasing
reliability, lack of manufacturer support, and the need for bandwidth changes to conform
to Industry Canada regulations.
Power Line Carrier Equipment - 60% of this equipment is in Fair condition based on
BCTCs new, more stringent, availability criteria.
More detailed descriptions of demographic profiles, asset degradation processes, and specific
health index criteria, weightings and results are contained in the main body of the report.
The Baseline Study did not involve monitoring, sampling or testing of any assets. Results
reflect the analysis of existing electronic data from BCTC plus information obtained in a
limited field survey (Field Survey). In some cases, additional data may exist in hard copy at
substations or field offices, but collection and transformation of that data was not included in
the scope of the study.
As described above, a field survey of substation equipment assets was conducted to make an
assessment of current condition and to obtain additional condition-based data. In order to
control the cost of the condition assessment and data collection tasks, data were collected for
only a sample of the population of each substation equipment asset class. The results for the
samples were then extrapolated to the population as a whole. Because sampling was used
instead of an assessment of the entire population, the distributions of Health Index across
each asset class (i.e., how many are in Good condition, Fair condition, etc.) as shown in the
study are estimates of the actual distributions. In general, the samples were chosen to
produce an interval of 5% at 90% confidence.
For most asset classes, about 50% of the population was sampled. A sample of this size is
sufficient to develop statistically relevant results. For very large asset groups, such as
Disconnect Switches, smaller sample percentages were used; and for very small groups, such
as Synchronous Condensers the entire population was assessed. In every case, the samples
were sized to ensure the confidence level of the final results was not reduced.
Ideally, the sample would be randomly selected from all the assets in the population. This
was not deemed to be practical, as it would have necessitated visiting virtually every
substation and reviewing only selected pieces of equipment at each. Instead, the survey
comprised approximately 50% of the substations, randomly selected. This sample of
substations was then checked to ensure that it contained approximately 50% of the total
population for all relevant assets.
Methodology
The methodology used to assess the condition of the members of each asset class was
identical. This methodology is shown in diagrammatic form in the drawing at the end of this
section.
For each asset class the study addresses four principal items carried out in an ordered
sequence. As shown on the drawing these are:
This section provides a brief description of the Transmission System equipment items that
are included in the Asset Class and how those assets function in the overall system. Asset
Classes, such as Circuit Breakers, include sub-classes, such as Oil Circuit Breakers that are
essentially treated as a separate asset group for purposes of this Study and the description of
each sub-class is included in this section.
Asset Demographics
This section includes the statistical characteristics of the total population that makes up the
Asset Class and may include such characteristics as type, manufacturer, age, voltage level,
load rating or other items that may be necessary to demonstrate the magnitude of the Asset
Class within parameters that are relevant for the purposes of this study.
This section includes a general discussion of how and why the component parts of each asset
degrade over time.
Computing the Health Index first required developing end-of-life criteria for various
components of the asset class. Each criterion represents a factor critical in determining the
components condition relative to potential failure.
In assessing the information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated
A through E. For most asset classes, letter condition ratings have the following general
meanings:
For each asset class member the components and tests in the Condition Rating Criteria shown
on the drawing were weighted based on their importance in determining the class members
end-of-life. For example, those that relate to primary functions of the component/asset
received higher weights than those that relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totaled for each asset class member.
Totaled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class member. For
each member, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score by its
maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, an Oil Circuit
Breaker in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded
Oil Circuit Breaker would have a Health Index of 0.
Within a given asset class some individual assets may suffer from a fatal flaw that would
not be immediately obvious from the computation of the Health Index based on the end-of-
life criteria established. For instance, within the Air Blast Circuit Breaker asset class, one
type of breaker (Type ATB-80) is known by experience in the industry to be unreliable.
Based on the end-of life criteria established for Air Blast Circuit Breakers, a particular ATB-
80 may have a perfect score, i.e. HI=100 and be classified in Very Good condition. To
ensure that all such breakers are identified for consideration in a replacement program, the
computed Health Index was divided by a factor (in this case 2) as an integral part of the
computer program used to compute the Health Index. Thus the reported Health Index would
be 50, which would cause the breaker to fall into the Poor condition category and as a
minimum would warrant additional attention.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., the 70% Rule).
For some members of some asset classes, available data were insufficient to provide a valid
Health Index using the 70% Rule described above. In such cases, in order to provide some
information about the assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off (i.e.,
the 50% Rule). Thus, if the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal to
50% of the maximum possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and presented
in the results. Application of this rule does not impact the statistical confidence of the results
of the HI calculation for classes where a sample population was assessed, because the data
used to calculate the HI for a given asset are not a sample.
To present the results of the Baseline Study in a consistent form, five standard categories of
asset condition were used to report the results of a normalized health index. The definitions
of the condition designations Very Good through Very Poor used in the Baseline Study are
shown in the Table below. These designations provide directional guidance in the overall
decision making process, but not without consideration of the other factors included in an
asset management decision.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some ageing or minor deterioration of Normal maintenance
85 - 100 Very Good
a limited number of components
Significant deterioration of some Normal maintenance
70 - 85 Good
components
Widespread significant deterioration Increase diagnostic testing, possible
50 - 70 Fair or serious deterioration of specific remedial work or replacement needed
components depending on criticality
6
E =B0A= =3 4 High levels
No abnormalabnormal, cannot
indications be brought to normal 8
D=1 Definite indications of high levels abnormal activity
C=2 Definite indications of abnormal activity
E =B0 = 3 High Some
levels possible
abnormal, abnormal
cannotindications
be brought to normal HI = 100 x Score / Max. Score
D=1 Definite indications of high levels abnormal activity 9
C=2 Definite indications of abnormal activity
E=0 High levels abnormal, cannot be brought to normal
D=1 Definite indications of high levels abnormal activity
10
E=0 High levels abnormal, cannot be brought to normal
Summary of Health Index Results
and Condition Assessment
Health Index Scale
Health Health Index Sample Pop. 400 358
Condition Description Requirements 350
Index Very Good 31 60
85 - Very Good Some ageing or minor deterioration of a Normal maintenance Good 184 358 300
100 limited number of components Fair 31 68 250
70 - 85 Good Significant deterioration of some Normal maintenance Poor 0 0 200
components 150
Number of
Very Poor 0 0
50 - 70 Fair Widespread significant or serious Increase diagnostic testing, possible 100 68 60
Total 250 487
Oil Circuit Breakers
This chapter covers types of switching devices known as circuit breakers. The BCTC-
managed transmission system also includes switching devices such as circuit switchers,
disconnect switches and gas insulated switchgear that are analyzed in separate chapters of
this report.
1.1 Description
The circuit breaker asset class includes several types of mechanical switching devices that
can make, carry and interrupt electrical currents under normal and abnormal conditions.
Transmission system circuit breakers typically serve single loads, transmission line terminals,
and transformer banks.
Circuit breakers represent the single most critical element of any power system. They serve
as the last link in a chain of protective equipment, and must interrupt both load and short
circuit currents reliably when given automated or manual commands.
They operate infrequently. However, when an electrical fault occurs, breakers must operate
reliably and quickly. They also must operate without damaging or disturbing themselves,
and the electrical system as a whole. Typically, they can interrupt currents in 5 cycles (83
milliseconds) or less.
When a circuit breaker interrupts a current, an arc of ionized gas forms inside the breaker.
This arc contains very large amounts of energy that must be absorbed and extinguished by
the breakers main interrupting unit in view of the following factors:
Within the BCTC-managed transmission system, breakers provide switching and protection
in medium, high and extra high voltage applications. Installations include stand-alone [e.g.,
air insulated substations (AIS)] and integrated [e.g., gas insulated switchgear (GIS)]
configurations.
Two categories of breakers exist, live- and dead-tank. Live-tank breakers operate at line
potential isolated from ground by support insulators. Normally, live-tank breakers have
freestanding current transformers. Dead-tank breakers have grounded tanks that typically
incorporate bushing current transformers.
Oil Circuit Breakers (OCB) - live and dead tank, minimum and bulk oil in AIS;
Air Blast Circuit Breakers (ABCB) live tank in AIS;
Vacuum Circuit Breakers (Vacuum CB)
Air Magnetic Circuit Breakers (AMCB)
SF6 Circuit Breakers (SF6 Breakers) - live and dead tank, single and double pressure
in AIS and GIS;
The BCTC-managed transmission system has 1079 power circuit breakers in 275 AIS and 7
gas insulated substations.
At voltages of 138 kV and below, dead tank breakers typically have a single tank containing
all three phases in one volume of oil. At higher voltages, dead tank breakers generally have
three separate single-phase tanks. These breakers generally come pre-assembled from the
factory and require less on-site installation than live tank breakers and associated current
transformers.
OCBs generally perform well at low ambient temperatures. They also readily execute the
infrequent load switching and protection operations common to many utility medium and
high-voltage systems. They do not perform frequent switching applications well. Similarly,
they do not perform well in online or cable switching situations where they may experience
high peak recovery voltages.
Many of the dead tank OCBs on the BCTC-managed transmission system were manufactured
in Canada. The original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) provided service support and
spares for these dead tank OCBs until the late 1990s. Canadian utility staff, in turn,
developed expertise in maintaining and extending the life of these breakers well beyond the
expected life for switchgear.
ABCBs have the highest interrupting ratings and shortest interrupting times of any high- or
extra-high voltage circuit breaker. Many high-voltage ABCBs have opening and closing
resistors plus voltage grading capacitors across multi-break designs. ABCBs also have large
masses supported on long vertical porcelain insulators, making stability a concern in
seismically active areas. In general, the complexity of ABCBs has made maintenance and
reliability a concern.
Unlike all other circuit breaker technologies, ABCBs rely on a directly connected, external
source as an interrupting medium. The medium, high-pressure compressed air typically
comes from central air compressor plants equipped with air storage facilities sized to
accommodate all the ABCBs in a substation. Generally, these central plants serve each
ABCB through local high-pressure air receivers fed from a main ring system. Local air
receivers must have capacities sufficient to provide Open-Close-Open operations without
replenishment from the central plant.
ABCBs must have dry air. Therefore, central air compressor plants typically include air
dryers that remove most moisture from the air. Also, to ensure maximum dryness, many
ABCB systems have additional dryers fitted locally to each ABCB. For purposes of this
study, high-pressure air systems are included as a separate asset class presented in Chapter 13
of this report.
After early design, manufacture and application problems, vacuum breaker technology
improved. Vacuum breakers have now become the dominant switching technology for
medium voltage systems below 25kV, and have been commercialised successfully up to
38 kV. Current medium voltage vacuum breakers require low mechanical drive energy, have
Generally, air magnetic breakers are used on medium voltage systems, with most breakers
installed on systems operating at and below 15 kV. The breakers have long interrupting
times, and high thermal, mechanical and electromagnetic properties. Thus, air magnetic
breakers have short duty cycles, require frequent maintenance and approach their end-of-life
at much faster rates than either SF6 or vacuum breakers. They also have limited transient
recovery voltage capabilities and experience restriking when switching capacitative currents.
Early SF6 designs experience some problems and failures. The BCTC-managed transmission
system still contains some of these early designs. These include ITE and Westinghouse
double-pressure high voltage breakers. Recent SF6 designs have improved the technology
substantially. Because of these improvements, SF6 equipment has become popular and has
replaced oil-filled equipment. In fact, over the last 30 years, single pressure SF6 breakers
have become the technology of choice for transmission class switchgear. The simple design
of SF6 breakers makes them very reliable.
SF6 is a very stable compound with remarkable dielectric properties. Its use has enabled
transmission equipment to become more compact, safer and have fewer maintenance
requirements. Consequently, SF6 equipment has become dominant, and almost no
alternatives exist for switchgear applications at the highest transmission voltage levels.
Table 1.2.1 also shows that 35.8% of the bulk OCBs are between 30 and 39 years old and
32.9% are in the age range of 20 to 49 years. Also, 6.5% of the bulk OCBs were
commissioned more than 50 years ago.
Voltage
Total Percent
25 kV 60 kV 138 kV 230 kV 360 kV
0 to 9 0 1 1 0 0 2 0.5
10 to 19 1 5 5 0 0 11 2.7
Age Group
20 to 29 6 44 79 7 0 136 32.9
30 to 39 5 111 23 7 2 148 35.8
40 to 49 2 44 17 10 0 73 17.7
50 plus 1 22 2 2 0 27 6.5
incomplete 0 0 1 15 0 16 3.9
Total 15 227 128 41 2 413 100.0
Percent 3.6 55.0 31.0 9.9 0.5 100.0
Table 1.2.1 Count of Bulk Oil Circuit Breakers Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
b) Minimum OCBs
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 74 minimum OCBs. Table 1.2.2
shows the number of minimum OCBs grouped by voltage level and age group. As shown in
the table, the 60 kV and 138 kV voltage levels have similar numbers of minimum OCBs,
with 18.9% and 25.7% respectively. With only 4.1% of the minimum OCBs, the less than 25
kV voltage level has the fewest minimum OCBs. With 51.4%, the 230 kV voltage level has
the most minimum OCBs of any level in the BCTC-managed transmission system.
Table 1.2.2 also shows that 86.5% of the minimum OCBs, were commissioned between 20
and 29 years ago.
20 to 29 2 12 16 34 64 86.5
30 to 39 0 0 1 3 4 5.4
40 to 49 0 0 2 0 2 2.7
50 plus 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
incomplete 1 0 0 1 2 2.7
Total 3 14 19 38 74 100.0
Percent 4.1 18.9 25.7 51.4 100.0
Table 1.2.3 also shows that 64.2% of the ABCBs are between 20 and 29 years old and 32.6%
are in the age range of 30 and 39 years. Only 0.5% of the ABCBs were commissioned
between 40 and 49 years ago.
Voltage
Total Percent
25 kV 138 kV 230 kV 500 kV
0 to 9 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
10 to 19 0 0 0 5 5 2.7
Age Group
20 to 29 6 3 28 83 120 64.2
30 to 39 3 4 33 21 61 32.6
40 to 49 1 0 0 0 1 0.5
50 plus 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
incomplete 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
Total 10 7 61 109 187 100.0
Percent 5.3 3.7 32.6 58.3 100.0
Table 1.2.3 Count of Air Blast Circuit Breakers Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Table 1.2.4 also shows that 66.7% of the vacuum CBs are between 20 and 29 years old.
Voltage
Total Percent
25 kV 138 kV
0 to 9 0 0 0 0.0
10 to 19 0 0 0 0.0
Age Group
20 to 29 2 2 4 66.7
30 to 39 0 0 0 0.0
40 to 49 0 0 0 0.0
50 plus 0 0 0 0.0
incomplete 0 2 2 33.3
Total 2 4 6 100.0
Percent 33.3 66.7 100.0
Table 1.2.4 Vacuum Circuit Breakers Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Table 1.2.5 also shows that 22.2% of the AMCBs are between 20 and 29 years old and
44.4% are in the age range of 40 to 40 years.
Voltage
Total Percent
25 kV
0 to 9 0 0 0.0
10 to 19 0 0 0.0
Age Group
20 to 29 2 2 22.2
30 to 39 0 0 0.0
40 to 49 4 4 44.4
50 plus 0 0 0.0
incomplete 3 3 33.3
Total 9 9 100.0
Percent 100.0 100.0
Table 1.2.5 Air Magnetic Circuit Breakers Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Table 1.2.6 also shows that most of the SF6 breaker population is distributed among age
groups 0 to 9 years, 10 to 19 years, and 20 to 29 years, with those groups having 38.2%,
23.1% and 29.0% respectively. Thus, 90.3% of the SF6 breakers in the BCTC-managed
transmission system were commissioned within the last 29 years.
Voltage
Total Percent
25 kV 60 kV 138 kV 230 kV 360 kV 500 kV
0 to 9 11 44 29 34 5 26 149 38.2
10 to 19 5 11 31 33 0 10 90 23.1
Age Group
20 to 29 0 0 4 73 0 36 113 29.0
30 to 39 0 0 0 26 0 0 26 6.7
40 to 49 0 0 0 3 0 0 3 0.8
50 plus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
incomplete 0 0 0 9 0 0 9 2.3
Total 16 55 64 178 5 72 390 100.0
Percent 4.1 14.1 16.4 45.6 1.3 18.5 100.0
Table 1.2.6 Count of SF6 Circuit Breakers Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Circuit breakers have many moving parts that are subject to wear and stress. They frequently
make and break high currents and experience the arcing that accompanies such
operations. While this asset class consists of several different technologies, they have many
degradation issues in common. For example, all circuit breakers undergo some contact
degradation every time they open to interrupt an arc. Also, arcing produces heat and
decomposition products that degrade surrounding insulation materials, nozzles, interrupter
chambers and grids. The mechanical energy needed for the high contact velocities of these
assets adds mechanical deterioration to their degradation processes.
The rate and severity of degradation depends on many factors, including insulating and
conducting materials, operating environments, and a breakers specific duties. The rate of
The International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) studies on circuit breaker
longevity identified the following key end-of-life factors for this asset class:
Outdoor circuit breakers may experience adverse environmental conditions that influence
their rate and severity of degradation. The following represent primary degradation
processes affecting all circuit breaker-related assets:
Corrosion;
Effects of moisture;
Bushing/insulator deterioration; and
Mechanical;
Moisture causes damage to all insulating systems. Outdoor circuit breakers experience
moisture ingress through defective seals, gaskets, pressure relief and venting devices.
Moisture in the interrupter tank can lead to general degradation of internal components.
Also, sometimes free water collects in tank bottoms, creating potential catastrophic failure
conditions.
Moisture also may cause bushing deterioration, particularly in free-breathing oil circuit
breaker bushings. Paper insulation readily absorbs moisture resulting in discharge tracking
across its surface and eventual bushing failure. Oil impregnated paper bushings exhibit
greater sensitivity to moisture than other bushings. Once inside the paper insulation moisture
becomes difficult to remove and can lead to failures.
Bushing degradation also can result from partial discharges and excessive thermal and
mechanical stress. Externally, coastal salt spray and heavy industrial pollution will degrade
CIGRE studies on circuit breaker reliability have confirmed that mechanical degradation
presents greater end-of-life concerns than electrical degradation. Even for modern SF6
breakers, mechanical degradation causes about 80% of observed problems. Generally,
operating mechanisms, bearings, linkages, and drive rods represent components that
experience most mechanical degradation problems. Gas, oil and air leakage also occur.
Newer breakers typically use simpler operating mechanisms and have seals and fittings that
minimize leaks.
While indoor equipment and outdoor equipment generally have different long-term
degradation processes, some of the same principles apply to both. Most circuit breakers are
installed outdoors. When used in general purpose switching applications, this equipment
typically sits inactive for long periods. Such infrequent operation may result in stuck breaker
mechanisms and failures to operate when needed. Some utilities have implemented
rehabilitation programs that include replacement of critical components, other than breaker
tanks. After these rehabilitation activities, utilities generally give as good as new age
classifications to the remanufactured units.
The following sections describe degradation processes specific to each type of technology in
this asset class.
OCB Degradation
For OCBs, the interruption of load and fault currents involves the reaction of high pressure
with large volumes of hydrogen gas and other arc decomposition products. Thus, both
contacts and oil degrade more rapidly in OCBs than they do in either SF6 or vacuum designs,
especially when the OCB undergoes frequent switching operations. Generally, 4 to 8
interruptions with contact erosion and oil carbonisation will lead to the need maintenance,
including oil filtration. Since these breakers contain large volumes of oil, such maintenance
is costly.
Oil breakers also experience restrike when switching low load or line charging currents with
recovery voltage values. Sometimes this can lead to catastrophic breaker failures.
Oil circuit breakers generally require more maintenance than SF6 breakers. Oil circuit
breakers involved in switching operations have even higher maintenance needs.
Corrosion often affects the bottom flanges of support insulators. Moisture may seep under
the flange causing corrosion that eventually allows more moisture to penetrate the air system.
Sometimes this can lead to major flashovers with catastrophic results.
Other components susceptible to corrosion include support insulator clamp fixing bolts used
to secure bottom flanges to steel support structures. In severe cases, corrosion of these bolts
can allow moisture to bridge the interface between the external and internal faces of the
flange. In time, and under freezing conditions when more moisture has crossed the interface,
insulators can crack from ice formation between flange faces.
The mechanical linkages of ABCB operating mechanisms may experience corrosion that can
cause link seizures. ABCBs with opening and closing resistors and resistor switching
assemblies are more complex than equivalently rated SF6 breakers. Breakers with these
components have more porcelain clad parts and operational linkages, leading to increased
degradation potential.
Oil leaks in head grading capacitors also raise end-of-life concerns for ABCBs. Older
versions are housed in porcelain bushings filled with insulating oil. Oil leaks allow moisture
to enter, leading to corrosion. Generally, refurbishing, resealing or refilling capacitor units is
not economically viable. Thus, utilities usually replace the complete unit when oil leaks
occur.
Utilities typically do not rely on condition assessments when planning capital programs for
ABCBs. Rather, many major North American utilities automatically rebuild ABCBs after 20
years of service. One utility undertook a major overhaul of certain types of ABCBs to
achieve an anticipated lifespan of 45 years. Some utilities are now considering ABCB exit
strategies because they have higher maintenance requirements than other breakers, especially
when frequent switching requirements exist. BCTC has identified several specific breaker-
types that must be replaced (ATB-80, 500 kV AT, and DEL PKs except PK6V) because of
basic design problems, lack of economically available spare parts, and the risks that they
pose to the system.
Low temperatures often found in Canada have caused operational problems and failures of
SF6 breakers. Most international testing standards for these breakers specify minimum
temperatures of -30 C, but many Canadian users require operation at -40 C. Some users
even specify temperatures as low as -55 C. Heaters and gas mixtures used to meet these low
temperature specifications create increased maintenance needs and operating costs. Now,
manufacturers have developed breakers that can operate using pure SF6 at temperatures down
to -40 C.
At low temperatures, early double pressure designs experience gas leaks as well as
mechanism and ancillary system problems, including failures. Single pressure designs also
may have gas leaks, with gas seals and valves presenting weak points. SF6 loss and the
ingress of moisture and air compromise breaker performance. Generally, earlier models have
more problems than later ones, since modern equipment has improved seal and valve
designs.
Many earlier SF6 breakers relied on hydraulic or pneumatic assisted mechanisms. These
mechanisms have contributed substantially to the higher failure rates associated with this
generation of equipment. Modern designs usually use spring or spring assisted mechanisms
that require less maintenance and have greater reliability.
SF6 is extremely stable. Even at high arcing temperatures limited SF6 breakdown occurs.
Also, with use of a suitable desiccant most breakdown products recombine to form SF6.
Consequently, SF6 breakers can operate under fault conditions much longer than OCBs or
ABCBs before needing maintenance. Manufacturers generally state that these breakers can
perform 20 to 50 operations at full rated fault levels before requiring maintenance.
Typically, average fault levels are closer to 30% of nameplate rating than 100%. Therefore,
these breakers can undergo more interruptions before needing maintenance than
manufacturers state.
Because of their high duty cycle capability, these breakers normally can withstand long
intervals between internal maintenance. Originally, manufacturers recommended internal
maintenance time ceilings of about 15 years. Some users have conducted pilot strip-downs
after about 15 years and reported pristine state conditions internally. Therefore, many
owners are reluctant to conduct expensive time consuming internal inspections, particularly
when breaker use is well below the manufacturers stated maximum and performance
remains satisfactory.
Many owners are considering extending their internal maintenance intervals. Owners also
are exploring the possibility of using condition monitoring or diagnostic testing to detect
internal degradation. Generally, condition monitoring is critical for repetitive special
Outages are needed to refill breakers after SF6 leaks occur. Some early double pressure
models have more leakage problems than later models, but these stem mainly from early
design and manufacturing issues. Early designs may need replacement of individual breakers
or breaker types if leaks become frequent. At this time, however, only certain failure-prone
breakers (e.g., double pressure designs) seem to present degradation and end-of-life
concerns.
SF6 maintenance normally includes external non-invasive inspections, pressure checks, leak
detection, and functional tests. SF6 breakers require much less maintenance than OCBs,
ABCBs, and AMCBs.
Recently, concerns have arisen about the greenhouse properties of SF6. It is one of the gases
specifically mentioned in the Kyoto Agreement. Canada has not issued regulations for SF6,
but has made a commitment to reduce the countrys overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Similarly, owners of SF6 equipment have taken responsibility to minimize SF6 emissions. As
such, owners have begun trying to attain emissions rates of about 0.5% by weight of the gas
contained in new equipment. Some have begun SF6 control programs that include detection,
leak remediation, and improved gas handling, plus recycling and reuse of gas from
decommissioned equipment. Some also have inventoried equipment and compiled databases
indicating SF6 usage. BCTC has identified several specific breaker-types that must be
replaced (ITE breakers 230 kV and above, and Westinghouse double pressure breakers type
WCL SF) because of basic design problems, lack of economically available spare parts, and
the risks that they pose to the system.
a) Visual
This equipment lends itself to visual inspections because key components are visible and
accessible. Visual inspections can detect external contamination, corrosion, evidence of
overheating, misalignment, plus cracks and leaks on bushings, support insulators, tanks,
enclosures, drives, linkages and fittings. Visual inspections also can verify the condition of
gaskets and seals as well as the degree of contact erosion on de-energized equipment, such as
vacuum breakers. Internal conditions, control components, and mechanism cabinets can be
inspected visually as well. Visual inspections serve as a start to condition assessment, but
they must be supplemented by detailed reviews of maintenance and test records.
b) Time/Travel Testing
This testing measures velocity, close and trip times, plus wipe and rebound. This test should
occur at regular intervals on all circuit breakers. It offers a way to evaluate a circuit
In addition to static tests, dynamic tests during circuit breaker operation enable one to see
where main and arcing contacts touch. Dynamic testing provides useful information when
extended arcing contact fingers exist.
f) Insulating Medium
Several tests are used to detect excess moisture, contaminants, and decomposition products in
oil, air and SF6 switchgear insulation systems.
g) SF6 Testing
In SF6 circuit breakers, gas is tested and monitored to assess its ability to serve satisfactorily
as a dielectric and interrupting medium. SF6 gas testing also offers a means to detect internal
degradation. Breakers also have continuous monitors for pressure and density. When these
monitors register deviations from predetermined levels, maintenance staff can take corrective
action. SF6 breakers also receive periodic testing to check moisture content, dew points, and
sometimes the presence of air and decomposition products.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed transmission circuit breakers first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
Tables 1.3.1 through 1.3.63 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each asset class
member (e.g., OCBs, ABCBs, SF6 breakers, etc.). In addition, for each asset class member
the tables show the components and tests evaluated (e.g., bushing support insulators, Doble
test, tripping and closing, time/travel). The tables also contain specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No rust or corrosion on main tank. No external or internal rust in cabinets.
No rust, corrosion or paint peeling on tanks or cabinets, sealing very
effective no evidence of moisture or insect ingress or condensation.
B No rust or corrosion on main tank, some evidence of slight moisture ingress
or condensation in mechanism box.
C Some rust and corrosion on both tank and on mechanism box, requires
corrective maintenance within the next several months.
D Significant corrosion on main tank and on mechanism box. Defective sealing
leading to water ingress and insects/rodent damage. Requires immediate
corrective action.
E Corrosion, water, insect or rodent damage or degradation beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
direct to tank, cabinets, supports without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports or grounding are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Breaker externally is clean, corrosion free. All primary and secondary
connections are in good condition. No external evidence of overheating.
Number of breaker operations on counter, and run timer readings on auxiliary
motors, are below average range for age of breaker. Appears to be well
maintained with service records readily available.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E The circuit breaker is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with high margins
B Values close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Values do not meet specification and cannot be brought into specification
condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Within specification.
E Cannot be put to specification condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No abnormal indications
B Some possible abnormal indications
C Definite indications of abnormal activity
D Definite indications of high levels of abnormal activity
E High levels of abnormal activity that cannot be brought into normal
condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No air leakage at any of the bushing-metal interfaces, pressure vessel, heads
or piping interfaces, as determined by audible inspection, by inspection of
maintenance records, and inspection of pressure gauges (isolated from air
system).
B Minor air leakage as determined by audible inspection and maintenance
records
C Significant air leakage, not immediately critical to breaker operation and not
causing excessive compressor run times.
D Extensive leakage requiring unacceptable compressor operation and
requiring corrective maintenance or replacement in the near term.
E Extensive leakage and unacceptable compressor operation that is beyond
repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Wiring, terminal blocks, relays, contactors and switches all in good condition.
Operating mechanism, coils, relays, auxiliary switches, motors, compressors,
springs, all in good condition. No sign of overheating or deterioration.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Control valves and mechanism box components are damaged/degraded
beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Verify from current inspection records that contact resistance and time/travel
(erosion and wipe) results were within tolerance. Check operation counter
and fault interruption log to verify subsequent duty is within specified limits.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Drive Rods/Contacts/Blast Valves are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Capacitor housings are not broken and are free of chips, radial cracks,
flashover burns. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
B Capacitor housings are not broken, however minor chips and/or cracks,
and/over flashover. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
C Capacitor housings are not broken, however major chips and/or cracks,
and/over flashover burns. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
D Capacitor housings are broken/damaged or cementing or fasteners are not
secure.
E Capacitor housings, cementing or fasteners are broken/damaged beyond
repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Number of breaker operations on counter is below average range for age of
breaker. Appears to be well maintained with service records readily
available.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E The circuit breaker is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Close travel, wipe, overtravel, rebound and time for main contacts and
resistor switch contacts, are all within specified limits. Trip time and velocity
are within specified limits. Trip free time is within specified limits. Interpole
close and trip contact time spread is within specified limits for the specific
application.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with high margins
B Values close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification by a significant margin.
E Values do not meet specification and cannot be brought into specification
condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No abnormal indications, within specification
B High readings on moisture
C Probable indication of electrical activity - PD tracking on drive rods
D Definite indications of electrical activity - PD
E Levels of electrical activity that cannot be brought into specification
condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No SF6 leakage at any of the bushing-metal interfaces, tank or piping
interfaces, as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure gauge and SF6 refill
maintenance records
B Minor SF6 leakage, not more than 0.5%, per year, by weight, of the total
quantity of SF6 in the breaker, as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure
gauge and refill maintenance records
C SF6 leakage of up to 1.5%, per year, by weight, of the total quantity of SF6 in
the breaker, as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure gauge and refill
maintenance records
D SF6 leakage of up to 2%, per year, by weight, of the total quantity of SF6 in
the breaker, as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure gauge and refill
maintenance records.
E SF6 leakage exceeding 2%, per year, by weight, of the total quantity of SF6 in
the breaker, as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure gauge and refill
maintenance records.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Wiring, terminal blocks, relays, contactors and switches are all in good
condition. No blown fuses. Operating mechanism, trip and close coils, relays,
auxiliary switches, motors, compressors, springs, are all in good condition.
No sign of overheating or deterioration. Linkages, drive rods, trip latches are
clean, lubricated, free from cracks, distortion, abrasion or obstruction.
Mechanical integrity of dampers/dashpots, and oil levels, are acceptable. No
visible evidence of poor mechanism settings, looseness, loss of adjustment,
excess bearing wear or other out of tolerance operation.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Control and mechanism box components are damaged/degraded beyond
repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Capacitor housings are not broken and are free of chips, radial cracks,
flashover burns. No signs of overheating, overpressure or leaks. Cementing
and fasteners are secure.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Grading capacitors are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
free of damage and corrosion and are made direct to tank, cabinets, supports
without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports or grounding are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Close travel, wipe, overtravel, rebound and time are all within specified
limits. Trip time and velocity are within specified limits. Trip free time is
within specified limits. Interpole close and trip contact time spread is within
specified limits for the specific application.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with significant margin
B Values within, but close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification by a significant margin
E Values do not meet specification and cannot be brought into specification
condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No abnormal indications, within IEC specification
B High readings on moisture, air or CF4
C Probable indication of electrical activity (decomposition by-products)
D Definite indications of electrical activity (decomposition by-products)
E High levels of abnormal activity that cannot be brought into normal
condition.
Table 1.3.35 Gas Analysis (decomposition by-products, moisture, air, etc. based on
evaluation provided with test report)
Condition Description
Rating
A Vacuum bottle areas free of contamination, chips, cracks, flashover burns, or
indications of overheating or PD traces. All cemented, elements are secure.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Vacuum bottle areas are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A No external or internal rust or corrosion. No evidence of moisture or insect
ingress or condensation. Wiring, terminal blocks, relays, contactors and
switches all in good condition. Trip and close coils, relays, auxiliary switches,
motors, springs are all in good condition.
Linkages, shafts, rods, trip latches are clean, free from cracks, distortion,
abrasion or obstruction. No visible evidence of poor mechanism settings,
looseness, loss of adjustment, excess bearing wear or other out of tolerance
operation. No sign of overheating or deterioration.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Mechanism cabinet and components are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A Floor is level. Support steel and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion.
Ground connections are free of damage and corrosion and are made direct to
enclosure, cabinets; supports without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Enclosure/truck or grounding is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A Breaker externally is clean, corrosion free. All primary and secondary connections
are in good condition. No external evidence of overheating or restriking on vacuum
bottle. Number of breaker operations on counter is below average range for age of
breaker. Appears to be well maintained with service records readily available..
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E The circuit breaker is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with significant margin
B Values within, but close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification by a significant margin
E Values do not meet specification and cannot be brought into specification
condition.
Condition Description
Rating
A Arc chutes are clean and are free of chips, cracks, flashover burns. Fasteners are
secure.
B Arc chutes are clean, however there are some minor chips and cracks. No flashover
burns. Fasteners are secure.
C Arc chutes are not broken, however there are some major chips and cracks. Some
evidence of flashover burns or tracking. Fasteners are secure.
D Arc chutes are broken/damaged beyond repair or are not field repairable. Fasteners
are not secure.
E Arc chutes or fasteners are are broken/damaged beyond repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A No external or internal rust or corrosion. No evidence of moisture or insect ingress
or condensation. Wiring, terminal blocks, relays, contactors and switches all in
good condition. Trip and close coils, relays, auxiliary switches, motors, springs are
all in good condition.
Linkages, shafts, rods, trip latches are clean, free from cracks, distortion, abrasion
or obstruction. No visible evidence of poor mechanism settings, looseness, loss of
adjustment, excess bearing wear or other out of tolerance operation. No sign of
overheating or deterioration.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Mechanism cabinet and components are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A Floor is level. Support steel and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion.
Floor is level. Ground connections are free of damage and corrosion and are made
direct to enclosure, cabinets; supports without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Enclosure/truck or grounding is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A Breaker externally is clean, corrosion free. All primary and secondary connections
are in good condition. No external evidence of overheating or restriking on arc
chutes. Number of breaker operations on counter is below average range for age of
breaker. Appears to be well maintained with service records readily available.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E The circuit breaker is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with significant margin
B Values within, but close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification by a significant margin
E Values do not meet specification and cannot be brought into specification
condition.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Tables 1.3.52
1.3.56 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For each asset class member (e.g., OCBs, ABCBs, SF6 breakers), the components and tests
shown in the tables above were weighted based on their importance in determining the class
members end-of-life. For example, those that relate to primary functions of the
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class member.
For each member, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score by
its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, an OCB in
perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded OCB would
have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., the 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for OCBs in Table 1.3.52
below, assume an OCB with partial data has a maximum condition score of 82 out of the
Health Index maximum possible score of 120. That OCB, therefore, has only 68% of the
maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand, if that OCB
with partial data had a maximum condition score of 92, it would have 77% of the Health
Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
For some members of this asset classes, available data were insufficient to provide a valid
Health Index using the 70% Rule described above. In such cases, to provide BCTC with
some information about the assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off
(i.e., the 50% Rule). Thus, if the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal
to 50% of the maximum possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and
presented in the results.
Table 1.3.52 1.3.56 show the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition
ratings as both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible
maximum score for each member of this asset class.
Table 1.3.53 Health Index Formulation for Air Blast Circuit Breakers
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 1.3.57 was used to determine the overall condition of the circuit breaker asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some ageing or minor Normal maintenance
85 - 100 Very Good deterioration of a limited number
of components
Significant deterioration of some Normal maintenance
70 - 85 Good
components
Widespread significant Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious remedial work or replacement needed
50 - 70 Fair deterioration of specific depending on criticality
components
Widespread serious deterioration Start planning process to replace or
30 - 50 Poor rebuild considering risk and
consequences of failure
Extensive serious deterioration At end-of-life, immediately assess risk;
0 - 30 Very Poor
replace or rebuild based on assessment
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for each type of circuit
breaker in the BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 1.4.1 and 1.4.2 summarize the
results, which are also illustrated in Figures 1.4.1 through 1.4.6.
Health Index
Air Blast Vacuum Air Magnetic
Results Oil CBs SF6 CBs * Sum
CBs CBs * CBs*
Classification
Very Good 31 8 82 0 0 121
Good 184 49 93 6 2 334
Fair 35 1 1 0 0 37
Poor 0 46 40 0 0 86
Very Poor 0 0 3 0 0 3
Total Results 250 104 219 6 2 581
Based on Field
Survey
Percentage of 51.4 55.6 56.2 100 22.2 53.9
Total
Population
Surveyed
*HIs were calculated using the 50% Rule instead of the 70% Rule due to insufficient data 1
Table 1.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for Circuit Breakers
Health Index
Vacuum Air Magnetic
Results Oil CBs Air Blast CBs SF6 CBs Sum
CBs CBs *
Classification
Very Good 60 14 146 0 2 222
Good 358 88 166 6 6 624
Fair 68 2 2 0 1 73
Poor 0 83 71 0 0 154
Very Poor 0 0 5 0 0 5
Total 486 187 390 6 9 1,078
* Results extrapolated from surveyed distribution assets due to unreliable transmission data
Table 1.4.2 Summary of Extrapolated Condition Rating Results for Circuit Breakers
1
See subsection 1.3.3 above for a description of the 70% and 50% Rules used in this study.
250
200
150
100 68 60
50
0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 1.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Oil Circuit Breakers
100 88
Air Blast Circuit Breakers
83
90
80
70
Number of
60
50
40
30
20 14
10 0 2
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 1.4.2 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Air Blast Circuit Breakers
Figure 1.4.3 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for SF6 Circuit Breakers
7
6
Vacuum Circuit Breakers
6
5
Number of
4
3
2
1
0 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 1.4.4 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Vacuum Circuit Breakers
4
3 2
2
1
1
0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 1.4.5 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Air Magnetic Circuit
Breakers
700 624
600
Circuit Breakers
500
Number of
400
300 222
200 154
73
100
5
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
Health Index Categories
Figure 1.4.6 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for All Circuit Breakers
2.1 Description
Under normal operating conditions, disconnect switches isolate various other equipment
from system voltages. The BCTC-managed transmission system has 4,198 disconnect
switches.
Several configurations and ratings exist for specific applications of these switches. They
have continuous current ratings up to 4000 A. Configurations include vertical and horizontal
break, pantograph, side break and center break.
Typically, systems of 230 kV and below use three-phase group assemblies, while extra-high
voltage levels use single-phase assemblies. All transmission switches operate as three-phase
assemblies with either mechanical or electrical ganging.
Disconnect switches have limited current-breaking capability. They normally operate off-
load (i.e., the associated breaker is opened first) and have little rated interruption capability.
Since their historical uses have involved only low-level currents, disconnect switches have
seldom received testing or nameplate interruption ratings. Occasionally, to aid in current
interruption, users may add arcing horns, whips and other arc control devices.
2.2 Demographics
Table 2.2.1 also shows that 51.3% of the disconnect switches are in the age range of 20 to 29
years and 23.2% are within the age range of 30 to 39 years. Only 0.6% of the disconnect
switches with identified age data were commissioned more than 40 years ago.
Table 2.2.1 Count of Disconnect Switches Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Generally, disconnect switches have no preset life expectancy. Assuming normal operating
conditions, users can expect 40 to 50 years of life from a disconnect switch. As described
below, many factors can contribute to the degradation of switch components. These include
harsh environmental conditions, infrequent operation, corrosion, lubrication failure, and
design problems. In addition, the lack of supply or manufacturer support for older designs
may drive end-of-life decisions for certain types of disconnect switch.
BCTC has a preventative maintenance program to detect and correct defects and developing
faults in disconnect switches. It is based on Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM)
techniques. BCTCs Maintenance Standards contain maintenance procedures for specific
types of disconnect switches. BCTC conducts major inspections and overhauls of disconnect
switches every 8-years. The utility also performs contact resistance tests and blade angular
motion checks on that same 8-year interval. BCTC conducts Thermograph tests on a six-
month basis. In conformance with its maintenance standards, BCTC also periodically
inspects, tests, and exercises components such as operating rods, linkages, support insulators
and disconnect blades. BCTC also has an ongoing rebuild program for disconnect
switches such as Kearney/ITE switches.
Failure Modes
Disconnect switches commonly fail due to the following:
Bearing failures;
High contact resistance at hinge or jaw ends;
Misalignment of isolating blades causing closing operation failures;
Support insulator failures; and
In Canada, low temperatures and high ice accumulation have caused in-service problems and
failures of disconnect switches. Generally, international test standards applied to most
switches do not account for the low ambient temperatures found in Canada. Similarly,
Canadian icing conditions generally exceed those used for international testing.
Generally, the following represent key end-of-life factors for disconnect switches:
Application criticality and manufacturer also play key roles in determining the end-of-life for
disconnect switches. Generally, absent a major burnout, widespread deterioration of live
components, support insulators, motor-operators, and drive linkages define the end-of-life for
these switches. However, routine maintenance programs usually provide ample opportunity
to assess switch condition and viability.
Disconnect switches have components fabricated from dissimilar materials, and use of these
different materials influences degradation. For example, blade, hinge and jaw contacts may
consist of combinations of copper, aluminum, silver and stainless steel, several of which have
tin, silver and chrome plating. Further switch bases may consist of galvanized steel or
aluminum.
Most disconnect switches have porcelain support and rotating insulators. The porcelain
offers rigidity, strength and dielectric characteristics needed for reliability. However,
excessive deflection or deformation of support or rotating stack insulators can cause blade
misalignment and other problems, resulting in operational failures.
Disconnect switches must have the ability to open and close properly even with heavy ice
build-up on their blades and contacts. However, these switches may sit idle for several
months or more. This infrequent operation may lead to corrosion and water ingress damage,
increasing the potential for component seizures. Bearings commonly seize from poor
Normally, when blades enter or leave jaw contacts, they rotate to clean accumulated ice from
contact surfaces. To accomplish this, hinge ends have rotating or other current transfer
contacts. These contacts are often simple, long-life copper braids. However, some switches
have more complex rotating contacts in grease-filled chambers. Without proper maintenance
these more complex switches may degrade, causing blade failures.
a) Visual
Visual inspections can detect deterioration of the switch assembly. They also can find
external contamination, corrosion, evidence of overheating, and misalignment, as well as
cracks and leaks on insulators, disconnect blades, contacts, high voltage connections, motor
operator cabinets and power trains. Visual inspections must be supplemented by records
reviews.
b) Time to Close/Open
Time to close and open checks verify the correct operation of control circuitry, linkages, gear
reducers, motor operators, rotating insulator columns and blades.
c) Contact Resistance
Contact resistance tests verify the correct operation of rotating transfer and jaw contacts.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed disconnect switches first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 2.3.1 through 2.3.9 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or test
evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each
condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Support /Drive Insulators are not broken and are free of chips, radial cracks,
flashover burns, copper splash and copper wash. Cementing and fasteners
are secure.
B Support/Drive Insulators are not broken, however there are some minor chips
and cracks. No flashover burns or copper splash or copper wash. Cementing
and fasteners are secure.
C Support/Drive Insulators are not broken, however there are some major chips
and cracks. Some evidence of flashover burns or copper splash or copper
wash. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
D Support/Drive Insulators are broken/damaged or cementing or fasteners are
not secure.
E Support/Drive Insulators, cementing or fasteners are broken/damaged beyond
repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No external or internal rust in mechanism box. No paint peeling on tanks or
cabinets, sealing effective no evidence of moisture or insect ingress or
condensation. Box securely fixed to support steel.
Wiring, terminal blocks, relays, contactors and switches all in good condition.
Operating motor, coils, relays auxiliary switches, position indicators, and
counters all in good condition. No sign of overheating or deterioration.
B No rust or corrosion on box, some evidence of slight moisture ingress or
condensation in mechanism box.
C Some rust and corrosion on interior and exterior of mechanism box.
D Significant corrosion on mechanism box. Defective sealing leading to water
ingress and insect damage.
E Mechanism box corroded beyond repair or water/insect damage/degradation
beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Verify that disconnect blades are not miss-aligned; exhibit no excessive
corrosion, or erosion especially at the jaw ends. Contact engagement is within
tolerance. Verify that current transfer braids/rotating contacts at the hinge end
are not showing any signs of overheating. Verify that all moving and bearing
surfaces, contacts, trunions, bearings etc. are well lubricated.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Blades, contacts, counterbalances or links damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All connectors are tight, free from corrosion and show no sign of overheating.
Live conductors are adequately supported and impose no excessive loading
on switch during normal or fault current carrying duty.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Connectors or conductors have failed or are damaged/degraded beyond
repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Switch externally is clean, corrosion free. All primary and secondary
connections are in good condition. No external evidence of overheating.
Appears to be well maintained with service records readily available..
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Disconnect switch as failed or is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with high margins
B Values close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification by a significant margin
E Equipment cannot be put to specification condition
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 2.3.10 below.
A = 4;
B = 3,
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totaled for each asset class member.
Totaled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a disconnect
switch in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded
switch would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
Tables 2.3.10 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 2.3.11 was used to determine the overall condition of the disconnect switch asset class.
1
Note: Health Index Formulation presented in Table 2.3.10 above states that the HI should be divided by 2 for
disconnect switches with cap and pin insulators. No data were available to indicate the presence of cap and pin
insulators, so the HI was not divided by 2.
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for disconnect switches in
the BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 2.4.1 and 2.4.2 summarize the results,
which are also illustrated in Figure 2.4.1.
Very Good 7
Good 448
Fair 0
Poor 0
Very Poor 0
Total Results Based on Field Survey 455
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 10.8
Table 2.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for Disconnect Switches
Very Good 65
Good 4,133
Fair 0
Poor 0
Very Poor 0
Total 4,198
4,500
4,133
4,000
Disconnect Switches
3,500
3,000
Number of
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500 0 0 0 65
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
All disconnect switches are in Good or Very Good condition. No capital improvements are
expected in the near term.
3.1 Description
Generally, circuit switchers consist of motor operated, three-phase, load carrying and
interrupting devices mounted on support insulators and metal support structures. Some also
may incorporate disconnect blades for isolating purposes. Several manufacturers have
produced circuit switchers including ABB, Alsthom, Joslyn, Siemens, Westinghouse and
S&C Electric, the predominant supplier for many years. The BCTC-managed transmission
system currently has 120 S & C circuit switchers.
Circuit switcher interrupters include air, vacuum and SF6. Normally, SF6 interrupters are
used at higher voltages. The SF6 interrupters were first developed and installed in the late
1960s. Some of the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) no longer supply or support
the older SF6 interrupters. BCTC has an active program for replacing 500 kV S&C circuit
switchers with circuit breakers that will be completed in 2010. Retired circuit switchers are in
some cases modified for use as disconnect switches.
Circuit switchers typically can carry and break loads ranging from 600 A to 4000 A. They
are used in medium-, high- and extra-high voltage applications. Circuit switchers have
limited fault interruption capability. Their primary duty involves load current switching.
Occasionally, however, they serve as protection devices for transformers, underground cables
and other equipment in locations that experience low short circuit levels. Sometimes their
uses include shunt capacitor and shunt reactor switching. In general, circuit switchers offer a
low cost alternative to the more commonly used circuit breaker and disconnect switch
combination. Recently, to compete with the circuit switcher market, some US manufacturers
have marketed a live tank SF6 breaker-disconnect switch package with a common support
structure.
3.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 120 circuit switchers. Table 3.2.1
shows the number of circuit switchers grouped by voltage level and age group. The 138 kV
voltage level has 40.8% of the total population of circuit switchers, the most found in any
single voltage level. The 60 kV level has 21.7%, the 500 kV level has 19.2%, the 230 kV
level has 17.5% and the less than 25 kV level has 0.8% of the systems circuit switchers. The
360 kV level has no circuit switchers.
Voltage
Total Percent
25 kV 60 kV 138 kV 230 kV 500 kV
0 to 9 0 1 3 0 0 4 3.3
10 to 19 0 1 3 2 1 7 5.8
Age Group
20 to 29 1 18 26 12 22 79 65.8
30 to 39 0 6 15 7 0 28 23.3
40 to 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
50 plus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
incomplete 0 0 2 0 0 2 1.7
Total 1 26 49 21 23 120 100.0
Percent 0.8 21.7 40.8 17.5 19.2 100.0
Table 3.2.1 Count of Circuit Switchers Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Degradation processes for circuit switchers depend on their vintage, design and
configuration. However, all circuit switchers degrade in ways similar to the degradation of
live tank SF6 circuit breakers and disconnect switches. See Chapters 1 and 2 of this report
for detailed degradation reviews of these breakers and switches. This section highlights
specific degradation features of circuit switchers.
Circuit switchers have many moving parts that are subject to wear and stress. They
frequently make and break high currents and experience the arcing that accompanies
such operations. While this asset class consists of several different technologies, they have
many degradation issues in common. For example, all circuit switchers undergo some
contact degradation every time they open to interrupt an arc. Also, the mechanical energy
needed to create the high contact velocities of these assets adds mechanical deterioration to
their degradation processes. The rate and severity of circuit switcher degradation depends on
many factors, including the quality of the switcher, its particular duties, and its operating
environment. International studies on switching equipment longevity identified the
following key end-of-life factors for this asset class:
Reliability, application criticality and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) support all
affect the longevity of some switcher types and ratings. For example, the OEM S&C once
made 500 kV switchers used by BCTC for switching shunt reactors. However, S&C no
longer makes or supports these circuit switchers, effectively ending the life of existing
switchers when they need replacement parts. Switchers also may sustain operational damage
too impractical or costly to repair, thereby ending their lives. Widespread gas leaks and
deterioration of operating mechanisms, drive linkages, brains, supporting structures, and
ancillary components like bushings and insulators also end the life of circuit switchers.
Regular maintenance offers frequent opportunities to assess the condition and viability of
switchers in a system. BCTC has a preventative maintenance program to detect and correct
defects and developing faults in circuit switchers. It is based on Reliability Centered
Maintenance (RCM) techniques. BCTCs Maintenance Standards contain procedures for
maintaining specific types of circuit switchers. In conformance with its maintenance
standards, BCTC performs periodic inspections, maintenance and testing of operating
mechanisms, rods and linkages, brain mechanisms, porcelain housings, support insulators
and disconnect blades. The utility also conducts contact resistance and grading resistor tests
at regular intervals. Many switcher designs, however, have interrupters that are sealed for
life, making them inaccessible for regular inspection and maintenance.
In the late 1960s, circuit switchers with SF6 gas interrupters were developed. After initial
design and manufacturing problems they gained widespread acceptance as low cost
switching and protection devices. Many initial failures occurred, but these early switchers
remained acceptable for less critical applications. Common early design failure resulted
from:
Even in new SF6 circuit switchers, leaks occur because the equipment operates at relatively
high pressures. Switchers with interrupters sealed for life have pressure indicators that must
have visual inspections every 2 months. Because these indicators are at line potential, they
cannot be connected to substations annunciation systems.
Recently, concerns have arisen about the greenhouse properties of SF6. It is one of the gases
specifically mentioned in the Kyoto Agreement. Canada has not issued regulations for SF6,
but has made a commitment to reduce the countrys overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Similarly, owners of SF6 equipment have taken responsibility to minimize SF6 emissions. As
such, owners have begun trying to attain emissions rates of about 0.5% by weight of the gas
a) Visual
Circuit switchers have visible and accessible assemblies that make visual inspections
effective. Visual inspections help detect external contamination, corrosion, and evidence of
overheating, misalignment, and cracks or leaks on insulator and interrupter housings, SF6
pressure indicators, disconnect blades, high voltage connections, motor mechanisms, cabinets
and power trains. Visual inspections also can verify the condition of gaskets and seals.
Visual inspections serve as a start to condition assessment, but they must be supplemented by
detailed reviews of maintenance and test records.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed circuit switchers first required developing
end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a
factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Condition
Description
Rating
A Insulators porcelains are not broken and are free of chips, radial cracks,
flashover burns, copper splash and copper wash. Cementing and fasteners are
secure.
B Insulators porcelains are not broken, however there are some minor chips
and cracks. No flashover burns or copper splash or copper wash. Cementing
and fasteners are secure.
C Insulators porcelains are not broken, however there are some major chips
and cracks. Some evidence of flashover burns or copper splash or copper
wash. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
D Insulators porcelains are broken/damaged, or cementing or fasteners are not
secure.
E Insulators porcelains, cementing or fasteners are broken/damaged beyond.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No SF6 leakage at any of the bushing-metal interfaces, tank or piping
interfaces, as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure indicator.
B Minor SF6 leakage at bushing-metal interfaces, tank or piping interfaces, as
determined by inspection of SF6 pressure indicator.
C Moderate SF6 leakage at bushing-metal interfaces, tank or piping interfaces,
as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure indicator.
D Major SF6 leakage at bushing-metal interfaces, tank or piping interfaces, as
determined by inspection of SF6 pressure indicator.
E Complete loss of pressure.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No external or internal rust in mechanism box. No paint peeling on tanks or
cabinets, sealing effective no evidence of moisture or insect ingress or
condensation. Box securely fixed to support steel
B No rust or corrosion on main tank, some evidence of slight moisture ingress
or condensation in
C Some rust and corrosion on interior and exterior of mechanism box, requires
corrective maintenance within the next several months.
D Significant corrosion on mechanism box. Defective sealing leading to water
ingress and insect damage. Requires immediate corrective action.
E Control and mechanism box corroded beyond repair or water/insect damage
beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Linkages, levers, shafts, pipes, couplers, gearboxes, stops are clean, free from
corrosion, cracks, distortion, abrasion or obstruction. All fasteners are tight.
No visible evidence of poor settings, stops/toggle, looseness, loss of
adjustment, excess bearing wear or other out of tolerance operation.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Power train and brain components damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All connectors are tight, free from corrosion and show no sign of overheating.
Line conductors are adequately supported and impose no excessive loading
on switcher during normal or fault interrupting duty.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Connectors or conductors are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from distortion and corrosion. Ground
connections are free of damage and corrosion and are made direct to cabinet
and supports without any intervening paint or corrosion
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports and grounding damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Close travel and time of interrupter and disconnect blade, are all within
specified limits. Trip time and velocity, with/without shunt trip are within
specified limits. Interpole spreads are within limits.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable limits.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with significant margin
B Values within, but close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Equipment cannot be put to specification condition.
A = 4;
B = 3,
C = 2,
D = 1, and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a circuit switcher
in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded circuit
switcher would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set. For example,
using the weightings and maximum possible scores for circuit switchers in Table 3.3.12
below, assume a circuit switcher with partial data has a maximum condition score of 90 out
of the Health Index maximum possible score of 132. That switcher, therefore, has only 68%
of the maximum Health Index score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other
hand, if that switcher with partial data had a maximum condition score of 96, it would have
73% of the maximum and a valid Health Index.
Table 3.3.12 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, and condition ratings
as both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum
score for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 3.3.13 was used to determine the overall condition of the circuit switcher asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some ageing or minor Normal maintenance
85 - 100 Very Good deterioration of a limited number
of components
Significant deterioration of some Normal maintenance
70 - 85 Good
components
Widespread significant Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious remedial work or replacement needed
50 - 70 Fair deterioration of specific depending on criticality
components
Widespread serious deterioration Start planning process to replace or
30 - 50 Poor rebuild considering risk and
consequences of failure
Extensive serious deterioration At end-of-life, immediately assess risk;
0 - 30 Very Poor
replace or rebuild based on assessment
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for circuit switchers in the
BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 3.4.1 and 3.4.2 summarize the results, which
are also illustrated in Figure 3.4.1.
Very Good 3
Good 48
Fair 0
Poor 0
Very Poor 1
Total Results Based on Field Survey 52
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 43.3
Table 3.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for Circuit Switchers
Very Good 7
Good 111
Fair 0
Poor 0
Very Poor 2
Total 120
Table 3.4.2 Summary of Extrapolated Condition Rating Results for Circuit Switchers
100
Circuit Switchers 80
Number of
60
40
20 7
2 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
4.1 Description
The BCTC-managed transmission system has 234 three-phase transformers with capacities
up to 400 MVA. Generally, this asset class includes the most critical, costly and long
delivery components on the BCTC-managed transmission system. Power transformers
perform step-up and step-down voltage change operations in over 300 BCTC-managed
substations. The BCTC-managed transmission system has 77 transformers with under-load
tap changers (LTC).
Power Transformers
Power transformers in the BCTC-managed transmission system are static devices that
operate at primary voltages ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV. They consist of insulated
windings installed on laminated iron cores and immersed in oil that insulates and cools the
equipment. The transformer assembly may also include LTCs, bushings, radiators, fans and
pumps, instrument transformers, protection and control systems, foundations, structural steel
supports, and spill containment systems.
The BCTC-managed transmission system now includes the following types of power
transformers:
About 30% of the BCTC-managed transformers are rated at 100 MVA or below. About 26%
are rated at 250 MVA or higher. 40% operate on the 69, 138 and 230 kV systems. About
48% have applications on the 500 kV system.
National and international standards provide design and performance guidelines. Canadian
standards, such as CAN/CSA C88, prescribe transmission system requirements, including
those for power transformers. Users often modify or supplement standards with
specifications and procedures specific to their individual systems. For example, users may
address issues such as increased overloads, over-voltage and tap-changer capabilities,
transportation and other limiting dimensions, and arrangements for coolers and other
accessories. At the factory, each fully assembled production unit receives dielectric,
temperature rise, sound level and functional tests before delivery. Generally, units undergo
tests to determine their short circuit withstand capability. An existing transformer fleet
normally represents diverse products from 20 or more OEMs, many of whom may no longer
As three-phase banks, power transformer assemblies can include either three single-phase
units or one three-phase unit. The user determines assembly configurations based on
economics, reliability, availability, maintainability, and transportation considerations.
Generally, users also specify any limiting dimensions dictated by factors such as
transportation, accessibility and interchangeability. Sometimes, for example, utilities up-rate
older substations and need to ensure that new higher capacity units can fit into existing
transformer pockets.
Power transformers consist of the following key components that are discussed in more detail
below:
Three-phase core-type units consist of three or five limbs. Single-phase core-type units can
consist of either one or two limbs. Users may also require specialty transformers such as
phase shifters, static VAR and HVDC converters.
Designers try to make cores with materials that have low degradation potential. Primarily,
designers try to avoid hot spots, reduce electromagnetic losses, minimize mechanical stress,
and prevent excessive circulating currents. Proper stacking and handling help enhance
magnetic properties of the transformer. Similarly, core structure design can eliminate
mechanical stress. For example, designs with clamping windings independent from the core
help reduce excessive mechanical stress on the core.
Over time, core steel improvements have included changes from hot- rolled to cold-oriented
steel. In addition, developments such as laser scribed, plasma treated, cold-rolled steels, and
thinner lamination have improved quality and reduced losses.
Power transformers must have long-term reliability. Designers achieve this reliability by
providing sufficient cooling ducts, effective core-section grounding, and magnetic shielding
The design and construction of windings also contribute to the reliability of power
transformers. Transformer windings experience many extreme conditions including
overloads caused by above-normal temperatures; through-faults that cause displacements,
and surges from lightning and switching that may result in localized over-voltages.
Transformers may have various winding types, depending on voltage ratings, continuous
current, and short circuit requirements. Winding designs must withstand transient over-
voltages caused by lightning and switching surges. Winding designs also must provide
appropriate series capacitance and proper voltage distribution, while maintaining high coil
mechanical strength.
Designers and users must take care that measures taken to mitigate against one condition do
not adversely affect a units ability to withstand another condition. For example, adding
spacers to improve windings short-circuit strength also can reduce their cooling properties.
However, since those cooling properties are critical, one must carefully consider spacer
arrangements and distances in making such adjustments.
b) Insulation
Insulation systems include a combination of oil, paper, pressboard, and core-steel insulation
that consists of paper insulated coil conductors.
Insulating oil must have very low moisture (i.e., 5 ppm water) and air content (i.e., 0.5%).
Established acceptable contaminant levels are used to assess DGA and other field test results.
Single sheet and laminated insulation board forms an integral part of transformer insulation
systems. Contamination and moisture can cause failures. Under factory conditions and after
drying, the cellulose in new units must have moisture contents less than 0.5% of the
material's weight.
A 150-ton core may have 50,000 individual laminations, with a collective area measured in
hectares. Core-steel laminations must have proper surface insulation.
c) Bushings
Specialty suppliers usually make transformer bushings. Users often specify certain types and
manufacturers after considering interchangeability and stock spare availability. Because
bushings interact with tanks and other surrounding parts, they must have compatible designs,
particularly in high- and extra-high voltage applications. Typical types include stud and oil
impregnated condenser bushings. Most are porcelain clad. Less common bushing types
include epoxy resin impregnated condenser bushings.
d) Cooling
Natural oil and air circulation (ONAN) or forced oil and air circulation (OFAF) normally
provide cooling and associated megavolt ampere (MVA) ratings. Combinations of these
cooling methods also exist. All of the larger units have one or more groups of fans and many
Generally, the temperature drop over a winding depends on the duct length, duct width, loss
density, and oil velocity. Shorter duct lengths lead to lower temperature drops over the
winding. Thus, hotspot temperatures near the top of the winding are also lower.
Pumps must not introduce contaminants (e.g., bearing metallic particles, air) into the tank.
Generally, cooling systems have continuous monitors to ensure that pump, fan or power
supply failures do not reduce the transformers rated output beyond certain established
values.
All cooling classes have radiator coolers. To protect against corrosion, this equipment
usually is hot-dip galvanized and painted. Radiators may be mounted separately mounted or
on via headers tanks. .
e) Tanks
Main tanks consist primarily of heavy section, welded steel plates with outer and inner
structural steel stiffeners on the sides. They also have large structural steel beams at their
base. Conservator tanks and radiators also consist of steel construction. Tanks must
withstand full vacuums and the lowest ambient temperatures likely encountered.
f) Tap Changers
A de-energized load tap changer is a device that alters power transformer turn ratios over
small ranges to cause changes in output voltage as needed. The change in high voltage
winding ratios typically occurs by dividing the physical winding into two halves in
combination with the use of several selectable winding taps. Typically, these allow changes
of about plus or minus 5% in the high side winding ratio. The changes occur in two steps.
Since transformers with off load tap changers have no provision for load switching, the
changes must occur when the transformer is de-energized.
High- and low-voltage bushings have bushing current transformers for purposes of relaying
and for metering.
Most modern LTCs use high-speed resistor switching. Windings may be tapped at the line
end, the middle or the star point. Typically, tapping occurs at the middle or the star point
because this imposes the least electrical stress between the tap changer and ground. Tapping
at either of these points also reduces fault current stress on the tap windings. Some designs
incorporate a separate tap coil winding around the main coil to improve short circuit
performance. In these designs, the LTC may be on the high- or low-voltage side, depending
on several factors.
The LTC compartments usually have their own conservator tanks segregated from the main
tank. Normally, tank designs allow installation of a jib hoist for withdrawal of the diverter
switch.
Users normally expect LTCs to operate between 200,000 and 400,000 times before requiring
major maintenance. LTCs must have a high level of reliability, since failures can affect the
entire power transformer.
4.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 234 power transformers. Table 4.2.1
shows the number of transformers grouped by voltage level and age group. The table shows
that the 60 kV level has 3.4%, the 138 kV level has 3%, the 500 kV level has 47.9%, the less
than 25kV level has 5.6%, and the 360 kV level has 5.1% of the total transformers in the
system. Note that voltage levels for 3.8% of the transformers could not be identified.
Table 4.2.1 also shows that 52.6% of the transformers are within the age range of 20 to 29
years and that 78.7% are within the age range of 20 to 49 years. Also, 2.6% of the
transformers were commissioned more than 50 years ago.
Incomplete
Percent
25 kV
138 kV
230 kV
360 kV
500 kV
60 kV
Total
0 to 9 1 0 0 3 2 7 0 13 5.6
10 to 19 3 0 3 2 0 3 0 11 4.7
Age Group
20 to 29 6 3 1 39 5 69 0 123 52.6
30 to 39 1 0 2 20 2 32 4 61 26.1
40 to 49 0 1 1 6 3 0 0 11 4.7
50 plus 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 6 2.6
incomplete 2 1 0 0 0 1 5 9 3.8
Table 4.2.2 shows the number of transformers grouped by MVA level and age group. As
shown in the table, transformers in the 51-150 MVA group represent 35.9% and of the
population. The system has 53.9% of its transmission transformers in levels of 151 MVA and
higher.
MVA
Incomplete
101-150
151-250
Percent
51-100
> 250
Total
1-50
0 to 9 0 5 1 2 4 1 13 5.6
10 to 19 1 3 1 2 4 0 11 4.7
Age Group
20 to 29 6 38 12 33 34 0 123 52.6
30 to 39 3 10 7 23 14 4 61 26.1
40 to 49 2 1 3 1 4 0 11 4.7
50 plus 1 0 0 3 2 0 6 2.6
incomplete 0 3 0 0 0 6 9 3.8
Transformer Type
With LTC No LTC Other Total Percent
0 to 9 3 10 0 13 5.6
10 to 19 2 7 2 11 4.7
Age Group
20 to 29 46 74 3 123 52.6
30 to 39 23 34 4 61 26.1
40 to 49 2 9 0 11 4.7
50 plus 1 5 0 6 2.6
incomplete 0 0 9 9 3.8
Power Transformers
Oil filled power transformers consist of bushings, steel tanks, oil, paper, pressboard, and
core-steel insulation. Transformers have no preset life expectancy, but users generally expect
transformers to have a life of 40 to 50 years, assuming normal loads and operation
conditions. Several life threatening degradation processes may affect various components of
this equipment.
Transformers operate under many extreme conditions, and both normal and abnormal
conditions affect their aging and breakdown. Overloads cause above-normal temperatures;
through-faults can cause displacement of coils and insulation; and lightning and switching
surges can cause internal localized over-voltages. Moisture, particles and acids degrade
transformer insulation. In forced oil cooled units, static electricity also may affect insulation.
Conditions degrading transformer insulation eventually can lead to equipment failures.
Transformers generally represent the most costly components of power systems. In addition,
the consequences of transformer failure are significant. Major failures affect customers, cost,
safety and the environment. Also, failures usually require detanking and off-site repairs.
Some of the major recorded transformer failures have resulted from insulation and winding
faults, bushing failures, faulty load tap changers, and failed winding accessories.
Transformer aging rates depend on equipment designs, safety margins, loading, system and
operating environments. Utilities perform relatively little maintenance on transformer cores
and coils. They do conduct periodic dissolved gas in oil analysis (DGA), oil temperature
monitoring, gas accumulation and core leakage current testing. Some utilities relocate aging
units when their rating becomes inadequate for particular substations. However, such
relocation also may result in transportation-induced degradation.
Degradation of foundations and structures that support buswork and connections impose
stress on bushings and other transformer components. Thermal and mechanical failures may
result from misaligned and inadequately supported bus conductors as well as misaligned and
loose connectors.
Some utilities have undertaken large-scale rehabilitation and refurbishment programs for
existing transformers. These programs do not directly extend transformer life, but they do
help ensure that units achieve a normal life expectancy. Rehabilitation includes correcting
known defects, replacing gaskets, overhauling accessories and wiring, and repairing leaks.
Refurbishment includes rehabilitation activities plus replacing accessories, upgrading or
uprating transformers, re-clamping windings, and removing cores and coils from the tanks.
BCTC has an oil rejuvenation program to re-use old oil.
Excessive arcing cause overheating, contact burning, insulating oil contamination, and short-
circuit failure. Drive shafts and gearboxes experience radial and axial wear. Shaft problems
cause many LTC failures. Transition resistors can experience open circuit failures, causing
excessive contact wear. Relays, interlocks, limit switches, motor drives, springs and remote
tap position indicators can fail from wear and other operational factors.
The LTC compartment and its oil remain segregated from the main tank. This minimizes the
risk of contaminating the main windings with arc decomposition products. Horizontal
surfaces (e.g., the top) of diverter switches often accumulate carbon and copper deposits
associated with small convection currents created in the oil during each tap change. LTC
compartment oil requires filtration and treatment, typically after a specified number (e.g.,
50,000 or more) of LTC operations.
LTCs require considerable maintenance to ensure reliable operation. In many cases, LTCs
have shorter lives than the life expected for their transformers core assembly. However,
LTC overhauls and replacements help ensure total unit longevity.
LTC failures can have severe consequences, including customer supply, costs, safety and
environmental problems. LTC failures also often require off-site repairs. While LTC failure
rates worldwide are low, many major utilities experience several LTC-related major failures
A review of various users experience with modern LTCs revealed defects with two specific
designs. One design has a weak reversing switch that tends to overheat and coke up. This
creates high resistance connections that overheat until they burn open or initiate ground
faults. Another design exhibits excessive operating mechanism wear, making contact
alignment difficult and causing premature and extensive contact burning. Manufacturers have
modified these design problems and have instituted remedial programs for existing defective
models.
BCTC has a preventative maintenance program to detect and correct defects and developing
faults in transformers and tap changers. It is based on Reliability Centered Maintenance
(RCM) techniques. BCTCs Maintenance Standards contain maintenance procedures for
specific types of transformers and tap changers. About 26% of the LTCs on the BCTC-
managed transmission system are between 30 to 40 years old and about 7% are over 40 years
of age.
a) Visual
Transformers have many visible and accessible components, making visual inspections
effective. Visual inspections can detect external contamination, corrosion, misalignment,
evidence of overheating, plus cracks and oil leaks on bushings, tanks, radiators, fans, pipes
and fittings. Visual inspections also can verify the condition of gaskets and seals. For both
transformers and LTCs, internal inspections of control cabinets can help assess conditions
and components. Visual inspections can be done on all accessible LTC mechanical features.
Visual inspections must be supplemented by records reviews.
Recording DGA results and analyzing trends overtime is key to assessing deterioration.
When oil in an existing transformer is reconditioned or replaced, it will result in a step
change (reduction) in furan, moisture and metal content level. Both the old and new levels
should be recorded and taken into consideration while analyzing future trends.
d) Insulating Medium
Several tests are used to detect excess moisture, contaminants, and decomposition products in
oil, air and transformer insulation systems.
e) Thermograph (IR)
Data from this test provide useful warnings of hot spots and other thermal problems within or
outside transformers.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed transformers and tap changers first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class, including LTC-
equipped and non-LTC equipped transformers. Each criterion represents a factor critical in
determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 4.3.1 through 4.3.22 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or test
evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each
condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition Description
Rating
A No oil leakage or water ingress at any of the bushing-metal interfaces or at
gaskets, weld seals, flanges, valve fittings, gauges, monitors.
B Minor oil leaks evident, no moisture ingress likely.
C Clear evidence of oil leaks but rate of loss is not likely to cause any
operational or environmental impacts
D Major oil leakage and probable moisture ingress. If left uncorrected it could
cause operational and/or environmental problems.
E Oil leaks or moisture ingress have resulted in complete failure or
damage/degradation beyond repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A No rust or corrosion on main tank. No external or internal rust in cabinets
no evidence of condensation, moisture or insect ingress. No rust or corrosion
on weld seals, flanges, valve fittings, gauges, monitors. All wiring, terminal
blocks, switches, relays, monitoring and control devices are in good
condition.
B No rust or corrosion on main tank, some evidence of slight moisture ingress
or condensation in cabinets
C Some rust and corrosion on both tank and on cabinets.
D Significant corrosion on main tank and on cabinets. Defective sealing leading
to water ingress and insects/rodent damage.
E Corrosion, water ingress or insect/rodent damage or degradation is beyond
repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A No rust or corrosion on body of radiators. Fan and pump enclosures are free
of rust and corrosion and securely mounted in position, pump bearings are in
good condition and fan controls are operating per design.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Fan and pump enclosures damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
tight, free of corrosion and made directly to tanks, radiators, cabinets and
supports, without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports, or grounding damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A DGA overall factor is less than 1.2
B DGA overall factor between 1.2 and 1.5
C DGA overall factor is between 1.5 and 2.0
D DGA overall factor is between 2.0 and 3.0
E DGA overall factor is greater than 3.0
Where the DGA overall factor is the weighted average of the following gas scores:
Scores
1 2 3 4 5 6 Weight
H2 <=100 <=200 <=300 <=500 <=700 >700 2
CH4 <=120 <=150 <=200 <=400 <=600 >600 3
C2H6 <=50 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H4 <=65 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H2 <=3 <=10 <=50 <=100 <=200 >200 5
CO <=700 <=800 <=900 <=1100 <=1300 >1300 1
CO2 <=3000 <=3500 <=4000 <=4500 <=5000 >5000 1
Condition Description
Rating
A Values well within acceptable ranges; power factor less than 0.05%
B Values close to acceptable ranges; power factor between 0.05 - .5%
C Values exceed acceptable ranges; power factor between 0.5 1%.
D Values considerably exceed acceptable levels; power factor between 1 -
2%
E Values are not acceptable> 2%, immediate attention required; power
factor greater than 2%
Condition Description
Rating
A F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 or 1
B If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 2 or 3
C If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 4
D If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 5
E If: F1 + F2 + F3 > 5
Where minimum requirement is the Moisture test along with either the IFT or
dielectric test:
Condition Description
Rating
A No hot spots are noticeable, no temperature excess over reference point of
transformer at normal temperature
B Small hotspots are identified but do not require further investigation, excess
of 0-9 degrees over reference point
C Significant hot spots are identified and further investigation is required,
excess of 10-20 degrees over reference point
D Serious hot spots are identified that need further investigation/attention as
soon as possible, excess of 21-49 degrees over reference point
E Critical hotspots are identified that need immediate attention, excess of more
than 50 degrees over reference point
Condition Description
Rating
A Passed test, DGA overall factor less than 3
E Failed test, overall DGA factor greater than 3
Condition Description
Rating
A No oil leakage or water ingress at any interfaces , cover plates, weld seals,
flanges, valve fittings, pressure relief diaphragms, qualitrol or other relays
and fittings associated with the LTC. Verify that LTC conservator oil level
gauge is at correct value.
B Minor oil leaks evident, no moisture ingress likely.
C Clear evidence of oil leaks but rate of loss is not likely to cause any
operational or environmental impacts
D Major oil leakage and probable moisture ingress. If left uncorrected it could
cause operational and/or environmental problems
E Oil leakage or moisture ingress that has caused damage/degradation beyond
repair.
Condition Description
Rating
A No external sign of deterioration of tank gaskets, weld seams or gaskets on
valve fittings, pressure relief diaphragms, qualitrol or other relays and fittings
associated with the LTC. Weather seal of LTC mechanism cabinet is in good
condition. Dynamic seals of drive shaft are in good condition.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two unacceptable characteristics that cannot be brought into
acceptable condition.
Table 4.3.17 Tap Changer Gaskets, Seals and Pressure Relief Condition
Condition Description
Rating
A Wiring, terminal blocks, relays, heaters, motors, contactors and switches all
in good condition. LTC operating mechanism, shafts, brakes, gears, bearings,
indicators are free from corrosion, abrasion or obstruction and are lubricated.
No sign of overheating or deterioration on any electrical or mechanical
components..
B A small percentage of the wiring, terminal blocks, relays and switches are in
a degraded condition. LTC operating mechanism is in good condition
C About 20% of the wiring, terminal blocks, relays and switches are in a
degraded condition. LTC operating mechanism is in fair condition.
D Significant amount of wiring, terminal blocks, relays and switches are in very
poor condition. Fuses blow periodically. One or more of the LTC operating
mechanism components is in imminent danger of failure. Requires immediate
corrective action.
E Components have failed or are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Table 4.3.19 Tap Changer Control and Mechanism Cabinet Component Condition
Condition Description
Rating
A Oil tests passed; DGA overall factor <5 or limited metal content
E Any failed oil test; DGA overall factor > 5 or serious metal content
Condition Description
Rating
A F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 or 1
B If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 2 or 3
C If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 4
D If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 5
E If: F1 + F2 + F3 > 5
Where minimum requirement is the Moisture test along with either the IFT or dielectric test:
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Tables 4.3.23
4.3.24 below.
A = 4;
B = 3,
C = 2
D = 1, and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totaled for each asset class member. Because of the importance
of the winding Doble test, Furan or transformer DGA tests, if any of the tests scored an E,
then the Health Index was divided by 2.
Totaled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a transformer in
perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded transformer
would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., the 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for transformers in
Table 4.3.23 below, assume a transformer with partial data has a maximum condition score
of 70 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 116. That transformer, therefore,
has only 60% of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other
hand, if that transformer with partial data had a maximum condition score of 82, it would
have 71% of its maximum and a valid Health Index.
Tables 4.3.23 4.3.24 show the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition
ratings as both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible
maximum score for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 4.3.25 was used to determine the overall condition of the transformer and tap changer
asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some ageing or minor Normal maintenance
85 - 100 Very Good deterioration of a limited number
of components
Significant deterioration of some Normal maintenance
70 - 85 Good
components
Widespread significant Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious remedial work or replacement needed
50 - 70 Fair deterioration of specific depending on criticality
components
Widespread serious deterioration Start planning process to replace or
30 - 50 Poor rebuild considering risk and
consequences of failure
Extensive serious deterioration At end-of-life, immediately assess risk;
0 - 30 Very Poor
replace or rebuild based on assessment
Table 4.3.25 Health Index Scale for Transformers and Tap Changers
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for power transformers in
the BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 summarize the results,
which are also illustrated in Figure 4.4.1.
Very Good 70
Good 36
Fair 8
Poor 0
Very Poor 0
Total Results Based on Field Survey 114
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 48.7
* HIs were calculated using the 50% Rule instead of the 70% Rule due to insufficient data1
1
See subsection 4.3.3 above for a description of the 70% and 50% Rules used in this study.
Number of Transformers
140
120
100
74
80
60
40
16
20
0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
5.1 Description
Instrument transformers change high voltage system currents and voltages from high values
to values safely accommodated by control, metering and relay systems. Two basic
equipment categories exist, current transformers (CTs) and voltage transformers (VTs).
Within the VT category, two distinctly different types of transformers exist, inductive and
capacitive transformers (CVT). Inductive transformers resemble power transformers. CVTs,
however, function as capacitive dividers. CVTs can have multiple functions that include
coupling carrier frequency signals to power line carriers, moderating the switching duty on
adjacent circuit breakers (i.e., short line fault), and supplying control, metering and relay
systems.
Recent technological developments have coupled optical current and voltage transducers as
replacement technology for conventional instrument transformers. This technology had its
first trial application in 1986. However, it still has not gained widespread acceptance.
Most high voltage instrument transformers use oil in a porcelain enclosure for insulation.
Some instrument transformers (e.g., those at medium voltages) also use dry insulation. Some
CTs and VTs have SF6 insulation. CVTs contain mineral oil impregnated paper and
polypropylene dielectric as insulation.
National and international standards provide guidance to manufacturers in the design, testing
and performance of instrument transformers. Users also modify and supplement these
requirements to meet their own systems needs. For example, they may specify special
features such as increased over-voltage and over-current capabilities, increased CVT
capacitance, as well as accuracy classes. Before delivery, manufacturers test each unit for
dielectric potential, ratio, accuracy and temperature rise. Users also may repeat some of
these tests in the field after installation.
Current Transformers
Several different types of current transformers exist for use in specific applications. Two
main types of core arrangements include:
The tank type with its core in a tank at the ground end (i.e., hair-pin and eye-bolt types),
and
The inverted or live head type with the core situated on the top (i.e., line) end of the
transformer.
The live head type can accommodate the highest currents and system voltages. The design is
most economical at voltages of 230 kV and above. However for oil insulated CTs, this
design is relatively unstable and unsuitable in high seismic areas. The design also imposes
high stress on support insulators. SF6 insulated live head CTs are acceptable.
Instrument transformers have dry, epoxy-molded oil, oil-quartz and SF6 insulation systems.
Each type of insulation has certain advantages in specific applications. Oil insulated CTs
have hermetic seals. In some of these CTs, changes in volume are compensated by a
stainless steel bellows system. In the BCTC-managed transmission system, those using
rubber compensation bellows have exhibited problems due to deterioration of the rubber.
Support insulators can be porcelain, epoxy, or reinforced composite materials. Head and
tank housings consist of corrosion resistant aluminum alloys.
CTs experience both static and dynamic stress. High voltage bus conductors impose static
stress. Wind, vibration, pressure increases, and seismic activity impose dynamic stress. Use
of pressure relief devices and adequate support for expansion compensated bus conductors
can avoid service problems. For SF6 CTs, explosion-proof designs prevent risks of fire,
explosion, personnel and collateral damage after faults in the equipment. Explosion-proof
designs are not available for oil insulated CTs.
BCTC has adopted a policy of purchasing dead tank breakers with bushing CTs. This policy
has eliminated the need for external CTs.
Voltage Transformers
a) Inductive Voltage Transformers (Inductive VTs)
Inductive VTs normally have cores located in a tank at the base of the VT. Inductive VTs
operate at voltages of 230kV and below. At higher voltages, Inductive VT cores are found
between two support insulators in a cascade arrangement. However, this configuration
usually is uneconomic, and CVTs offer more cost-effective solutions. CTs and VTs have
similar insulation systems, support insulators, sealing systems, and tank construction. CTs
and VTs also have similar static and dynamic stresses.
Capacitive element technology has advanced greatly in the past 20 years. In the past, oil and
paper were major constituents of insulation systems. Later PCB-containing oils served as
5.2 Demographics
Table 5.2.1 also shows that 58.7% of the Oil CTs are within the age range of 20 to 29 years
old. Also, none of the identified Oil CTs was commissioned more than 40 years ago.
Voltage
Total Percent
25 kV 60 kV 138 kV 230 kV 500 kV Incomplete
0 to 9 0 5 3 9 43 0 60 5.2
10 to 19 27 3 50 40 96 0 216 18.6
Age Group
Table 5.2.1 Count of Current Transformers Oil Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Table 5.2.2 also shows that 25.1% of the Dry CTs are within the age range of 20 to 29 years.
Also, none of the identified Dry CTs was commissioned more than 40 years ago.
20 to 29 39 1 6 0 2 0 48 25.1
30 to 39 3 0 0 0 0 1 4 2.1
40 to 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
50 plus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
incomplete 74 5 0 0 2 3 84 44.0
Total 135 30 8 7 7 4 191 100.0
Percent 70.7 15.7 4.2 3.7 3.7 2.1 100
Table 5.2.2 Count of Dry Current Transformers Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Table 5.2.3 shows that 46.3% of the SF6 CTs are within the age range of 10 to 19 years, and
34.3% are within the age range of 0 to 9 years. Thus 80.6% of the SF6 CTs are less than 20
years old.
Voltage
Total Percent
60 kV 138 kV 230 kV 500 kV
0 to 9 1 5 35 28 69 34.3
10 to 19 0 48 39 6 93 46.3
Age Group
20 to 29 0 0 7 6 13 6.5
30 to 39 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
40 to 49 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
50 plus 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
incomplete 0 4 22 0 26 12.9
Total 1 57 103 40 201 100.0
Percent 0.5 28.4 51.2 19.9 100.0
Table 5.2.3 Count of SF6 Transformers Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Voltage
Total Percent
500 kV Incomplete
0 to 9 18 0 18 23.7
10 to 19 0 0 0 0.0
Age Group
20 to 29 0 0 0 0.0
30 to 39 24 14 38 53.9
40 to 49 0 0 0 0.0
50 plus 0 0 0 0.0
incomplete 0 14 14 22.4
Total 42 28 70 100.0
Percent 60 40 100.0
Table 5.2.5 also shows that 42.4% of the VTs are within the age range of 20 to 29 years, and
1.9% older than 40 years. In the age ranges of 0 to 9 years, 10 to 19 years, and 30 to 39
years, the percentage distribution is 20.0%, 8.6%, and 19.5% respectively.
Table 5.2.5 Count of Voltage Transformers Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 1,283 CVTs. Table 5.2.6 shows the
number of CVTs grouped by voltage level and age group. The 230 kV, 138 kV and 500 kV
voltage levels have 44.7%, 32.7%, and 19.3% of the total population respectively.
Table 5.2.6 also shows that 47.5% of the CVTs are within the age range of 20 to 29 years
old. The age ranges of 10 to 19 years and 30 to 39 years have about the same number of
CVTs each, with 17.1% and 17.9% respectively. Only 0.7 % of the CVTs in the system are
older than 40 years.
Voltage
Total Percent
60 kV 138 kV 230 kV 360 kV 500 kV
0 to 9 5 62 69 0 17 153 11.9
10 to 19 3 77 85 3 52 220 17.1
Age Group
High voltage instrument transformers (HVIT) have no preset life expectancies. Typically,
users expect 25 to 40 years of service from a HVIT, assuming normal operating conditions.
Thus, HVITs have shorter life expectancies than power transformers.
HVITs have more complex and more risk-prone dielectric designs than power transformers.
They operate at the same voltage as power transformers, but with a fraction of the insulation
and with tight electrical dimensions.
HVIT insulation tends to have greater dielectric and thermal stress than does power
transformer insulation. Therefore, HVIT insulation degrades, fails sooner, and has a shorter
life than the power transformer insulation. Insulation in both inductive capacitors and
external insulators undergoes cumulative and non-reversible degradation from steady states,
over-voltages and over-currents. HVIT degradation rates depend on equipment design,
safety margins, and operational and environmental conditions.
Periodic oil, gas (e.g., DGA), Doble and transformation ratio testing can help pinpoint
internal winding insulation and other dielectric problems. Dissipation factor measurements
also may assist in evaluating HVITs, but little formal guidance exists on acceptable results
for this equipment. However, when supplemented by DGA or SF6 analysis, dissipation
factor measurements may add value to the HVIT condition assessment process.
Corrosion affects HVITs in spite of the wide use of corrosion resistance aluminum alloys in
this equipment. Outdoor operations have increased corrosion risks. Routine external visual
inspections mitigate risks of internal contamination that can cause HVIT failures. For
example, periodic visual inspections can detect corrosion-related deterioration around joints,
weld, and seals. Such inspections also help find oil or SF6 leaks. Even minor degradation
and leaks should lead to more thorough sampling and analysis. Generally, SF6 units have gas
density monitors that trigger warning systems when leaks occur.
Static stress from poorly implemented HV bus connections may cause HVIT degradation and
failure. Unit bushings and insulators may experience thermal and mechanical failures from
misaligned and inadequately supported bus conductors or misaligned and loose connectors.
BCTC closely monitors the SF6 gas in the system that it manages. BCTC conducts an annual
survey of SF6 related equipment. The utility then prepares a report for review and action if
needed.
BCTC has a preventative maintenance program to detect and correct defects and developing
faults in HVITs. It is based on Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) techniques.
BCTCs Maintenance Standards contain maintenance procedures for specific types of
HVITs.
Failures
HVITs are highly reliable, with reported failure rates at about 0.05% worldwide. Typically,
failure rates increase as operating voltages rise. In the past, VT ferro-resonance and CT
remanence problems caused failures, but design improvements have solved those problems.
Now most failures occur because of oil or SF6 leaks, and such failures are not generally
catastrophic.
Insulation failures normally occur either very early or very late in the life of HVITs. Early
insulation failures result from poor design, manufacture and installation. Late failures result
from degradation and can be catastrophic.
Because of their small size, internal breakdowns or arcs can have catastrophic results,
particularly in oil filled units. Several utilities have reported explosive failures, extensive
damage and forced outages of adjacent equipment. Some Western US utilities recently
reported explosive failures with resulting debris found over 200 feet away from the failure
site.
SF6 insulated units are not explosive and present little risk of fire or collateral damage. Over
the last 15 years, the number of explosive failures in 500 kV oil-filled porcelain-housed CTs,
a) Visual
This equipment lends itself to visual inspections because the overall grounded assembly is
visible and accessible. Visual inspections can detect external contamination, corrosion,
misalignment, and evidence of overheating, plus cracks and leaks on insulator housings,
tanks, and high voltage connections. Visual inspections also can verify the condition of
gaskets, seals, terminal box, and secondary connections. Visual inspections serve as a start to
condition assessment, but they must be supplemented by detailed reviews of maintenance
and test records.
c) Doble Test
This high voltage bridge test measures capacitance and loss angles of high voltage insulating
components. Doble test results can be compared directly to manufacturers standards or to
results from other similar equipment. Assessing trends in Doble test results can help detect
deterioration of bushings and other internal components such as interrupters, operating rods,
grading capacitors, and support insulators.
d) Thermograph (IR)
This test occurs at substations and provides useful warnings of hot spots and other poor
primary connections.
e) Insulating Medium
Several tests are used to detect excess moisture, contaminants, and decomposition products in
oil and SF6 insulation systems. For HVITS, these tests are conducted periodically, with
frequency determined by performance history as well as the specific type or family of HVIT
equipment.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed instrument transformers first required
developing end-of life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
Tables 5.3.1 through 5.3.46 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or test
evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each
condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No external corrosion or rust on tank, head or terminal box. No rust,
corrosion or evidence of moisture in terminal box.
B No external corrosion or rust on tank, head or terminal box. Some evidence of
moisture ingress or condensation in terminal box.
C Significant rust and corrosion on tank, head or terminal box, requires
corrective maintenance within the next several months.
D Serious rust and corrosion on tank, head or terminal box, high probability of
failure. Requires immediate corrective action.
E Rust and corrosion on tank, head or terminal box have caused equipment
failure or damage/degradation beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Current transformer primary connectors are tight, free from corrosion and
show no evidence of overheating. Primary conductors are adequately
supported and impose no excessive loading under normal or fault currents.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Primary connectors or conductors have completely failed or are
damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
direct to bases, boxes and supports without any intervening paint or
corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports, or grounding damaged or degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Current transformer externally is clean, corrosion free. All primary and
secondary connections are in good condition. No external evidence of
overheating. Appears to be well maintained with service records readily
available.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Current transformer has completely failed or is damaged/degraded beyond
repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with high margins
B Values close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Equipment cannot be put to specification condition
Condition
Description
Rating
A Within specification.
E Cannot be put to specification condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No external corrosion or rust on cans or terminal box. No rust, corrosion or
evidence of moisture in terminal box.
B No external corrosion or rust on cans or terminal box. Some evidence of
moisture ingress or condensation in terminal box.
C Significant rust and corrosion on cans or terminal box, requires corrective
maintenance within the next several months.
D Serious rust and corrosion on tank, head or terminal box, high probability of
failure. Requires immediate corrective action.
E Rust and corrosion on tank, head or terminal box have caused failure or
damage/degradation beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A Current transformer primary connectors are tight, free from corrosion and
show no evidence of overheating. Primary conductors are adequately
supported and impose no excessive loading under normal or fault currents.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Primary connectors or conductors have completely failed or are
damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
direct to bases, boxes and supports without any intervening paint or
corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports, or grounding damaged or degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Capacitive voltage transformer externally is clean, corrosion free. All primary
and secondary connections are in good condition. No external evidence of
overheating. Appears to be well maintained with service records readily
available.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E CVT has completely failed or is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with high margins
B Values close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Equipment cannot be put to specification condition
Condition
Description
Rating
A No external corrosion or rust on tank, head or terminal box. No rust,
corrosion or evidence of moisture in terminal box.
B No external corrosion or rust on tank, head or terminal box. Some evidence of
moisture ingress or condensation in terminal box.
C Significant rust and corrosion on tank, head or terminal box, requires
corrective maintenance within the next several months.
D Serious rust and corrosion on tank, head or terminal box, high probability of
failure. Requires immediate corrective action.
E Rust and corrosion on tank, head or terminal box have caused equipment
failure or damage/degradation beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Current transformer primary connectors are tight, free from corrosion and
show no evidence of overheating. Primary conductors are adequately
supported and impose no excessive loading under normal or fault currents.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Primary connectors or conductors have completely failed or are
damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
direct to bases, boxes and supports without any intervening paint or
corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports, or grounding damaged or are damaged/degraded
beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Voltage transformer externally is clean, corrosion free. All primary and
secondary connections are in good condition. No external evidence of
overheating. Appears to be well maintained with service records readily
available.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E VT has completely failed or damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with high margins
B Values close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Equipment cannot be put to specification condition
Condition
Description
Rating
A Within specification.
E Cannot be put to specification condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No external corrosion or rust on tank, head or terminal box. No rust,
corrosion or evidence of moisture in terminal box. Weather seal of terminal
box in good condition.
B No external corrosion or rust on tank, head or terminal box. Some evidence of
moisture ingress or condensation in terminal box.
C Significant rust and corrosion on tank, head or terminal box, requires
corrective maintenance within the next several months.
D Serious rust and corrosion on tank, head or terminal box, high probability of
failure. Requires immediate corrective action.
E Rust and corrosion on tank, head or terminal box have caused equipment
failure or damage/degradation beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All interconnecting conduit and cabling and fittings are free from damage and
corrosion and in good condition All wiring, terminal blocks, switches, relays,
monitoring and control devices are in good condition.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Secondary connections or controls have completely failed or are
damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
direct to bases, boxes and supports without any intervening paint or
corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports, or grounding damaged or degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Within specification
E Does not comply
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with high margins
B Values close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification by a significant margin
E Equipment cannot be put to specification condition
Condition
Description
Rating
A No abnormal indications, within IEC specification
B High readings on moisture, air or CF4
C Probable indication of electrical activity (decomposition by-products)
D Definite indications of electrical activity (decomposition by-products)
E High levels of electrical activity (decomposition by-products) that cannot
be corrected
Table 5.3.39 Gas Analysis (decomposition by-products, moisture, air etc. based on
evaluation provided with test report)
Condition
Description
Rating
A Current transformer primary connectors are tight, free from corrosion and
show no evidence of overheating. Primary conductors are adequately
supported and impose no excessive loading under normal or fault currents.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Primary connectors or conductors have completely failed or are degraded
beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All interconnecting conduit and cabling and fittings are free from damage and
corrosion and in good condition All wiring, terminal blocks, switches, relays,
monitoring and control devices are in good condition.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Secondary connections or controls have completely failed or are
damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Current transformer externally is clean, corrosion free. All primary and
secondary connections are in good condition. No external evidence of
overheating. Appears to be well maintained with service records readily
available.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E CT has completely failed or is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Within specification
E Does not comply
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with high margins
B Values close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification by a significant margin
E Equipment cannot be put to specification condition
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Tables 5.3.47
5.3.51 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totaled for each asset class member.
Totaled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, HVIT
equipment in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while completely degraded
HVIT equipment would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., the 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for oil filled CTs in
Table 5.3.47 below assume an oil filled CT with partial data has a maximum condition score
of 80 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 120. That oil filled CT, therefore,
has only 67% of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other
hand, if that oil filled CT with partial data had a maximum condition score of 84; it would
have 70% of its maximum and a valid Health Index.
Tables 5.3.47 5.3.51 show the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition
ratings as both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible
maximum score for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 5.3.52 was used to determine the overall condition of the instrument transformer asset
class.
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for each type of instrument
transformer in the BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 5.4.1 and 5.4.2 summarize
the results, which are also illustrated in Figures 5.4.1 through 5.4.6.
1
See subsection 5.3.3 above for a description of the 70% and 50% Rules used in this study.
Figure 5.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Oil Current Transformers
Capacitive Voltage Transformers
800 760
700
600 516
Number of
500
400
300
200
100 7
0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 5.4.2 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Oil Capacitive Voltage
Transformers
Voltage Transformers
800
700
Number of
600
500
361
400
300
200
100 45
0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 5.4.3 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Oil Voltage Transformers
140 126
Number of SF6 Instrument
120
Transformers
100
75
80
60
40
20
0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
2,500 2,225
Instrument Transformers
2,000 1,883
Number of
1,500
1,000
500
0 0 84
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
Health Index Categories
6.1 Description
Shunt reactors absorb excess reactive power, typically during light load conditions. They
resemble power transformers, but unlike transformers shunt reactors operate at or close to
100% of nameplate rating when in service. Shunt reactor components include insulated
windings installed on a laminated iron core and immersed in a tank of oil for insulation and
cooling. In addition, reactor assemblies consist of bushings, radiators, instrument
transformers, protection and control systems, foundation and structural steel support, and
frequently spill containment systems.
The BCTC-managed transmission system has 126 shunt reactors, ranging in capacity from 10
MVA to 150 MVA. The shunt reactors absorb reactive power on the system, and include
static, oil filled, and steel core devices operating at system voltages between 12 kV and 500
kV. Most units have applications on the 500 kV system, and these play particularly critical
roles in system operation. Shunt reactors represent high cost assets, and have long delivery
times.
Large oil filled, shunt reactors consist of bushings, oil, paper, pressboard, core-steel and
paper insulation. Oil and paper form the major constituents of the insulation system. The
core consists of thin, lightly insulated, steel laminations. Generally, tanks and radiators
fabricated from steel and porcelain clad bushings are common. While the fundamental
concept has remained unchanged, over time designs have become more cost effective,
compact and energy efficient. Improvements in design and fabrication techniques coupled
with more effective core and coils materials have resulted in reductions in volume and weight
per MVAr of rating. Computer assisted design tools have resulted in optimization of
dielectric, current carrying, magnetic and cooling characteristics.
National and international organizations have developed design, testing, and performance
standards that aid manufactures in the development of shunt reactors. Many users also
supplement or modify these standards to meet specific needs, especially for larger MVA
rated units. For example, they may specify features such as increased over-voltage
capabilities, special sound level requirements, transportation and other limiting dimensions,
plus special arrangements of coolers and other accessories. At the factory, each fully
assembled production unit receives several dielectric, temperature rise, sound level and
functional tests before delivery.
The quality of winding design and construction frequently determines the reliability of a
reactor. Windings must withstand many extreme conditions over their lifetime including
over-voltages, lightning and switching surges. Various winding types (e.g., helical, single
and multi layer) are used depending on voltage and MVAr ratings. Designs must provide
appropriate series capacitance and proper voltage distribution across the winding while
maintaining high mechanical strength in the coil.
b) Insulation
The reactor insulation system combines oil, paper, pressboard, and core-steel insulation.
Insulating oil must have very low levels of moisture and air. Manufacturers usually try to
attain values of less than 5 ppm water and less than 0.5% dissolved air. Established
acceptable levels of solid and gaseous contaminants are used to assess results of DGA and
other tests in the field.
Both single sheet and laminated insulation board form integral parts of reactor insulation. A
core of 150 tons may have more than 50,000 individual laminations that require proper
surface. The dual electrical and mechanical roles of the insulation necessitate a high level of
quality since contamination or moisture can cause failure. New units must be dried until the
cellulose material has a moisture content of less than 0.5% of its weight.
c) Bushings
Usually specialty suppliers make bushings and types vary depending on voltage and current
ratings. Typical types include stud and oil impregnated condenser bushings. Most bushings
are porcelain clad, but composite and epoxy resin impregnated condenser types also exist.
Users specify types and manufacturers to ensure compatibility with tanks and surrounding
parts, particularly for HV and EHV.
e) Tanks
Main tanks consist primarily of heavy welded steel plates with outer and inner structural steel
stiffeners on their sides and large structural steel beams at their base. Conservator tanks and
radiators also are made from steel and must meet requirements of the main tank. Tanks must
withstand full vacuums and the lowest possible ambient temperatures. Main tank designs
must withstand transport by road, sea and rail. Base designs must accommodate some or all
of the following features to facilitate movement to final fixed foundation locations: jacking
steps, blocking areas, hauling eyes and reinforced rolling areas.
To avoid eddy current losses caused by flux leakage, main tanks of larger units also require
magnetic shielding. The shields consist of grain-oriented magnetic sheets applied as
laminated strips to tank walls.
To minimize corrosion and moisture ingress problems, tank designs must avoid sharp edges,
connections of dissimilar metals, areas where water can collect, and parts inaccessible for
shot blasting and painting. Also, tank frames and stiffening members must have closed
rectangular tubes (U-profile). Bushing, manhole and pipe flanges must be a minimum of 10
mm above tank covers to minimize water ingress. Generally, tanks must have forms that can
hold long-term surface treatments.
Reactor Accessories
Accessories and auxiliary systems consist of instrument transformers, protection, control and
monitoring systems, power supplies, pressure relief devices, foundation and structural steel
supports, and often deluge, acoustic enclosure, fire protection and spill containment systems.
Bushings usually have current transformers for relaying and metering. Bushing potential
devices also may be provided. Secondary wiring ends in a terminal box or control cabinets.
Several versions of gas detection and monitoring devices exist, but normally only minimal
monitoring or protection is provided.
6.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 126 shunt reactors. Table 6.2.1
shows the number of shunt reactors grouped by each relevant voltage level and age group.
The 500 kV voltage level contains most of the systems shunt reactors, with 85.7%. The 10
shunt reactors at the less than 25 kV level are neutral reactors.
Table 6.2.1 also shows that 86.5% of the shunt reactors are within the age range of 20 to 29
years old, and that none are older than 29 years.
20 to 29 8 2 1 98 109 86.5
30 to 39 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
40 to 49 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
50 plus 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
Incomplete 0 0 0 2 2 1.6
Total 10 2 6 108 126 100.0
Percent 7.9 1.6 4.8 85.7 100.0
Table 6.2.1 Count of Shunt Reactors Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Shunt reactors have no preset life expectancies, and several factors can influence degradation
of equipment components. In general, users expect 40 to 50 years of life from a reactor,
assuming normal loading and operating conditions.
Longevity of these units depends largely on the condition of their core and coils. Reactors
have operating stresses that include dielectric, thermal and electromagnetic effects of steady
state, transient and dynamic over-voltages. Switching devices that restrike during de-
energizing also add stress to unit winding conductor insulation, resulting in cumulative and
non-reversible degradation. Reactor aging rates depend on the design, safety margins,
operating conditions and environmental factors. Cores and coils receive relatively little
maintenance aside from periodic dissolved gas in oil analysis (i.e., DGA and oil temperature,
gas accumulation and core leakage current monitoring.
Normal and abnormal operating conditions influence reactor aging. Lightning and switching
surges can cause internal localized over-voltages. Over-voltages cause above-normal
temperatures. Insulation degrades through exposure to moisture, particles, and acids. Such
conditions can eventually lead to failures.
Shunt reactors generally represent one of the most costly components of power systems. In
addition, the consequences of reactor failure are significant. Major failures affect cost, safety
and the environment. Also, failures usually require detanking and off-site repairs. Some of
the major recorded reactor failures have resulted from bushing failures, internal insulation
and winding faults, as well as failed winding accessories.
Degradation of foundations and structures that support buswork and connections impose
stress on bushings and other reactor components. Thermal and mechanical failures may
result from misaligned and inadequately supported bus conductors as well as misaligned and
loose connectors.
Utilities generally manage reactors through time based preventive maintenance programs.
They make replacement and refurbishment decisions based on reactor duties, criticality,
problems noted, plus ongoing maintenance requirements and associated costs. Traditionally,
utilities have used manufacturers recommendations to design reactor maintenance programs.
Generally, manufacturers made conservative (i.e., risk averse) maintenance recommendations
and applied conservative safety margins during design.
Some utilities have undertaken large-scale rehabilitation and refurbishment programs for
existing reactors. These programs do not directly extend a reactors life, but they do help
ensure that units achieve a normal life expectancy. Rehabilitation includes correcting known
defects, replacing gaskets, overhauling accessories and wiring, and repairing leaks.
Refurbishment includes rehabilitation activities plus replacing accessories, re-clamping
windings, and removing cores and coils from tanks. Generally, only after complete winding
and associated insulation replacement will a unit have such an increase in life expectancy that
it becomes equivalent to a new unit.
BCTC has a preventative maintenance program to detect and correct defects and developing
faults in shunt reactors. It is based on Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) techniques.
BCTCs Maintenance Standards contain maintenance procedures for specific types of shunt
reactors.
a) Visual
Shunt reactors have many visible and accessible components, making visual inspections
effective. Visual inspections can detect external contamination, corrosion, misalignment,
evidence of overheating, plus cracks and oil leaks on bushings, tanks, radiators, pipes and
fittings. Visual inspections also can verify the condition of gaskets and seals. Visual
inspections can help assess internal conditions and components of control and mechanism
cabinets. Visual inspections, however, must be supplemented by records reviews.
c) Doble Test
This test involves applying a voltage to bushings and measuring capacitance and loss angles
using a bridge technique. Doble test results can be compared directly to manufacturers
standards or to results from other similar transformers. Assessing trends in Doble test results
can help detect deterioration of bushings and other internal components such as support
insulators.
d) Insulating Medium
Several tests are used to detect excess moisture, contaminants, and decomposition products in
oil, air or reactor insulation systems.
e) Thermograph (IR)
Data from this test provide useful warnings of hot spots and other thermal problems within or
outside reactors.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed shunt reactors first required developing
end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a
factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 6.3.1 through 6.3.13 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or test
evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each
condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Bushings are not broken and are free of chips, radial cracks, flashover burns,
copper splash and copper wash. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
B Bushings are not broken, however minor chips and cracks, are visible.
Cementing and fasteners are secure.
C Bushings are not broken, however major chips, and some flashover burns and
copper splash are visible. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
D Bushings are broken/damaged or cementing and fasteners are not secure.
E Bushings or cementing and fasteners have completely failed, are damaged
beyond repair or have completely degraded.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No oil leakage or water ingress at any of the bushing-metal interfaces or at
gaskets, weld seals, flanges, valve fittings, gauges, monitors.
B Minor oil leaks evident, no moisture ingress likely.
C Clear evidence of oil leaks but rate of loss is not likely to cause any
operational or environmental impacts
D Major oil leakage and probable moisture ingress. If left uncorrected it could
cause operational and/or environmental problems.
E Oil leaks and moisture ingress resulted in complete failure or degradation
beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No rust or corrosion on body conservator tank. No rust, corrosion on weld
seals, flanges, valve fittings, gauges, monitors.
B No rust or corrosion on conservator.
C Some rust and corrosion on conservator.
D Significant rust and corrosion on conservator. Could lead to major oil leakage
or water ingress.
E Major oil leakage or water ingress has resulted in damage/degradation beyond
repair.
Any seal failure on a sealed tank shunt reactor.
Note. For reactors employing sealed tanks or air bags, a failure of the seal
would be indicated by the presence of air in the tank, which can be detected
by measuring oxygen or nitrogen content while conducting gas in oil analysis.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
tight, free of corrosion and made directly to tanks, radiators, cabinets and
supports, without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports or grounding damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Shunt Reactor externally is clean, and corrosion free. All primary and
secondary connections are in good condition. All monitoring, protection and
control, pressure relief, gas accumulation and silica gel devices, and auxiliary
systems, mounted on the power transformer, are in good condition. No
external evidence of overheating or internal overpressure. Appears to be well
maintained with service records readily available.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Shunt Reactor has failed or is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Where the DGA overall factor is the weighted average of the following gas scores:
Scores
Weight
1 2 3 4 5 6
H2 <=100 <=200 <=300 <=500 <=700 >700 2
CH4 <=120 <=150 <=200 <=400 <=600 >600 3
C2H6 <=50 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H4 <=65 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H2 <=3 <=10 <=50 <=100 <=200 >200 5
CO <=700 <=800 <=900 <=1100 <=1300 >1300 1
CO2 <=3000 <=3500 <=4000 <=4500 <=5000 >5000 1
Condition
Description
Rating
A Less than 1.0 PPM of 2-furaldehyde
B Between 1 1.5 PPM of 2-furaldehyde
C Between 1.5 3 PPM of 2-furaldehyde
D Between 3 - 10 PPM of 2-furaldehyde
E Greater than 10 PPM of 2-furaldehyde
Condition
Description
Rating
A Less than 20 years old
B 20-40 years old
C 40-60 years old
D Greater than 60 years old
E Not Applicable
Condition
Description
Rating
A F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 or 1
B If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 2 or 3
C If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 4
D If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 5
E If: F1 + F2 + F3 > 5
Where minimum requirement is the Moisture test along with either the IFT or dielectric test:
Moisture PPM
Factor IFT Factor Dielectric Factor
(T oC Corrected)
F1 dynes/cm F2 Str. kV F3
(From DGA test)
less than 20 0 >20 0 >50 0
20 - 30 2 16-20 1 >40 50 1
>30 40 4 13.5-16 2 30 - 40 2
greater than 40 6 <13.5 4 less than 30 4
Condition
Description
Rating
A Passed test, DGA overall factor less than 3 PPM
E Failed test, overall DGA factor greater than 3 PPM
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 6.3.15 below.
A = 4;
B = 3,
C = 2,
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a shunt reactor
in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while completely degraded shunt
reactor would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., the 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for shunt reactors in
Table 6.3.15 below, assume a shunt reactor with partial data has a maximum condition score
of 90 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 132. That shunt reactor, therefore,
has only 68% of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other
hand, if that shunt reactor with partial data had a maximum condition score of 95 it would
have 72% of the maximum and a valid Health Index.
For this asset class, available data were insufficient to provide a valid Health Index using the
70% Rule described above. In this case, to provide BCTC with some information about the
assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off (i.e., the 50% Rule). Thus,
if the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum
possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and presented in the results.
Table 6.3.15 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 6.3.16 was used to determine the overall condition of the shunt reactor asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for Shunt Reactors in the
BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 6.4.1 and 6.4.2 summarize the results, which
are also illustrated in Figure 6.4.1. Note, as described in subsection 6.3.3 above, the 50%
Rule was applied in calculating the Health Index for this asset since available data were
insufficient to use the 70% Rule.
Very Good 58
Good 26
Fair 6
Poor 0
Very Poor 0
Total Results Based on Field Survey 90
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 71.4
Table 6.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for Shunt Reactors
Very Good 81
Good (1) 37
Fair 8
Poor (1) 0
Very Poor 0
Total 126
(1) Note: 19 of the AEI 500kV shunt reactors have potential winding neutral shield problems. These are being
monitored and could be considered in Poor Condition
*Note, however, that 19 AEI 500kV shunt reactors have potential winding neutral shield problems. These are
being monitored and could be considered in Poor Condition
7.1 Description
Shunt capacitors provide reactive compensation and voltage support to transmission systems,
usually during heavy load conditions. The shunt capacitor population on the BCTC-managed
transmission system consists of 67 three-phase shunt capacitor banks. These shunt capacitors
provide reactive power on the transmission system at substations. They are on free standing
racks, mounted on support insulators operating at system voltages between 12 kV and
230 kV.
When in service, shunt capacitors always operate at or close to 100% of nameplate rating.
Capacitor bank components include capacitor units, base support and inter-rack insulators,
interconnecting buswork, as well as racks and support steel, all commonly installed on
concrete foundations. Capacitor assemblies may consist of inrush current limiting reactors,
capacitor unit fuses, surge arresters, disconnect and ground switches, instrument transformers
and associated protection and control devices. Tanks are made from stainless steel and
porcelain clad bushings are common.
Large shunt capacitor banks consist of insulators, liquid impregnated polypropylene insulated
capacitor units with either internally or externally mounted fuses and interconnecting bus-
work. Usually, capacitor units have wye (Y) connected series-parallel arrangements to meet
voltage and MVAr rating requirements. They may have grounded or ungrounded neutrals.
While banks are usually configured for air insulated outdoor installations other
configurations (e.g., metal-clad arrangements) also exist.
Capacitor unit technology has advanced substantially in the last 20 years. In the past, oil and
paper were the major constituents of capacitor bank insulation systems. Because of the need
for more cost-effective, compact and energy efficient designs, the technology has developed
over time. Recent capacitors are wound from alternate layers of aluminium foil, an improved
low loss polypropylene film, and kraft paper impregnated synthetic oil with high gas
absorption qualities. Unit ratings now reach 600 kVAr or more, up from 200 kVAr in the
1980s.
National and international organizations have developed design, testing, and performance
standards that aid manufactures in the development of shunt capacitors. Many users also
supplement or modify these standards to meet specific needs, especially for larger MVA
rated units. For example, they may specify features such as increased over-voltage
capabilities, special sound level requirements, transportation and other limiting dimensions,
plus special arrangements of coolers and other accessories. At the factory, each fully
assembled production unit receives several dielectric, temperature rise, sound level and
functional tests before delivery.
Designers try to build banks with capacitors and other materials that have specific loss
properties and operating characteristics that do not degrade over time. Electrical clearances,
insulators and overcurrent protection add reliability under normal and abnormal operating
conditions. Banks must have sufficient support to withstand transport and operational forces.
Extreme conditions such as transient and temporary over-voltages may substantially affect a
capacitor, and the capacitor must withstand such conditions throughout its life. The quality
of a units internal insulation frequently determines its reliability.
7.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 67 shunt capacitors. Table 7.2.1
shows the number of shunt capacitors grouped by voltage level and age group. The less than
25 kV voltage level contains most of the shunt capacitors, with 61.2% of the total. The 138
kV level has the next highest number of shunt capacitors with 16.4% of the total. The 60 kV
level has 7.5%, and the 230 kV level has 10.4% of the systems shunt capacitors.
Table 7.2.1 also shows that 88% of the shunt capacitors are less than 29 years old and none
are more than 40 years old.
20 to 29 3 2 1 1 0 7 10.4
30 to 39 2 0 0 0 0 2 3.0
40 to 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
50 plus 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
incomplete 2 0 1 0 3 6 9.0
Total 41 5 11 7 3 67 100.0
Percent 61.2 7.5 16.4 10.4 4.5 100.0
Table 7.2.1 Count of Shunt Capacitors Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Capacitor banks consist of capacitors, fuses, insulators and support structures. They are
essentially static devices, considered robust and reliable with no preset life expectancies.
While several factors may affect their condition, users generally expect capacitor banks to
have useful lives of 30 40 years, assuming normal operations. Generally, capacitors reach
their end-of-life when units, structures, insulators, and fuses deteriorate to the point where
maintenance becomes uneconomic.
In the past, bushing and fuse failures, contamination and small animals have caused major
failures. Fuse degradation results primarily from the failure of seals and ingress of moisture.
While users have reported some corrosion in capacitor units and support steelwork, it occurs
primarily in coastal areas from salt spray but is rare elsewhere. Internal degradation occurs
in insulators, but this is difficult to detect with standard visual inspection methods.
Degradation of foundations and structures that support buswork and connections impose
stress on bushings and other capacitor components. Thermal and mechanical failures may
result from misaligned and inadequately supported bus conductors. Misaligned and loose
connectors can cause thermal and mechanical failures of bushings and insulators.
Canada has environmental laws and regulations for chlorobiphenyls (i.e., polychlorinated
biphenyls, PCBs) that include requirements for certain PCB equipment. Canada also has
proposed amendments to its chlorobiphenyl regulations that would phase-out PCB equipment
such as capacitors containing 500 mg/kg or more of PCBs by the year 2007. BCTC has a
program to replace any relevant capacitors by that deadline.
a) Visual
Shunt capacitors have many visible and accessible components, making visual inspections
effective. Visual inspections can detect external contamination, corrosion, evidence of leaks,
internal unit failures, blown fuses, misalignment, plus chips, cracks and other insulator
defects. Visual inspections must be supplemented by record reviews and annual infrared (IR)
tests.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed shunt capacitors first required developing
end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a
factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 7.3.1 through 7.3.10 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or test
evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each
condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Support Insulators (rack and inter-rack) are not broken and are free of
contamination, chips, radial cracks, flashover burns, copper splash and copper
wash. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
B Support Insulators (rack and inter-rack) are not broken, however minor
contamination, chips and cracks are visible. Cementing and fasteners are
secure.
C Support Insulators (rack and inter-rack) are not broken, however major
contamination, chips, and some flashover burns and copper splash are visible.
Cementing and fasteners are secure.
D Support Insulators (rack and inter-rack) are broken/damaged or cementing
and fasteners are not secure.
E Support Insulators (rack and inter-rack), or cementing and fasteners are
broken/damaged beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Support steel and bolts are tight and free from corrosion. High voltage
connections are made directly to buses, structures, fuses and capacitor units
without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Supports or connections are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No Fuses are blown, fuses and stand off rail insulators are free of
contamination, chips, flashover burns, Fasteners are secure.
B No or fuses are blown, fuses and stand off rail insulators have moderate
contamination, no chips or flashover burns, Fasteners are secure..
C More than three fuses are blown but are not sufficient to impose excessive
voltage on remaining units. Fuses and stand off rail insulators have moderate
contamination and some flashover burns, Fasteners are secure.
D Sufficient fuses are blown to impose excessive voltage on remaining units.
Fuses and stand off rail insulators have heavy contamination with some
flashover burns. Fasteners are secure.
E Fuses, stand off rail insulators, or fasteners are contaminated or
damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
direct to tank, cabinets, supports without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports or grounding are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A System is externally is clean, corrosion free. All primary and secondary
connections are in good condition. No external evidence of overheating or
any other abnormality. Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Shunt capacitor is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Total absence of any unusual hotspots
B Some minor indications noted but are not of concern
C Some indications noted requiring further investigation
D Definite abnormalities noted requiring corrective action
E Definite abnormalities that cannot be corrected.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No alarms
B 1 alarm per year
C 2 alarms per year
D 3 alarms per year
E More than 3 alarms per year
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 7.3.11 below.
A = 4;
B = 3,
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a shunt capacitor
in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while completely degraded shunt
capacitor would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., the 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for shunt capacitors in
Table 7.3.11 below, assume a shunt capacitor with partial data has a maximum condition
score of 54 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 80. That shunt capacitor,
therefore, has only 68% of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On
the other hand, if that shunt capacitor with partial data had a maximum condition score of 58
it would have 73% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
For this asset class, available data were insufficient to provide a valid Health Index using the
70% Rule described above. In this case, to provide BCTC with some information about the
assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off (i.e., the 50% Rule). Thus,
if the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum
possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and presented in the results.
Table 7.3.11 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 7.3.12 was used to determine the overall condition of the shunt capacitor asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for shunt capacitors in the
BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 7.4.1 and 7.4.2 summarize the results, which
are also illustrated in Figure 7.4.1. Note, as described in subsection 7.3.3 above, the 50%
Rule was applied in calculating the Health Index for this asset since available data were
insufficient to use the 70% Rule.
Very Good 18
Good 32
Fair 0
Poor 2
Very Poor 0
Total Results Based on Field Survey 52
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 77.6
Table 7.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for Shunt Capacitors
Very Good 23
Good 41
Fair 0
Poor 3
Very Poor 0
Total 67
Shunt Capacitors
35
30
Number of
25 23
20
15
10
5 3
0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
8.1 Description
In substations, insulators support overhead bus conductors to provide adequate basic impulse
insulation levels (BIL) that enable bus conductors to withstand over-voltage conditions.
Most station insulators consist of porcelain, but both composite (e.g., fibre-reinforced resin
with silicone rubber sheds) and solid polymeric (e.g., epoxy) insulators exist, particularly at
lower voltage levels. Substations located in areas with high levels of ambient air pollution
generally have insulators coated with silicone compounds to improve their performance.
Station type insulators have several different designs. Older installations may use suspension
insulators to support bus conductors. Generally, newer compact stations have post-type
insulators. However, cap and pin insulators also are widely used. BCTC has a program to
replace all cap and pin insulators in the next 10 years.
8.2 Demographics
BCTC does not gather data related to this asset class. Therefore, no demographic data are
available for station insulators overall. However, BCTC has determined that there are about
26,000 pin and cap type insulators used in the BCTC-managed transmission system. These
insulators are known to fail and are the subject of an ongoing replacement program.
Insulators experience both electrical and mechanical stress. Loss of either dielectric or
mechanical strength can cause their degradation and failure. Mechanical stress may result
from several environmental factors, including wind, ice and snow loading. Operational
factors such as vibrations from switchgear and short-circuits also cause mechanical stress.
Electrical damage may result from repeated over-voltages and flashovers. Air-borne
contaminants, ice and snow accumulation may cause flashovers. Station insulators can
withstand and recover from occasional electrical flashovers. These flashovers rarely damage
porcelain insulators. However, after tracking and water ingress, flashovers may penetrate or
puncture the insulator bulk causing permanent damage. Electrical failures weaken insulators
through mechanical overstressing.
Porcelain insulators fail through radial cracking, circumferential cracking (i.e., doughnut
cracking), head cracks, and punctures. Radial and circumferential cracks occur in the shed,
and although very fine, close inspections can detect them. Radial cracks can extend up into
the insulator head. Insulator caps often hide head cracks and punctures making them hard to
detect visually. Over time, cap and pin insulators experience wear and tear on their metal
Polymeric and composite insulators may experience long-term surface degradation. Also,
electrical stresses may degrade the bulk of insulators, particularly their hollow internal
surfaces and the laminated material interfaces of composite insulators. Contaminants may
lead to tracking and surface degradation decreasing insulator performance. Resin-based
materials used in insulator bulks are susceptible to minute manufacturing defects. When
such defects occur in areas of high electrical stress, electrical treeing and failures may result.
Generally, degradation of these types of insulators may take months or years.
Some insulators have coatings (e.g., silicone grease) to reduce impacts from ambient air
pollution. These coatings can degrade over time, leading to performance reduction.
Washing typically restores contaminated coatings. However, after several washings coatings
must be reapplied.
Critical insulator defects (e.g., cracks) are often small and hard to detect, making condition
assessment difficult. Since insulators consist of brittle materials (e.g., porcelains),
mechanical failures can occur quickly with little prior warning or evidence of deterioration.
Cement growth, moisture ingress and internal corrosion represent key processes that degrade
insulators over time. Generally, visual and non-destructive methods cannot detect these
processes and other internal degradation readily. Visual inspections, however, can detect
surface degradation on polymeric and composite insulators.
Most inspection procedures for porcelain insulators are designed to detect cracked porcelains
and to report external damage and deterioration. However, porcelain crack detection is
difficult. Under dry conditions, cracks may be undetectable. Also, un-cracked but
contaminated insulators may exhibit surface activities similar to those generated by cracks.
Destructive examination of recovered units represents the main way to assess developing
insulator degradation. This technique is not practical for routine condition assessment.
However, it can help assess risks associated with certain batches or locations. For example,
when performance or failures indicate inherent problems in an insulator batch, it may be
appropriate to test intact units recovered from service to determine the problems extent and
the life of the remaining population.
Ancillary equipment or components also affect the overall condition of station insulators.
Thus, connectors, clamps, conductors, and structure grounding require consideration when
determining the health of these assets. Current carrying capability is used to assess the
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed insulators first required developing end-of-
life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a factor
critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and reviews of
records in BCTCs asset management system databases. In addition to maintenance
histories, these databases contain information about operating requirements and conditions,
defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the information available against end-of-life
criteria, condition states were rated A through E. For this asset class, letter condition ratings
have the following general meanings:
Tables 8.3.1 through 8.3.7 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or test
evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each
condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Not a risk/type insulator, no failures expected
C This type of insulator is known to fail occasionally.
E High-risk insulator, failure can be expected or has occurred.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Insulators are not broken and are free of chips and radial cracks,. Cementing
and fasteners are secure.
B Insulators are not broken, however minor chips and cracks, are visible.
Cementing and fasteners are secure.
C Insulators are not broken, however major chips are visible. Cementing and
fasteners are secure.
D Insulators are broken/damaged or cementing and fasteners are not secure.
E Insulators or cementing and fasteners are broken/damaged or degraded
beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No rust or corrosion on insulator parts. No flashover burns.
B Some evidence of slight corrosion. No flashover burns.
C Some rust and corrosion on insulator parts or some flashover burns and
copper splash are visible.
D Significant rust and corrosion on insulator parts and/or significant flashover
burns.
E Insulator parts have rust, corrosion or flashover burns beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
tight, free of corrosion and made directly to tanks, radiators, cabinets and
supports, without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundations, supports or grounding are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with high margins
B Values close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Values do not meet specification and cannot be brought into specification
condition.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, an insulator in
perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while completely degraded insulator
would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set. For example,
using the weightings and maximum possible scores for insulators in Table 8.3.8 below,
assume an insulator with partial data has a maximum condition score of 34 out of the Health
Index maximum possible score of 52. That insulator, therefore, has only 65% of the
maximum Health Index score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand,
if that insulator with partial data had a maximum condition score of 40 it would have 77% of
the Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
Table 8.3.8 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 8.3.9 was used to determine the overall condition of the insulator asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
BCTC has identified 36,635 pin and cap type insulator stacks in the transmission and
distribution systems it manages. Of those, about 26,000 are part of the BCTC-managed
transmission system. All of the insulator stacks are judged to be in Very Poor condition
because of their known failure characteristics. There is an existing program, initiated in 2000,
to replace these insulator stacks that, at this time, is about 33% complete.
No data were available to assess the condition of Station Insulators overall. In addition,
because of the large number and variety of insulators, it was not cost effective to conduct a
specific detailed survey of insulators as part of this baseline study. However, monthly checks
of these assets are performed as part of routine station inspections.
9.1 Description
This asset class covers insulated cables used in transmission stations to interconnect power
equipment. Typically, cables used in transmission stations are short runs contained in a
controlled environment. Often they are installed in ducts or trenches and receive regular
visual inspections. Potheads and other types of cable end terminations facilitate connections
with power equipment. Generally, substation cables are cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)
or paper insulated, lead covered (PILC) and they operate at voltages up to 230 kV.
9.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 36 substation cables. Table 9.2.1
shows the number of substation cables grouped by voltage level and age group. The 60 kV
and 230 kV voltage levels have most of the substation cables, with 41.7% and 30.6%
respectively. The 138 kV voltage level has 5.6% of the substation cables, and 22.3% of the
substation cables have incomplete voltage level information.
Table 9.2.1 also shows that 25% of the substation cables are in the age range of 30 to 39
years, 22.2% are less than 9 years old, and 8.3% are between 10 to 19 years. Note that
44.4% of the station cables have incomplete age information.
Voltage
Years 60 kV 138 kV 230 kV Incomplete Total Percent
0 to 9 8 0 0 0 8 22.2
10 to 19 0 0 2 1 3 8.3
Age Group
20 to 29 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
30 to 39 0 0 4 5 9 25.0
40 to 49 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
50 plus 0 0 0 0 0 0.0
Incomplete 7 2 5 2 16 44.4
Total 15 2 11 8 36 100.0
Percent 41.7 5.6 30.6 22.2 100.0
Table 9.2.1 Count of Substation Cables Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Cables used in transmission stations are typically short runs contained in a controlled
environment and subject to regular visual inspection. PILC cables have reliable service lives
of 40 - 50 years. The average life expectancy of XLPE cables is 30 to 35 years.
Insulation systems in both XLPE and PILC cables degrade with age. The rate of degradation
depends on insulation thickness, operating temperatures, voltage stresses, plus the presence
of moisture and other impurities inside cable insulation systems. It is difficult to predict the
useful life of cable insulation. Normalized historic failure rates offer the most reliable and
practical means to assess the health, condition and remaining life of medium voltage cables.
For station cables, moisture ingress represents a key cause of failure, since moisture
deteriorates cable insulation. Moisture can penetrate into the cable through jacket
degradation as well as poorly installed terminations and splices. Water treeing has resulted
in premature aging and failures in earlier vintages of XLPE cables. For PILC cables,
deterioration results from damage, lead sheath corrosion, moisture ingress, loss of oil and
drying of paper insulation. Newer XLPE vintages have tree retardant insulation, making
them more resistant to moisture-related failures.
While partial discharge tests are often recommended to detect potential failures and predict
remaining life, these tests are difficult to perform and to interpret. Examination of a cables
internal design and manufacturing processes help to identify failure risks, and may be more
reliable and practical than partial discharge tests. For example, tape shields found in cables
manufactured prior to the 1980s, may have impurities that potentially reduce the cables life.
Terminations and potheads represent the most unreliable and problematic components of
cables. Lead sheath cables have filled terminations and XLPE cables have polymeric
terminations. Electrical activity associated with voids and moisture ingress may cause
failures in porcelain and compound filled potheads. Visual inspections can help detect leaks,
damage and other problems in potheads and polymeric terminations. Pothead failures may
be violent and dangerous, and the risk of failures increases with pothead age. Regular
inspections and discharge testing may reduce pothead failures. Because of the catastrophic
nature of termination failures, even one incident may lead utilities to institute such systematic
testing programs.
Polymeric terminations are prone to discharge-related failures and moisture ingress. In many
cases, these failures result from incorrect installation and design flaws that create electric
stresses. However, electrical activity associated with voids and moisture ingress also result
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed substation cables first required developing
end-of life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a
factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and reviews of
records in BCTCs asset management system databases. In addition to maintenance
histories, these databases contain information about operating requirements and conditions,
defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the information available against end-of-life
criteria, condition states were rated A through E. For this asset class, letter condition ratings
have the following general meanings:
Tables 9.3.1 through 9.3.3 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or test
evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each
condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Potheads and electrical exposed conductors/connectors are clean, corrosion
free and are in good condition. No external evidence of overheating or any
other abnormality. Potheads are not broken and are free of chips, radial
cracks, flashover burns, copper splash and copper wash. Cementing and
fasteners are secure.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Potheads or connectors are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Overall installation is externally clean, corrosion and leak free. All cable
sections and connections are in good condition. No external evidence of any
deterioration, overheating or abnormality.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics and/or
evidence of past repair.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and/or evidence of
multiple repairs or failures
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Cable is damaged/degraded beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with high margins
B Values close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Values do not meet specification and cannot be brought into specification
condition.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 9.3.5 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
D = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a cable in perfect
condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded cable would have a
Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set. For example,
using the weightings and maximum possible scores for cables in Table 9.3.5 below, assume
a cable with partial data has a maximum condition score of 24 out of the Health Index
maximum possible score of 36. That cable, therefore, has only 67% of the maximum score,
and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand, if that cable with partial data
had a maximum condition score of 26 it would have 72% of the Health Index maximum and
a valid Health Index.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 9.3.6 was used to determine the overall condition of the substation cable asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for substation cables in the
BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 9.4.1 and 9.4.2 summarize the results, which
are also illustrated in Figure 9.4.1.
Very Good 9
Good 14
Fair 5
Poor 0
Very Poor 0
Total Results Based on Field Survey 28
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 73.7
Table 9.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for Substation Cables
Very Good 12
Good 18
Fair 6
Poor 0
Very Poor 0
Total 36
10.1 Description
Synchronous condensers are large rotating machines used to provide or absorb reactive
power for system compensation and improve short circuit ratios of the system. Synchronous
condensers share similar characteristics, failure modes and other issues with large turbine
generators used to produce electricity. However, synchronous condensers have no
mechanical loads and no prime-mover or driving mechanism.
Synchronous condensers consist of stators, rotors and associated windings. Stator windings
typically operate at high voltages, and have composite insulation consisting of mica tape on a
fibreglass backing, impregnated with a synthetic resin. Rotor windings experience
substantial mechanical stress. They have epoxy-glass or aramid-based insulation.
Synchronous condensers have various cooling systems and media. Generally, stators have
direct liquid-cooling systems while rotors use hydrogen for cooling. Typically, this
equipment and its auxiliaries are housed in buildings to ensure that it has the infrastructure
needed to support its operation.
10.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 5 synchronous condensers.
Table 10.2.1 shows location, equipment numbers, manufacturer codes, commission notice to
energise (CNE) dates, and rated voltages for the 5 synchronous condensers. The
synchronous condensers with identified voltage levels and CNE dates are about 35 years old
and rated as 12.7 kV. Also, four of the five assets are at Vancouver Island Terminal.
Rotating machines such as synchronous condensers represent major assets for electric
utilities. As a result, substantial knowledge and numerous diagnostic tests and condition
assessment techniques exist for this equipment. Typically, however, synchronous condensers
do not come equipped with monitoring devices. Thus, some disassembly is often needed to
determine their condition. For this reason, utilities often conduct full condition assessments
only at major maintenance and overhaul intervals. When in operation this equipment offers
few opportunities for assessment except for checking parameters such as voltage, stator
winding, stator and rotor currents, real and reactive power, plus core and bearing
temperatures.
Recently, BCHydro field services reported that the slip-rings on Synchronous Condenser No.
2 at Vancouver Island Terminal were found in very poor condition and recommended that the
maintenance interval be reduced to 6 months.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed synchronous condensers first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and reviews of
records in BCTCs asset management system databases. In addition to maintenance
histories, these databases contain information about operating requirements and conditions,
defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the information available against end-of-life
criteria, condition states were rated A through E. For this asset class, letter condition ratings
have the following general meanings:
Condition
Description
Rating
A Enclosure is level and secure and free from cracks and corrosion. Ventilation
systems are in good condition. No evidence of repair, damage or any other
form of deterioration. Appears to have been well-maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Enclosure components are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Components in good condition and free from any indications of deterioration,
corrosion, damage or any other abnormality. Terminals and wiring are clean
and secure. Insulators, bus connections are clean and secure. Switchgear
components and contacts clean and in good condition. Controls clean and in
good condition.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Exciter, switchgear or controls are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Components in good condition and free from any indications of deterioration,
corrosion, damage or any other abnormality. No evidence of overheating,
thermal, mechanical, electrical or environmental stress. No indications of
excessive wear, breakage, looseness, cracked insulation and residues
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Components are degraded/damaged beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Components in good condition and free from any indications of deterioration,
corrosion, damage or any other abnormality. No evidence of overheating,
thermal, mechanical, electrical or environmental stress. No indications of
excessive wear, breakage, looseness, cracked insulation and residues
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Components are degraded/damaged beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Components in good condition and free from any indications of deterioration,
corrosion, damage or any other abnormality. Pumps and piping are leak free.
Motor Bearings in good condition. Terminals and wiring are clean and
secure. Fans and pumps are functioning properly
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Components are degraded/damaged beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Components in good condition and free from any indications of deterioration,
corrosion, leaks, damage or any other abnormality. Terminals and wiring are
clean and secure. Control and monitoring devices appear in good condition.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Components are degraded/damaged beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
direct to tank, cabinets, supports without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports or grounding damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Table 10.3.10 Core Tests (knife test, loop test and/or EL-CID)
Condition
Description
Rating
A All tests passed no deficiencies noted
B Minor deficiencies noted. Corrective action not required at this time
C Significant deficiencies noted. Correction actions required.
D Components are not fit for service
E Components are not fit for service and beyond repair.
Table 10.3.11 Windings Tests (Hipot, DC Ramp, Cap/DF, TVA probe, Partial
Discharge)
Condition
Description no deficiencies noted
Rating
A All tests passed.
B Minor deficiencies noted. Corrective action not required at this time
C Significant deficiencies noted. Correction actions required.
D Component is not fit for service
E Components is not fit for service and beyond repair.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 10.3.13 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a synchronous
condenser in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while completely degraded
condenser would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., the 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for synchronous condensers
in Table 10.3.13 below, assume a condenser with partial data has a maximum condition
score of 64 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 100. That condenser,
therefore, has only 64% of the Health Index maximum score, and would not have a valid
Health Index. On the other hand, if that condenser with partial data had a maximum
condition score of 71 it would have 71% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health
Index.
For this asset class, available data were insufficient to provide a valid Health Index using the
70% Rule described above. In this case, to provide BCTC with some information about the
assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off (i.e., the 50% Rule). Thus,
if the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum
possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and presented in the results.
Table 10.3.13 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 10.3.14 was used to determine the overall condition of the synchronous condenser
asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for synchronous condensers
in the BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 10.4.1 and 10.4.2 summarize the results,
which are also illustrated in Figure 10.4.1. Note, as described in subsection 10.3.3 above,
the 50% Rule was applied in calculating the Health Index for this asset since available data
were insufficient to use the 70% Rule.
Very Good 0
Good 5
Fair 0
Poor 0
Very Poor 0
Total Results Based on Field Survey 5
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 100
6
Synchronous Condensers
5
5
4
Number of
1
0 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
11.1 Description
In gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), SF6 gas pressurized grounded metal enclosures house all
gas filled components except entrance bushings. The BCTC-managed system has GIS at the
500 kV and 230 kV voltage levels.
GIS are compact and represent an attractive alternative to outdoor air insulated substations
(AIS), particularly where space constraints and harsh environmental conditions exist.
Typical GIS incorporate some or all of the following components that are described in
greater detail below:
Circuit breakers;
Switches - disconnect and ground switches;
Buswork;
Interfaces - SF6/air entrance bushings; SF6/cable terminations; SF6/transformer
terminations;
Instrument transformers current and voltage transformer;
Surge arresters; and
Protection, control, monitoring equipment.
First developed in the late 1960s, double pressure (i.e., low pressure tanks, high pressure
reservoirs) SF6 circuit breakers incorporate air blast technology. Current interruption occurs
when blast valves open letting high pressure SF6 flow through a nozzle along the arc drawn
between fixed and moving contacts. The arc stabilizes rapidly when the cold SF6 flows along
it. After interruption, the low-pressure exhaust gas is compressed back into the high-pressure
reservoir for re-use during the next operation.
Double pressure designs became obsolete after development of single-pressure designs in the
1970s. Now, single pressure SF6 insulated circuit breakers have become the technology of
choice for transmission class switchgear. Single pressure designs do not require
compressors. Self-blast and other related techniques have resulted in simple and reliable
operating mechanisms for single pressure designs.
SF6 is a very stable compound with remarkable dielectric properties. Use of SF6 has enabled
the design of compact, low maintenance, safe and reliable switchgear, particularly when
compared with air blast and oil filled equipment. Consequently, SF6 equipment has become
dominant for switchgear applications at high transmission voltage levels. Some SF6
Disconnect switches provide electrical isolation of associated circuit breakers, buses and line
exits during both maintenance and normal service. Whether in AIS or GIS, disconnect
switches have little rated interrupting capability since they open off-load (i.e., associated
breakers open first). Initially GIS disconnect switch designs operated reasonably well at 138
and 230 kV, but had poor performance at 500 kV. In the 1990s, new standards and test
procedures eliminated this poor performance problem.
Where temporary grounds are not feasible, many locations within the GIS have permanently
installed ground switches to facilitate workplace safety. Some of these ground switches (e.g.,
line/cable terminal locations) have fully rated fault-making capability.
Buswork
Metal enclosed concentric SF6 insulated buses connect to other live GIS components such as
circuit breakers, disconnect switches and interfaces with overhead lines, cables and
transformers. Most buswork consists of aluminium conductors and enclosures, with bus
conductors supported by epoxy resin insulators. Bus arrangements can include three
conductors in one enclosure or three separate single-phase enclosures. Single-phase
arrangements dominate at 500kV and 230kV ratings where reliability is a major
consideration. However, when more compact and economical installations are required, the
three-in-one arrangement may be used. In some areas (e.g., underground generating plants
and GIS located far from line or transformer terminations) bus runs may extend for several
hundred meters.
b) Voltage Transformers
Space constraints and the lack of air-insulated interfaces may dictate integration of voltage
transformers into GIS. When used, cost-effective air insulated capacitor voltage transformers
are installed at the SF6 air interface. Pressure resistance, aluminium flanged housing holds
the GIS voltage transformer core and windings. Epoxy cone insulators seal the housing,
support the tap connection to the live GIS bus, and attach to a corresponding flange on the
GIS enclosure.
11.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 7 stations equipped with GIS
systems. More than one GIS system may exist in a station, for example, Cathedral Square
has both 1984 and 2002 versions of Mitsubishi 230kV GIS. Table 11.2.1 shows the systems
Location & Rating Manufacturer No. of CBs Indoor or Outdoor I/S Date
Mica 500kV ITE 4 Indoor 1976
Peace Canyon500kV BBC 4 Indoor 1979
Revelstoke 500kV Mitsubishi 7 Indoor 1982
Revelstoke 230kV Mitsubishi 3 Indoor 1982
Ashton Creek 230kV BBC 6 Indoor 1979
Sperling 230kV BBC 4 Indoor 1979
Horsey 230kV Alsthom 6 Outdoor 1982
Cathedral Sq 230kV Mitsubishi 4 Indoor (UG) 1984
Cathedral Sq 230kV Mitsubishi 2 Indoor (UG) 2002
*Note: Revelstoke also has 4 unit breakers that are maintained by BC Hydro.
All BCTC-managed GIS were designed and installed in the 1970s and early 1980s. At that
time, no standards existed for GIS and many suppliers used component designs applicable to
air insulated switchgear.
Thus, many early GIS components had several design flaws. These included pull rod
separation, blast valve distortion, contact erosion, air and SF6 gas compressors, heaters and
other ancillary equipment. Switches, buses, insulators and interface equipment had even
more serious defects.
Worldwide, about 4% of GIS have 550 kV system applications. In 1992, CIGRE reported a
worldwide failure rate of about 5% for 550 kV GIS. In 1998, a similar study reported a
failure rate of about 3%. However, 550 kV rated GIS constitutes only about 4% of the total
GIS population worldwide. Generally, 230 kV GIS perform better than 550 kV GIS, largely
due to the lower operational stress and safety margins in 230 kV designs. Worldwide, 550 kV
GIS have more failures than GIS applications on 115 kV and 230 kV systems. For all
voltage classes, North American GIS have higher failure rates than GIS in service elsewhere.
While some 550 kV and 230kV SF6 GIS have had problems over time, the majority of GIS
installations in use today perform satisfactorily. Worldwide, GIS installed since the 1990s
and rated at 550 kV and above has had excellent performance.
BCTC-managed GIS installed in the mid to late 1970s, represent obsolete first generation
technology. These GIS have poor performance records and operate only with certain
restrictions. Generally, the following components present the most problems: disconnect
switches, insulators, bushings and gas. The double pressure breakers associated with these
GIS also have performed worse than other types of breakers. These early GIS models have
required monitoring, corrective action and design changes to remain in service. Other GIS in
the BCTC-managed system have satisfactory performance, comparable to other GIS in
service throughout North America.
Only rarely do the duties performed by GIS lead directly to this equipments end-of-life.
International studies have identified the following as key factors associated with the end-of-
life for GIS:
The main factors affecting operation of GIS include the following, which are discussed in
greater detail below:
Visual inspections, trip and timing tests, plus routine and proper lubrication ensure proper
mechanism operation. Generally, timing tests serve as the primary means to make certain
that mechanisms operate within prescribed limits. Lubrication plays a critical role in proper
mechanism performance. For example, metallic particles may adhere to lubricants on
moving parts of disconnect switches, enhancing stress and potentially causing dielectric
failures. Both over- and under-use of lubricants may compromise mechanism performance.
Lubricants also must have properties appropriate for their particular uses. In addition, it is
critical to have well-defined, documented, and routinely implemented lubrication procedures
for this equipment.
Insulation in original ITE GIS designs has several problems. At both 230 kV and 500 kV
applications problems include: poor connections between the center conductor and the
insulators cast in electrodes; poor spring contacts at the same the same location; and partial
discharges from the enclosure side floating cone insulators
When these insulators were designed, little was known about the detrimental effects of SF6
decomposition products on the then common silica-filled insulators. However, when
exposed to high voltage arcing, silica-filled insulators display charred areas that become
electrically conductive and create surface weak points that deteriorate until the insulator fails.
All modern HV insulators contain alumina-filled epoxy resin. This filling does not char and,
therefore, maintains its surface resistance.
Monitors now exist that can detect dielectric integrity and partial discharge activity of
insulation components. Monitoring, however, may only prove cost-effective in failure
sensitive locations.
Many of the existing GIS have only a few access points suitable for monitoring. Ultra-high
frequency (UHF) and acoustic techniques represent the two most effective monitoring
techniques now available. To determine their utility in particular situations, one must weigh
several issues, including:
Whether or not the technology has sufficient sensitivity to detect defects of critical
interest;
Whether or not the technology can distinguish between signal and background noise;
Whether or not the perceived benefits of advanced failure warnings, outweigh the costs
and risks of a run-to-failure policy;
Whether or not the technology can be readily implemented, and data correctly interpreted
Because of welded designs, limited access points, age and high background noise, it is
unlikely that either UHF or the acoustic technology will prove effective at the more
problematic BCTC GIS locations. Portable UHF systems might prove useful to detect noisy
insulators, but would not be effective in monitoring bus exits due to lack of access points.
No matter what technology one uses, however, periodic measurements do not provide a
guarantee against future problems.
Recently, concerns have arisen about the greenhouse properties of SF6. It is one of the gases
specifically mentioned in the Kyoto Agreement. Canada has not issued regulations for SF6,
but has made a commitment to reduce the countrys overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Similarly, owners of SF6 equipment have taken responsibility to minimize SF6 emissions. As
such, owners have begun trying to attain emissions rates of about 0.5% by weight of the gas
contained in new equipment. Some have begun SF6 control programs that include detection,
leak remediation, and improved gas handling, plus recycling and reuse of gas from
decommissioned equipment. Some also have inventoried equipment and compiled databases
indicating SF6 usage.
Outages are needed to refill breakers after SF6 leaks occur. Some early double pressure
models have more leakage problems than later models, but these stem mainly from early
design and manufacturing issues. Early designs may need replacement of individual breakers
or breaker types if leaks become frequent. At this time, however, only certain failure-prone
breakers (e.g., double pressure designs) seem to present degradation and end-of-life
concerns.
End-of-Life Issues
Because of its reliability and relatively young age, users generally have not developed end-
of-life strategies for GIS. However, this is not true for BCTC where the systems are of older
vintage and an in-depth condition assessment in the summer of 2004 indicates that apparent
age is much higher than calendar age. Equipment is unique and corrective maintenance and
spares are very expensive. This has brought BCTC to start considering end-of-life strategies
for the equipment. Specific problems associated with individual devices typically dictate
management plans for this equipment. Conditions of concern in this equipment include
dielectric failures, internal insulation degradation from partial discharge, operational
restrictions from switching deficiencies, moisture absorption, gas leakage and corrosion, and
lack of ongoing support from the OEM.
Specific problems (e.g., insulation deterioration and corrosion) have caused some users to
replace some GIS components such as line exit bus ducts, bushings and even circuit breakers.
a) Visual
GIS equipment lends itself to visual inspections because key components are visible and
accessible. Visual inspections can detect external contamination, corrosion, evidence of
overheating, misalignment, plus cracks and leaks on bushings, enclosures, piping, drives,
linkages and fittings. Visual inspections also can verify the condition of gaskets and seals.
Internal conditions, control components, and mechanism cabinets can be inspected visually
as well. Visual inspections serve as a start to condition assessment, but they must be
supplemented by detailed reviews of maintenance and test records.
b) Time/Travel Testing
This testing measures velocity, close and trip times, plus wipe and rebound for circuit
breakers. This testing also measures open and close times for switches. It offers a way to
evaluate the mechanical condition of GIS, and helps ensure that equipment meets
manufacturers specifications. This test should occur at regular intervals (e.g., about every 6
years) on all circuit breakers and switches.
In addition to static tests, dynamic tests during circuit breaker operation enable one to see
where main and arcing contacts touch. Dynamic testing provides useful information when
extended arcing contact fingers exist.
d) Doble Test
This high voltage bridge test measures capacitance and loss angles of high voltage circuit
breaker bushings and other insulating components. Doble test results can be compared
directly to manufacturers standards or to results from other similar GIS equipment.
Assessing trends in Doble test results can help detect deterioration of bushings and other
internal components such as interrupters, operating rods, grading capacitors, and support
insulators.
g) SF6 Testing
In SF6 circuit breakers, the gas is tested and monitored to assess its ability to serve
satisfactorily as a dielectric and interrupting medium. SF6 gas testing also offers a means to
detect internal degradation. Breakers also have continuous monitors for pressure and density.
When these monitors register deviations from predetermined levels, maintenance staff can
take corrective action. SF6 breakers also receive periodic testing to check moisture content,
dew points, and sometimes the presence of air and decomposition products. Desiccant
materials make testing difficult in some GIS-related breaker compartments.
Background
In October 2004, BCTC and Acres International (through its subject matter expert at
Kinectrics Inc.) conducted site inspections of the GIS equipment at selected stations. The
team examined two similarly rated and configured GIS installations at Sperling (indoor) and
Horsey (outdoor) substations. ABB (BBC) supplied the indoor 230 kV four breaker bay GIS
at Sperling in 1979. Areva (Alsthom) supplied the outdoor 230 kV four breaker bay GIS at
Horsey in 1982.
Other GIS equipment installed on the BCTC-managed transmission system includes several
sets of 500 kV and 230 kV GIS manufactured by Mitsubishi. BCTC and other utilities have
found that the Mitsubishi equipment has performed very well since its installation. The
Mitsubishi equipment is considered to be in Good condition. BCTC purchased an extension
to the Cathedral Square GIS in 2002, which is considered to be in Very Good condition.
A comparison was made of BCTCs experience at the 500 kV Mica GIS station with the
experience of other users of similar equipment.
The Sperling GIS is completely free of any external rust or corrosion. Gas leakage is minimal
and there is no evidence of internal partial discharge or moisture in the gas. The design is
dielectrically sound, operates at a relatively low working stress, in single phase enclosures,
apart from a short section of three phase ring bus interconnection. The primary areas of
concern are the operating mechanisms and to a lesser extent the control system.
Typical Sperling GIS breaker operating mechanism problems occur when the pilot or main
valves fail to reseat properly after operation. When this happens oil drains from the high to
low pressure system causing spillage. The hydraulic mechanism is a high energy, high speed
type for 1970-vintage puffer interrupters. These impose large mechanical stresses on
associated components and structures. Modern interrupters use self-blast interrupting
techniques and impose much less stress on components and structures. Longer lifecycle,
therefore, result from the use of modern interrupters.
The electro-mechanical control relays and timers installed in the control cubicles of the GIS
are obsolete and approaching their end-of-life. Also, exposure to humid conditions inside a
switchgear building has taken a toll on the outdated clockwork type mechanisms.
Based on this inspection, aside from the operating mechanism and control issues, the
condition of the Sperling GIS is generally acceptable. The Sperling 230kV GIS should be
considered to be in Fair condition overall.
At Horsey, the enclosures, housings and flanges appear relatively free of external corrosion.
However, there are signs of serious corrosion on switch operating linkages, bearings and
some threaded connection points. There are reports of switch drives seizing up and failing to
operate. Gas leakages have also occurred since 1999 maintenance records indicate eight
separate incidents requiring SF6 gas top-up, but this is not yet considered to be a major
problem. One breaker is exhibiting high contact resistance, and the moisture content of
several gas compartments is excessive. Measured dew points around -5 C have been
reported. In some places gas compartments have been retrofit with desiccant containers.
This has alleviated moisture problems to some extent. However, the presence of the
desiccant has made gas analysis more difficult.
The 230 kV GIS design is dielectrically sound and operates at a relatively low working stress
in single phase enclosures. However, recent partial discharge or other activity has resulted in
the detection of arc decomposition products. Exposure of the epoxy cone insulators at the
bolted flanges have become points of moisture absorption and ingress. To correct this
problem, an epoxy paint finish has been applied to the external surfaces of most insulator
flanges. While gas compartments have been retrofit with desiccant containers to reduce
moisture, this has also made gas analysis more difficult.
GIS manufacturers have used several spacer materials in trading off between early resistance
to tracking damage (Areva Alsthom) and longer-term resistance to arcing and partial
discharge by-products (ABB). An understanding of materials used and their sensitivities to
electrical stresses and electrochemical processes is critical to projecting the end-of-life for
GIS. The combination of high moisture and decomposition products from partial discharge
activity can cause problems for these particular insulators as they age.
The unique circuit breaker design combined with the degradation associated with an outdoor
installation in a corrosive environment presents challenges in making efurbishment and
replacement decisions at Horsey.
During the period from the early 1970s to the mid 1980s, ITE supplied over 160 GIS
breakers, 470 disconnect switches and over 83,000 ft of 1 ph. SF6 bus duct in the US and
Canada. The reported failure rate of North American GIS with ITE as a major contributor
ranged from 0.5% per breaker bay year at 145 kV to over 11% at 550 kV. Actual failure
rates may vary somewhat up or down from those percentages due to poor reporting systems.
In 1992, CIGRE reported a worldwide failure rate of about 5% for 550 kV GIS. A similar
1998 study reported a failure rate of about 3%. The 550 kV rated GIS represents only a
small portion (i.e., about 4%) of the total GIS population. Thus, a small variation in the
sample population could cause significantly different results. Generally, 550 kV GIS have
much smaller margins for poor quality than GIS at other voltages. However, in the 1970s
and 1980s when ITE first supplied this equipment to North American utilities, the need for
stringent quality control was not fully understood.
Outdoor GIS, particularly the ITE designs, have higher than normal gas leaks because of the
poor quality of fittings, connectors, threaded fittings, valves, by-pass piping, general porosity
of enclosures and some flange corrosion. The need to refill GIS breakers, switches and other
compartments after SF6 gas leaks is a major cause of outages. Individual early versions of
SF6 breakers (e.g., double pressure designs) have presented particular problems. Increases
in such problems over time might result in decisions to replace individual breakers, switches,
or the complete GIS. At this time, while long term degradation may present concerns for
North American users have replaced several of the ITE GIS. However, the majority of other
well designed GIS are performing satisfactorily after 25 or more years of service.
Based on this discussion, the Mica 500 kV ITE GIS is considered to be in Poor condition
overall.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed GIS first required developing end-of-life
criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a factor critical in
determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 11.3.1 through 11.3.29 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each asset class
member. In addition, for each asset class member the tables show the components and tests
evaluated. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each condition rating (i.e.,
A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No SF6 leakage at any of the bushing-metal interfaces, tank or piping
interfaces, as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure gauge and SF6 refill
maintenance records
B Minor SF6 leakage, not more than 0.5%, per year, by weight, of the total
quantity of SF6 in the breaker, as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure
gauge and refill maintenance records
C SF6 leakage of up to 1.5%, per year, by weight, of the total quantity of SF6 in
the breaker, as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure gauge and refill
maintenance records
D SF6 leakage of up to 2%, per year, by weight, of the total quantity of SF6 in
the breaker, as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure gauge and refill
maintenance records.
E SF6 leakage exceeding 2%, per year, by weight, of the total quantity of SF6 in
the breaker, as determined by inspection of SF6 pressure gauge and refill
maintenance records.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Wiring, terminal blocks, relays, contactors and switches are all in good
condition. No blown fuses. Operating mechanism, trip and close coils, relays,
auxiliary switches, motors, compressors, springs, are all in good condition.
No sign of overheating or deterioration. Linkages, drive rods, trip latches are
clean, lubricated, free from cracks, distortion, abrasion or obstruction.
Mechanical integrity of dampers/dashpots, and oil levels, are acceptable. No
visible evidence of poor mechanism settings, looseness, loss of adjustment,
excess bearing wear or other out of tolerance operation.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Control or mechanism box components are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Capacitor housings are not broken and are free of chips, radial cracks,
flashover burns. No signs of overheating, overpressure or leaks. Cementing
and fasteners are secure.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Grading capacitors are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
free of damage and corrosion and are made direct to tank, cabinets, supports
without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports or connections are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Close travel, wipe, overtravel, rebound and time are all within specified
limits. Trip time and velocity are within specified limits. Trip free time is
within specified limits. Interpole close and trip contact time spread is within
specified limits for the specific application.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable limits.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with significant margin
B Values within, but close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Values to not meet specification and cannot be brought into specification
condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No abnormal indications, within IEC specification
B High readings on moisture, air or CF4
C Probable indication of electrical activity (decomposition by-products)
D Definite indications of electrical activity (decomposition by-products)
E Electrical activity that cannot be brought into specification condition.
Table 11.3.12 Gas Analysis (decomposition by-products, moisture, air, etc. based on
evaluation provided with test report)
GIS Bus
Condition
Description
Rating
A Bushings are not broken and are free of chips, radial cracks, flashover burns,
copper splash and copper wash. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
B Bushings/Support Insulators are not broken, however there are some minor
chips and cracks. No flashover burns or copper splash or copper wash.
Cementing and fasteners are secure.
C Bushings/Support Insulators are not broken, however there are some major
chips and cracks. Some evidence of flashover burns or copper splash or
copper wash. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
D Bushings/Support Insulators are broken/damaged beyond repair or are not
field repairable or cementing or fasteners are not secure.
E Bushings/Support Insulators, cementing or fasteners are broken/damaged
beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No external or internal rust in control cabinet. No paint peeling on main
enclosures or cabinets. Control cabinet sealing very effective no evidence of
moisture or insect ingress or condensation.
B No rust or corrosion on main enclosures, some evidence of slight moisture
ingress or condensation in control cabinets.
C Some rust and corrosion on both main enclosures and on control cabinets,
requires corrective maintenance within the next several months.
D Significant corrosion on both main enclosures and on control cabinets.
Defective sealing of control cabinets leading to water ingress and insect
damage. Requires immediate corrective action.
E Enclosure and control cabinets are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Linkages, drive rods, trip latches clean, stops are clean, well supported and
lubricated, free from cracks, distortion abrasion or obstruction. Verify the
electrical and mechanical integrity of open and close coil assemblies. No
visible evidence of poor mechanism settings, looseness, loss of adjustment,
excess bearing wear or other out of tolerance operation. No signs of hydraulic
leakage
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Mechanism and linkages components are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All connectors are tight, free from corrosion and show no sign of overheating.
Live conductors are adequately supported and impose no excessive loading
on associated components during normal or fault current carrying duty.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Conductors or connectors are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
free of damage and corrosion and are made directly to enclosure, control
cabinets, building and supports without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports, or grounding are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A GIS enclosure externally is clean, corrosion free. All primary and secondary
connections are in good condition. No external evidence of overheating.
Number of breaker/switch operations on counter, and run timer readings on
auxiliary motors, are below average range for age of GIS. Appears to be well
maintained with service records readily available.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E GIS bus components are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Table 11.3.22 Gas Analysis (Decomposition by-products, moisture, air etc. based on
evaluation provided with test report)
Condition
Description
Rating
A Linkages, levers, shafts, pipes, couplers, gear boxes, stops are clean, well
lubricated, free from corrosion, cracks, distortion, abrasion or obstruction. All
fasteners are tight. No visible evidence of poor settings, stops/toggle,
looseness, loss of adjustment, excess bearing wear or other out of tolerance
operation.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Gear box, reducers and guides are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Switch externally is clean, corrosion free. All primary and secondary
connections are in good condition. No external evidence of overheating.
Appears to be well maintained with service records readily available.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Disconnect switch is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Close travel, wipe, overtravel, rebound and time are all within specified
limits. Trip time and velocity are within specified limits.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Tables 11.3.30
11.3.33 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For each asset class member, the components and tests shown in the tables above were
weighted based on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For
example, those that relate to primary functions of the component/asset received higher
weights than those that relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class member.
For each member, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score by
its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a GIS in perfect
condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded GIS would have a
Health Index of 0.
For this asset class, available data were insufficient to provide a valid Health Index using the
70% Rule described above. In this case, to provide BCTC with some information about the
assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off (i.e., 50% Rule). Thus, if
the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum
possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and presented in the results.
Tables 11.3.30 11.3.32 show the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition
ratings as both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible
maximum score for each member of this asset class.
After determining the Health Index for each class member, an overall Health Index also was
calculated for a complete GIS assembly consisting of appropriate circuit breakers, switches,
and buswork. Table 11.3.33 shows the components considered, weightings and maximum
scores possible in computing this overall Health Index.
Table 11.3.31 Health Index Formulation for GIS Bus (Including VTs and CTs)
The Health Index scale shown in Table 11.3.34 was used to determine the overall condition
of the GIS asset class.
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for Gas Insulated
Switchgear in the BCTC-managed transmission system. Table 11.4.1 summarizes the
results, which are also illustrated in Figure 11.4.1.
2.5
2
1.5
1 1
1
0.5 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 11.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Gas Insulated Switchgear
Based on the results of the site inspections and information available in PassPort:
44.4% of the GIS station equipment is in Very Good or Good condition. No capital
improvements are expected in the near term.
44.4% of the GIS station equipment is in Fair condition. Increased maintenance or
capital improvements may be needed depending upon criticality issues.
11.1% of the GIS station equipment is in Poor condition. Refurbishment or
replacement may be needed considering risks and failure consequences.
12.1 Description
Static var compensators (SVC) improve dynamic stability of transmission systems by
supplying and consuming reactive power under varying operating conditions. System
reactive power requirements vary. Generally, under light loads transmission lines generate
reactive power, creating a need for compensators to absorb the excess. Under heavy loads,
transmission lines consume reactive power and compensators must supply more. Under
rapidly changing load conditions, compensators must adjust quickly to maintain voltage
conditions within acceptable ranges.
Common SVC installations include locations with a need for considerable absorption of
excess reactive power. Such locations commonly include long submarine and underground
high voltage cable networks, since cables produce between twenty to forty times more
reactive power per kilometer than overhead lines.
Limiting over-voltages during normal load conditions on systems with extensive high
voltage cable interconnections;
Stabilizing system voltage during supply system disturbances such as forced outages,
and plant or load rejection on the supply side;
Minimizing temporary over-voltages;
Damping power swings between weak interconnecting systems; and
Maximizing power transfer and economic return for transmission system operators.
The term static means that this equipment has no moving or rotating parts. This property
makes SVCs able to respond rapidly to changing network conditions. Also, the absence of
moving components minimizes mechanical wear and reduces routine and preventative
maintenance needs. Also, since SVCs consist of passive elements, they do not contribute to
short circuit levels.
SVCs improve the steady state and dynamic performance of high voltage AC transmission
networks. They also maximize the capability of existing transmission facilities. SVCs
facilitate higher power flows through transmission networks, reducing blackouts and
brownouts and providing greater network operational flexibility. When faults occur, SVCs
assist in recovery by supporting transmission systems until the occurrence ends.
12.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has one SVC. Table 12.2.1 shows that this SVC
operates at the 18.8 kV voltage level. Also, based on the commission notice to energize
(CNE), that SVC is 11 years old. It is located at the Dunsmuir Substation.
Equipment Manufacturer
Substation CNE Date Rated Voltage
Number Code
DUNSMUIR 18V1 ABB 1993 18.8 kV
DUNSMUIR 18V2/3 ABB 1993 18.8 kV
DUNSMUIR 18V4 ABB 1993 18.8 kV
The first installations of SVCs occurred in the late 1970s. Since most SVCs are less than 30
years old, the industry has little experience in defining common failure modes or key factors
causing SVCs end-of-life.
Results of surveys conducted by various international organizations indicate that while some
early failures occurred, most SVCs have performed acceptably overtime. Surveys have
found no apparent generic degradation issues. In addition, users reported few failures of
conventional components such as transformers, capacitors, reactors, circuit breakers and
switches. One early SVC user reported a coupling transformer failure, and others reported
thyristor and control system failures. However, users reported that these early life problems
decreased with time.
Key parameters affecting degradation of the three components listed above include:
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed SVCs first required developing end-of-life
criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a factor critical in
determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 12.3.1 through 12.3.12 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each asset class
member. In addition, for each asset class member the tables show the components and tests
Condition
Description
Rating
A Bus Insulators/Entrance Bushings are not broken and are free of chips, radial
cracks, flashover burns, copper splash and copper wash. Cementing and
fasteners are secure.
B Bus Insulators/Entrance Bushings are not broken, however minor chips and
cracks, are visible. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
C Bus Insulators/Entrance Bushings are not broken, however major chips, and
some flashover burns and copper splash are visible. Cementing and fasteners
are secure.
D Bus Insulators/Entrance Bushings are broken/damaged or cementing and
fasteners are not secure.
E Bus Insulators/Entrance Bushings, cementing or fasteners are
broken/damaged beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Enclosure is clean and well ventilated. Floor is level and free from cracks.
Support steel, racks and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Thyristor Unit Controls appear in good operating condition. No evidence of
misfiring or maloperation. All secondary electrical connections are in good
condition. All monitoring, annunciation, metering. Protection and control
devices associated with the operation and control of the thyristors are in good
condition. No external evidence of overheating, aging or damage. Appears to
be well maintained with service records readily available
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A MOV units are clean and free from contamination or evidence of over voltage
or overheating. All connections are tight. No corrosion on mounting hardware
or on connections.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Fire detection system installed and operational. Deluge fire protection system
installed and operational if applicable. Fire barriers/walls are installed
between flammable power units located in close proximity. Concrete or other
spill containment provision is installed and in good condition.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No abnormal indications
B Some possible abnormal indications
C Definite indications of abnormal activity
D Definite indications of high levels of abnormal activity
E High levels of abnormal activity that cannot be made normal.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within specifications with high margins
B Values close to specification (little or no margin)
C Values do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Values do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Values do not meet specification and cannot be brought into specification
condition
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 12.3.13 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1, and
E = 0.
For each asset class member, the components and tests shown in the tables above were
weighted based on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For
example, those that relate to primary functions of the component/asset received higher
weights than those that relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class member.
For each member, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score by
its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a SVC in perfect
condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded SVC would have a
Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set. For example,
using the weightings and maximum possible scores for a SVC in Table 12.3.13 below,
Table 12.3.13 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 12.3.14 was used to determine the overall condition of the SVC.
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for the SVC in the BCTC-
managed transmission system. Tables 12.4.1 and 12.4.2 summarize the results, which are
also illustrated in Figure 12.4.1
Very Good 1
Good 0
Fair 0
Poor 0
Very Poor 0
Total Results Based on Field Survey 1
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 100
Table 12.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for the BCTC-Managed
Static Var Compensator
0.8
Number of
0.6
0.4
0.2
0 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 12.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for the BCTC-Managed Static
Var Compensator
The SVC is in Very Good condition. No capital improvements are expected in the near term.
13.1 Description
High-pressure air systems (HPAS) in stations supply energy to air-blast circuit breakers
(ABCB), allowing the breakers to operate. Consequently, HPAS must have sufficient
capacity and pressure to ensure that breakers can meet specifications that may include many
close-open operations in rapid sequence. HPAS also must provide dry and clean air required
for proper breaker operation.
The compressor;
The air dryer;
Pipes, connectors and valves;
Receivers and storage tanks; and
Monitoring and control equipment.
13.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system consists of 72 compressors, 40 dryers and 117
receivers at 27 sites. Table 13.2.1 shows the age demographics of the compressors, dryers
and receivers. As shown in the table, 46.3% of the compressors, 50% of the dryers and
48.8% of the receivers with known age are between 20 and 29 years old.
HPAS consist of compressors, air dryers, high-pressure pipe work and valves, plus receivers
and storage tanks. HPAS provide air for ABCBs. To operate safely and effectively, ABCBs
must have high quality air. Contaminants and moisture in HPAS, therefore, can result in
deterioration and ultimately catastrophic failure of ABCBs.
Because of the close association between ABCBs and HPAS, one must consider the
longevity of ABCBs in making end-of-life decisions about HPAS. Because of their
mechanical complexity, ABCBs require increased maintenance with age. The technical
obsolescence, deterioration, and maintenance costs of ABCBs have lead many utilities to
replace ABCBs with newer technology (e.g., SF6 breakers).
Compressors
HPAS compressors provide short bursts of activity to top-off stored air pressure for ABCBs.
Since ABCBs operate infrequently, HPAS compressors do too. Compressors have many
moving parts, and degradation generally relates to the amount of time that compressors
operate. Critical degradation processes include corrosion, wear and deterioration of internal
parts such as valves and seals. Preventive maintenance includes frequent inspections,
functional checks and less frequent minor overhauls
Air Dryers
Original dryer designs used heat to dry the air in HPAS. These early dryers had complex
piping and valving arrangements prone to leaks and breakdowns. As they age, these dryers
require more maintenance and have increased operational problems. Generally, utilities have
replaced these older dryers with simpler chemical desiccant dryers that require much less
maintenance. Maintenance includes inspection, desiccant replacement, and air quality
evaluations. Significant degradation can result in leaks and inefficient operation requiring
dryer refurbishment and replacement.
High-Pressure Pipework/Valves/Receivers
HPAS have several high-pressure pipes, valves and vessels to store and deliver air to circuit
breakers in various locations in a substation. They experience general degradation,
corrosion, wear and tear. These deterioration processes can lead to leaks, valve
malfunctions, and HPAS inefficiencies that ultimately can compromise the quality of air
delivered to the ABCB. HPAS, therefore, require regular inspections and maintenance.
Maintenance often includes valve replacements since normally it is not viable to repair leaky
valves in this equipment.
End-of-Life Issues
As described above, regular maintenance for HPAS includes repair or replacement of
inefficient and faulty components. Rising maintenance costs or failure to provide high
One cannot make end-of-life decisions about the HPAS without considering their associated
ABCBs. Further, the condition of the HPAS can influence ABCB management, including
replacement priorities.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed HPAS first required developing end-of-life
criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a factor critical in
determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 13.3.1 through 13.3.32 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each asset class
member. In addition, for each asset class member the tables show the components and tests
evaluated. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each condition rating (i.e.,
A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All components are clean; corrosion and leak free and are in good condition.
No external evidence of overheating, deterioration or abnormality or damage.
Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
put into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No air or oil leaks are observed
B Minor leaks are observed but corrective action not required
C Minor leaks are observed but corrective action is recommended.
D Major leaks are observed system capability is in doubt.
E Major leaks are observed and system damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All electrical conductors, connectors, cabling and controls are clean,
corrosion free and are in good condition. No external evidence of
overheating, embrittlement of insulating jackets or other deterioration or
abnormality. Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
put into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel and/or
anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are direct
without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports or groundings damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All components are clean; corrosion and leak free and are in good condition.
No external evidence of deterioration or abnormality or damage. Appears to
have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Compressor is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Moisture levels well within specifications with high margins
B Moisture levels close to specification (little or no margin)
C Moisture levels do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Moisture levels do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Moisture levels do not meet specification and cannot be brought into
specification condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Pump performance is satisfactory and within specifications
E Pump performance is not satisfactory (does not meet specifications) pumps
operates inconsistently or does not otherwise operate properly
Air Dryers
Condition
Description
Rating
All components are clean, corrosion free and are in good condition. No
A external evidence of deterioration or abnormality or damage. Appears to have
been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
E
put into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
All components are clean, corrosion free and are in good condition. No
A external evidence of deterioration or abnormality or damage. Appears to have
been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
E
put into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All electrical conductors, connectors, cabling and controls are clean,
corrosion free and are in good condition. No external evidence of
overheating, embrittlement of insulating jackets or other deterioration or
abnormality. Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
put into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No leaks are observed
B Minor leaks are observed but corrective action not required
C Minor leaks are observed but corrective action is recommended.
D Major leaks are observed system capability is in doubt.
E Major leaks are observed and the system is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Overall installed system is clean, corrosion and leak free and is in good
condition. All connections are secure. No evidence of overheating, or other
deterioration or abnormality. Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Dryer system is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Moisture levels well within specifications with high margins
B Moisture levels close to specification (little or no margin)
C Moisture levels do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Moisture levels do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Moisture levels do not meet specification and cannot be put into specification
condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Alarm operates properly within specifications
E Alarms operates out of spec, operates inconsistently or does not otherwise
operate properly
Condition
Description
Rating
A Pressure relief systems are clean, corrosion free and are in good condition.
No external evidence of deterioration, abnormality or damage. Appears to
have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
put into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No leaks are observed
B Minor leaks are observed but corrective action not required
C Minor leaks are observed but corrective action is recommended.
D Major leaks are observed system capability is in doubt.
E Major leaks are observed and the system is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Overall installed system is clean, corrosion and leak free and is in good
condition. All connections are secure. No evidence of overheating, or other
deterioration or abnormality. Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Receiver system is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Moisture levels well within specifications with high margins
B Moisture levels close to specification (little or no margin)
C Moisture levels do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Moisture levels do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Moisture levels do not meet specification and cannot be brought into
specification condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Pressure relief device operations properly within specification
E Pressure relief device operates out of spec, operates inconsistently or does
not otherwise operate properly
Condition
Description
Rating
A No leaks are observed
B Minor leaks are observed but corrective action not required
C Minor leaks are observed but corrective action is recommended.
D Major leaks are observed system capability is in doubt.
E Major leaks are observed and system is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel and/or
anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are direct
without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports, or grounding are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Moisture levels well within specifications with high margins
B Moisture levels close to specification (little or no margin)
C Moisture levels do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Moisture levels do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Moisture levels do not meet specification and cannot be brought into
specification condition.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Tables 13.3.33
13.3.36 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1, and
E = 0.
For each asset class member), the components and tests shown in the tables above were
weighted based on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For
example, those that relate to primary functions of the component/asset received higher
weights than those that relate to more ancillary features and functions.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class member.
For each member, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score by
its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, an HPAS in
perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded HPAS
would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set. For example,
using the weightings and maximum possible scores for compressors in Table 13.3.33 below,
assume a compressor with partial data has a maximum condition score of 54 out of the
Health Index maximum possible score of 84. That compressor, therefore, has only 64% of
the maximum Health Index score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other
hand, if that compressor with partial data had a maximum condition score of 60, it would
have 71% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
Tables 13.3.33 13.3.36 show the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition
ratings as both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible
maximum score for each member of this asset class.
After determining the Health Index for each class member, an overall Health Index also was
calculated for a complete HPAS assembly consisting of appropriate compressors, dryers,
pipe work and valves, plus receivers and relief valves. Table 13.3.37 shows the components
considered, weightings and maximum scores possible in computing this overall Health Index.
Table 13.3.37 Overall System Health Index Formulation for HPA Systems
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index Scale shown in
Table 13.3.38 was used to determine the overall condition of the HPAS asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
Table 13.3.38 Health Index Scale for High Pressure Air Systems
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for each type of HPAS
equipment in the BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 13.4.1 and 13.4.2 summarize
the results, which are also illustrated in Figures 13.4.1 through 13.4.5.
Table 13.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for High Pressure Air
Systems
Compressors
35
Number of
30
25
20 17
15 11
10
5 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
35
30
30
25
Number of
20
15
9
10
5 1
0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Receivers 50
40 34
30
20
10 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
14 13 13
High Pressure Air System
12
Pipe Systems
10
Number of
8
6
4
2 1
0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 13.4.5 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Overall High Pressure Air
Systems
96.3% of HPAS are in Good or Very Good condition. No capital improvements are
expected in the near term.
3.7% of HPAS are in Fair condition. Increased maintenance or capital improvements
may be required depending on the criticality issues associated with the asset.
Protection systems consist of single or multiple protective measuring relays plus auxiliary
devices that provide scheme logic functions. Tele-protection equipment is used with
peripheral communication systems to provide high-speed protection signalling between P&C
schemes located at different stations. Panels or racks, mounting hardware, terminations,
isolating devices and wiring facilitate installation of relays (i.e., measuring and auxiliary).
a) Electro-mechanical Relays
Electro-mechanical relays rely on physical, electrical and magnetic properties to detect fault
conditions. Usually, these relays use electro-magnetic rotating disks or cups, springs,
mechanical contacts, shading coils, phase-shifting circuitry, capacitors, inductors, and
resistors. They often have actual current or voltage transformer outputs flowing through
detection circuitry. Typically, electro-mechanical relays have large burdens and may require
secondary instrument transformers. Generally, each relay performs only one protection
function, which necessitates the use of multiple devices.
b) Solid-State Relays
During the 1970s, the development of solid-state protective relays improved on the earlier
electro-mechanical types. With the exception of output contacts that may employ electro-
mechanical relays, solid-state relays have fewer moving parts than electro-mechanical relays.
However, they still have many analogue components (e.g., transistors, op-amps, electrolytic
capacitors, resistors, diodes). These relays do not employ digital signals or microprocessors.
During a period of rapid expansion between 1970 and 1990, mainly solid-state primary relays
were installed on the BCTC-managed system. As a result, the BCTC-managed transmission
system still has a large population of solid-state relays.
c) Microprocessor-Based Relays:
Microprocessor-based relays represent the most modern category of protective relays. They
perform their protective functions using software algorithms with the numerical processing
capabilities of high-speed microprocessor components such as Digital Signal Processor
(DSP) chips. This category of relays has much broader capabilities than electro-mechanical
or solid-state relays. Since 1990, all new protective measuring relays and protection logic
schemes and refurbishments on the BCTC-managed transmission system have been
microprocessor-based. As a result, the population of microprocessor-based relays on the
BCTC-managed transmission system is growing but remains limited.
Auxiliary Devices:
Auxiliary devices include auxiliary relays and timers. Generally, the following three
categories of auxiliary relays exist: (1) relays manufactured by ASEA and used in their
modern combi-flex case known as RX; (2) relays and timers manufactured by ASEA and
used in their original case known as RR; and (3) panel-mounted relays and timers that
include devices made by Westinghouse, General Electric, English Electric and other
manufacturers. Between 1930 and 1960, only panel-mounted relays were installed on the
BCTC-managed transmission system, and most of these were either RX or RR.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) Remote Terminal Unit (RTU)
Equipment
SCADA RTUs used in the BCTC-managed system are predominantly older radio equipment
now considered obsolete. Since the early 1980s more modern equipment has been installed.
The BCTC-managed transmission system has 2,891 protective relay systems that consist of
7,747 individual measuring relays. Table 14.2.1 shows the number of protective relay
systems installed for different voltage levels. Each primary and stand-by protection relay
scheme for a given protected asset is considered as a separate protective relay system.
Table 14.2.2 shows the same for the individual relay types. As shown in Table 14.2.2, most
(i.e., 4,183) of the relays are electro-mechanical. These demographics do not include
specialized protection and control relaying systems for HVDC, series capacitors, remedial
action schemes (RAS), or auto-reclosing, synchronism check and synchronism control relays.
Two techniques exist to determine the potential for failures in this asset class. The first
technique relies on generic and qualitative degradation indicators readily assessed through
visual inspections and testing. The second technique relies on converting recent quantitative
asset performance and failure data into in-service performance ratings.
Protection and control assets have significant differences from any other transmission assets
since conventional condition assessment techniques (i.e., based on physical inspections and
test results) often fail to predict end-of-life reliably for protection and control devices.
Reliable health and condition assessments for this asset class must consider the degree of
design or functional obsolescence, recorded mean time between failures, and the in-service
age of relays. Therefore, condition assessment techniques for this asset class combine results
of physical inspections, calibrations, and maintenance records with results of recent operating
performance, in-service age and degree of obsolescence.
a) Electro-mechanical Relays
Since relays depend on physical, electrical and magnetic properties of electrical and
mechanical components (e.g., rotating disks, springs, mechanical contacts, shading coils,
capacitors, inductors, and resistors), gradual changes in the properties of these components
directly affect relay operation. For example, any wear, corrosion or dust accumulation on
moving parts can increase friction and affect relay accuracy and calibration. Similarly, aging
of mechanical springs may cause changes in spring constants and affect relay accuracy and
calibration. Repeated making and breaking of electric current leads to deterioration of relay
output contacts and may lead to relay malfunction.
Visual inspections, calibrations and test results serve as key indicators of the health and
condition of electro-mechanical relays.
Calibration and test record reviews can detect the following types of defects:
Loss of calibration;
Inability to calibrate the relay within the specified range;
Loosening of internal components from vibration;
Contact welding and pitting; and
Failure of internal components such as coils, magnets, resistors, capacitors.
b) Solid-State Relays:
Solid-state relay components are mounted on printed circuit boards. Common input card
failures result from overstressing electronic components due to over-current or over-voltage
sensing circuit conditions. Output contacts also may wear out and eventually fail. Power
supply card failures also may lead to relay failures.
Visual inspections, calibrations and test results serve as key indicators of the health and
condition of solid-state relays. Visual inspections can detect the following types of defects:
Leaking capacitors;
Dust accumulation;
Leaking batteries;
Calibration and test record reviews can detect the following types of defects:
c) Microprocessor-Based Relays:
As described above, the key difference between microprocessor-based relays and
conventional solid-state relays is the use of software algorithms and numerical processing in
microprocessor-based relays. Aging processes and failure modes are more difficult to define
and predict for microprocessor-based relays than for the other two types of relays. However,
microprocessor-based relays often have self-diagnostic capabilities that can assist in
assessing their health.
Visual inspections and test results serve as key indicators of the health and condition of
microprocessor-based relays. Visual inspections can detect the following types of defects:
Discoloration of nameplate;
Peeling of labels; and
Dust accumulation.
Reviews of maintenance and tests records can detect the following types of defects:
Reviews of visual inspections and various test results can detect defects and assist in
assessing the condition of auxiliary devices. Visual inspections can indicate the following
types of defects:
Reviews of field test results and other test reports can detect the following defects:
In addition, documented defects that have lead to specific device failures can be used to
derive generic in-service performance ratings for that device.
a) Terminations
Terminations include terminal blocks, crimps, current links, and fuse holders. Typical
protection systems are mounted on either single or multiple panels. Each panel has its own
set of terminal rails that can hold from 50 to several hundred terminal blocks. Terminal
blocks facilitate interaction among various protection panels.
Protection relays have their own terminations that typically include blocks with screw in
terminations on the back of each relay. Wires connect to these blocks via crimps.
AC cables from current transformers typically located in switchyards terminate via current
links. Also, AC cables from voltage transformers terminate via fuse holders.
b) Isolation Devices
AC current switches isolate AC current and voltage sources. Upon isolation, current sources
must be shorted to avoid generation of dangerous and destructive high voltages across
terminals. For safety, AC current switches automatically introduce internal current source
shorting upon isolation.
DC blocking switches isolate all types of DC inputs and outputs that interface with protection
devices. During routine maintenance, a series of connected blocking switches is used to
block trip outputs from being sent by the protective relay system.
Two broad categories of switches exist, Flexi-test and old style panel mounted knife
switches. Visual inspections of these components can detect the following types of defects:
Generally, failure rates for protection and control devices, particularly solid-state devices,
follow conventional bathtub curves. Thus, in-service life can serve as a valid condition
assessment measure for this asset class. Typically, the accepted manufacturer and industry
end-of-life age (i.e., design life) is 30 - 40 years for electro-mechanical devices, 20 - 25 years
for solid state and microprocessor devices, and 18 - 20 years for SCADA RTU.
Comparing the in-service equipment age to the manufacturers stated design life can provide
an indication of the state of equipment. For purposes of this study, the Health Index
Formulation incorporates condition criteria that represent this comparison. These are shown
in the tables in subsections 14.3.2 and 14.3.3 below.
Most protection systems involve many measuring functions that require auxiliary logic to
achieve required results. Electro-mechanical measuring relays usually provide a single
function. For this reason, most electro-mechanical based protection systems have many
single measuring relays mounted on the same rack or panel. For example, a typical high
voltage line protection system may consist of twelve individual electro-mechanical
measuring relays. A typical solid-state relay based line protection system may consist of
three individual relays along with auxiliary relay logic. A typical digital relay based line
protection system will consist of one multi-functional measuring relay. Digital relays unlike
either electro-mechanical or solid state relays can be programmed to provide all logic usually
reserved for auxiliary devices in other systems. Therefore, when comparing performance
measurements, the health indices for different categories of protective measuring relays must
be calculated separately.
Equipment Obsolescence
Two categories of equipment obsolescence exist: non-discretionary and discretionary
obsolescence events. Non-discretionary events have a sense of immediate urgency for
equipment replacement. For discretionary events, no urgency exists to replace equipment.
a) Non-discretionary Obsolescence
Non-discretionary obsolescence may result from either of the following events:
As equipment ages, the availability of spare parts increasingly becomes an issue. Often parts
begin to wear out just as manufacturers drastically cut back on product support. Generally,
spare parts availability becomes a problem after 25 30 years of service. Sometimes parts
can be reused from equipment previously removed from service. However, such reuse offers
only a temporary fix.
Many older protection systems have designs that do not meet present standards. For example,
earlier electro-mechanical relays lack many basic protection features that could cause
equipment damage even when operating correctly. The Institute of Electrical and Electronic
Engineers (IEEE) Guides and IEEE Standards for protective relaying systems provide useful
comparative guidance. Where designs fall short of these recognized standards the protection
system may be deemed obsolete.
In some cases, when certain protection and control system components cannot fulfill their
intended functions, the entire protection and control system may be deemed obsolete. For
example, telecommunications play a critical role in linking protection systems between
stations. This tele-protection link is required to transfer trip remote power circuit breakers
and isolate faulted elements such as transformers. The link also facilitates data transfer
between systems needed for secure operation. When telecommunications systems reach their
end-of-life, metallic cable may be replaced with fibre optics. Many protection schemes that
rely on metallic cable cannot be adapted to fibre optic technology. Thus, such protection
schemes may be forced into obsolescence because of peripheral obsolescence and
replacement.
The deregulated environment may dictate use of sophisticated switching techniques. Under
deregulation, seamless switching without the need for station operator intervention may
become critical. Modern microprocessor based protection relays can switch setting groups
allowing automatic adaptations to changing power system conditions. Typical conditions that
benefit from this feature include operator initiated switching and step changes in system
loading. All of this occurs transparently to station operators and significantly enhances their
capability. Older and simpler protection relays cannot readily adapt to changing system
conditions that occur under present demands. This lack of adaptability limits system
operation.
Because digital relays are microcomputers optimized for protection applications they can be
designed with complex and enhanced algorithms. One such algorithm has the capacity to
monitor high resistance ground faults on distribution feeders. This type of algorithm could
add substantially to the safe operation of low voltage distribution systems.
Usually, regular maintenance and inspection pre-empt failures of protection equipment when
needed. Cursory visual inspections cannot provide accurate assessments of the health of
electro-mechanical and solid-state protection devices. These devices require more extensive
testing for accurate health assessments. Digital technology, however, is different since these
devices can run extensive self-diagnostic routines while remaining in service. Checked items
include the state of the CPU, ROM, RAM, internal power supply, and the loss of input
quantities. In many cases, two independent memories store programmable setting images and
routinely compare the images for anomalies. Relay failure alarms then immediately indicate
failures or anomalies.
Regulatory bodies have extended mandatory maintenance cycles for Bulk Electricity System
protections that use self-diagnosing protective measuring relays. Also, since single digital
devices generally replace many electro-mechanical devices and peripheral logic, the overall
time required for equipment maintenance is much less. Thus, digital technology as a
replacement represents an ongoing cost reduction in mandatory maintenance.
As protection systems become less reliable or reach their end-of-life, users must set priorities
for their replacement based on their application in the power system. For example, certain
classes of power system equipment and voltage levels are more critical than others. In
Thus, utilities must consider several factors in setting protection system replacement
priorities. For example, they can first analyze a category of protective measuring relays for
failure histories, retention of calibration and overall deterioration. In doing so, the overall
MTBF for that particular relay category can influence decisions. Second, utilities can
analyze the larger protection system in which the measuring relays serve as components.
These analyses should consider measures such as fraying and brittle insulation as well as
overall deterioration and tightly tied wire bundles that may lead to hazardous situations and
impacts on customer reliability
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed protection and control systems first
required developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class.
Components analyzed included protective measuring relays, auxiliary relays, and
miscellaneous mounting and connecting equipment. Each criterion represents a factor critical
in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
Tables 14.3.1 through 14.3.13 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Condition State Description
Rating
A Calibrations have not been needed and functional test passed
B Small adjustments in calibrations have been occasionally needed and
functional test passed
C Small adjustments in calibrations are regularly needed and functional test
passed
D Major calibration has been needed or a functional test failed
E Equipment is so damaged or degraded that calibration is not possible.
Condition
Condition State Description
Rating
A An MTBF of better than 100 device-years/failure
B An MTBF of between 75-100 device-years/failure
C An MTBF of between 50-75 device-years/failure
D An MTBF of between 25-50 device-years/failure
E An MTBF of less than 25 device-years/failure
Condition
Condition State Description
Rating
A The device has available spare parts and meets present design needs
E The device does not have available spare parts or does not meet present
design needs
Condition
Condition State Description
Rating
A This device is not considered obsolete in its present operational environment
B This device is not of the current installation type for its present operational
environment
C This device may become obsolete in its present operational environment
within the next 5 years
D This device may become obsolete in its present operational environment
within the next 3 years
E This device is considered obsolete in its present operational environment
Condition
Condition State Description
Rating
A Calibrations have not been needed and functional test passed
B Small adjustments in calibrations have been occasionally needed and
functional test passed
C Small adjustments in calibrations are regularly needed and functional test
passed
D Major calibration has been needed or a functional test failed
E Equipment is so damaged or degraded that calibration is not possible.
Condition
Condition State Description
Rating
A An MTBF of better than 100 device-years/failure
B An MTBF of between 75-100 device-years/failure
C An MTBF of between 50-75 device-years/failure
D An MTBF of less than 25-50 device-years/failure
E An MTBF of less than 25 device-years/failure
Condition
Description
Rating
A In-service life to design life ratio of 0% to 20%
B In-service life to design life ratio of 20% to 40%
C In-service life to design life ratio of 80% to 80 %
D In-service life to design life ratio of 80% to 100%
E In-service life to design life ratio of 100% or more
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 14.3.14 below.
A = 4;
B = 3,
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted
based on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those
that relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those
that relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers (i.e., factors) listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.)
were multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and
test. The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, an electro-
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set. For example,
using the weightings and maximum possible scores for P&C systems in Table 14.3.14
below, assume a P&C system with partial data has a maximum condition score of 91 out of
the Health Index maximum possible score of 136. That system, therefore, has only 67% of
the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand, if that
system with partial data had a maximum condition score of 97, it would have 71% of the
Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
Table 14.3.14 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member or line section in this asset class.
Table 14.3.14 Health Index Formulation for Protection and Control Systems
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 14.3.15 was used to determine the overall condition of the P&C system asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
Table 14.3.15 Health Index Scale for Protection and Control Equipment
As described above, because of the lack of data a condition-based Health Index was not
derived for this asset class. However, the demographic data shown in subsection 14.2 above
provided some information about the age and types of P&C systems in the BCTC-managed
transmission system. This demographic data was used to offer BCTC the following
observations about the potential condition of equipment in this asset class.
Also, based on the demographics of the relay population, 29% of the protective relays are
based on solid state technology and considered functional but obsolete. These relays, too,
could experience failure problems. However, unlike the electro-mechanical relays, BCTC
indicates that it can obtain spares for the solid state technology relays while these relays are
being replaced with digital technology. Thus, for purposes of this study, the 29% of
protective relays that are solid state technology are considered in Fair condition based on
their obsolescence, potential for failure, and availability of adequate spares.
Figure 14.4.1 shows the condition of protective relays based on the use of demographic data.
Percentage of Protective Relays
70
59
60
50
40
29
30
20 12
10
0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 14.4.2 shows the condition of SCADA RTUs based on the use of demographic data.
Percentage of SCADA Systems
70 62
60
50
38
40
30
20
10
0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
15.1 Description
Surge arresters limit transient over-voltages by diverting the energy to local grounds. Surge
arrestors, therefore, protect other adjacent equipment from electrical stresses. Transient over-
voltages may result from lightning strikes, switching surges and other system-generated
disturbances.
Traditionally, surge arresters have consisted of blocks of special ceramic material with
nonlinear behaviour. Modern arresters use blocks made of zinc oxide (ZnO). Older arresters
have blocks of silicon carbide. Silicon carbide arresters, however, have inadequate
protection levels, cannot support line voltages, and are considered obsolete. These arresters,
therefore, usually include spark gaps in series with the arrestors main elements. Most
modern ZnO arresters do not have spark gaps. They also respond faster and perform better
than silicon carbide arrestors, and have become the technology of choice.
Station arresters are used at all voltages, and come in different shapes and sizes. For higher
voltages, arresters consist of long stacks of ZnO or other blocks housed in polymeric or
porcelain enclosures that resemble insulators. Arrester specifications include not only
operating voltages but also energy capacities. Some large arresters may use more than one
stack of ZnO blocks in parallel to meet energy capacity requirements.
15.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has 2,608 surge arrestors. Table 15.2.1 shows the
number of surge arrestors grouped by voltage level and age group. The table shows that most
of the systems surge arrestors fall into the 60 kV, 138 kV and 230 kV voltage levels, with
those levels having 31.0% and 23.0% and 22.3% of the total population respectively. The
less than 25 kV and 500 kV voltage levels each have fewer surge arresters, with 9.6% and
12.4% respectively.
Table 15.2.1 also shows that 43.3%, of the surge arrestor with known age are between 20
and 29 years old. The age ranges 0 to 9 years, 10 to 19 years and 30 to 39 years each have
about the same number of surge arresters, with 16.2%, 13.5% and 15.9 % respectively. The
system also has 1.0% of its surge arresters between the ages of 40 and 49 years.
Table 15.2.1 Count of Surge Arrestors Grouped by Voltage Level and Age
Arrestors commonly fail from moisture ingress or ceramic block breakdowns (i.e., valve
elements). Moisture ingress can occur through malfunctions of arrestor housing seals or
damage to the housing itself. Moisture commonly increases abnormal electrical activity
across outside valve element surfaces. This can cause increases in leakage currents,
overheating of arrestors and failures of this equipment.
Arrestor valve elements consist of solid-state devices that do not degrade significantly over
time. However, external mechanical forces and energy absorption can crack blocks and
cause internal punctures. Visual inspections cannot detect these forms of damage readily.
Sometimes, however, increases in leakage currents may indicate that such degradation has
occurred.
Silicon Carbide arrestors (i.e., gap type) are considered obsolete and at their end-of-life since
abnormalities are difficult to detect and they have had poor performance.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed transmission surge arrestors first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and reviews of
records in BCTCs asset management system databases. In addition to maintenance
histories, these databases contain information about operating requirements and conditions,
defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the information available against end-of-life
criteria, condition states were rated A through E. For this asset class, letter condition ratings
have the following general meanings:
Tables 15.3.1 through 15.3.6 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Porcelains and pressure relief device are not broken and are free of chips,
radial cracks, flashover burns, copper splash and copper wash. Cementing
and fasteners are secure.
B Components are not broken, however there are some minor chips and/or
cracks, and/over flashover burns and/or copper splash and/or copper wash.
Cementing and fasteners are secure.
C Components are not broken, however there are some major chips and/or
cracks, and/over flashover burns and/or copper splash and/or copper wash.
Cementing and fasteners are secure.
D Components are broken/damaged or cementing or fasteners are not secure.
E Components, cementing or fasteners are broken/damaged beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
direct to tank, cabinets, supports without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A If surge arrestor is NOT a gap type
E If surge arrestor IS a gap type
Condition
Description
Rating
A There IS a pressure relief device installed.
E There is NOT a pressure relief device installed
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 15.3.7 below.
A = 4;
B = 3,
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a surge arrestor
in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while completely degraded surge
arrestor would have a Health Index of 0.
Table 15.3.7 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 15.3.8 was used to determine the overall condition of the surge arrestor asset class.
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for station surge arrestors in
the BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 15.4.1 and 15.4.2 summarize the results,
which are also illustrated in Figure 15.4.1.
Very Good 15
Good 110
Fair 0
Poor 0
Very Poor 178
Total Results Based on Field Survey 303
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 11.6
Table 15.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for Surge Arrestors
1,800
1,532
1,600
1,400
Surge Arrestors
1,200
Number of
947
1,000
800
600
400
129
200 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
16.1 Description
Grounding systems in stations dissipate maximum ground fault currents without interfering
with power system operation or causing voltages dangerous to people or equipment. Safety
hazards from inadequate grounding include excessive ground potential rises and excessive
step and touch potentials. Generally, grounding system assets provide suitable paths for
ground currents to follow from power equipment and conductors into the earth.
Consequently, complete grounding systems include buried conductors, ground rods and
connections, plus soil and vegetation in the area. Soil and vegetative conditions affect water
retention and drainage, which impact overall performance of the grounding system.
Typically, ground grids consist of buried conductors, rods and the connections between the
buried components as well as connections between the grid and power equipment.
Grounding conductors are typically copper. Connections are made with compression type or
Cadweld connectors. The depth of burial and materials used for backfill are carefully
specified.
For safety and system performance, ground grids are bonded to most metallic structures in
the station yard. These can include system and transformer neutrals, apparatus grounds,
buildings and fences.
Surface treatments can have significant effects on step and touch potential, particularly in
station yard areas where heavy ground currents can flow during system faults. Surface
treatments, therefore, play integral roles in station grounding systems. To ensure safety, the
top layer of earth must have great resistivity, which is accomplished by installing high
resistivity surface stone, free from weeds and fines.
16.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 282 substations. Each substation has
a single grounding system. Table 16.2.1 shows the number of grounding systems
(substations) grouped by each region and relevant age group. The table shows that the counts
of grounding systems are distributed fairly evenly by region.
Table 16.2.1 shows that 35.1% of the grounding systems are 50 or more years old, and that
31.9% are 30 to 39 years old. Also, 80.1% of the grounding systems are over 30 years old.
10 to 19 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 5 1.8
20 to 29 1 4 10 2 2 10 5 1 6 41 14.5
30 to 39 12 6 11 14 8 19 3 4 13 90 31.9
40 to 49 1 7 10 7 0 4 2 2 4 37 13.1
50 plus 18 30 0 1 8 8 8 20 6 99 35.1
Total 35 47 33 26 21 42 20 28 30 282 100.0
Percent 12.4 16.7 11.7 9.2 7.4 14.9 7.1 9.9 10.6 100.0
Table 16.2.1 Count of Station Grounding Systems Grouped by Region and Age
Grounding Systems
Transmission station grounding systems keep ground potential rise, step and touch potentials
below specified limits when maximum (i.e., worst case) ground faults occur. Under fault
conditions, the following factors determine step and touch potentials:
Increases in system capacity and fault currents at a station may lead to unacceptable
performance of the ground grid. Corrosion of buried conductors and connectors, mechanical
damage to buried electrodes, plus burning-off of grounding conductors and connectors during
heavy fault currents also may lead to unsatisfactory performance. Further, changes in
resistivity of upper or lower layers of earth may adversely affect ground grid characteristics.
To assess the health of a ground grid, one must confirm that the grounding networks design
coordinates well with existing fault currents. Grounding integrity tests can then confirm the
resistance of individual underground connections. After performing those tests, soil
resistivity can be re-measured and simulated using software to analyse worst case ground
potential rise, step and touch potentials. Fall of potential measurements can assist in further
verifying the system. Fault simulation tests can be used to measure ground potential rise plus
step and touch potentials.
Surface Treatment
Current BCTC standards require use of 150 mm of crushed rock as surface treatment at each
substation. The rock must extend 1.5 meters beyond the fence. Over time, settlement,
construction activity and vehicle movement inside the substation may reduce cover depth.
Safety dictates routine inspections of rock depth to ensure that it meets standards.
Weeds and fines can contaminate the rock surface treatments and lead to lower resistivity and
unacceptable conditions. Sample boxes and AC ground resistance meters measure surface
treatment resistivity, which should meet design specifications.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed station ground and surface treatments first
required developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each
criterion represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to
potential failure.
Generally, the Health Index is based on evaluating grounding systems for the following:
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and reviews of
records in BCTCs asset management system databases. In addition to maintenance
histories, these databases contain information about operating requirements and conditions,
defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the information available against end-of-life
criteria, condition states were rated A through E. For this asset class, letter condition ratings
have the following general meanings:
Condition
Description
Rating
A Individual yards show considerable conductor redundancy (meshing),
adjacent yards interconnected with multiple paths, conductors at specified
depth, sized for fault duty, with an adequate number of ground rods for winter
conditions.
B Installation has minor variations from originally specified or variation is only
at isolated (~1 or 2) locations
C Installation has significant variation from original specifications or variation
is noted at multiple locations
D Installation major deviations from original spec or has been significantly
damaged
E Installation is damaged or degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Risers/bonds are in good condition (without any intervening paint or
corrosion), mechanically supported, paralleled for redundancy, sized for fault
duty, terminated with rated connectors. Check risers on wood poles within
yard.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Frequent riser conductors thread through fence fabric and are bonded to
barbed wire, gates bonded side-to-side, with gradient control grids under
swing area.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Stone has specified size range and thickness, is free of weeds and
contamination by fines, has proper grading to prevent ponding of water.
B Minor deficiencies in ground/soil/gravel conditions.
C Significant variations in the above, corrective maintenance recommended
D Major variations - corrective maintenance/repair essential
E Surface stone is damaged or degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Measured resistance between accessible grid points (micro ohms) for all
equipment and free standing structures falls under value expected from
distance and conductor size.
B Close to specification (little or no margin).
C Do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Do not meet specification by a significant margin and cannot be brought into
specification.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Ground potential rise is well within specification, while measured current
splits show good interconnections to overhead ground wires and neutrals.
Touch potentials on structures, meshes, fences, gates and at neighbouring
residences is contained within safe body withstand.
B Close to specification (little or no margin)
C Do not meet specification (by a small amount)
D Do not meet specification (by a significant margin)
E Do not meet specification by a significant margin and cannot be brought into
specification condition.
A = 4;
B = 3,
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, station
grounding and surface treatments in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100
while completely non-functional grounding and surface treatments would have a Health
Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for station grounding in
Table 16.3.9 below, assume the grounding with partial data has a maximum condition score
of 60 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 92. That grounding, therefore, has
only 65% of the Health Index maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On
the other hand, if that grounding with partial data had a maximum condition score of 65 it
would have 71% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
For this asset class, available data were insufficient to provide a valid Health Index using the
70% Rule described above. In this case, to provide BCTC with some information about the
assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off (i.e., 50% Rule). Thus, if
the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum
possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and presented in the results.
Table 16.3.9 Health Index Formulation for Station Grounding & Surface Treatment
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 16.3.10 was used to determine the overall condition of the station grounding and
surface treatment asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
Table 16.3.10 Health Index Scale for Station Grounding and Surface Treatment
Very Good 13
Good 62
Fair 18
Poor 1
Very Poor 0
Total Results Based on Field Survey 94
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 33.3
Table 16.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for Station Grounding
Systems
Very Good 39
Good 186
Fair 54
Poor 3
Very Poor 0
Total 282
120
100
80
54
60 39
40
20 0 3
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
79.8% of Station Grounding Systems are in Good or Very Good condition. No capital
improvements are expected in the near term.
19.1% of Station Grounding Systems are in Fair condition. Increased maintenance or
capital improvements may be required depending upon criticality.
1.1% of Station Grounding Systems are in Poor condition. Planning for replacement
or refurbishment should begin, considering risk and consequences of failure.
17.1 Description
Station batteries provide stand-by power for critical equipment. They also play a vital role in
the safe, stable and reliable operation of electric power systems. They supply power for
control, operation, monitoring and annunciation, including protection and control devices,
switchgear, circuit breakers, and power transformers.
Station batteries consist of a bank of cells that, when connected in series, provide the
required voltage level for the battery bank. Generally, BCTC-managed transmission stations
have two types of batteries, lead acid and nickel cadmium. Lead acid batteries have
electrodes made of lead (-) and lead dioxide (+). Sulphuric acid acts as the electrolyte. The
nominal voltage per cell is about 2.1 V, and a 120 V battery bank consists of about 58 cells.
Nickel cadmium batteries have electrodes made of cadmium (-) and nickelic hydroxide (+).
They operate in an alkaline electrolyte of potassium hydroxide. The nominal cell voltage is
about 1.2 V, and a battery bank consists of about 100 cells. Nickel cadmium batteries can
pack a much higher charge density with a more compact size than lead acid batteries.
The capacity of battery banks is measured in Ampere-hours. Generally, batteries are designed
to provide power for 6 - 8 hours of operation after a power failure. Battery banks at
transmission stations typically have capacities ranging from about 400 Ampere-hours to over
2000 Ampere-hours.
Each battery bank has a battery charger that automatically keeps the battery charged in ready
mode. A battery charger typically consists of a solid-state rectifier circuit plus associated
controls. Under normal operating conditions, battery banks have an expected useful life of
about 15-20 years.
17.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 627 battery systems. Table 17.2.1
shows the functional and voltage demographics of these batteries. As shown in the table, 267
batteries are substation batteries of which 251 are 125 V. Of the substation batteries, Lead
Calcium and Lead Antimony represent the most common types with 175 and 42 batteries
respectively. The BCTC-managed system has 223 telecommunication batteries and most of
these (i.e., 170) are 24 V. The system also has 105 microwave batteries of which 22 are 24 V
and 68 are 48 V.
Table 17.2.2 shows the age demographics of the batteries. Of the batteries with known age,
about 26% are more than 20 years old.
Function Type
Total Percent
Years Gen. Sub. Ctrl. Telec. MW
0 to 4 1 31 2 31 43 108 17.2
5 to 9 1 37 3 36 2 79 12.6
Age Group
10 to 14 3 51 4 31 1 90 14.4
15 to 19 4 52 0 22 3 81 12.9
20 to 24 0 57 0 26 1 84 13.4
25 plus 1 21 0 19 2 43 6.9
Incompl. 7 18 6 58 53 142 22.6
Total 17 267 15 223 105 627 100.0
Percent 2.7 42.6 2.4 35.6 16.7 100.0
Declining capacity
Increasing internal resistance (i.e., decreasing terminal voltage under load)
Elevated self discharge
Declining Capacity
The charge storage capacity of batteries decreases with usage, age and the environment.
Generally, if specified to deliver a capacity of 100% when new, a battery would require
replacement when it reaches 80% of its initial capacity.
In lead acid batteries, capacity reduction results from two actions: (1) formation of a thin
layer on the negative electrode (i.e., sulfation); and (2) acid corrosion of the positive
electrode grid. Sulfation typically occurs when a battery does not have a fully saturated
charge. Positive plate corrosion, however, results from repeated battery overcharging. In
nickel cadmium batteries, loss of capacity results from formation of crystals on electrodes.
Elevated self-discharge:
Self-discharging means that the battery discharges even when no load exists. Elevated self-
discharge rates further reduce aging battery capacity. However, nothing can be done to
reverse self-discharge of an aging battery. In this regard, lead acid batteries have superior
performance compared to nickel cadmium batteries.
In spite of frequent maintenance, batteries often fail. For this reason, batteries have monitors
and warning alarms. Early monitors measured basic battery parameters and used pre-set
levels to trigger alarms. More modern monitoring devices now identify and warn against
developing failures.
Batteries require chargers to ensure satisfactory performance. Battery chargers have a high
degree of reliability and much longer lives than batteries themselves. Nevertheless, problems
do occur. As with other electronic devices, it is often difficult to detect battery charger
deterioration before failure. Normal maintenance involves testing charging rates to assess
functionality. Generally, chargers are replaced when such testing reveals functional failures.
Typically, battery maintenance and inspection involve (1) visual inspections for signs of
leaks, internal degradation, and evidence of deterioration/damage to connections and external
components; and (2) measurements of electrical characteristics and individual cell
performance. Utilities typically inspect and test individual sample cells on a 3 or 6-month
basis.
BCTC conducts full testing annually. BCTC performs battery load testing at installation and
at 18 years. BCTC also performs load testing if unusual conditions are noted in Cellcorder
during annual inspections. BCTC replaces batteries after 25 years, regardless of their
condition.
Historically, factors used to assess the end of a batterys life have included age, appearance,
and the history of specific gravity and cell voltage measurements. Now, battery load tests
provide the best indication of a batterys condition. Typically, load tests are used to identify
and confirm the condition of batteries that appear deficient based on previous inspections or
evaluations.
Utilities generally coordinate battery charger testing with overall battery maintenance
programs. Charger testing involves several functional tests, each with defined criteria. Failure
of any functional test may lead to further investigations or replacement consideration.
Typically, every three months battery chargers receive an inspection and some testing.
Annually, they receive a full range of tests. These tests involve measuring cell characteristics
and conducting physical examinations for obvious signs of deterioration or damage.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed batteries first required developing end-of-
life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a factor
critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
For both individual battery cells and entire battery banks, the condition assessment and rating
process included visual inspections and reviews of records in BCTCs asset management
Tables 17.3.1 through 17.3.8 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Room, racks etc. are clean, corrosion free and in good condition. No evidence
of any abnormality. Room ventilation and environmental controls are
functioning normally. Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Battery Containers, electrical conductors and connectors are clean; corrosion
and build-up free and are in good condition. No external evidence of
overheating or any other abnormality. Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Charging current and voltage appear to be normal, based on past experience
and specifications
B Possible abnormal values need to be confirmed by test
C Probable abnormal values
D Definite indications of abnormal behaviour.
E Abnormal values that cannot be brought into normal range.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Overall installation is clean, corrosion free. All primary and secondary
connections are in good condition. No external evidence of overheating or
any other abnormality. Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Well within BCTC standards all cells
B Small number of cells (~<2%) do not meet BCTC standards
C Significant number of cells (~2-8%) do not meet BCTC standards
D Many cells (~8-10%) do not meet BCTC standards
E Many cells (~>10%) do not meet BCTC standards
Condition
Description
Rating
A Within BCTC standards or unchanged according to historical data all cells
B A few (<2%) cells show significant deviation (20% higher impedance) or a
significant number of cells show minor deviations in impedance
C From 2-8% cells show significant impedance increases
D From 8-10% of cells show significant impedance increase
E >10% of cells show significant impedance increase
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a battery in
perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded battery
would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set. For example,
using the weightings and maximum possible scores for batteries in Table 17.3.9 below,
assume a battery with partial data has a maximum condition score of 60 out of the Health
Index maximum possible score of 92. That battery, therefore, has only 65% of the maximum
score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand, if that battery with
partial data had a maximum condition score of 65 it would have 71% of the Health Index
maximum and a valid Health Index.
Table 17.3.9 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class. Specific consideration is given to a failed discharge test,
as it is a direct indicator of battery failure, resulting in halving the Health Index result.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 17.3.10 was used to determine the overall condition of the batteries asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for each type of Battery in
the BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 17.4.1 and 17.4.2 summarize the results,
which are also illustrated in Figure 17.4.1.
Very Good 52
Good 47
Fair 5
Poor 0
Very Poor 5
Total Results Based on Field Survey 109
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 17.4
Number of Batteries
250
200
150
100
50 30
5 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
94.4% of Batteries are in Good or Very Good condition. No capital improvements are
expected in the near term.
4.8% of Batteries are in Fair condition. Increased maintenance or capital
improvements may be required depending on criticality.
0.8% of Batteries are in Very Poor condition or at their end-of-life.
18.1 Description
In the event of power failures, standby generators must supply power for critical systems
within a facility. Standby generator capacities are matched with essential load requirements
within a facility. At some locations, generator capacity is matched to the size of station
service transformers. Typically, diesel engines power standby generators, but propane also is
used as a fuel source. Other components of this asset class include transfer switches that
allow loads to be transferred automatically to standby generators during power interruptions.
Fuel storage systems also serve as one of the components of this asset class.
18.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system includes 60 standby generators located in
substations and 41 located at microwave repeater stations. There are 54 diesel and 6
propane-fuelled generators located in substations. Table 18.2.1 shows non-microwave
standby generators grouped by age. As shown in the table, all generators with known age are
less than 40 years old.
Non-Microwave
Years %
Standby Generators
0 to 9 13 32.5%
10 to 19 4 10.0%
Age Group
20 to 29 13 32.5%
30 to 39 10 25.0%
40 to 49 0 0.0%
50 plus 0 0.0%
SubTotal 40 100.0%
Incomplete 20 N/A
Total 60
BCTC also manages 41 standby generators for microwave equipment. Of these, BCTC has
scheduled 17 for replacement because they are either obsolete or do not meet load
requirements. Table 18.2.2 shows microwave equipment standby generators grouped by
age.
20 to 29 9 22.0%
30 to 39 13 31.7%
40 to 49 0 0.0%
50 plus 0 0.0%
SubTotal 24 58.5%
Being Replaced 17 41.5%
Total 41 100%
Most failures in rotating electrical machines result from deterioration of rotors and stator
windings. Generator winding deterioration results from several factors including insulation
thermal degradation of insulation, loosening of windings, improper insulation impregnation,
electrical slot discharge, contamination in the end windings and inadequate spacing between
coils of mechanical hardware.
Stand-by generators operated only occasionally. Consequently, they experience little wear
and tear from prolonged use. Rather, in stand-by generators, degradation results from long
periods of inactivity. Such degradation includes corrosion, friction, and accumulation of
dust, debris and other contaminants. Depending on the degree of deterioration, wear or
damage may occur during periodic start-ups that can reduce the generators longevity.
Fuel storage tanks experience corrosion and rust, resulting in leaks. Transfer switches have a
limited operating life due to contact arcing.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed standby generators first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
Tables 18.3.1 through 18.3.9 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Enclosure/house. is clean, and in good condition. No evidence of any
abnormality or deterioration. Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Generator is clean, corrosion free and in good condition. No evidence of any
abnormality or deterioration. Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All electrical conductors, connectors, cabling and controls are clean,
corrosion free and are in good condition. No external evidence of
overheating, embrittlement of insulating jackets or other deterioration or
abnormality. Appears to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A The entire installation appears clean and corrosion free. All connections are in
good condition. No external evidence of overheating or any other abnormality
Appears as new or to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Generator is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Switch operates properly
E Switch operates inconsistently or does not operate properly
Condition
Description
Rating
A Well within specifications with high margins
E Do not meet specification by a significant margin
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 18.3.10 below.
A = 4;
B = 3,
C = 2;
D = 1. And
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a standby
generator in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded
standby generator would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., the 70% Rule).
For this asset class, available data were insufficient to provide a valid Health Index using the
70% Rule described above. In this case, to provide BCTC with some information about the
assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off (i.e., the 50% Rule). Thus,
if the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum
possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and presented in the results.
Table 18.3.10 show the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 18.3.11 was used to determine the overall condition of the standby generator and fuel
system asset class.
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for standby generators in
the BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 18.4.1 and 18.4.2 summarize the results
for station generators other than microwave generators. Figure 18.4.1 also illustrates the
results. Note, as described in subsection 18.3.3 above, the 50% Rule was applied in
calculating the Health Index for station generators since available data were insufficient to
use the 70% Rule.
The condition of standby generators for microwave equipment was not assessed in this
baseline study. However, BCTC has a replacement program underway and plans to replace
17 of the 41 standby generators for microwave equipment.
Very Good 6
Good 15
Fair 4
Poor 0
Very Poor 0
Total Results Based on Field Survey 25
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 37.9
Table 18.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for Standby Generators
(other than microwave)
Very Good 14
Good 36
Fair 10
Poor 0
Very Poor 0
Total 60
83.3% of Standby Generators other than microwave are in Good or Very Good
condition. No capital improvements are expected in the near term.
16.7% of Standby Generators other than microwave are in Fair condition. Increased
maintenance or capital improvements may be needed depending on the equipments
criticality.
19.1 Description
Facilities, Buildings and Structures
Buildings at transmission stations provide suitable environments for electrical equipment and
serve as a base for administrative and service work. These structures must conform to
BCTCs technical requirements for various types of facilities. They also need to conform to
local building codes and relevant workplace health and safety regulations.
Proper landscaping provides a pleasant environment for workers and the substations
neighbours. Landscaping also aids in controlling soil erosion, maintaining overall site
cleanliness, and facilitating a safe and efficient workplace. Landscaping, therefore, must be
considered as part of the overall facility design.
Lifting Equipment
Frequently, lifting equipment within buildings and structures facilitates maintenance
activities. Lifting equipment ranges from small systems that assist in managing spare parts
inventories to large systems that can move entire circuit breaker poles. In some cases, lifting
equipment plays an important role in quickly restoring power after failures or interruptions.
Microwave Towers
Microwave towers are tall metal lattice structures used to mount microwave and other
antennae for system communications (i.e. for system control, relaying). Recently, some
utilities have moved away from using microwave systems in favour of fibre-based
communications. However, BCTC does not plan to replace the BCTC-managed microwave
systems presently installed.
19.2 Demographics
Facilities in the BCTC-managed transmission system consist of 256 buildings, 210 yards and
grounds, 24 sumps and sump pumps, 99 microwave towers, 50 pieces of lifting equipment
and 102 spill containment systems. Table 19.2.1 shows these demographics.
Buildings
Buildings at transmission stations house electrical equipment and serve as a base for
administrative and service work. Environmental conditions continuously affect buildings.
Roof maintenance presents the biggest problem for transmission buildings. Generally, roof
water proofing systems have a shorter life than buildings. Utilities typically replace roofs on
a 15 20-year cycle.
Building inspections usually occur as part of routine station visual inspections at 1 3 month
intervals. Most utilities have inspection checklists to help identify defects and provide
overall condition evaluations. Inspection reports also help set priorities for repair programs.
Inspections, therefore, help ensure that minor problems receive prompt and effective
correction to keep buildings fit for their stated purpose.
Spill containment and other civil works also represent important station subsystems. Made
primarily from concrete, these facilities may crack, corrode, and shift.
Facility assets also include steel microwave towers. These have many similarities to metal
transmission structures, and also face the same degradation processes. For example, as with
metal structures, microwave towers may undergo corrosion and foundation deterioration.
However, with proper maintenance, these structures generally last a long time.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed facilities first required developing end-of-
life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a factor
critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
For facility assets the condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections
and reviews of records in BCTCs asset management system databases. In addition to
maintenance histories, these databases contain information about operating requirements and
conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the information available against end-
Tables 19.3.1 through 19.3.18 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Clean and free from signs of deterioration. No leaks noticeable. Paint on
surfaces clean and free from cracking, discoloration or flaking/peeling. Locks
and mechanisms in good working condition. Appears as new or to have
been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable. Minor maintenance
suggested.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable. Significant
maintenance or repair is required.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Clean and free from signs of deterioration. Lighting adequate and in good
working condition. Electrical wiring and tables, AC and DC in good
condition. HVAC in good working condition.
Appears as new or to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable. Minor maintenance
suggested.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable. Significant
maintenance or repair is required.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Station Vegetation
Condition
Description
Rating
A Station yard is free from unwanted vegetation. Landscaped areas (if any) are
healthy, properly trimmed and maintained
E Station vegetation has not been maintained.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Wall systems appear in good condition and free from cracks, leaks, surface
staining and deterioration.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. No staining
evident. Support steel and/or anchor bolts, if applicable, are tight and free
from corrosion. Ground connections are direct to tank, cabinets, supports
without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Microwave Towers
Condition
Description
Rating
A Paint and coating in good condition. No signs of structural fatigue or
hardware failure. No damaged steel members, guys or anchors. Appears to
have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All electrical conductors, connectors, cabling, lighting, cabinet boxes and
controls are clean, corrosion free and are in good condition. Appears to have
been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Clean and free from signs of deterioration. Structural elements straight and
level. Paint on surfaces clean and free from cracking, discoloration or
flaking/peeling. Wiring and control cabinets in good condition. Appears as
new or to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable. Minor maintenance
suggested.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable. Significant
maintenance or repair is required.
E Microwave tower is damaged or degraded beyond repair.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Tables 19.3.19
19.3.24 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a facility in
perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100, while a completely degraded facility
would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for facilities in
Table 19.3.19 below, assume a facility with partial data has a maximum condition score of
54 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 80. That facility, therefore, has only
68% of the maximum Health Index score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the
other hand, if that facility with partial data had a maximum condition score of 56 it would
have 70% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
For some members of this asset class, available data were insufficient to provide a valid
Health Index using the 70% Rule described above. In such cases, to provide BCTC with
some information about the assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off
(i.e., 50% Rule). Thus, if the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal to
50% of the maximum possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and presented
in the results.
Tables 19.3.19 19.3.24 show the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition
ratings as both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible
maximum score for each member of this asset class.
Table 19.3.20 Health Index Formulation for Sumps and Sump Pumps
Table 19.3.23 Health Index Formulation for Drainage and Civil Works
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 19.3.25 was used to determine the overall condition of the facilities asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for each component of the
facilities asset class. Tables 19.4.1 and 19.4.2 summarize the results, which are also
illustrated in Figures 19.4.1 through 19.4.4. No condition data were available for microwave
towers. Also, data on sumps and sump pumps were insufficient to perform an overall
condition assessment.
Health Index
Results Buildings Sumps Lifting Equip. Grounds Spill Containment
Classification
Very Good 10 0 0 8 12
Good 153 2 35 98 49
Fair 16 0 0 12 0
Poor 1 0 0 1 0
Very Poor 0 0 0 2 0
Total Results Based on
Field Survey 180 2 35 121 61
Percentage of Total
Population Surveyed
70.3 8.3 70.0 57.6 59.8
Table 19.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for Facilities General
Health Index
Results Buildings Sumps Lifting Equip. Grounds Spill Containment
Classification
Very Good 14 N/A 0 14 20
Good 218 N/A 50 170 82
Fair 23 N/A 0 21 0
Poor 1 N/A 0 2 0
Very Poor 0 N/A 0 3 0
Total 256 24 50 210 102
150
100
50 23 14
0 1
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
60
Number of Lifting Equipment
50
50
40
Items
30
20
10
0 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Number of Stations:
140
Landscaping
120
100
80
60
40 21
14
20 3 2
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
90 82
Spill Containment Systems
80
70
60
Number of
50
40
30 20
20
10 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
20.1 Description
Fire protection systems include several components that protect BCTC-managed
transmission facilities from fire threats. BCTC manages several different designs and
vintages of fire protection. Generally, fire protection system components include:
Heat Detectors: These systems use temperature sensitive devices as detectors. One type
has fixed temperature detectors with fusible alloy elements that operate when exposed to
pre-determined temperatures. Another type operates on rates of temperature rise. This
type also may include fusible alloy elements for fixed temperature operation.
Light Obscuring Detectors: In these detectors, smoke interferes with a light beam
between a light source and photocell. The variation in photocell output initiates an alarm.
Typically, these detectors are used to protect large areas where the source and photocell
can be positioned some distance apart.
Light Scattering: This type of detector operates on the Tyndall effect in which a
darkened chamber separates the photocell and light source such that light cannot fall on
the photocell. When smoke enters the chamber light from the source scatters and falls on
the photocell. The cell output then causes initiation of an alarm.
Ionization Detectors: These detectors contain a radioactive source (e.g., an alpha
particle) that ionizes air passing through a chamber in which current flows between two
electrodes. When smoke enters the chamber current flows decrease, initiating an alarm.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers have the following standard ratings:
Fire Stops
Fire stops prevent the spread of fire by sealing ducts and cable trays that potentially can
transmit fire or smoke from one part of a substation to another.
Carbon Dioxide Based Systems: Odorless, electrically non-conductive gas that is highly
effective as a fire suppression agent. However, its use has been discontinued primarily
for safety reasons.
Halon Systems: Liquefied, compressed gas that stops the spread of fire by chemically
disrupting combustion. While very effective for controlling flammable liquid and
electrical fires, they contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), chemicals subject to
environmental regulations because of their potential to deplete the ozone layer.
Sprinklers: These are normally installed in basement areas over 300 square feet;
Fire Hoses: Hoses connected to municipal water systems are provided inside some
buildings.
Certain indoor equipment (e.g., oil-filled transformers and oil-filled cable potheads) requires
dedicated fire protection such as water deluge systems with hose cabinets. These water
deluge systems have high-velocity water sprays with relatively large droplet sizes directed
against convection air currents. The systems can extinguish fires on, under, or immediately
around protected equipment. They meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
b) Outdoor Equipment
Oil filled transformers in outdoor stations have fire detection systems. SCADA systems
monitor heat detectors and provide information to respective control centres. Only a few
transformers at attended stations have no SCADA systems. Unless considered vulnerable to
fire, other outdoor equipment generally does not have fire detection systems.
20.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has 112 fire protection systems of various types.
These include 24 halon systems (10 in substatations and 14 at microwave sites). Because of
their potential to deplete ozone, certain halon-based fire suppressants will not be produced in
Canada after 2010. BCTC, therefore, has plans to replace halon systems in the BCTC-
managed transmission system before that date. At this time, 15 of the existing halon systems
are in service and 9 are disconnected.
The PASSPORT database contains very limited information about the types and ages of
these fire protection systems. However, the earliest record shows a system 37 years old, and
the newest system is 7 years old.
The rate and degree of degradation in these systems depends on several factors, including
both their operating duties and their operating environment. Regular inspection, preventive
maintenance, and minor repairs help keep these systems in a healthy condition. Components
that require regular inspection and monitoring include valves, detection system parts, piping,
and nozzles. National Fire Protection Association (N.F.P.A) Standard 15, Sections 5.4 and
3-1.2 provide guidance on proper water spray densities and coverage. Maintenance activities
for deluge fire protection systems also include nozzle alignment and hydraulic calculation
checks.
Standard maintenance practices are more defined than utility practices to reduce major
degradation or to refurbish these systems. In many cases utilities do not carry out specific,
regular, independent and detailed assessments of these systems. Rather, such detailed
assessments occur when inspections or other reports indicate specific needs.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed fire protection systems first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 20.3.1 through 20.3.10 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All components clean and free from corrosion, leaks, damage, deterioration or
any other abnormalities. Appears as new or to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
put into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All components clean and free from corrosion, leaks, damage, deterioration or
any other abnormalities. Appears as new or to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
put into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All components clean and free from corrosion, damage, deterioration or any
other abnormalities. Appears as new or to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
put into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A All components clean and free from corrosion, leaks, damage, deterioration or
any other abnormalities. Appears as new or to have been well maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Fire protection system is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A NO CO2 systems are present
E CO2 systems ARE present
Condition
Description
Rating
A Test pass
E Test fail
Condition
Description
Rating
A All components tested operate properly
E More than 10% of the samples do not operate properly
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 20.3.11 below.
A = 4;
B = 3,
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a fire protection
system in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded
fire protection system would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., the 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for fire protection systems
in Table 20.3.11 below, assume a system with partial data has a maximum condition score of
22 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 36. That system, therefore, has only
61% of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand, if
that system with partial data had a maximum condition score of 26, it would have 72% of its
maximum and a valid Health Index.
For this asset class, available data were insufficient to provide a valid Health Index using the
70% Rule described above. In this case, to provide BCTC with some information about the
assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off (i.e., 50% Rule). Thus, if
the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum
possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and presented in the results.
Table 20.3.11 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 20.3.12 was used to determine the overall condition of the fire protection system asset
class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for Fire Protection Systems
in the BCTC-managed transmission system. Table 20.4.1 summarizes the results, which are
also illustrated in Figure 20.4.1. Note, as described in subsection 20.3.3 above, the 50%
Rule was applied in calculating the Health Index for this asset since available data were
insufficient to use the 70% Rule.
Very Good 52
Good 30
Fair 27
Poor 0
Very Poor 3
Total 112
Table 20.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Fire Protections Systems
60
52
Number of Fire Protection
50
40
Systems
30
30 27
20
10
3
0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 20.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Fire Protection Systems
73.2% of Fire Protection Systems are in Good or Very Good condition. No capital
improvements are expected in the near term.
24.1% of Fire Protection Systems are in Fair condition. Increased maintenance or
capital improvements may be required depending upon criticality of equipment.
2.7% of Fire Protection Systems are in Very Poor condition or at their end-of-life and
immediate assessment of risk is needed to develop a replacement or refurbishment
strategy.
21.1 Description
Microwave radio equipment includes antennae, radio and multiplex equipment. They serve
as a traditional way to provide effective communication between major substation and
generation sites and central control facilities. Microwave systems require line-of-sight and
numerous mountaintop repeaters that are difficult to access.
21.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has microwave equipment installed at 116 different
locations. In the late 1990s BC Hydro began a program to replace the analog microwave
equipment with new digital equipment in four phases. BCTC reports that 94 of the
equipment sets had been replaced by the end of 2004, making the replacement program about
81% complete.
The upgraded equipment operates at 48 volts. Because of this, BCTC also plans to replace
all existing 24-volt batteries as part of the microwave equipment upgrade program.
Physical condition;
Functional requirements and performance;
Need for periodic adjustments and/or calibration;
Frequency of emergency/preventative maintenance;
Spare parts availability; and
Technical support (i.e., either in-house or OEM)
The rate and severity of degradation in this equipment depend on its operational duties and
environmental factors. Corrosion and moisture ingress, or combinations of these, represent
the most critical degradation processes in microwave equipment. Components particularly
affected by moisture and corrosion include tower footings and antenna dishes. Outdoor
components of microwave systems generally have long service lives, and age is not usually a
good indicator of this equipments condition.
a) Wiring damage
Any wiring open circuit can prevent microwave system operation. Wiring insulation
degradation can lead to equipment failures. Insulation testing occurs through visual
inspection. Defects are noted during measurements of other routine tests.
b) Faulty Electronics
Microwave electronics range from capacitors and resistors to solid-state printed circuit
boards. All electronic components have finite lifetimes. Modern highly integrated electronic
equipment consists of application specific integrated circuits, surface mounted components,
and multi-layer boards. Microwave equipment may have dual-redundant electronic modules
with automatic failovers, making the equipments Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)
higher than the MTBF for any individual circuit card. In the BCTC-managed system, faulty
electronics are identified and repaired promptly to ensure proper system operation.
c) Diagnosis of Faults
Environmental conditions in relay and switch-rooms can affect microwave equipments
condition and reliability. Humidity, temperature, dust and pollution can cause component
degradation. Moisture and high humidity promote corrosion and should be avoided. When
plant temperatures fall below the dew point condensation can occur. When water enters
equipment rooms through roof or other leaks, it can affect performance and aggravate
corrosion. The presence of verdigris1 in microwave equipment indicates active corrosion,
likely exacerbated by coastal salt or industrial pollutants. Routine inspections and
1
The substance verdigris is a copper corrosion product. Verdigris forms from the combination of air, water
vapor, acid, and copper (or copper alloy mix). It forms a blue, or blue-green solid.
d) Cabinets or Racks
Generally, microwave equipment is mounted in 19-inch racks for ease of installation and
standardization. Typical degradation processes for these racks include:
Corrosion; and
Loss of mechanical strength through use (e.g. swing front panels).
Generally, visual inspections offer the best form of condition assessment for cabinets and
racks.
Visual inspections may detect problems, but other routine tests can more clearly define
deficiencies.
g) Wiring
Wiring insulation may degrade from fraying and brittleness. Older microwave panels have
rubber-based insulation that deteriorates over time. In many cases, this deteriorated
insulation falls away when touched, exposing conductors. Absent severe over-heating,
modern PVC cables do not tend to have this problem.
a) Visual
Visual inspections enable detection of contamination, corrosion and evidence of mechanical
degradation in all indoor and outdoor components. When no operational failures have
occurred, these inspections serve as the first line of defence in condition assessment for
microwave equipment.
b) Diagnostic Testing
Failure of diagnostic tests usually results in replacement of either components or complete
assemblies. The number and frequency of such failures can help measure overall degradation
of these systems and may help define their end-of-life.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed microwave equipment first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 21.3.1 through 21.3.6 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A 20% above current requirements
B 10% above current requirements
C 5% above current requirements
D 0 above current requirements
E Insufficient capacity to meet current requirements
Condition
Description
Rating
A 3 years since last required recalibration or emergency service
B 2 years since last required recalibration or emergency service
C 1.5 years since last required recalibration or emergency service
D 1 year since last required recalibration or emergency service
E Recalibration or emergency service required within the last year
Condition
Description
Rating
A Spares are on the shelf
B Spares are available within 24 hours
C Spares are available within 4 weeks
D Spares are available within 2 weeks
E Spares are not available within 2 weeks
Condition
Description
Rating
A Equipment is in as new condition, completely acceptable
B The equipment has minor damage
C The equipment has significant damage
D The equipment has failed but can be repaired.
E The equipment is damaged/degraded beyond repair
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Tables 21.3.7
21.3.8 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set. For example,
using the weightings and maximum possible scores for indoor microwave equipment in
Table 21.3.7 below, assume indoor equipment with partial data has a maximum condition
score of 52 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 80. That indoor equipment,
therefore, has only 65% of the Health Index maximum score, and would not have a valid
Health Index. On the other hand, if that indoor equipment with partial data had a maximum
condition score of 59, it would have 74% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health
Index.
Tables 21.3.7 21.3.8 show the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition
ratings as both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible
maximum score for each member of this asset class.
Condition Maximum
# Condition Criteria Weight Factors
Ratings Score
1 Physical Damage 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
2 Bandwidth Availability 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
3 Increased Maintenance 5 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 20
4 Technical Support 5 A,E 4,0 20
5 Spares Parts Availability 6 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 24
Max Score = 80
HI = 100*Score/Max
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 21.3.9 was used to determine the overall condition of the microwave equipment asset
class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
BCTC did not have sufficient condition data in electronic form to enable calculation of a
Health Index for microwave equipment.
However, BCTC has an existing program to replace all existing microwave installations due
to increasing unreliability, lack of manufacturer support, and the need for bandwidth changes
to conform to Industry Canada regulations. BCTC had replaced 94 sets of equipment by the
end of 2004. Using this information and the Health Index Scale above, the 94 sets of new
equipment are considered to be in Very Good condition, and the 22 sets scheduled for
replacement are considered to be in Fair condition and adequate for continued service until
replacement.
100 94
90
Number of Microwave
80
Equipment Sets
70
60
50
40
30 22
20
10 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
81% are in Very Good condition. No capital improvements are expected in the near
term.
19% are in Fair condition.
22.1 Description
Power Line Carrier (PLC) communication involves transmitting information using the
electrical power line as the communication medium. PLC represents a highly reliable and
robust system of communication that transmits information as modulated radio signals over
selected 115 kV, 230 kV and 500 kV transmission lines. While offering limited signal
transmission bandwidth, PLC provides a cost effective communication solution for areas that
do not have other communications media or areas that do not need greater bandwidths.
PLC systems consist of terminal equipment (e.g., transmitters, receivers, tone equipment and
ancillary equipment) at each end of the power line. The system also includes coupling
equipment (e.g., line traps, couplers, co-axial cables and hybrid equipment) that connects the
terminal equipment to the power line. To separate PLC signals from electrical power, PLC
signals are transmitted at frequencies ranging from 30 kHz to 300 kHz while electrical power
is transmitted over the same line at 60 Hz.
While microwave systems require line-of-sight and numerous mountaintop repeaters, PLC
systems follow existing transmission paths and have terminal equipment located at substation
and generation sites. PLC equipment, therefore, is more readily accessed than microwave
equipment.
22.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system includes 82 stations installed with PLC systems.
The PASSPRT database indicates that those locations have a total of 115 individual PLC
systems. PASSPORT contains very limited information about the age of these PLC systems.
However, the database shows that the oldest PLC is 44 years old and the newest is 3 years
old.
BCTC has an ongoing program to upgrade existing obsolete or inadequate PLC equipment to
modern digital equipment. This program is designed to provide 99.994% availability. The
BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 52 PLC links that may comprise multiple
terminals. BCTC reports that 21 links had been replaced by the end of 2004. An additional
31 links remain to be done.
Determining a power line carrier (PLC) systems end-of-life, requires reviewing the
condition of the systems various components, reviewing emergency repair records,
determining spare parts availability, and analyzing its capabilities against required
Physical condition;
Functional requirements and Performance;
Need for periodic adjustments and/or calibration;
Frequency of emergency/preventative maintenance;
Spare parts availability; and
Technical support (i.e., either in-house or OEM).
The rate and severity of degradation in this equipment depends on its operational duties and
environmental factors.
Corrosion and moisture ingress, or combinations of these, represent the most critical
degradation processes in PLC systems. Components particularly affected by moisture and
corrosion include end board line traps. Weakening occurs because insulated tie rods and
spacers deteriorate with exposure to moisture. Also, corrosion causes deterioration in
support insulators and related fixings. Ambient air pollution and salt also degrade support
insulators located in heavy industrial or coastal areas. Tuning circuit capacitor voltage
transformers experience oil leaks that may lead to PLC failures. Oil leaks from capacitors in
PLC low voltage cabinets also have posed problems.
Generally, age is not a good indicator of equipment condition. Also, electronics, rather than
high voltage equipment, tend to present most problems in this equipment. Outdoor
components of PLC systems generally have long service lives.
a) Wiring damage
Any wiring open circuit will prevent correct PLC equipment operation. Wiring insulation
degradation can lead to equipment failures. Insulation testing occurs through visual
inspection. Defects are noted during measurements of other routine tests.
c) Diagnosis of Faults
Environmental conditions in relay and switch-rooms can affect a PLC systems condition and
reliability. Humidity, temperature, dust and pollution can cause component degradation.
Moisture and high humidity promote corrosion and should be avoided. When plant
temperatures fall below the dew point condensation can occur. When water enters PLC
equipment rooms through roof or other leaks, it can affect performance and aggravate long-
term corrosion. The presence of verdigris1 in PLC equipment indicates active corrosion,
likely exacerbated by coastal salt or industrial pollutants. Routine inspections and
maintenance can detect and mitigate corrosion, but providing proper environmental
conditions can prevent corrosion altogether.
d) Cabinets or Racks
Generally, PLC equipment is mounted in 19-inch racks for ease of installation and
standardization. Typical degradation processes for these racks include:
Corrosion,
Loss of mechanical strength through use (e.g. swing front panels).
Generally, visual inspections offer the best form of condition assessment for cabinets and
racks.
Visual inspections may detect problems, but routine tests should clearly identify problems .
1
The substance verdigris is a copper corrosion product. Verdigris forms from the combination of air, water
vapor, acid, and copper (or copper alloy mix). It forms a blue, or blue-green solid.
The following generic techniques and diagnostic tests provide information about the
condition of PLC equipment:
a) Visual
Visual inspections enable detection of contamination, corrosion and evidence of mechanical
degradation in all indoor and outdoor components. When no operational failures have
occurred, these inspections serve as the first line of defence in condition assessments for PLC
equipment.
b) Diagnostic Testing
Failure of diagnostic tests usually results in replacement of either components or complete
assemblies. The number and frequency of such failures can help measure overall degradation
of these systems and may help define their end-of-life.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed PLC equipment first required developing
end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a
factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 22.3.1 through 22.3.6 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Equipment is in as new condition, completely acceptable
B The equipment has minor damage
C The equipment has significant damage
D The equipment has failed but can be repaired.
E The equipment is damaged/degraded beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A 20% above current requirements
B 10% above current requirements
C 5% above current requirements
D 0 above current requirements
E Insufficient capacity to meet current requirements
Condition
Description
Rating
A 3 years since last required recalibration or emergency service
B 2 years since last required recalibration or emergency service
C 1.5 years since last required recalibration or emergency service
D 1 year since last required recalibration or emergency service
E Recalibration or emergency service required within the last year
Condition
Description
Rating
A Manufacturer support is available for specific equipment version
E Manufacturer support is not available for specific equipment version
Condition
Description
Rating
A Equipment is in as new condition, completely acceptable
B The equipment has minor damage
C The equipment has significant damage
D The equipment has failed but can be repaired.
E The equipment is damaged/degraded beyond repair
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Tables 22.3.7
22.3.8 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, PLC equipment
in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while completely non-functional PLC
equipment would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set. For example,
using the weightings and maximum possible scores for indoor PLC equipment in
Table 22.3.7 below, assume indoor equipment with partial data has a maximum condition
score of 55 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 84. That indoor equipment,
therefore, has only 65% of the Health Index maximum score, and would not have a valid
Health Index. On the other hand, if that indoor equipment with partial data had a maximum
condition score of 62, it would have 74% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health
Index.
Tables 22.3.7 22.3.8 show the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition
ratings as both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible
maximum score for each member of this asset class.
Condition Maximum
# Condition Criteria Weight Factors
Ratings Score
1 Physical Damage 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
2 Spare Capacity 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
3 Increased Maintenance 5 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 20
4 Technical Support 5 A,E 4,0 20
5 Spares Parts Availability 6 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 24
Max Score = 84
HI = 100*Score/Max
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 22.3.9 was used to determine the overall condition of the PLC equipment asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
BCTC did not have sufficient condition data in electronic form to enable calculation of a
Health Index for PLC equipment.
Of the 52 PLC links in the BCTC-managed transmission system, 21 will have been replaced
by the end of 2004, and an additional 31 remain to be done. Using this information and the
Health Index Scale above, the 21 links of new equipment are considered to be in Very Good
condition, and the 31 links scheduled for future replacement are considered to be in Fair
condition and adequate for continued service until replacement.
Number of PLC Equipment Sets
70
60
60
50
40
40
30
20
10
0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 22.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Power Line Carrier
Equipment
40% are in Very Good condition. No additional capital improvements are expected in
the near term.
60% are in Fair condition, as the equipment does not meet the established availability
criteria.
23.1 Description
Series capacitors are mounted on support frames that are fully insulated to ground.
Capacitors are connected in series with high voltage transmission lines to reduce transfer
reactance of at power frequencies.
Zinc oxide varistors and circuit breakers serve as primary protective devices for series
capacitors. Varistors limit voltage across capacitors. They are supplemented by forced-
triggered spark gaps to handle excess current during fault sequences. Bypass circuit breakers
extinguish the park gaps.
Capacitors are rated for operation during normal, steady state conditions as well as severe
system contingencies
For purposes of this study the series capacitor asset class includes the following components:
Series Capacitors
Capacitor Platform
Metal Oxide Varistors
Signal Links (fibre-optic)
Trigger Gaps
Current Limiting Damping Equipment
Instrument Transformers and Transducers
Protective Relay and Control Equipment
The BCTC-managed transmission system has eleven 500 kV series capacitor installations,
including some built in the early 1970s. All series capacitor components and accessories are
mounted on platforms with full insulation to ground through cross-braced stand-off
insulators.
The capacitor bank at each location consists of individual capacitor units in parallel-series
combinations. Each capacitor unit includes several parallel-connected capacitor elements
plus a single bushing. Each element has a built-in fuse.
Current transformers (CTs) provide input to protective and metering functions for equipment
on series capacitor platforms. Platform-located CTs connect with relays, electronic
equipment and auxiliary power sources located either on the platform or at ground,
Series capacitor over-voltage protective systems consist of metal oxide varistors, bypass
gaps, damping reactors and resistors, and bypass circuit breakers. Varistors provide series
capacitor over-voltage protection. Bypass gaps spark over during excess varistor energy
events. Bypass breakers close automatically during prolonged gap conduction and other
platform contingencies. These breakers also allow operators to insert or bypass series
capacitors. Damping reactors limit capacitor discharges from gap sparkover and bypass
breaker closures.
23.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has 11 series capacitor installations. Table 23.2.1
shows that the rated voltage for all series capacitor installations is 500 kV. Based on the
commission notice to energize (CNE), the series capacitors range from 1 33 years of age.
Also, Nokia made seven of the eleven systems.
Series Capacitor
Capacitor banks consist of capacitors, fuses, insulators and support structures. They are
static devices with minimal maintenance requirements. Typical maintenance involves visual
inspections and other non-invasive tests, including infrared surveys.
Internal degradation of capacitors and fuses results primarily from failures of seals and
moisture ingress. Visual inspections help detect oil leaks, bushing corrosion, cracks in rack
supporting insulators, and abnormal heating effects. Maintenance includes regular
capacitance measurements for individual cans. Cans that do not meet specified values are
replaced.
Platform Insulation
Series capacitor components are mounted on insulated platforms. Cross-braced standoff
insulators provide the platform with full insulation to ground. Over time, platforms
experience corrosion, misalignment, electrical discharges, insulator cracks and loose
connections of bus work. Regular maintenance includes correction of these deficiencies. A
platforms end-of-life generally occurs when structures and support insulators have so much
deterioration that maintenance becomes uneconomic.
Generally fibre optic cables experience deterioration from high attenuation and failure.
Routine maintenance activities include inspections for loose connections, rubber skirt
slippage, plus cracks, damage and deterioration.
Trigger Gaps
Trigger and spark gaps help protect series capacitors. In the BCTC-managed system, trigger
or spark gaps serve as the primary protection for series capacitors at Kennedy. At American
Creek and Guichon, forced gaps bypass the MOV during excess energy events. McLeese,
Chapmans and Creekside have no trigger gaps. At these locations, breakers bypass the MOV
under excess energy conditions.
Regular maintenance for platform CTs includes inspections for exterior corrosion and cracks
along with primary injection tests after changing or adjusting this equipment. Platform CTs
generally reach their end-of-life when they deteriorate to the point where maintenance
becomes uneconomical. Also, Doble test results beyond set tolerances can indicate the end-
of-life for platform CTs.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed series capacitors first required developing
end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a
factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings for various
components and tests:
Tables 23.3.1 through 23.3.14 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Capacitors
Condition
Description
Rating
A No bulged units and no leaks around bushings
B Fewer than 5% of the units with one of the above problems
C Fewer than 10% of the units with one of the above problems.
D Fewer than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
E Greater than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No Problems - Very Good Condition: No chips, radial cracks, flashover
burns, copper splash and/or copper wash. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
B Minor Problems Good Condition: Minor chips and/or cracks and/or
flashover burns and/or copper splash and/or copper wash are present.
Cementing and fasteners are secure.
C Major Problems Poor Condition: Major chips and/or cracks and/or
flashover burns and/or copper splash and/or copper wash are present.
Cementing and fasteners are secure.
D Bushings are broken/damaged or cementing and fasteners are not secure.
E Bushings, cementing or fasteners are broken/damaged beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Housings have no chips, radial cracks, flashover burns, copper splash and/or
copper wash. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
B Housings have minor chips and/or cracks and/or flashover burns and/or
copper splash and/or copper wash are present. Cementing and fasteners are
secure.
C Housings have major chips and/or cracks and/or flashover burns and/or
copper splash and/or copper wash are present. Cementing and fasteners are
secure.
D Housings are broken or damaged and/or cementing or fasteners are not
secure.
E Housings, cementing or fasteners are broken or damaged beyond repair.
Trigger Gaps
Condition
Description
Rating
A Gaps in good condition, no extensive pitting or corrosion of gap surfaces,
operating voltage within design tolerance, gaps adjustments possible, housing
in good condition with no signs of corrosion or rust.
B One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
C Two of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable, but repair is still
possible
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition
Condition
Description
Rating
A Good Condition, case free of rust and corrosion, resistance within acceptable
tolerance, support insulators in good condition, no external evidence of
overheating or internal damage to grids. Appears to be well maintained with
service records readily available
B One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
C Two of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable, but repair is still
possible
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition
Condition
Description
Rating
A Good condition, no failed fibres, cladding in good condition
B Deteriorating condition on cladding, evidence of some cracking
C No remaining healthy spare installed fibres
D Major cracking of cladding and no remaining spare installed fibres
E Fibres damaged or degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No signs of rust, no damage to frame members, hardware secure.
B Normal signs of wear and tear, slight evidence of rust.
C Some evidence of rust and corrosion, damage to members, loose or missing
hardware
D Significant signs of rust and corrosion, bent or missing members, rusted or
missing hardware.
E Frame is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Tables 23.3.15
23.3.16 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a series
capacitor in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely non-
functional series capacitor would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set. For example,
using the weightings and maximum possible scores for series capacitors in Table 23.3.15
below, assume a capacitor with partial data has a maximum condition score of 48 out of the
Health Index maximum possible score of 76. That capacitor, therefore, has only 63% of the
maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand, if that series
capacitor with partial data had a maximum condition score of 58, it would have 76% of the
Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
Condition Maximum
# Condition Criteria Weighting Factors
Rating Score
1 Condition of Capacitor Units 4 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 16
2 Condition of Bushings and 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
Insulators
3 Metal Oxide Varistors 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
4 Varistor Housings 1 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 4
5 Trigger Gaps* 1 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 4
6 Trigger Gap Voltage Dividers* 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
7 Damping Reactor: General 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
Condition
8 Damping Resistor: General 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
Condition
9 Condition of Current Transformers 1 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 4
10 Protection and Control 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
11 Conductors/Connectors 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
Maximum score = 76
Health Index is actual score/76 100%.
* Kennedy Only
Condition Maximum
# Condition Criteria Weighting Factors
Rating Score
1 Platform Insulation 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
2 Fibre Optics to Platform 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
3 Frame Condition 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
Maximum score = 28
Health Index is actual score/24 100%.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 23.3.17 was used to determine the overall condition of the series capacitor asset class.
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for series capacitors in the
BCTC-managed transmission system. Tables 23.4.1 and 23.4.2 summarize the results,
which are also illustrated in Figures 23.4.1 and 23.4.2.
Very Good 22 5
Good 0 0
Fair 6 0
Poor 0 0
Very Poor 0 0
Total Results Based on Field Survey 28 8
Percentage of Total Population Surveyed 82.4 62.5
Table 23.4.1 Summary of Actual Condition Rating Results for Series Capacitor Banks
Very Good 27 8
Good 0 0
Fair 7 0
Poor 0 0
Very Poor 0 0
Total 34 8
30 27
Number of Series Capacitor
25
20
Banks
15
10 7
5
0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 23.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Series Capacitor Banks
Figure 23.4.2 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Series Capacitor Station
Platforms
79.4% of Series Capacitors and 100% of Series Capacitor Station Platforms are in
Good or Very Good condition. No capital improvements are expected in the near
term.
20.6% of Series Capacitors are in Fair condition. Increased maintenance or capital
improvements may be required depending on criticality issues.
24.1 Description
The HVDC Pole 1 system has two stations. Major components of HVDC Pole 1 are
described below.
Mercury-Arc Valves
Pole 1 consists of two, six-pulse mercury-arc valve groups made up of six main valves and a
bypass valve. Each valve has four parallel anodes fed from a common mercury cathode pool.
A demineralised water-cooling system cools the cathode tank and a closed air circulating
system cools the anode. The cathode cooling units have duplicate circulation pumps. A
current divider ensures that the four anodes share current. Other auxiliary equipment in the
valve hall includes anode and cathode reactors, auxiliary power transformers and gate pulse
isolating transformers.
Each station has two sets of conditioning equipment, and some of this equipment has been
automated with Power Line Carriers to improve processing.
Since manufacturers no longer make mercury-arc valves, continued operation of the BCTC-
managed mercury-arc valves depends on maintaining an adequate supply of spare parts.
Spare parts come from the decommissioning of other mercury arc valve systems. Critical
spares for the mercury-arc valves include the following:
In addition to the above, the AC and DC wall bushings also are important in valve operation.
Pole 1 has oil-filled condenser type bushings that use metallic condenser foils for voltage
stress grading. Pole 1s bakelized paper design relies on bonding between the paper layers
and metallic foils used for stress grading.
Each station has a smoothing reactor connected in series with the high voltage line. The
smoothing reactors are constructed similar to transformers. However, because these units
carry direct current they do not have the same type of magnetic core as transformers.
A valve damping resistor assembly consists of three resistors mounted in a star arrangement
on top of a common support porcelain. Forced-oil and forcedair systems cool the
assemblies. Each HVDC Pole 1 station has four valve damping resistor assemblies. Each
station also has twelve valve damping capacitors, each with six series connected capacitor
units.
AC Filters
The Pole 1 filter bank consists of four tuned filters (5th, 7th, 11th and 13th) and a high pass
bank. At VIT, the Pole 1 filter bank also includes one arm tuned to the 3rd harmonic. A
common oil-filled unit houses the reactors and resistors that require continuous oil flow when
energized. To minimize the need for spares, the reactor/resistor units for the 5th and 7th
filter arms are identical to the 11th and 13th filter arms.
Pole 1 has internally fused filter capacitors. Capacitor banks used for AC filters consist of
capacitors, fuses, insulators and support structures. These essentially static devices have
minimal maintenance requirements, typically confined to visual inspections and other non-
invasive checks.
Station Service
Pole 1 has a 575 V station service transfer system that provides power to the auxiliary
systems needed to operate the converter station. Important loads fed by the station service
include Pole 1 and Pole 2 cooling systems, Pole 1 first grade power MG sets, Pole 2 first
grade chargers, degassing equipment and building services.
Two separate station service transformers bring power to station service buses A and C that
are separated by a normally open tiebreaker. After loss of one incoming supply, the breakers
operate automatically to restore voltage to the interrupted bus.
A land electrode on the mainland at Boundary Bay near Arnott serves as the cathode station.
It consists of 46 silicon iron rods, each 89 mm in diameter and 2130 mm in length, immersed
in a coke breeze.
The electrode stations are connected to the DC system by overhead lines running to VIT and
Arnott respectively. They also attach in the neutral connection of Poles 1 and 2.
24.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system includes an HVDC system that links Vancouver
Island with the Mainland. This system is separated into two poles of different type and
vintage. Pole 1 is based on mercury arc valve technology and was built in 1968.
Table 24.2.1 shows the main components of Pole 1 and their ages.
Harmonic Filter
Mercury Damping
Converter Components
Years Arc Resistors and
Transformers (Reactors, Capacitors
Valves Capacitors
and Resistors)
0 to 9 0 1 2 3
10 to 19 0 0 0 0
Age Group
20 to 29 0 6 3 7
30 to 39 36 6 8 17
40 to 49 0 0 0 0
50 plus 0 0 0 0
Incomplete 0 1 0 15
Total 36 14 13 42
Pole 1 Reliability
In conformance with International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) protocols,
BCTC collects reliability data for the HVDC system that it manages. Each year, BCTC
prepares a report summarizing Pole 1s annual reliability. They classify forced outage data
into the following six categories:
Mercury-Arc Valves
Pole 1 consists of two, six-pulse mercury-arc valve groups made up of six main valves and a
bypass valve. The system went into commercial service in the late 1960s. Since that time,
thyristor valve technology has replaced mercury-arc valves.
Generally, the average operating time since rebuild determines the condition of valve groups.
If an average of 45,000 operating hours had elapsed since a valve groups last rebuild, then
six valves would require reconditioning in a very short time to ensure continued reliable
operation.
With normal staff turnover, maintaining the quality of the reconditioning program requires
continuous training of new personnel. Mercury-arc valves consist of 1950s and 1960s
technology. To learn about the technology and its reconditioning processes, workers must
receive on-the-job training including documentation and exposure to experienced personnel.
It takes a long period of time for a technician to achieve expertise in the proper maintenance
of mercury-arc valves.
AC and DC wall bushings also represent important components in the operation of mercury-
arc valves. Pole 1 bushings have oil filled condensers that use condenser foils for voltage
stress grading. The bakelized paper bushing design relies on bonding between the paper
layers, with metallic foil used as stress grading. Bushing condition assessment involves
measuring loss angles and capacitance for these components using Doble test equipment.
Generally, insulation condition largely determines the end-of-life for converter transformers.
The insulation consists of oil and cellulose (i.e., paper/pressboard). Of the two insulation
components, cellulose plays a more important role in determining the transformers
longevity. While oil can be treated and changed, its condition always affects degradation of
the cellulose.
Oxidation is one of several degradation factors for oil and cellulose in transformers. Because
oxidation occurs more rapidly than other degradation processes, it serves as the primary
process resulting in a transformers end-of-life. Three factors most significant in determining
oxidation rates for oil and cellulose include oxygen, temperature and moisture.
Each station has a smoothing reactor connected in series with the high voltage line.
Smoothing reactors and transformers have similar construction. They also have similar
degradation processes and end-of-life indicators
a) Oil Degradation
Oil is a mixture of complex hydrocarbon compounds that oxidize over time. The rate of
oxidation increases as oil ages. As oil oxidizes, it creates organic acids that may form sludge
if the equipment does not receive proper maintenance. Sludge formation significantly affects
the transformers cooling capability, causing higher operating temperatures that further
increase oxidation rates.
Acidity
Breakdown strength
Moisture content
b) Paper Degradation
The paper insulation system consists of insulation oil, oil impregnated paper and oil
impregnated pressboard. The paper and pressboard spacers are made of cellulose
impregnated with oil. Cellulose consists of chains that break through aging. However, the
length of the cellulose chains determines its mechanical properties. As cellulose ages,
therefore, it loses tensile strength and ductility.
The degree of polymerization (DP) determines a chains average length. DP tests are
destructive and performed on paper samples. New transformers should have paper DP values
greater than 1,000. DP values decrease as paper ages. DP values below 250 indicate brittle
and fragile paper, and signal the end of a transformers life.
Transformer degradation and failure also can result from electrical activity initiated by the
presence of moisture in paper, or when other minor defects occur in transformer active areas.
One can use oil analysis to evaluate the condition of paper. The relative levels of carbon
dioxide and carbon monoxide in dissolved gas indicate paper degradation. However, the level
of Furans in oil provides a better indication of paper degradation. Furans are bi-products of
oxidation, and a relationship exists between the level of Furans in oil and the DP value of
paper.
Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) also can detect the occurrence of partial discharges and other
electrical and thermal faults in the transformer.
Oil analysis provides information about three critical factors that reflect present conditions
and predict future transformer performance. Factors include:
Oil condition (i.e., its moisture, acidity and breakdown strength measurements),
Cellulose insulation condition (i.e., Furan, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
moisture measurements); and,
Incipient electrical or thermal faults in the transformer (i.e., from DGA results).
Other oil related tests exist (e.g., interfacial tension, power factor) but they have less value
than the tests described above.
In the BCTC-managed system, Pole 1 transformers experienced frequent arcbacks during its
first four years of operation. Arcbacks can result in transformer winding displacement and
wedging within the winding structure. Frequency response analysis (FRA) tests can help
assess transformer winding shifts. When carried out on Pole 1 transformers, FRA tests
helped determine some internal winding shifts in two BCTC-managed converter transformers
that ultimately were removed from service. BCTC is evaluating this technique. For purposes
of this report, it is not used in calculating the Health Index.
Pole 1 has four valve damping resistor assemblies and 12 valve damping capacitors at each
station. Like the mercury-arc valves, damping resistors are no longer manufactured. Thus,
continued availability of spare parts presents operational and end-of-life concerns for Pole 1
mercury arc valves.
This equipment plays a vital role in reducing and controlling mercury-arc valve arcbacks and
consequential arcbacks. Continued reliable operation of this equipment requires the
availability of spare resistors and porcelains. Similar to other oil-filled equipment oil testing
serves as a primary condition assessment tool.
Condition assessment methods used for shunt and filter capacitors also apply to damping
capacitors. When individual capacitors or their structures and insulators degrade so much
that maintenance becomes uneconomic this equipment has reached its end-of-life.
Pole 1 has obsolete control equipment that is potentially near its end-of-life. While easy to
maintain, the controls of Pole 1 rely on the availability of spare parts for continued operation.
The Pole 1 control equipment is well beyond its normal useful life and, although now in good
condition, it requires continued vigilance and presents maintenance challenges to ensure that
it stays in this condition.
Pole 1 also has standard relays and auxiliary devices for protection. While these protection
devices are similar to those found in other typical AC substations they are obsolete and now
operating beyond their normal useful life. .
AC Filters
Pole 1s 5th and 7th filter arms are identical to its 11th and 13th filter arms. This minimizes
concerns about the availability of spares.
Canada has laws that ban the use of certain PCB-containing equipment after 2007. The oil in
capacitor banks may contain PCBs above legally allowable levels. As such, the 2007
regulatory deadline will determine this equipments end-of-life. This regulatory deadline,
however, has no effect on the actual health of the equipment.
a) Visual
HVDC Pole 1 has many visible and accessible components, making visual inspections
effective. Visual inspections can detect external contamination, corrosion. Visual
inspections also can verify the condition of gaskets and seals, and can help assess internal
conditions and components. However, visual inspections must be supplemented by records
reviews, and may require follow-up surveys and corrective activities.
Recording DGA results and analyzing trends overtime is key to assessing deterioration.
When oil in an existing transformer is reconditioned or replaced, it will result in a step
change (reduction) in furan, moisture and metal content level. Both the old and new levels
should be recorded and taken into consideration while analyzing future trends.
c) Doble
This test involves applying a voltage to bushings and measuring capacitance and loss angles
using a bridge technique. Doble test results can be compared directly to manufacturers
standards or to results from other similar transformers. Assessing trends in Doble test results
may help detect deterioration of insulation and other internal components.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed HVDC Pole 1 equipment first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings for various
components and tests:
Tables 24.3.1 through 24.3.49 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Mercury Arc Valves
Condition
Description
Rating
A Less than 20,000 hours
B Between 20,000 and 30,000 hours
C Between 30,000 and 40,000 hours
D Between 40,000 and 45,000 hours
E > 45,000 hours
Condition
Description
Rating
A Good condition, no excessive or abnormal vibration of pumps, no leaks,
piping and heat exchangers have no rust or corrosion
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Greater than three valves per year
B Three valves per year
C Two valves per year
D One valve per year
E Less than one valve per year
Condition
Description
Rating
A Technology is current and is widely supported in terms of spare parts and
technical service
B Technology is not a current type, but is well supported in terms of spare parts
and technical service
C Technology may become obsolete within the next 10 years and/or has limited
support in terms of spare parts and technical service
D Technology may become obsolete within the next 5 years and/or has very
limited support in terms of spare parts and technical service
E Technology is obsolete and is not supportable in terms of spare parts and
technical service
Condition
Description
Rating
A No change from base tests
B Less than 40% increase from base tests
C 40% to 80% increase from base tests
D 80% to 100% increase from base tests
E Greater than 100% increase from base tests
Converter Transformers
Condition
Description
Rating
A Bushings are not broken and are free of chips, radial cracks, flashover burns,
copper splash and copper wash. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
B Bushings are not broken, however minor chips and cracks, are visible.
Cementing and fasteners are secure.
C Bushings are not broken, however major chips, and some flashover burns and
copper splash are visible. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
D Bushings are broken/damaged or cementing and fasteners are not secure.
E Bushings, cementing or fasteners are broken/damaged beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No rust or corrosion on main tank. No external or internal rust in cabinets
no evidence of condensation, moisture or insect ingress. No rust or corrosion
on weld seals, flanges, valve fittings, gauges, monitors. All wiring, terminal
blocks, switches, relays, monitoring and control devices are in good
condition.
B No rust or corrosion on main tank, some evidence of slight moisture ingress
or condensation in cabinets
C Some rust and corrosion on both tank and on cabinets.
D Significant corrosion on main tank and on cabinets. Defective sealing leading
to water ingress and insects/rodent damage.
E Main tank or cabinets have corrosion, water ingress or insect/rodent
damage/degradation beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No rust or corrosion on body of radiators. Fan and pump enclosures are free
of rust and corrosion and securely mounted in position, pump bearings are in
good condition and fan controls are operating per design.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Fan and pump enclosures damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
tight, free of corrosion and made directly to tanks, radiators, cabinets and
supports, without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A DGA overall factor is less than 1.2
B DGA overall factor between 1.2 and 1.5
C DGA overall factor is between 1.5 and 2.0
D DGA overall factor is between 2.0 and 3.0
E DGA overall factor is greater than 3.0
Where the DGA overall factor is the weighted average of the following gas scores:
Scores
Weight
1 2 3 4 5 6
H2 <=100 <=200 <=300 <=500 <=700 >700 2
CH4 <=120 <=150 <=200 <=400 <=600 >600 3
C2H6 <=50 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H4 <=65 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H2 <=3 <=10 <=50 <=100 <=200 >200 5
CO <=700 <=800 <=900 <=1100 <=1300 >1300 1
CO2 <=3000 <=3500 <=4000 <=4500 <=5000 >5000 1
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within acceptable ranges; power factor less than 0.05%
B Values close to acceptable ranges; power factor between 0.05 - .5%
C Values exceed acceptable ranges; power factor between 0.5 1%.
D Values considerably exceed acceptable levels; power factor between 1 - 2%
E Values are not acceptable> 2%, immediate attention required; power factor
greater than 2%
Condition
Description
Rating
A F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 or 1
B If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 2 or 3
C If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 4
D If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 5
E If: F1 + F2 + F3 > 5
Where minimum requirement is the Moisture test along with either the IFT or dielectric test:
Moisture PPM
Factor IFT Factor Dielectric Factor
(T oC Corrected)
F1 dynes/cm F2 Str. kV F3
(From DGA test)
less than 20 0 >20 0 >50 0
20 - 30 2 16-20 1 >40 50 1
>30 40 4 13.5-16 2 30 - 40 2
greater than 40 6 <13.5 4 less than 30 4
Condition
Description
Rating
A Passed test, DGA overall factor less than 3 PPM
E Failed test, overall DGA factor greater than 3 PPM
Condition
Description
Rating
A No external corrosion or rust on the LTC tank, conservator or switch
compartments. No rust or corrosion on tank, cover plates, weld seals, flanges,
valve fittings, pressure relief diaphragms, Qualitrol or other relays and fittings
associated with the LTC.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two unacceptable characteristics that cannot be made acceptable
Condition
Description
Rating
A No external sign of deterioration of tank gaskets, weld seams or gaskets on
valve fittings, pressure relief diaphragms, Qualitrol or other relays and fittings
associated with the LTC. Weather seal of LTC mechanism cabinet is in good
condition. Dynamic seals of drive shaft are in good condition.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two unacceptable characteristics that cannot be brought into
acceptable condition.
Table 24.3.23 Tap Changer Gaskets, Seals and Pressure Relief Condition
Condition
Description
Rating
A Wiring, terminal blocks, relays, heaters, motors, contactors and switches all
in good condition. LTC operating mechanism, shafts, brakes, gears, bearings,
indicators are free from corrosion, abrasion or obstruction and are lubricated.
No sign of overheating or deterioration on any electrical or mechanical
components..
B A small percentage of the wiring, terminal blocks, relays and switches are in a
degraded condition. LTC operating mechanism is in good condition
C About 20% of the wiring, terminal blocks, relays and switches are in a
degraded condition. LTC operating mechanism is in fair condition.
D Significant amount of wiring, terminal blocks, relays and switches are in very
poor condition. Fuses blow periodically. One or more of the LTC operating
mechanism components is in imminent danger of failure. Requires immediate
corrective action.
E Components have failed or are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Table 24.3.25 Tap Changer Control and Mechanism Cabinet Component Condition
Condition
Description
Rating
A Oil tests passed; DGA overall factor<3 or limited metal content
E Any failed oil test; DGA overall factor>3 or serious metal content
Condition
Description
Rating
A F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 or 1
B If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 2 or 3
C If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 4
D If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 5
E If: F1 + F2 + F3 > 5
Where minimum requirement is the Moisture test along with either the IFT or dielectric test:
Moisture PPM
Factor IFT Factor Dielectric Factor
(T oC Corrected)
F1 dynes/cm F2 Str. kV F3
(From DGA test)
less than 20 0 >20 0 >50 0
20 - 30 2 16-20 1 >40 50 1
>30 40 4 13.5-16 2 30 - 40 2
greater than 40 6 <13.5 4 less than 30 4
Condition
Description
Rating
A No bulged units and no leaks around bushings
B Fewer than 5% of the units with one of the above problems
C Fewer than 10% of the units with one of the above problems.
D Fewer than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
E Greater than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
Where the DGA overall factor is the weighted average of the following gas scores:
Scores
Weight
1 2 3 4 5 6
H2 <=100 <=200 <=300 <=500 <=700 >700 2
CH4 <=120 <=150 <=200 <=400 <=600 >600 3
C2H6 <=50 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H4 <=65 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H2 <=3 <=10 <=50 <=100 <=200 >200 5
CO <=700 <=800 <=900 <=1100 <=1300 >1300 1
CO2 <=3000 <=3500 <=4000 <=4500 <=5000 >5000 1
Condition
Description
Rating
A F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 or 1
B If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 2 or 3
C If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 4
D If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 5
E If: F1 + F2 + F3 > 5
Where minimum requirement is the Moisture test along with either the IFT or dielectric test:
Moisture PPM
Factor IFT Factor Dielectric Factor
(T oC Corrected)
F1 dynes/cm F2 Str. kV F3
(From DGA test)
less than 20 0 >20 0 >50 0
20 - 30 2 16-20 1 >40 50 1
>30 40 4 13.5-16 2 30 - 40 2
greater than 40 6 <13.5 4 less than 30 4
Condition
Description
Rating
A New
B In service for sometime with no problems
C Minor problems
D Major problems and poor condition, but repair possible
E Equipment damaged/degraded beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A No bulged units and no leaks around bushings
B Fewer than 5% of the units with one of the above problems
C Fewer than 10% of the units with one of the above problems.
D Fewer than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
E Greater than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Hardware in good condition, fitting of tubes is good, no sign of UV damage
on tubes.
B Fewer than 5% of the units with one of the above problems
C Fewer than 10% of the units with one of the above problems.
D Fewer than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
E Greater than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No signs of rust, no damage to frame members, hardware secure.
B Normal signs of wear and tear, slight evidence of rust.
C Some evidence of rust and corrosion, damage to members, loose or missing
hardware
D Significant signs of rust and corrosion, bent or missing members, rusted or
missing hardware.
E Equipment damaged/degraded beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A Good Condition, no problems
B Minor oil leaks, limited rust or corrosion
C Major oil leaks or widespread/severe corrosion
D Major oil leaks and widespread/severe corrosion
E Major oil leaks and widespread/severe corrosion, equipment
damaged/degraded beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A No signs of rust, no damage to frame members, hardware secure.
B Normal signs of wear and tear, slight evidence of rust.
C Some evidence of rust and corrosion, damage to members, loose or missing
hardware
D Significant signs of rust and corrosion, bent or missing members, rusted or
missing hardware.
E Equipment damaged/degraded beyond repair
Where the DGA overall factor is the weighted average of the following gas scores:
Scores
Weight
1 2 3 4 5 6
H2 <=100 <=200 <=300 <=500 <=700 >700 2
CH4 <=120 <=150 <=200 <=400 <=600 >600 3
C2H6 <=50 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H4 <=65 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H2 <=3 <=10 <=50 <=100 <=200 >200 5
CO <=700 <=800 <=900 <=1100 <=1300 >1300 1
CO2 <=3000 <=3500 <=4000 <=4500 <=5000 >5000 1
Condition
Description
Rating
A F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 or 1
B If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 2 or 3
C If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 4
D If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 5
E If: F1 + F2 + F3 > 5
Where minimum requirement is the Moisture test along with either the IFT or dielectric test:
Moisture PPM
Factor IFT Factor Dielectric Factor
(T oC Corrected)
F1 dynes/cm F2 Str. kV F3
(From DGA test)
less than 20 0 >20 0 >50 0
20 - 30 2 16-20 1 >40 50 1
>30 40 4 13.5-16 2 30 - 40 2
greater than 40 6 <13.5 4 less than 30 4
Condition
Description
Rating
A Modern digital control
E Control equipment composed of discrete components, greater than thirty
years old
Condition
Description
Rating
A An MTBF of better than 100 device-years/failure
B An MTBF of between 75-100 device-years/failure
C An MTBF of between 50-75 device-years/failure
D An MTBF of between 25-50 device-years/failure
E An MTBF of less than 25 device-years/failure
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Tables 24.3.50
24.3.59 below.
A = 4;
B = 3,
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted
based on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those
that relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those
that relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a mercury-arc
valve in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely non-
functional mercury-arc valve would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., the 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for mercury-arc valves in
Table 24.3.50 below, assume a valve with partial data has a maximum condition score of 45
out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 72. That valve, therefore, has only 63%
of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand, if that
valve with partial data had a maximum condition score of 52, it would have 72% of the
Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
Tables 24.3.50 24.3.59 show the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition
ratings as both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible
maximum score for each member of this asset class.
After determining the Health Index for each class member, an overall Health Index also was
calculated for the complete HVDC Pole 1 assembly consisting of appropriate valves,
transformers, damping resistors and capacitors, harmonic filters, protection and control plus
equipment reliability. Table 24.3.50. shows the components considered, weightings and
maximum scores possible in computing this overall Health Index.
Condition Maximum
# Condition Criteria Weighting Factors
Rating Score
1 Valve Group Average 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
Operating Time
2 Valve First Grade Power 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
3 Cooling System 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
4 Ability to Rebuild 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
5 Technological Obsolescence* 4 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 16
6 Wall Bushing Condition 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
7 Wall Bushing Doble Test 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
Maximum score = 72
HI = 100*Score/Max.
*In the case of a score of D or E, overall Health Index is divided by 2
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 24.3.60 was used to determine the overall condition of the HVDC Pole 1 asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for HVDC Pole 1.
Table 24.4.1 summarizes the results, which are also illustrated in Figures 24.4.1 through
24.4.5. Note, as described in subsection 24.3.3 above, the 50% Rule was applied in
calculating the Health Index for this asset since available data were insufficient to use the
70% Rule.
Table 24.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results For HVDC Pole 1 Equipment
30
Number of HVDC Pole 1
24
Mercury Arc Valves
25
20
15 12
10
5
0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 24.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Mercury Arc Valves
14 13
Number of HVDC Pole 1
Damping Resistors and
12
10
Capacitors
8
6
4
2
0 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 24.4.3 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Damping Resistors and
Capacitors
2.5
Number of HVDC Pole 1
2
2
Substations
1.5
0.5
0 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 24.4.5 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for HVDC Pole 1 Stations
Overall, both HVDC Pole 1 Stations are in Poor condition based on the criticality of
the mercury arc valves to the continued successful operation of HVDC Pole 1. All the
Mercury Arc Valves are in Poor or Very Poor condition, and are very close to their
end-of-life. However, the mercury arc valves and their control equipment are kept in
good working condition through an extraordinary operation and maintenance
program. This program relies on the continued availability of spare parts within the
BCTC-managed system, the availability of skilled and well trained personnel to
refurbish the equipment routinely, the availability of specific tools required for this
refurbishment, and continued funding at a level to support all aspects of this operation
and maintenance program.
92.9% of Converter Transformers, 100% of Damping Resistors and Capacitors and
81% of Harmonic Filter Equipment are in Good or Very Good condition. If BCTC
continues its current level of operation and maintenance, no capital expenditures are
expected in the near term.
19% of Harmonic Filter Equipment is in Fair condition. Increased maintenance or
capital improvements may be needed depending on criticality.
7.1% of Converter Transformers are in Very Poor condition or at their end-of-life.
25.1 Description
HVDC Pole 2 (Pole 2) consists of two stations and has the following major components.
Thyristor Valves
Pole 2 has two six-pulse, air-cooled thyristor valve groups per station. Each valve group
consists of three double valves contained within fibreglass insulating structures. Each valve
incorporates 15 power modules with two thyristors in parallel on a common heat sink and 12
parallel units connected in series. The power modules also house voltage-grading circuits,
snubber circuits, gate drive units, power supplies and status lamps. In addition to the valves,
cooling equipment, bypass vacuum switches and wall bushings also play critical roles in the
continuing operation of the valves are important for the continuing operation of the valves.
A fibreglass structure houses valve components, directs a cooling air stream, and acts as the
insulation between valve components and ground.
Pole 2 has a total of 4320 thyristor cells per terminal. GE manufactured the thyristor cells for
the first thyristor valve groups of Pole 2. CGE supplied the cells for the second thyristor
valve groups.
Pole 2 also has a total of 720 gate pulse transformers. In their early operation, these gate
pulse transformers had high failure rates.
Each thyristor level has protective circuitry to prevent the valves from sustaining high over
voltages in the forward direction. The valves now have 4320 Voltage Break Over boards in
service. Each thyristor level has resistors and capacitors (i.e., snubber circuits) to control
voltages across the thyristors during the switching operations. The resistors are low
inductance, encapsulated air-cooled devices.
Fibre optic cables carry firing signals from the Pole 2 valve controls to the valves. A forced
air system also cools the thyristor valves. Air is forced through the valves and hot air passes
through an air-to-air heat exchanger. A wet cooling tower cools the exchanger.
Bypass vacuum switches are used in the start-up and protection of Pole 2 valve groups. These
are special custom built devices with closing times of about 30 msec. Each bypass switch
consists of an operating mechanism upon which are mounted eight series connected vacuum
bottles located in a porcelain housing. The vacuum bypass switches are located outdoors in
the switchyards and connected across each Pole 2 valve group.
Each valve group has two DC and three AC oil impregnated paper type wall bushings,
horizontally mounted on the building wall.
Each station also has a smoothing reactor connected in series with the high voltage line.
These smoothing reactors have construction similar to transformers, but do not have the same
magnetic cores.
AC Filters
Harmonic filters minimize the amount of harmonic currents flowing into the AC system and
provide about 50%of the reactive power absorbed by the thyristor converters. The Pole 2
filters at both Arnott and VIT consist of four tuned filters (5th, 7th, 11th and 13th) and a high
pass bank. The tuned arms have oil-filled and naturally cooled reactors. The high pass filters
have epoxy dry type air-cooled reactors. To minimize the need for spares, the reactors for
the 5th and 7th filter arms are identical to the 11th and 13th filter arms.
Pole 2 has externally fused filter capacitors that contain PCBs. Each tuned arm has a series
connected capacitor section that can be shorted out to correct filter tuning in response
ambient temperature changes. Capacitor banks for the AC filters consist of capacitors, fuses,
insulators and support structures. These essentially static devices have minimal maintenance
requirements, typically confined to visual inspections and other non-invasive checks.
Station Service
Pole 2 has a 575 V station service transfer system that provides power to the auxiliary
systems needed to operate the converter station. Important loads fed by the station service
include Pole 1 and Pole 2 cooling systems, Pole 1 first grade power MG sets, Pole 2 first
grade chargers, degassing equipment and building services.
Two separate station service transformers bring power to station service buses A and C that
are separated by a normally open tiebreaker. After loss of one incoming supply, the breakers
operate automatically to restore voltage to the interrupted bus.
A land electrode on the mainland at Boundary Bay near Arnott serves as the cathode station.
It consists of 46 silicon iron rods, each 89 mm in diameter and 2130 mm in length, immersed
in a coke breeze.
The electrode stations are connected to the DC system by overhead lines running to VIT and
Arnott respectively. They also attach in the neutral connection of Poles 1 and 2.
25.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system includes an HVDC system that links Vancouver
Island with the Mainland. This system is separated into two poles of different type and
vintage. Pole 2, which is based on thyristor valve technology, was built in 1977.
Table 25.2.1 shows that the main components of this system are 2 thyristor valve modules,
13 converter transformers, 2 damping reactors and 2 harmonic filter banks at two stations,
Arnott and Vancouver Island Terminal. Each harmonic filter bank has 5 harmonic filters,
each of which has sets of reactors, capacitors and resistors.
Harmonic Filter
Thyristor Components
Converter Damping
Years Valve (Reactors,
Transformers Reactors
Modules Capacitors and
Resistors)
0 to 9 0 0 0 18
10 to 19 0 1 0 3
Age Group
20 to 29 2 12 2 38
30 to 39 0 0 0 0
40 to 49 0 0 0 0
50 plus 0 0 0 0
Incomplete 0 0 0 13
Total 2 13 10 72
Pole 2 Reliability
In conformance with International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) protocols,
BCTC collects reliability data for the HVDC system that it manages. Each year, BCTC
prepares a report summarizing Pole 2s annual reliability. They classify forced outage data
into the following six categories:
Thyristor Valves
Pole 2 consists of two six-pulse, air-cooled thyristor valve groups per station. In addition to
the valves, cooling equipment, bypass vacuum switches and wall bushings are important for
the continuing operation of the valves.
a) Valve Structure
The fibreglass structure that houses and insulates valve components has a normal life
expectancy of about 30 years. At Pole 2, contamination combined with high humidity, has
caused surface tracking, insulation flashover and damage to valve structures. Major failures
have occurred and repairs have required lengthy outages.
Toshiba researchers have recommended that this type of insulation have a minimum creepage
distance of 13 mm/kV. At Pole 2, high voltage valve structures V8 and V4 operate with an
insulation creepage distance of 6.6 mm/kV, and low voltage valve structures V7 and V3 have
a creepage distance of 13.2 mm/kV. Tests by Toshiba indicate that partial discharge activity
increases with temperature and humidity. Further, life expectancy decreases with
temperature. When relative humidity falls below 30%, voltage stress increases partial
discharge activity. When humidity exceeds 70%, the insulations ability to withstand
voltages falls rapidly.
For Pole 2, there is no practical way to reduce voltage stress on valve structures. Thus,
operation under stressed conditions requires regular monitoring of the insulation, which can
deteriorate linearly over time. Generally, the increasing need for repairs determines the end-
of-life for these components. To extend the life of Pole 2s valve insulation, BCTC has
cleaned valve halls and structures during maintenance. In addition, maintenance has
included air seal and valve hall improvements. BCTC also has added new pressurization and
humidity control systems. The utility also has reduced peak operating temperatures and
instituted partial discharge monitoring for all valve halls.
The leakage current distribution in cells of a valve can lead to unequal steady state voltages
across a thyristor series string. These unequal voltages increase as junction temperatures
increase, exacerbating voltage-sharing errors and placing overvoltage stress on cells with low
leakage currents. The worst over-voltages occur in valves that have many cells with high
leakage currents and only a few cells with low leakage currents. Generally, increases in cell
leakage currents under given junction temperatures and voltages indicate progressive
degradation in a thyristor.
At this time, the Pole 2 thyristors have only a few cells with high leakage currents. However,
if more cells begin to exhibit this problem, the risk of cell failure will increase. Failure rates
and spare thyristor availability represent key factors in determining the end-of-life of these
components.
c) Valve Electronics
Pole 2s gate pulse transformers had a high failure rate during their early operation. Those
failures were attributed to manufacturing problems. Damping circuit resistors may
experience failures from overheating. After overheating has occurred, resistors become
discoloured and may become open circuits. Visual inspection can detect evidence of
overheating.
f) Wall Bushings
With aging, the oil-impregnated paper of Pole 2s wall bushing may become vulnerable to
partial discharge causing gas build-up within the bushing. Measuring loss angles and
capacitance can help assess bushing condition. Each bushing has a voltage tap that permits
true readings of bushing loss angles. However, in-situ measurements require disconnecting
the main power at either end of the bushing. While this is practical at the indoor end of the
valve hall, access is difficult at the bushings air end in the DC yard.
Generally, insulation condition largely determines the end-of-life for converter transformers.
The insulation consists of oil and cellulose (i.e., paper/pressboard). Of the two insulation
components, cellulose plays a more important role in determining the transformers
longevity. While oil can be treated and changed, its condition always affects degradation of
the cellulose.
Oxidation is one of several degradation factors for oil and cellulose in transformers. Because
oxidation occurs more rapidly than other degradation processes, it serves as the primary
process resulting in a transformers end-of-life. Three factors most significant in determining
oxidation rates for oil and cellulose include oxygen, temperature and moisture.
Each station has a smoothing reactor connected in series with the high voltage line.
Smoothing reactors and transformers have similar construction. They also have similar
degradation processes and end-of-life indicators
a) Oil Degradation
Oil is a mixture of complex hydrocarbon compounds that oxidizes over time. The rate of
oxidation increases as oil ages. As oil oxidizes, it creates organic acids that may form sludge
if the equipment does not receive proper maintenance. Sludge formation significantly affects
the transformers cooling capability, causing higher operating temperatures that further
increase oxidation rates.
Acidity;
Breakdown strength; and
Moisture content.
b) Paper Degradation
The paper insulation system consists of insulation oil, oil impregnated paper and oil
impregnated pressboard. The paper and pressboard spacers are made of cellulose
impregnated with oil. Cellulose consists of chains that break through aging. However, the
length of the cellulose chains determines its mechanical properties. As cellulose ages,
therefore, it loses tensile strength and ductility.
The degree of polymerization (DP) determines a chains average length. DP tests are
destructive and performed on paper samples. New transformers should have paper DP values
greater than 1,000. DP values decrease as paper ages. DP values below 250 indicate brittle
and fragile paper, and signal the end of a transformers life.
One can use oil analysis to evaluate the condition of paper. The relative levels of carbon
dioxide and carbon monoxide in dissolved gas indicate paper degradation. However, the level
of Furans in oil provides a better indication of paper degradation. Furans are bi-products of
oxidation, and a relationship exists between the level of Furans in oil and the DP value of
paper.
Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) also can detect the occurrence of partial discharges and other
electrical and thermal faults in the transformer.
Oil analysis provides information about three critical factors that reflect present conditions
and predict future transformer performance. Factors include:
Oil condition (i.e., its moisture, acidity and breakdown strength measurements);
Cellulose insulation condition (i.e., Furan, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and
moisture measurements); and,
Incipient electrical or thermal faults in the transformer (i.e., from DGA results).
Other oil related tests exist (e.g., interfacial tension, power factor) but they have less value
than the tests described above.
Oil analysis provides a powerful diagnostic and condition assessment technique. Combining
that analysis with information such as specifications, operating history, loading conditions
and system related issues, provides a useful means to assess transformer conditions and to
identify high-risk units. Combining and evaluating this information facilitates development
of effective transformer management strategies.
Pole 2 has obsolete control equipment potentially near its end-of-life. The design and lack of
documentation for Pole 2s controls make troubleshooting and maintaining the system
problematic. Pole 2 also has standard relays and auxiliary devices for AC protection. These
protection devices are similar to those found in other typical AC substations.
AC Filters
The Pole 2 filters at both Arnott and VIT consist of four tuned filters (5th, 7th, 11th and 13th)
and a high pass bank. Only the high pass bank has resistors. All Pole 2s capacitors contain
PCBs.
Canada has laws that ban the use of certain PCB-containing equipment after 2007. The oil in
capacitor banks may contain PCBs above legally allowable levels. As such, the 2007
regulatory deadline will determine this equipments end-of-life.
d) Filter Resistors
Filter resistors are static devices with minimal maintenance requirements such as visual
inspection and other non-invasive tests.
Electrodes
Anode bars such as those in the sea electrode at Sansum Narrows have an expected
decomposition rate of 20 grams per 1000 ampere-hours of operation. Generally, a bar
reaches its end-of-life after decomposition of about 75% of its weight. Visual inspection
generally can detect the remaining life of a bar.
For the Boundary Bay cathode station, one can assess the condition of rods by measuring
individual rod currents. Failed rods are likely whenever measurements show reduced
currents. An evaluation of the condition of the electrodes was not part of this baseline study.
a) Visual
HVDC Pole 2 has many visible and accessible components, making visual inspections
effective. Visual inspections can detect external contamination, corrosion. Visual
inspections also can verify the condition of gaskets and seals, and can help assess internal
conditions and components. However, visual inspections must be supplemented by records
reviews, and may require follow-up surveys and corrective activities.
Recording DGA results and analyzing trends overtime is key to assessing deterioration.
When oil in an existing transformer is reconditioned or replaced, it will result in a step
change (reduction) in furan, moisture and metal content level. Both the old and new levels
should be recorded and taken into consideration while analyzing future trends.
c) Doble Test
This test involves applying a voltage to bushings and measuring capacitance and loss angles
using a bridge technique. Doble test results can be compared directly to manufacturers
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed HVDC Pole 2 equipment first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings for various
components and tests:
Tables 25.3.1 through 25.3.53 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Thyristor Valves
Condition
Description
Rating
A No identified discharge activity
B Small discharge activity
C Frequent discharge activity causing minor damage
D Frequent discharge activity causing major damage, but equipment is still
repairable
E Frequent discharge activity causing major damage and valve flashovers,
equipment degraded beyond the ability to repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A No thyristor gate drive failures
B Failure rate 1 per year
C Failure rate from 1 to 4 per year
D Failure rate from 5 to 10 per year
E Failure rate greater than 10 per year
Condition
Description
Rating
A No pulse transformer failures
B Failure rate 1 per year
C Failure rate from 1 to 4 per year
D Failure rate from 5 to 10 per year
E Failure rate greater than 10 per year
Condition
Description
Rating
A No thyristor electronic component failures
B Failure rate < 20 per year
C Failure rate from 20 to 49 per year
D Failure rate from 50 to 120 per year
E Failure rate greater than 120 per year
Condition
Description
Rating
A Technology is current and is widely supported in terms of spare parts and
technical service
B Technology is not current installation, but is well supported in terms of spare
parts and technical service
C Technology may become obsolete within the next 10 years and/or has limited
support in terms of spare parts and technical service
D Technology may become obsolete within the next 5 years and/or has very
limited support in terms of spare parts and technical service
E Technology is obsolete and is not supportable in terms of spare parts and
technical service
Condition
Description
Rating
A Good Condition, no previous problems, no excessive vibration, noise or
abnormal operating temperature.
B Good Condition, no previous problems, some vibration and noise indicating
need for bearing overhaul.
C Poor Condition, minor previous problems
D Poor Condition, major previous problems and bearing replacements, perhaps
indicating warn shaft and /or bearing seat and making bearing replacement
difficult.
E Poor Condition, major previous problems and bearing replacements, perhaps
indicating warn shaft and /or bearing seat and making bearing replacement
difficult, and equipment damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Good Condition, no previous problems
B Good Condition, minor previous problems
C Poor Condition, minor previous problems
D Poor Condition, major previous problems
E Equipment damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Good Condition, air-drying system in good order, insulation testing within
specification, operating time within specification, operating mechanism.
B One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
C Two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D Three of the above characteristics are unacceptable
E Equipment damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No Problems - no chips, radial cracks, flashover burns, copper splash and/or
copper wash. Cementing and fasteners are secure.
B Minor problems - minor chips and/or cracks and/or flashover burns and/or
copper splash and/or copper wash are present. Cementing and fasteners are
secure.
C Major problems - major chips and/or cracks and/or flashover burns and/or
copper splash and/or copper wash are present. Cementing and fasteners are
secure.
D Bushings broken or damaged, or cementing or fasteners are not secure;
functional failure likely
E Bushings, cementing or fasteners are broken or damaged beyond repair;
functional failure exists.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No change from base tests
B Less than 40% increase from base tests
C 40% to 80% increase from base tests
D 80% to 100% increase from base tests
E Greater than 100% increase from base tests
Condition
Description
Rating
A No oil leakage or water ingress at any of the bushing-metal interfaces or at
gaskets, weld seals, flanges, valve fittings, gauges, monitors.
B Minor oil leaks evident, no moisture ingress likely.
C Clear evidence of oil leaks but rate of loss is not likely to cause any
operational or environmental impacts
D Major oil leakage and probable moisture ingress. If left uncorrected it could
cause operational and/or environmental problems.
E Oil leakage and moisture ingress resulting in damage/degradation beyond
repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No rust or corrosion on body of radiators or conservator tank. No rust,
corrosion on weld seals, flanges, valve fittings, gauges, monitors.
B No rust or corrosion on conservator, some evidence of slight
corrosion/deterioration of radiator.
C Some rust and corrosion on both conservator and radiator.
D Significant rust and corrosion on both conservator and radiator. Could lead to
major oil leakage or water ingress.
E Major oil leakage or water ingress has resulted in damage/degradation beyond
repair.
Any seal failure on a sealed tank transformer.
Note. For transformers employing sealed tanks or air bags, a failure of the
seal would be indicated by the presence of air in the tank, which can be
detected by measuring oxygen or nitrogen content while conducting gas in oil
analysis.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete foundation is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel
and/or anchor bolts are tight and free from corrosion. Ground connections are
tight, free of corrosion and made directly to tanks, radiators, cabinets and
supports, without any intervening paint or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Foundation, supports, or grounding damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Power transformer externally is clean, and corrosion free. All primary and
secondary connections are in good condition. All monitoring, protection and
control, pressure relief, gas accumulation and silica gel devices, and auxiliary
systems, mounted on the power transformer, are in good condition. No
external evidence of overheating or internal overpressure. Appears to be well
maintained with service records readily available.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Where the DGA overall factor is the weighted average of the following gas scores:
Scores
Weight
1 2 3 4 5 6
H2 <=100 <=200 <=300 <=500 <=700 >700 2
CH4 <=120 <=150 <=200 <=400 <=600 >600 3
C2H6 <=50 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H4 <=65 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H2 <=3 <=10 <=50 <=100 <=200 >200 5
CO <=700 <=800 <=900 <=1100 <=1300 >1300 1
CO2 <=3000 <=3500 <=4000 <=4500 <=5000 >5000 1
Condition
Description
Rating
A Less than 1.0 PPM of 2-furaldehyde
B Between 1 1.5 PPM of 2-furaldehyde
C Between 1.5 3 PPM of 2-furaldehyde
D Between 3 - 10 PPM of 2-furaldehyde
E Greater than 10 PPM of 2-furaldehyde
Condition
Description
Rating
A Values well within acceptable ranges; power factor less than 0.05%
B Values close to acceptable ranges; power factor between 0.05 - .5%
C Values exceed acceptable ranges; power factor between 0.5 1%.
D Values considerably exceed acceptable levels; power factor between 1 - 2%
E Values are not acceptable> 2%, immediate attention required; power factor
greater than 2%
Where minimum requirement is the Moisture test along with either the IFT or dielectric test:
Moisture PPM
Factor IFT Factor Dielectric Factor
(T oC Corrected)
F1 dynes/cm F2 Str. kV F3
(From DGA test)
less than 20 0 >20 0 >50 0
20 - 30 2 16-20 >40 50 1
>30 40 4 13.5-16 2 30 - 40 2
greater than 40 6 <13.5 4 less than 30 4
Condition
Description
Rating
A No hot spots are noticeable, no temperature excess over reference point of
transformer at normal temperature
B Small hotspots are identified but do not require further investigation, excess
of 0-9 degrees over reference point
C Significant hot spots are identified and further investigation is required,
excess of 10-20 degrees over reference point
D Serious hot spots are identified that need further investigation/attention as
soon as possible, excess of 21-49 degrees over reference point
E Critical hotspots are identified that need immediate attention, excess of more
than 50 degrees over reference point
Condition
Description
Rating
A Passed test, DGA overall factor less than 3 PPM
E Failed test, overall DGA factor greater than 3 PPM
Condition
Description
Rating
A No oil leakage or water ingress at any interfaces, cover plates, weld seals,
flanges, valve fittings, pressure relief diaphragms, Qualitrol or other relays
and fittings associated with the LTC. Verify that LTC conservator oil level
gauge is at correct value.
B Minor oil leaks evident, no moisture ingress likely.
C Clear evidence of oil leaks but rate of loss is not likely to cause any
operational or environmental impacts
D Major oil leakage and probable moisture ingress. If left uncorrected it could
cause operational and/or environmental problems
E Oil leakage or moisture ingress that has caused damage/degradation beyond
repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No external sign of deterioration of tank gaskets, weld seams or gaskets on
valve fittings, pressure relief diaphragms, Qualitrol or other relays and fittings
associated with the LTC. Weather seal of LTC mechanism cabinet is in good
condition. Dynamic seals of drive shaft are in good condition.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two unacceptable characteristics that cannot be brought into
acceptable condition.
Table 25.3.30 Tap Changer Gaskets, Seals and Pressure Relief Condition
Condition
Description
Rating
A Wiring, terminal blocks, relays, heaters, motors, contactors and switches all
in good condition. LTC operating mechanism, shafts, brakes, gears, bearings,
indicators are free from corrosion, abrasion or obstruction and are lubricated.
No sign of overheating or deterioration on any electrical or mechanical
components.
B A small percentage of the wiring, terminal blocks, relays and switches are in
a degraded condition. LTC operating mechanism is in good condition
C About 20% of the wiring, terminal blocks, relays and switches are in a
degraded condition. LTC operating mechanism is in fair condition.
D Significant amount of wiring, terminal blocks, relays and switches are in very
poor condition. Fuses blow periodically. One or more of the LTC operating
mechanism components is in imminent danger of failure. Requires immediate
corrective action.
E Components have failed or are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Table 25.3.32 Tap Changer Control and Mechanism Cabinet Component Condition
Condition
Description
Rating
A Oil tests passed; DGA overall factor<3 or limited metal content
E Any failed oil test; DGA overall factor>3 or serious metal content
Condition
Description
Rating
A F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 or 1
B If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 2 or 3
C If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 4
D If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 5
E If: F1 + F2 + F3 > 5
Where minimum requirement is the Moisture test along with either the acidity or dielectric
test:
Moisture PPM
Factor IFT Factor Dielectric Factor
(T oC Corrected)
F1 dynes/cm F2 Str. kV F3
(From DGA test)
less than 20 0 >20 0 >50 0
20 - 30 2 16-20 >40 50 1
>30 40 4 13.5-16 2 30 - 40 2
greater than 40 6 <13.5 4 less than 30 4
Condition
Description
Rating
A New
B In service for sometime with no previous problems
C Minor previous problems
D Major previous problems and poor condition, but repair possible
E Equipment damaged/degraded beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A No bulged units and no leaks around bushings
B Fewer than 5% of the units with one of the above problems
C Fewer than 10% of the units with one of the above problems.
D Fewer than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
E Greater than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Hardware in good condition, fitting of tubes is good, no sign of UV damage
on tubes.
B Fewer than 5% of the units with one of the above problems
C Fewer than 10% of the units with one of the above problems.
D Fewer than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
E Greater than 20% of the units with one of the above problems.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No signs of rust, no damage to frame members, hardware secure.
B Normal signs of wear and tear, slight evidence of rust.
C Some evidence of rust and corrosion, damage to members, loose or missing
hardware
D Significant signs of rust and corrosion, bent or missing members, rusted or
missing hardware.
E Frame damaged/degraded beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A Non PCB dielectric
E PCB dielectric
Condition
Description
Rating
A Good Condition, , no abnormal fan or pump noise
B Poor door seals, some abnormal fan vibration or noise indicating some bad
fans.
C Many bad fans, abnormal oil pump vibration or noise indicating bad oil pump
D Many bad fans, abnormal oil pump vibration or noise indicating bad oil
pump, but repair still possible.
E Many bad fans, abnormal oil pump vibration or noise indicating bad oil
pump, equipment damaged/degraded beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A Good Condition, no problems
B Minor oil leaks, limited rust or corrosion
C Major oil leaks or widespread/severe corrosion
D Major oil leaks and probable moisture ingress. If left uncorrected it could
cause operational and/or environmental problems and widespread/severe
corrosion
E Major leaks and widespread/severe corrosion, equipment damaged/degraded
beyond repair
Filter Resistors
Condition
Description
Ratings
A Good condition, case free of rust and corrosion, resistance within acceptable
tolerance, support insulators in good condition, no external evidence of
overheating or internal damage to grids. Appears to be well maintained with
service records readily available
B One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
C Two of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable, but repair is still
possible
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition
Condition
Description
Ratings
A No signs of rust, no damage to frame members, hardware secure.
B Normal signs of wear and tear, slight evidence of rust.
C Some evidence of rust and corrosion, damage to members, loose or missing
hardware
D Significant signs of rust and corrosion, bent or missing members, rusted or
missing hardware.
E Equipment damaged/degraded beyond repair
Where the DGA overall factor is the weighted average of the following gas scores:
Scores
Weight
1 2 3 4 5 6
H2 <=100 <=200 <=300 <=500 <=700 >700 2
CH4 <=120 <=150 <=200 <=400 <=600 >600 3
C2H6 <=50 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H4 <=65 <=100 <=150 <=250 <=500 >500 3
C2H2 <=3 <=10 <=50 <=100 <=200 >200 5
CO <=700 <=800 <=900 <=1100 <=1300 >1300 1
CO2 <=3000 <=3500 <=4000 <=4500 <=5000 >5000 1
Condition
Description
Rating
A F1 + F2 + F3 = 0 or 1
B If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 2 or 3
C If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 4 or 5
D If: F1 + F2 + F3 = 5
E If: F1 + F2 + F3 > 5
Where minimum requirement is the Moisture test along with either the IFT or dielectric test:
Moisture PPM
Factor IFT Factor Dielectric Factor
(T oC Corrected)
F1 dynes/cm F2 Str. kV F3
(From DGA test)
less than 20 0 >20 0 >50 0
20 - 30 2 16-20 1 >40 50 1
>30 40 4 13.5-16 2 30 - 40 2
greater than 40 6 <13.5 4 less than 30 4
Condition
Description
Rating
A Modern digital control
E Control equipment greater than thirty years old
Condition
Description
Rating
A An MTBF of better than 100 device-years/failure
B An MTBF of between 75-100 device-years/failure
C An MTBF of between 50-75 device-years/failure
D An MTBF of between 25-50 device-years/failure
E An MTBF of less than 25 device-years/failure
A = 4;
B = 3,
C = 2,
D = 1, and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 1, B = 2, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 1-100 for each asset class member. For example, a thyristor valve
in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded thyristor
valve would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set. For example, using
the weightings and maximum possible scores for thyristor valves in Table 25.3.54 below,
assume a valve with partial data has a maximum condition score of 65 out of the Health
Index maximum possible score of 112. That valve, therefore, has only 58% of the maximum
score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand, if that valve with partial
data had a maximum condition score of 82, it would have 73% of the Health Index maximum
and a valid Health Index.
For this asset class, available data were insufficient to provide a valid Health Index using the
70% Rule described above. In this case, to provide BCTC with some information about the
assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off (i.e., the 50% Rule). Thus,
if the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal to 50% of the maximum
possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and presented in the results.
Condition Maximum
# Condition Criteria Weight Factors
Rating Score
1 Valve Insulation System 4 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 16
2 Thyristor Failure Rate 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
3 Gate Drive Units 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
4 Pulse Transformers 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
5 Other Valve Electronics 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
6 Fibre Optics to Valve 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
7 Technological Obsolescence* 4 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
8 Condition of Valve Hall 1 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 4
Blowers
9 Condition of Heat Exchangers 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
10 Cooling Control Circuits 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
11 Vacuum Bypass Switches 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
12 Wall Bushing Condition 1 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 4
13 Wall Bushing Doble Test 1 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 4
Max Score= 112
HI = 100*Score/Max
*In the case of a score of D or E, overall Health Index is divided by 2
Table 25.3.54 Health Index Formulation for Thyristor Valves (includes Cooling System)
Subsystem Weighting
Component Max score
Health Index Factor
Thyristor Valves 0-100 0.5 50
Converter Transformers 0-100 0.15 15
Harmonic Filter Capacitor 0-100
0.1 10
Banks
Harmonic Filter Oil Filled 0-100
0.05 5
Reactors
Harmonic Filter Dry Type 0-100
0.05 5
Reactors
Harmonic Filter Resistors 0-100 0.05 5
Protection and Control 0-100 0.1 10
Max Score= 100
HI = 100*Score/Max
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 25.3.63 was used to determine the overall condition of the HVDC Pole 2 asset class.
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for HVDC Pole 2.
Table 25.4.1 summarizes the results, which are also illustrated in Figures 25.4.1 to 25.4.4.
Note, as described in subsection 25.3.3 above, the 50% Rule was applied in calculating the
Health Index for this asset since available data were insufficient to use the 70% Rule.
Health Index
Thyristor Converter Harmonic Protection and
Results
Valves Transformers Filter Equipment Control
Classification
Very Good 0 9 0 0
Good 0 4 72 0
Fair 0 0 0 1 Lot
Poor 4 0 0 0
Very Poor 0 0 0 0
Total 4 13 72 1 Lot
Table 25.4.1 Summary of Extrapolated Condition Assessment Results for HVDC Pole
2 Equipment
0 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 25.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for Thyristor Valve Modules
10
9
Converter Transformers
Number of HVDC Pole 2
9
8
7
6
5 4
4
3
2
1 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
2.5
Number of HVDC Pole 2
2
2
Substations
1.5
0.5
0 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 25.4.4 Summary of Condition Assessment Results for HVDC Pole 2 Substations
Overall, both HVDC Pole 2 Stations are in Fair condition based on the criticality of
the thyristor valves to the continued successful operation of HVDC Pole 2. Increased
maintenance or capital improvements may be needed in the near future after assessing
criticality issues.
100% of Converter Transformers, Harmonic Filter Equipment, Damping Resistors,
and Capacitors are in Good or Very Good condition.
All four Thyristor Valve Modules are in Poor condition and are approaching their
end-of-life. However, the valves are kept in good working condition through an
extraordinary operation and maintenance program. This program relies on the
continued commercial availability of spare parts, the availability of skilled and well
trained personnel to refurbish equipment routinely, the availability of specific tools
required for this refurbishment, and continued funding at a level to support all aspects
of this operation and maintenance program.
26.1 Description
Electrical current flows through transmission line conductors facilitating the movement of
power throughout transmission systems. These conductors are supported by either metal or
wood pole structures to which they are attached by insulator strings suitable for the voltage at
which the conductors operate. The conductors are sized for the amount of current to be
carried and other design requirements. Metal and wood pole structures are evaluated
separately in subsequent chapters. For purposes of this study, the conductor system asset
class consists of the following subcomponents:
Phase conductors that provide a low impedance path for currents during power
transmission;
Conductor splices and dead end fittings that provide a low impedance and
mechanically strong connection of conductors in tension;
Static or ground wires that shield against lightning and provide a low resistance path
for line-to-ground fault currents;
Spacer dampers that maintain sub-conductor separation and prevent damage to sub-
conductors from wind-induced vibration;
Marker balls or aircraft warning spheres that provide visual warning of conductor
locations to approaching aircraft; and
Armour and patch rods that stiffen, protect, and maintain a continuous profile of
conductors at points where hardware attaches to them.
Conductors have high tensile strength, enabling them to be stretched over long spans. As
load current passes through a conductor its resistance causes its temperature to rise. The
temperature change is proportional to the square of the load current passing through the
conductor. The rise in temperature causes the conductor to lengthen and sag between points
of support, reducing the height of the conductor above ground. This may reduce the lines
clearance from ground by 3 meters or more, depending on the conductors temperature
increase, ambient temperature, wind and solar conditions, and the distance between points of
support. Such clearance reductions make it critical to limit the load carried by each
transmission circuit to a level within that circuits design capability.
Steel reinforced aluminum conductors have galvanized steel core strands that supply most of
their strength. The steel core has both tensile and ductile properties, allowing the core to
withstand both longitudinal forces and bending movements without failure. The steel core
enables a conductor to withstand forces from its own weight, plus forces associated with
wind, snow and ice.
A layer of individual aluminum wire strands is arranged over the steel core at a pitch length
dependent on the diameter of the steel core. Additional aluminum wire strand layers are then
applied in reverse pitches, alternating with each layer. This alternating pitch design
minimizes torsion underload.
The aluminum wires used in both ACSR and ASC consist of a wrought alloy called 1350-
H19. The strength of that alloy diminishes when the conductor operates above 100 C for
extended periods. The galvanized steel wires in the core of ACSR consist of standard
strength steel (about 180,000 psi). AACSR cores consist of extra-high strength steel wire
(about 250,000 psi) that is more difficult to cut than standard strength steel. Typically, the
aluminum alloys used in AACSR are 6101-T81 or 5005-H19. These alloys have as much as
50% greater strength than the 1350 alloy mentioned above. The 5005 alloy begins to anneal
when operating temperatures exceed 75 C. The 6101 alloy begins to anneal at operating
temperatures above 100 C. All three alloys look alike, so one cannot tell them apart
visually. However, when tested, the 1350 alloy bends more readily than either the 5005 or
6101 alloys.
The 5005-alloy conductor is no longer manufactured. However, the Peace and Mica 500 kV
transmission systems in BC use 5005 alloy conductors in intermediate ice-loading zones.
The Mica system also has 6101 alloy conductors on its heaviest ice-loading zones. The
BCTC-managed transmission system also has 6101 alloy conductors on most long water-
crossings built in the last 30 years.
26.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed system has 97,154 spans of transmission line conductors. Of these
spans, the 500 kV system has about 15.2%, the 360 kV system has about 0.6%, the 230 kV
system1 has about 15.1%, the 138 kV system has about 26.2%, and the 60 kV system has
about 42.2%. Table 26.2.1 shows the age demographics of conductor spans for the different
voltage levels. About 69.4% of the conductor spans with known age profiles are between 20
and 40-years old.
1
Included with 230 kV are 2 lines (2L099 and 2L101) energized at 287 kV.
Ancillary components of conductors include marker balls and spacer dampers. A total of
1,438 marker balls exist on the BCTC-managed system. Table 26.2.2 summarizes age
demographics of spacer dampers. The table shows that most spacer dampers, about 82.7% of
the total population, are between 21 and 40-years old.
2
Geographic designations for the BCTC-managed system:
CKT Cranbrook Transmission
FVT Fraser Valley Transmission
MCT Metro Coastal Transmission
OST Okanagan Shuswap Transmission
PCT Peace Canyon Transmission
PGT Prince George Transmission
TET Terrace Transmission
TNT Thompson Transmission
TVI Vancouver Island Transmission
As described above, this asset class consists of conductors, conductor splices, static and
ground wires, spacer dampers, marker balls, armour and patch rods. Generally, the condition
of conductors has the greatest effect on the overall health of this asset class. However, the
condition of accessory components also plays a role in determining the health of the class.
This section describes degradation processes for each component in the conductor system
asset class.
Generally, corrosion represents the most critical life-limiting factor for aluminum-based
conductors. Visual inspection cannot detect corrosion readily in conductors. Environmental
conditions affect degradation rates from corrosion. Both aluminum and zinc-coated steel
core conductors are particularly susceptible to corrosion from chlorine-based pollutants, even
in low concentrations. ACSR used in extreme marine environments may have a useful life of
only 30 years, even with the use of anti-corrosion measures (e.g., greasing). Under minor
marine pollution, aluminum conductors still have a relatively short life of about 50 years.
Fatigue degradation presents greater detection and assessment challenges than corrosion
degradation. In extreme circumstances, under high tensions or inappropriate vibration or
In designing transmission lines, engineers ensure that conductors receive no more than 60%
of their rated tensile strength (RTS) during heaviest anticipated weather loads. The tensile
strength of conductors gradually decreases over time. When conductors experience
unexpectedly large mechanical loads and tensions beyond 50% of their RTS, they begin to
undergo permanent stretching with noticeable increases in sagging.
Overloading lines beyond their thermal capacity causes elevated operating temperatures.
When operating at elevated temperatures, aluminum conductors begin to anneal and lose
tensile strength. Each elevated temperature event adds further damage to the conductor.
After loss of 10% of a conductors RTS, significant sag occurs, requiring either resagging or
replacement of the conductor. Because of their steel cores, ACSR can withstand greater
annealing degradation than ASC.
Phase to phase power arcs can result from conductor galloping during severe storm events.
This can cause localized burning and melting of a conductors aluminum strands, reducing
strength at those sites and potentially leading to conductor failures. Visual inspection readily
detects arcing damage.
After conductor stretching has occurred, one can estimate damage severity by measuring sag
in the affected spans and then comparing the measured sag to originally installed (i.e., as
constructed) sag under prevailing ambient conditions. This technique, however, requires
verification and documentation of actual original sags at line commissioning.
Sometimes it is difficult visually to detect broken, abraded, burned and birdcaged conductor
strands from the ground. However, use of a helicopter may improve the effectiveness of
such visual inspections. Sometimes one also can detect these types of damage using portable
infrared, light sensitive UV imaging, and RI or TVI detection devices. Other devices useful
on energized lines and in the detection of inner steel corrosion include the following:
Laboratory tests on representative samples of transmission line conductors also can provide
reliable evidence of the components deterioration and remaining life. The most common
laboratory tests include the following:
Tension Test:
Based on ASTM E8-01 Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials,
this test allows determination of a conductors RTS through individual constituent wire
testing. Test results can be compared to the conductors original RTS.
Table 26.3.1 below shows how to rate a conductors condition and its RTS using Tension
Test results. The minimum acceptable RTS is 85% of the conductors original RTS.
Remaining Tensile
Rating Comment
Strength
>105% RTS Very Good Substantially exceeds the RTS
100%-104.9% RTS Good Exceeds the RTS
90%-99.9% RTS Fair Does not meet the RTS
Marginally exceeds the minimum acceptable
85%-89.9% RTS Marginal
tensile strength
Does not meet the minimum acceptable tensile
<85% RTS Poor
strength
In performing the test, one clamp of the test machine remains stationary while the other
rotates along the axis of the test wire. That wire is tensioned to a predefined value, and then
twisted until it fails. The device records the number of turns to failure to the closest one
tenth of a turn. New steel wires average about 30-40 turns to failure. As the wires age their
surface corrodes and the number of turns to failure decreases. If the average number of turns
to failure falls below a minimum threshold value, the conductor may warrant early
replacement due to the severity of its corrosion.
Remaining Torsional
Rating Comment
Ductility
>20.0 Very Good Have retained most of their torsional ductility
15.0 19.9 Good Moderate decrease in torsional ductility
10.0 14.9 Fair Significant decrease in torsional ductility
Marginally exceeds the minimum acceptable
5.0 9.9 Marginal
torsional ductility requirement
Does not meet the minimum acceptable torsional
<5.0 Poor
ductility requirement
Table 26.3.3 shows the conductor rating process based on results of the remaining zinc
galvanizing test.
Remaining Zinc
on Outer Steel Rating Comment
Wires
>90% Very Good Very little zinc on outer surface lost
70%-89.9% Good Moderate amount of zinc on outer surface lost
50%-69.9% Fair Significant amount of zinc on outer surface lost
<50% Marginal Most zinc on outer surface lost
0% Poor All zinc on outer surface lost Stage 3
Table 26.3.3 Conductor Ratings Using the Remaining Zinc Galvanizing Test
In extreme cases, splice failures lead to excessive conductor annealing that may cause the
conductors strands to be pulled from the compression splice. Any strand damage that occurs
during splice installation may lead to localized weakening of the conductor and premature
splice failure. Failure to use non-oxidizing grease in splices also may lead to the
development of hot spots and splice failure.
Visual inspection and the use of thermo vision scanners can detect splices in poor condition.
Generally, corrosion degrades shield wires over time by reducing the wires cross-sectional
areas and causing a loss of tensile strength. Excessive current flow during lightning surges
and line-to-ground faults also may result in localized burning of steel strands in these
components.
Visual inspections can detect deterioration in static and shield wires. Also, the laboratory
tests described above to assess conductor degradation apply to these components as well.
Spacer dampers generally consist of cast aluminum frames with articulated arms extending
from the frame corners to conductor clamping points. The point at which each arm attaches
to the frame is generally called a hub. Each hub contains an elastomeric element to dampen
conductor vibrations and to allow the arm to articulate limited distances on each side of its
neutral position. The type of conductor clamp at the end of each arm can vary, depending on
the age and manufacturer.
Spacer dampers are designed to withstand a variety of static and dynamic scenarios. Spacer
dampers must have the capability to endure a lifetime of large amplitude vibrations, ranging
from wake-induced oscillations or galloping, to small amplitude Aeolian vibrations. Spacer
dampers must accommodate sub-conductor movements that occur when ice drops from one
or more subconductors. They also must accommodate static conditions that exist when one
Spacer dampers generally protect the large investments made by utilities in their conductors.
In serving this protective role, spacer dampers can incur several types of damage, including:
Clamp loosening,
Damage to elastomeric components,
Aging of the elastomeric elements,
Broken frames.
The transmission system managed by BCTC has mainly white and international orange 36
and 52 spheres. They are made of fibreglass and have a horizontal or vertical flange joint.
The spheres are usually suspended from the supporting conductor or messenger wire like a
pendulum. They may connect to a supporting clamp assembly by an aluminum plate, or be
supported by an aluminum boomerang-style structure attached to the fibreglass flange.
Spheres typically last 10 to 15 years, after which colour fading dictates replacement.
Problems that may lead to premature replacement include:
Corrosion
Conductor vibrations
Armour rod damage is relatively uncommon and can be detected through visual inspections.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed conductor systems first required developing
end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a
factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 26.3.4 through 26.3.16 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no strand damage due to arcing and the conductor is in as new
condition
C There is significant damage to conductor strands due to arcing requiring
planned corrective action.
E There is damage/degradation to the conductor strand beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Remaining tensile strength >100% RTS
B Remaining tensile strength Between 95% and 100% of RTS
C Remaining tensile strength Between 90% and 95% of RTS
D Remaining tensile strength between 85 % and 90% of RTS
E Remaining tensile strength < 85% RTS
Condition
Description
Rating
A Remaining zinc on outer steel wires >70%
B Remaining zinc on outer steel wires between 50% and 70%
C Remaining zinc on outer steel wires between 20% and 50%
D Remaining zinc on outer steel wires between 0% and 20%
E No Remaining zinc on outer steel wires
Condition
Description
Rating
A Condition of conductor splices and terminations like new
B Only marginal increase in resistance or temperature rise detected through
thermal vision, requiring no corrective action
C Significant increase in resistance or temperature rise detected through thermal
vision, requiring corrective action at next planned maintenance
D Major deterioration in resistance or temperature rise detected through thermal
vision requiring emergency repairs
E Conductor splices or terminations are damaged/degraded beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A Condition of warning spheres like new
B Only marginal wear of warning spheres or fading of color, requiring no
corrective action
C Significant damage to warning spheres or fading of color, requiring corrective
action at next planned maintenance
D Major damage to warning spheres or fading of color requiring emergency
repairs
E Spheres are damaged/degraded beyond repair or missing
Condition
Description
Rating
A Mounting clamps in new condition no damage
C Some hardware components loose, requiring corrective action at next planned
maintenance
E Critical hardware components damaged or degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Damper frame in new condition no damage
C Some damage to damper frame, requiring corrective action at next planned
maintenance
E Damage to damper frame beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A Damper frame in new condition no damage
C Some damage to elastomeric components, requiring corrective action at next
planned maintenance
E Elastomeric components are damaged/degraded beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A Armour rods in new condition no damage
C Some damage to armour rods, requiring corrective action at next planned
maintenance
E Armour rods are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 26.3.17 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totaled for each asset class member.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for conductors in
Table 26.3.17 below, assume a conductor with partial data has a maximum condition score
of 48 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 72. That conductor, therefore, has
only 67% of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other
hand, if that conductor with partial data had a maximum condition score of 52, it would have
72% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
The Health Index formulated for conductor systems consists of condition criteria for
conductors, conductor splices, aircraft warning spheres, spacers and dampers, and armour
rods as shown in Table 26.3.17 below.
Figure 26.3.1 illustrates the Composite HI formulation and calculation process for conductor
systems. Tables 26.3.18 26.3.22 below also show specific steps in the process.
Conductor
- Strands damage
- Corrosion Ancillary
Spacer Dampers - Tensile, torsionand Components
and ductility tests
Markerballs - Armour
(Counted Separately) - Splices
Calculation of the Composite HI required use of condition information from the STARR
maintenance management system. However, some of the information from STARR did not
correspond exactly to the condition criteria presented in Table 26.3.17 above. Table 26.3.18
below compares those condition criteria to condition information available in the STARR
system. The table also shows how the original condition criteria were adjusted to use
information available in STARR.
When the STARR system had no condition assessment values for a given asset, age was used
as a surrogate for condition in assigning the condition ratings needed for health indexing.
Each conductor was then grouped. A similar grouping process was applied to ancillary
equipment. Table 26.3.20 below shows how a conductor earned points based on its CV.
CV Points Description
E 29 Conductor at EOL
D 49 Widespread significant deterioration
C 69 Significant deterioration
B 84 Some signs of deterioration
A 100 Limited signs of deterioration
The condition of spacer dampers and markerballs also affected a conductors Composite HI
by adjusting the point score downward for each defective spacer damper or markerball.
Table 26.3.21 below illustrates how a conductor lost points based on the condition of these
components.
CV Points Description
D-E 26 At most one condition category reduced
C 16 Partial reduction
B 7 Small reduction
A 0 No effect
The condition of ancillary components such as armour and splices also affected the overall
Health Index calculation by adjusting the point score downward for each defective
component. Table 26.3.22 below shows how a conductor lost points based on the condition
of these ancillary components.
As shown in Tables 26.3.21 and 26.3.22, a conductor could lose a maximum of 39 points
from its total score. These include a loss of 26 points based on the condition of spacers and
marker balls, and another 13 points based on the condition of armour and splices.
In this study, ground wire condition was analyzed independently from conductors. Ground
wire conditions were rated simply as A E.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 26.3.23 was used to determine the overall condition of the conductor system asset
class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
As described in subsection 26.3.3 above, when the STARR system had no condition
assessment values, condition ratings were based on age to compensate for the lack of STARR
data. See Table 26.3.19 above for the age/condition rating conversion process used in this
study.
Table 26.4.1 summarizes the results of the Composite HI calculated for conductor systems.
Figures 26.4.1 through 26.4.6 also illustrate the results of the Composite HI.
Health Index
Results 60 kV 138 kV 230 kV 360 kV 500 kV DC Unknown Sum
Classification
Very good 1,902 1,714 1,273 0 1,976 0 0 6,865
Good 34,668 20,117 11,419 38 12,330 0 0 78,572
Fair 4,328 3,612 1,995 585 390 132 500 11,542
Poor 64 15 9 3 83 1 0 175
Very poor 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 40,962 25,458 14,696 626 14,779 133 500 97,154
40000
Number of 60kV Conductor
34668
35000
30000
25000
Spans
20000
15000
10000
4328
5000 1902
0 64
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
15000
Spans
10000
5000 3612
1714
0 15
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
12000 11419
Number of 230kV Conductor
10000
8000
Spans
6000
4000
1995
2000 1273
0 9
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
14000
Number of 500kV Conductor
12330
12000
10000
Spans
8000
6000
4000
1976
2000 390
0 83
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
87.9% of transmission line conductor spans are in Good or Very Good condition. No
capital improvements are expected in the near term.
11.9% of transmission line conductor spans are in Fair condition. Increased
maintenance or capital improvements may be needed depending on criticality issues.
0.2% of transmission line conductor spans are in Poor condition. Planning should
begin to replace or rebuild considering risk and failure consequences.
27.1 Description
Transmission metal structures support insulators and current carrying conductors on high
voltage and extra high voltage overhead transmission lines. Overhead lines on the BCTC-
managed transmission system operate at 500 kV, 360 kV, 230 kV, 138 kV and 60 kV.
Generally, circuit structures on overhead transmission lines fall into two categories, dead end
and suspension structures. Dead end circuit structures have dead end insulator assemblies
designed to support conductor tension. Suspension circuit structures have line post or
suspension insulator assemblies designed to support the weight of conductors and to
withstand forces from wind, ice or line angles.
For purposes of this analysis, the metal support structures asset class consists of the
following subcomponents:
Lattice towers and steel poles that include rigid and guyed structures, both of which
support insulators and conductors;
Structural foundations that support lattice and monopole structures and include
several different types and designs;
Anchor rods and guys that form part of the anchoring system for guyed structures;
Insulators that provide adequate insulation levels and clearance between energized
conductors and grounded structures;
Insulator hardware used as connecting devices for the insulators; and
Grounding and counterpoise that provide a low impedance path for fault current
flow.
The Transmission Engineering Standards Manual contains information about metal support
structures, including framing dimensions and materials used in the structures. BC Hydro
Engineering and regional field offices maintain design drawings and documents for the
system. Structure Data Sheets contain detailed information about structures on 500 kV and
some 230 kV and 138 kV lines. Design profile drawings provide the following structure
specific information:
Table 27.2.2 shows the number of insulators on metal support structures for different voltage
levels. For the last 15 years, most new insulator installations on the BCTC-managed system
have been glass type.
Number of Insulators on
Voltage Level
Metal Support Structures
60 kV 9,934
138 kV 64,703
230 kV 148,821
360 kV 35,469
500 kV 1,019,544
Totals 1,278,471
As described above, this asset class includes structures; foundations; anchors; guys and
fittings; insulators; insulator hardware; and grounding and counterpoise. The following
sections describe degradation processes for each of these components.
Degradation or reduction in the strength of towers and structures results from the following:
1
Geographic designations for the BCTC-managed system:
CKT Cranbrook Transmission
FVT Fraser Valley Transmission
MCT Metro Coastal Transmission
OST Okanagan Shuswap Transmission
PCT Peace Canyon Transmission
PGT Prince George Transmission
TET Terrace Transmission
TNT Thompson Transmission
TVI Vancouver Island Transmission
b) Structural Fatigue
Structural fatigue results from repeated structural loading and unloading of support members.
Temperature variations, plus wind and ice loadings lead to changes in conductor tension.
Tension changes result in structural load variations on angle and dead end towers. Other
changes such as foundation displacements and breaks in wires, guys and anchors may result
in abnormal tower loading.
Conductor galloping and Aeolian vibrations also cause structural fatigue. Damage from
galloping does not occur frequently, and has a higher probability of occurrence in dead-end
structures than tangent structures due to the rigidity of dead-end support hardware. Aeolian
vibrations may cause fatigue failure in lattice steel tower cross-arms. In addition, long
flexible secondary lattice steel tower members are particularly susceptible to wind-induced
vibration from vortex resonance.
c) Hardware Failure
Aeolian vibrations and subconductor-induced oscillations may cause hardware failure (i.e.
loosening, breaking of nuts/bolts) and lead to disconnected lattice members. Major storms
may cause bolt elongation. Lines designed with higher tensions and exposed to extreme cold
temperatures at wind speeds of 3 km/hr to 24 km/hr may sustain considerable damage from
Aeolian vibrations.
Two visual inspection methods exist to assess the condition of these guys and anchor bolts.
First, ground or helicopter inspection using binoculars can identify excessively bowed or
twisted components and hardware connection failures. Second, climbing inspections offer
closer views to further evaluate damage identified from the ground, and to detect additional
damage not readily observable through ground level inspections.
Climbing inspections can determine the degree of distortion resulting from compression
failure. They also can serve to identify some connection failures. Generally, they cannot
readily identify moderate bolt hole elongation since bolt heads and nuts hide these types of
defects. However, climbing inspections also facilitate removal of heads and nuts to better
observe possible bolt hole elongation.
In addition to visual inspections, dye penetration and analysis can help determine the
structural condition of tower members, bolts and bolt holes. One can perform this non-
destructive technique on energized overhead lines to help identify deterioration such as
cracks, fractures, breaks, creep, and fatigue.
Laboratory tests also exist to assess the extent of corrosion or deterioration in protective paint
and zinc coatings and to measure reductions in strength from component fatigue.
Structural damage during severe wind storms may result in much less foundation strength
than originally designed;
Gradual deterioration of foundation components resulting from degradation mechanisms
such as steel corrosion and concrete spalling or cracking.
The following represent the most common types of transmission tower foundations:
a) Rock Foundations
Rock foundations are used where structurally sound rock exists at or near ground surface.
These foundations generally consist of two or more un-tensioned anchor bolts grouted in
holes drilled into rock. On uneven rock surfaces, concrete levelling pads provide flat
surfaces for steel footings. Splice or base plate connections are used to attach tower legs to
rock foundations.
Tower uplift loads as well as compression and downward thrust are transferred through the
concrete pad and anchor bolts to the rock beneath. Rock foundations have a low chance of
failure from compression loads. Generally, because of practical design considerations, rock
Typically, the grout used to bond anchor bolts and rock constitutes the weakest component of
rock foundations. Grout may deteriorate in weathered or crumbling rock or where the
foundation has undergone heavy blasting or seismic vibrations. Grout failure can result in
uplift and bending of anchor bolts.
Other types of rock foundation degradation include cracking or opening of natural fissures in
the rock. Also, cracking or spalling of the concrete pad may result in foundation damage.
Generally, confirmation of rock foundation damage requires full-scale uplift tests. However,
storm events that result in severe damage may produce some readily visible signs. These
include concrete cracking and spalling.
b) Pile Foundations
Pile foundations are tailored to site-specific soil conditions. Commonly, they are used in soft
soils with low load resistance capacity or in soils that cannot support shallow spread, augured
concrete foundations, or pad and pier footings. Wood pilings are very common in British
Columbia, but elsewhere piles usually consist of steel or concrete. Most piled foundations
also have a reinforced concrete pile cap to tie the tops of piles together and to transfer tower
loads to the piles.
Pile foundations transfer compression loads to soil through end bearings in stronger and
deeper soil strata and cohesion between the piles and soil. Such cohesion serves to resist
uplift loads.
Visual inspections can detect soil disturbances. Settling of the foundation and surrounding
soil indicates potential foundation defects from excessive compression loads. Upward
foundation and soil displacement indicates potential foundation damage from uplift.
Concrete footing deterioration such as spalling, cracking or breaking also indicates
foundation degradation.
c) Grillage Foundations
Grillage foundations are used in soil conditions between the two extremes described above.
Such conditions range from weak rock to firm-to-compact soil sub-grades.
Steel grillage foundations consist of galvanized steel grids or frames that form mats or pads
at the base of an excavation. These pads attach to tower legs by one or more steel members.
The steel members transfer the loads from the tower to the mat. Grillage foundations resist
When standard earth grillage footings cannot provide sufficient bearing capacity, plank mats
may be used. In British Columbia, however, pile foundations are used instead. Plank mats
spread load to keep bearing pressure on soil within acceptable limits. Generally, grillage
does not attach directly to plank mats. However, when it does, this attachment adds to the
structures ability to resist uplifts.
Events such as severe storms can cause soil disturbances as well as foundation displacement
and uplift, all potentially damaging to grillage footings. Other forms of foundation
degradation include steel corrosion and concrete deterioration. Acidic soils accelerate
corrosive degradation of grillage foundations. Since such damage occurs primarily below
ground, visual inspections may not readily detect loss of steel.
One method to assess the condition of grillage foundations involves the following five steps:
Visual inspections generally can detect the extent of deterioration in anchors, guys and
fittings. Laboratory tests can further corroborate visual inspection results.
Transmission line insulators may degrade and fail due to loss of either dielectric or
mechanical strength. Suspension and line post insulators may experience mechanical loading
from tensile, torsional, cantilever, vibration and compression forces resulting associated with
conductor vibrations, galloping, snow or ice accumulation, and sudden ice shedding. In
worst-case conditions, line post, strut and pin type insulators may experience a combination
of cantilever, transverse and tensile forces simultaneously. Impact or contact induced
damages also may occur, depending on the factors such as design, spacing, proximity to
other phase strings, conductor galloping, as well as wind speed and direction.
Ice and snow accumulation may induce flashovers resulting in dielectric failure. In British
Columbia, rime ice (i.e., in-cloud icing) may cause flashovers. Flashover incidences depend
on several factors including surface contamination from pollution, string configuration,
insulator angles, shed or shell rib design, conductivity, number of bridged components, wind
speed and direction, and melting rates for snow and ice. Electrical flashovers can cause both
external and hidden internal damage to porcelain and composite insulators, but there can be
no hidden damage to toughened glass insulators, since these will shatter. Factors such as
installation, handling, accessories, service and environmental conditions also all play roles in
causing internal and external insulator damages.
a) Porcelain Insulators
For over a hundred years, manufacturers have used porcelain in insulators. The porcelain
consists of a fired or vitrified combination of clay, feldspar, quartz, and alumina for
transmission class insulators. To improve the mechanical characteristics of porcelain,
manufactures also apply a glazing that puts the porcelain into compression and improves the
mechanical tensile properties anywhere from 50%-100%.
Cap and pin insulator components include a dielectric shell made of porcelain cemented
between cap and pin metal end fittings. The basic suspension insulator components include
dielectric, termination and intermediaries. Since porcelain shells are strongest when in
compression, porcelain suspension insulators are designed to put the porcelain shell in
compression, even when tension exists between the cap and pin. To ensure that the porcelain
does not crack, manufacturers also design the steel pin and cap to have a lower mechanical
strength. The mechanical rating for these types of insulators can range from 15,000 lbs to
66,000 lbs (67 kN to 294 kN), with an option to connect two or more strings in parallel to
accommodate higher mechanically operated transmission line designs.
Galvanized steel hardware physically connects insulator strings to a tower. The conductor
consists of bolted clamps (e.g., dead-end, suspension, angle, tangent, strain) and fittings to
accommodate the insulator hardware (e.g., tongue and groove, ball and socket). Insulator
cotter keys prevent insulators in a string from uncoupling. In some older insulator designs
Transmission class line post / pin type porcelain insulators come in several designs that have
either a metallic HV fitting or a porcelain conductor groove to accommodate the HV
conductor. Galvanized steel HV fitting designs include standard and swivel clamps for
clamp-top designs, slack span dead-end clamps, armour grip supports, clamps and armour
grips with load limiters. Generally, tie tops are not very common in transmission line
insulators.
Visual inspection can detect the following external insulator damage readily:
Broken porcelain from the shell caused by flashovers, lightning or impact damage from
vandalism,
Visible metal fatigue, deformation, hairline cracks or material loss of the galvanized pin,
cap, end fittings, metal base/mounting assembly from tensile mechanical overloading
caused by line galloping or heavy line icing;
Flashover burn markings on the porcelain shell resulting from burns, arching damage, or
galvanizing;
Cotter key slippage or pullout that has been squashed from galloping, conductor uplifting,
or ice shedding, all of which can uncouple the string and drop the conductor; and
Insulator induced conductor impact or dent damage from severe insulator string galloping
due to high wind conditions.
Stresses from high wind or ice storm conditions also can cause internal damage from
mechanical tensile, dynamic, torsional overload conditions, and upward forces. Latent
damages, typically internal to the porcelain shell, metal fitting and hardware include:
Internal cracks under the metal cap or inside the porcelain head from ice-induced
lightning flashovers or line galloping that essentially cause electrical shorts that may
distort an insulator strings voltage profile;
Radial cracks, caused by cement growth through the porcelain shell;
Doughnut (i.e., circumferential) porcelain shell cracks under the metallic cap from causes
similar to those listed above, but found more in older insulator designs; and
Metal fatigue hairline cracks of the galvanized pin, cap, end fittings, metal base/mounting
assembly caused by tensile mechanical overloading from line galloping or heavy line
icing.
Close-up visual inspection from a bucket truck or helicopter is required to search for
physical evidence of the following types of damage:
Complete or partial shell breakage with exposure of the white porcelain body;
Circumferential cracking resulting in separation of the cap from the shell (i.e., donut
failure of suspension insulators);
Radial cracks;
High-energy flashover burn markings on the porcelain glazing and metal fittings; and
b) Glass Insulators
Glass suspension insulators generally have no hidden defects because the glass shell shatters
during flashovers, providing a visible indication of damage. The toughening stresses for
glass remain constant at temperatures ranging from -50C to +80C (-50F to +165F) of its
original value, similar to the glazing used for porcelain. In North America, toughened glass
insulators are used mainly as suspension insulators, with minor usage in pedestal and post
insulator applications.
Damage to glass insulators includes the following, which are typically external and easily
detected through visual inspection:
Glass shell breakage from flashovers and contact with other insulators caused by tensile
mechanical overloading from line galloping or heavy line icing;
Visible metal fatigue, deformation, hairline cracks and material loss of the galvanized pin
(i.e., ball and shank region) and cap;
Flashover burn markings of the glass shell resulting from lightning.
Cotter key slippage or pullout that has been squashed from galloping, conductor uplifting,
or ice shedding, all of which can uncouple the string and drop the conductor.
Composite line post insulators that offer a great range of cantilever strengths and are
about half the weight of equivalent post insulators
Composite line V insulators used for tangent, light or medium angle applications; and
Composite suspension insulators used for jumper, tangent or light angle conductor
support applications and to withstand loaded conductor tensions in dead end assemblies.
Composite insulators consist of glass fibre reinforced rods covered in either EPDM or
silicone rubber weather sheds with appropriate end fittings. While composite insulators offer
a range of mechanical strengths and lower weight than other types of insulators, the EPDM
silicone rubber material also is soft and easily cut, ripped or punctured by sharp objects. The
integrity of the sheath and weather sheds is critical. Failure commonly occurs when moisture
enters into the glass fibre rod area.
Composite post insulator failures are not as common as composite suspension insulator
failures. When subjected to high mechanical loading, composite line posts can undergo large
deflections before ultimate failure. In response to differential conductor tensions, if the
insulator deflects along the direction of the line this helps to reduce high loading and to avoid
failures. Composite line post failures seldom cause line drops. Instead, the glass fibre rod
tends to bend causing insulator folding and fracturing.
Corona, a discharge cause by electrical overstress, is frequently luminous and may or may
not produce audible sound, depending upon the level of activity. Corona activity eventually
results in cutting and erosion damage to sheath and shed material. Thus, abnormal audible
noise from composite line insulators indicates increased corona activity and requires closer
investigation. Night vision equipment can detect corona activity at the live end.
Noticeable damage around the insulators live end includes cuts, splits, holes, erosion,
chalking, crazing, tracking, or burning of the rubber shed and sheath material, plus separation
or degradation of the rubber sheath material where it meets the metal end fittings. Any signs
of power arc, lightning damage, or corrosion on the metal end fittings also indicate
deterioration of the component.
Close-up visual inspections generally can determine the extent of degradation. Laboratory
testing can further corroborate results of visual investigations.
Common causes of deterioration and failure for buried ground electrodes and counterpoise
include corrosion, mechanical damage, and burning off of conductor strands and connectors
during heavy fault currents. The BCTC-managed transmission system includes
counterpoises with steel conductors that are subject to corrosion and rust. Electrodes and
counterpoises buried at depths less than 1 meter may experience pronounced corrosion from
rusting. Integrity testing that measures the electrical resistance of counterpoise between two
towers can help assess the extent of corrosion or mechanical damage in such components.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed metal support structures first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 27.3.1 through 27.3.16 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component
evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each
condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No signs of structural fatigue
B Signs of minor structural fatigue, requiring no corrective action
C Signs of significant structural fatigue, requiring corrective action during next
planned maintenance
D Signs of major structural fatigue requiring emergency repairs
E Structural fatigue beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no loss of galvanization, corrosion or loss of strength in hardware
and no hardware is missing or damaged
C There is significant deterioration of hardware due to corrosion and fatigue or
there are some missing hardware requiring planned corrective action
D There is major deterioration of hardware or a large amount of hardware is
damaged or missing requiring emergency repairs
E Hardware is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A The guys and anchors are fully tensioned and in like new condition; no
evidence of rust
B Minor slack on guys and anchors, does not require corrective action; small
amount of rust is evident
C There is significant slack in guys, requiring planned corrective action;
significant rusting has occurred
D There is major slack in guys or major evidence or rust, requiring immediate
emergency repairs.
E Guys or anchors are damaged or degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Cathodic protection scheme fully functional with proper potential difference
between electrodes
C Cathodic protection scheme only partially functioning with less than required
potential difference between electrodes
E Cahtodic protection scheme not working
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no damage to structural members of foundation
C There is significant damage to structural members of foundation, requiring
planned corrective action
E There is major damage to structural members of foundation, requiring
immediate emergency repairs or replacement
Condition
Description
Rating
A No deterioration of foundation concrete or steel
B Normal wear of foundation concrete and steel
C Significant deterioration of foundation concrete and steel requiring planned
corrective action
D Major deterioration of foundation concrete requiring emergency repairs
E Foundation concrete is damaged/degraded beyond repair
Condition
Description
Rating
A There are no flashover burn marks on insulator shell and they are in as new
condition
C There are significant flashover burn marks on insulator shell, requiring
planned corrective action
E There are major flashover burn marks on insulator shell, requiring immediate
emergency repairs or replacement
Condition
Description
Rating
A The insulator assembly is free from metal fatigue or corrosion and it is in as
new condition
C Significant metal fatigue or corrosion of the insulator assembly is evident,
requiring planned corrective action
E Evidence of major metal fatigue and/or corrosion is present, requiring
immediate emergency repairs or replacement
Condition
Description
Rating
A The cotter key is securely in its place
E The cotter key has slipped out of its place and there is danger of the insulator
assembly coming apart
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no loss of galvanization, corrosion or loss of strength in insulator
hardware due to fatigue
C There is significant deterioration of insulator hardware due to corrosion and
fatigue requiring planned corrective action
E There is major deterioration of insulator hardware requiring emergency
repairs or replacement
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no deterioration of the grounding electrode and counter poise
C There is significant deterioration of the grounding electrode and counter poise
requiring planned corrective action
E There is major deterioration of the grounding electrode and counter poise
requiring emergency repairs or replacement
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 27.3.17 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted
based on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those
that relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those
that relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, metal support
structures in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while completely degraded
metal support structures would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for structure steel in
Table 27.3.17 below, assume a structure steel with partial data has a maximum condition
score of 48 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 72. That structure steel,
therefore, has only 67% of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On
the other hand, if that structure steel with partial data had a maximum condition score of 52,
it would have 72% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
For this asset class, available data were insufficient to provide a valid Health Index using the
70% Rule described above. In this case, to provide BCTC with some information about the
assets health, a Health Index was calculated as described below using available STARR
data.
The Health Index formulated for metal support structures consists of condition criteria for
structure steel; structure foundations; insulators and hardware; grounding; and anchors, guys
and fittings as shown in Tables 27.3.17 to 27.3.21 below.
Table 27.3.19 Health Index Formulation for Anchors, Guys and Fittings
(All Equipment on a Structure)
Table 27.3.20 Health Index Formulation for Insulators and Insulator Hardware
(All Insulators on a Structure)
Because of the sizeable effect that individual components may have on a metal support
structures end-of-life, the Health Index calculation for this asset class involved a different
approach from that used for most asset classes described in previous chapters of this report.
The approach used for metal support structures involved developing a composite Health
Index (Composite HI) that combined the end-of-life criteria for specific individual metal
support structure components.
Figure 27.3.1 illustrates the Composite HI formulation and calculation process for metal
support structures. Tables 27.3.22 27.3.27 below also show specific steps in the process.
Insulators
Structure Steel
Anchors/Guys
Grounding and
Structure Health Index Counterpoise
- Average points from Structure Steel (5 - 100 pts)
- Degrade for Foundation CV (0-20 pts)
- Degrade for Insulator CV (0-26 pts)
- Degrade for Anchors and Guys CV (0-20 pts)
- Degrade for Grounding CV (0-6 pts)
Final Structure HI
Calculation of the Composite HI required use of condition information from the STARR
maintenance management system. However, some of the information from STARR did not
correspond exactly to the condition criteria presented in Tables 27.3.17 27.3.21 above.
Table 26.3.22 compares those condition criteria to condition information available in the
STARR system. The table also shows how the original condition criteria were adjusted to
use information available in STARR.
When the STARR system had no condition assessment values for a given asset, age was used
as a surrogate for condition in assigning the condition ratings needed for health indexing.
Table 27.3.24 shows how the Structure Steel earned points based on its CV.
The condition of foundations and anchors/guys affected the overall Composite HI of a metal
support structure by adjusting the point score downward for each defective foundation or
anchor/guy component. Table 27.3.25 below illustrates how metal support structures lost
points based on the condition of these components.
The condition of insulators and hardware also affected the overall Composite HI of metal
support structures by adjusting the point score downward for each defective component.
The condition of grounding also affected the overall Composite HI calculation by adjusting
the point score downward for each defective component. Table 27.3.27 below shows how
metal support structures lost points based on the condition of these components.
As shown in Tables 27.3.25 to 27.2.27 above, an asset could lose a maximum of 72 points
from its total score. These include a loss of 40 points based on foundation and guy/anchors
condition, 26 points based on the condition of insulators, and another 6 points based on the
condition of grounding.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 27.3.28 was used to determine the overall condition of the metal tower asset class as
well as for the individual components (structure steel, foundations, insulators, anchors/guys
or grounding).
A condition based Health Index was derived for transmission line metal support structures, as
a composite score from the assessments performed on the lattice steel/steel poles, footings
and ancillary components such as insulators, guys and groundings.
As described in subsection 27.3.3 above, when the STARR system had no condition
assessment values, condition ratings were based on age to compensate for the lack of STARR
data. See Table 27.3.23 above for the age/condition rating conversion process used in this
study.
Table 27.4.1 summarizes the composite Health Index results, which are also illustrated in
Figures 27.4.1 through 27.4.6.
Table 27.4.1 Summary of Condition Rating Results for Metal Support Structures
180 161
160
140
Number of 60kV
Metal Structures
120
100
80
60
34
40 24
20 9
1
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Number of 138kV
Metal Structures
700
600
500
400
300
200
100 4 32 15
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 27.4.2 Summary of Composite HI Results for 138 kV Metal Support Structures
2500 2251
2000
Number of 230kV
Metal Structures
1500
1000
492
500 249
52 119
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 27.4.3 Summary of Composite HI Results for 230 kV Metal Support Structures
150
100
50 29 37
13
0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 27.4.4 Summary of Composite HI Results for 360 kV Metal Support Structures
12000
10625
10000
Number of 500kV
Metal Structures
8000
6000
4000
1644 1805
2000
595
45
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 27.4.5 Summary of Composite HI Results for 500 kV Metal Support Structures
Metal Structures
12000
Number of 10000
8000
6000
4000 2283 1947 1963
2000 131
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 27.4.6 Summary of Composite HI Results for All Metal Support Structures
78.4% of transmission line metal support structures are in Good or Very Good
condition. No additional capital improvements are expected in the near term.
9.6% of transmission line metal support structures are in Fair condition. Increased
maintenance or capital improvements may be needed depending on criticality issues.
11.3% of transmission line metal support structures are in Poor condition. Planning
for refurbishment or replacement may be needed considering risks and failure
consequences.
0.6% of transmission line metal support structures are in Very Poor condition or at
their end-of-life. Since these structures could fail in the near future, they require an
immediate assessment of risk and development of replacement or refurbishment
strategies to prevent failure during adverse weather conditions.
28.1 Description
Safety, reliability and security govern the mechanical and structural designs of overhead
transmission lines. These lines require a variety of support structures, including wood pole
and metal support structures. Chapter 27 of this report contains the analysis of metal towers,
and this chapter discusses the wood pole structure asset class. For purposes of this study, the
wood pole structure asset class consists of the following components:
Wood pole structures, including both rigid (i.e., self-supporting) and guyed structures;
Timbers (Crossbars), including cross-braces and timber on wood pole structures;
Anchor rods and guys that help hold guyed structures in place;
Insulators that shield and provide clearance between energized conductors and
grounded structures; and
Insulator hardware that serves as connecting devices for the insulators.
Wood pole structures safely suspend overhead conductors and associated overhead ground
wire. In the transmission system managed by BCTC, wood pole structures support insulators
and current carrying conductors on 230 kV, 138 kV and 69 kV overhead transmission lines.
Most wood pole structures in the BCTC-managed transmission system are made from
Western Red Cedar.
The Transmission Engineering Standards Design Manual used by BCTC contains structural
information about wood pole structures, including framing dimensions and materials used in
the structures. BC Hydro Engineering and regional field offices maintain design drawings
and other descriptive documents about wood pole structures in the system. Structural Data
Sheets have detailed information on some of the 230 kV and 138 kV lines. Design profile
drawings also provide the following specific information:
28.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has 62,785 transmission wood pole structures,
which include 98,093 individual wood poles. Of the structures, the 60 kV system has about
53.5%, the 138 kV system has about 31.2% and the 230 kV system has about 15.3%. The
360 kV and 500 kV systems have only emergency wood pole structures. Table 28.2.1 shows
the number of wood pole structures grouped by each relevant voltage level.
Table 28.2.2 shows the number of insulators on wood pole structures, again grouped by
relevant voltage levels.
Table 28.2.3 shows geographic1 demographics of wood pole structures and circuits,
including kilometre lengths as well as numbers of guys and poles.
1
Geographic designations for the BCTC-managed system:
CKT Cranbrook Transmission
FVT Fraser Valley Transmission
MCT Metro Coastal Transmission
OST Okanagan Shuswap Transmission
PCT Peace Canyon Transmission
PGT Prince George Transmission
TET Terrace Transmission
TNT Thompson Transmission
TVI Vancouver Island Transmission
An attempt was made to create a profile of wood poles against age. However, the data
contained in STARR does not provide sufficient information regarding the age of individual
wood poles to create a valid demographic tabulation.
As described above, this asset class includes, wood poles, timbers, anchor rods and guys,
insulators, and insulator hardware. The following subsections describe degradation processes
for each of these components.
Fungi attack both external surfaces and the internal heartwood of wood poles. The process of
fungal decay requires the presence of fungus spores plus water and oxygen. For this reason,
the area of the pole most susceptible to fungal decay occurs at and around the ground line.
To prevent the decay of wood poles, utilities treat them with preservatives before installation.
The preservatives have two functions: (1) to keep out moisture that supports fungi, and (2) to
kill off the fungal spores. Today, several effective and acceptable wood pole preservatives
exist. Typically, poles treated before installation have a long life (i.e., in excess of 50 years)
Currently, to maximize protection, BCTC commonly treats entire poles (i.e., full treatment).
However, older poles often only received partial treatment at their base (i.e., butt treatment)
in the area most susceptible to fungal decay around and below the ground line. BCTC has
also started using fire retardant treatment for high fire risk areas.
In addition to fungal decay, various wildlife activities also cause external damage to wood
poles. The types of wildlife that may damage wood poles vary from insects such as termites,
to small mammals and birds such as woodpeckers. Other common causes of damage to
wood poles include:
Assessing the condition and remaining life of wood pole structures poses problems for
utilities worldwide. Because poles serve as structural items, strength represents the primary
concern in condition assessment. Being a natural material, potentially large variations exist
in the original mechanical properties and strength of wood poles. Knots, checks and heart rot
all can affect a poles strength. Typically, variability in fiber strength results in a broad bell
curve for load distribution, even for brand new poles. Over time, degradation processes
further widen that bell curve.
A classification system exists to estimate the original strength of wood poles. That system is
species-specific and based on the minimum circumference of a pole needed to withstand
certain loads. Wood poles receive grades and a class designation based on potential strength
(i.e., Class 1, 2, 3). The smaller the class number the greater the strength of the pole.
Generally, transmission line loading requirements dictate use of Class 2 or lower (i.e.,
stronger) poles.
Several types of damage also can deform boltholes in poles. Generally, such deformities do
not present immediate problems. However, in some cases deformed holes can result in both
failure of the structure and failure of other components attached to the pole. Bolts also can
become loose, elongated, bent, cracked, sheared/broken and lost.
Wood pole assessment techniques normally start with a simple visual inspection of poles.
Because areas near the ground line have greater susceptibility to degradation, visual
inspection and assessment methods generally concentrate on the 300 mm (12 inches) above
and below ground level. Basic physical tests often accompany visual inspections. Physical
tests include prodding tests to determine external conditions and hammer tests to detect
evidence of internal decay. Linemen typically use this approach as a safety procedure before
climbing. While clearly subjective, when used by experienced staff these simple tests have
proven effective at detecting suspect poles. In many cases, utilities use such processes to
estimate the remaining life of poles and to determine the need for replacement.
Visual inspection can detect the following types of wood pole damage readily:
Fiber damage that may occur when wind hits a wood pole with force beyond the poles
bearing capacity;
Partial damage that may result when objects hit wood poles and reduce effective pole
circumference. If the damage affects only part of a poles cross-section the utility may
keep the pole in service with a reduced factor of safety.
Wood splits from various causes that may accelerate the end of a poles life, depending
upon the extent of the split damage;
Mis-orientation from excessive transverse forces that may result in pole tilting as well as
stretching (i.e., loosening) and breaking of guys and guying systems;
Burning from conductor faults and insulator flashovers that may damage wood poles,
wooden support cross-braces and timber, reducing the ability of these structures to
withstand mechanical stress changes or causing their complete loss through fire; and
Wood cracks or checks across the top of timber and cross-braces (H-frame) that may hold
moisture and cause decay or weaken the structures through freeze/thaw forces during
winter.
Visual inspection also can detect problems with pole foundations. Wood pole installation
involves burying poles directly in soil or swampy areas, or mounting them on rocky ground.
The types of damage and deterioration that affect foundations over time include pole tilting
and uplifting as well as foundation defects and disturbances. Foundation damage usually is
visually obvious because of soil movement around the pole. For direct buried poles, one can
normally observe a notch around the pole near the ground. If the notch on the pole is well
above the existing ground then the pole needs re-insertion back to its original depth.
Although incidents involving pole uplift are rather rare in British Columbia, once uplift has
occurred, adequacy of pole depth needs consideration and investigation. If significant
foundation disturbance has occurred, the soil may require re-excavation and repacking.
When rock-mounting poles, the existing rock may be broken and then wedged around the
pole, with soil added as additional fill. In other instances, the rock may be augered and the
pole placed in a tightly fitted hole, then backfilled with augered material or soil. Little
possibility of foundation damages exists for poles augered into solid rock. However, the
inherent rigidity of such foundations can result in damage at the pole base instead.
While not common, some wood poles are installed in swampy ground such as muskeg or
muck. When swamp depth exceeds about 3 meters, wood pole installation generally includes
use of swamp mats and four way guying.
Riprap protection also may be added for poles potentially exposed to washouts, grass fires,
undesirable guying, uplift conditions and low bearing soil capacity. Visual inspection can
detect damage to riprap. Riprap must be maintained in its original condition and requires
maintenance after any damage.
Over the past 20 years, utilities have sought objective and accurate means to assess pole
condition and remaining life. As a result, a wide range of wood pole assessment and
diagnostic tools and techniques has developed. These include techniques designed to apply
traditional probing and hammer tests in more controlled, repeatable and objective ways. For
example, to determine the severity of external rot, devices now exist to measure the
resistance of a pin fired into the pole. Also, instrumented hammers can now record and
analyze hammer blow vibrations to identify patterns that indicate the presence of decay.
Decay resistance drills and augers that sample through poles also are used widely as direct
condition assessment tools.
Indirect and non-destructive techniques such as ultrasonics, X-rays, and electrical resistance
have received widespread testing. Of these, ultrasonics has attracted much interest, leading
to the development of commercial instruments used by many utilities. Ultrasonic techniques
use the attenuation of ultrasonic signals to indicate decay and the reflection of signals to
detect voids. Ultrasonic instruments can quantify damage and verify the depth and severity
of horizontal and longitudinal pole cracks. Other condition assessment tools currently under
development include the use of radar and laser technologies.
As with wood poles, the following represent additional causes of damage to timber and
cross-braces:
Similar to wood poles, visual inspection can detect the following types of cross-arm and
cross-brace damage readily:
Fiber damage that may occur when wind hits with force beyond the wood components
bearing capacity; and
Partial damage that may result when a sharp object hits any part of these wood
components.
Although freezing rain is not a common problem in British Columbia, ice and snow
accumulation may induce flashovers resulting in dielectric failure. Insulator flashover
incidences depend on a number of factors, including surface contamination of the insulator
before icing, string configuration, angle of the insulators, wind speed and direction, shed or
shell rib design, conductivity of the ice or snow, number of suspension insulators or sheds
bridged, and melting rates of snow or ice. Electrical flashovers can cause both external and
internal damage to porcelain and composite insulators, but there can be no hidden damage to
toughened glass since it will shatter. Installation, handling, accessories (e.g., corona and
arcing ring), and service conditions (e.g., over-voltages, lightning, pollution, climate), all
play roles in the degradation of insulators.
a) Porcelain Insulators
For over a hundred years, manufacturers have used porcelain in insulators. The porcelain
consists of a fired or vitrified combination of clay, feldspar, quartz, and alumina for
transmission class insulators. To improve the mechanical characteristics of porcelain,
manufactures also apply a glazing that puts the porcelain into compression and improves the
mechanical tensile properties anywhere from 50%-100%.
Cap and pin insulator components include a dielectric shell made of porcelain cemented
between cap and pin metal end fittings. The basic suspension insulator components include
dielectric, termination and intermediaries. Since porcelain shells are strongest when in
compression, porcelain suspension insulators are designed to put the porcelain shell in
compression, even when tension exists between the cap and pin. To ensure that the porcelain
does not crack, manufacturers also design the steel pin and cap to have a lower mechanical
strength. The mechanical rating for these types of insulators can range from 15,000 lbs to
66,000 lbs (67 kN to 294 kN), with an option to connect two or more strings in parallel to
accommodate higher mechanically operated transmission line designs.
Galvanized steel hardware physically connects insulator strings to a tower. The conductor
consists of bolted clamps (e.g., dead-end, suspension, angle, tangent, strain) and fittings to
accommodate the insulator hardware (e.g., tongue and groove, ball and socket). Insulator
cotter keys prevent insulators in a string from uncoupling. In some older insulator designs
the cotter keys were made of an unusually soft alloy or were too short for the sockets in
which they were installed. In other designs, conductor motion could cause certain lightly
Transmission class line post / pin type porcelain insulators come in several designs that have
either a metallic HV fitting or a porcelain conductor groove to accommodate the HV
conductor. Galvanized steel HV fitting designs include standard and swivel clamps for
clamp-top designs, slack span dead-end clamps, armour grip supports, clamps and armour
grips with load limiters. Tie tops for transmission line pin insulators are not very common.
Visual inspection can detect the following external insulator damage readily:
Broken porcelain from the shell caused by a flashover (lightning) or impact damage
(vandalism);
Visible metal fatigue, deformation, hairline cracks or material loss of the galvanized pin,
cap, end fittings, metal base/mounting assembly from tensile mechanical overloading
caused by line galloping or heavy line icing;
Flashover burn markings on the porcelain shell resulting from burns/arching
damage/galvanizing;
Cotter key slippage or pullout that has been squashed from galloping, conductor uplifting,
or ice shedding, all of which can uncouple the string and drop the conductor; and
Insulator induced conductor impact or dent damage from severe insulator string galloping
due to high wind conditions.
Stresses from high wind or ice storm conditions also can cause internal damage from
mechanical tensile, dynamic, torsional overload conditions, and upward forces. Latent
damages, typically internal to the porcelain shell, metal fitting and hardware include:
Internal cracks under the metal cap or inside the porcelain head from lightning flashovers
or line galloping, which in essence cause electrical shorts in the insulator that can distort
the insulator strings voltage profile;
Radial cracks (come from cement growth) through the porcelain shell from causes similar
to those listed above for internal porcelain shell cracks;
Doughnut (i.e., circumferential) porcelain shell cracks under the metallic cap from causes
similar to those listed above, but found more in older insulator designs; and
Metal fatigue hairline cracks of the galvanized pin, cap, end fittings, metal base/mounting
assembly caused by ensile mechanical overloading from line galloping or heavy line
icing.
Close-up visual inspection from a bucket truck or helicopter is required to search for physical
evidence of the following types of damage:
Complete or partial shell breakage with exposure of the white porcelain body;
Circumferential cracking resulting in separation of the cap from the shell (i.e., donut
failure of suspension insulators);
Radial cracks;
High-energy flashover burn markings on the porcelain glazing and metal fittings; and
b) Glass Insulators
Glass suspension insulators generally have no hidden defects because the glass shell shatters
during failures providing a visible indication of damage. The toughening stresses for glass
remain constant at temperatures ranging from -50C to +80C (-50F to +165F) of its
original value, similar to the glazing used for porcelain. In North America, toughened glass
insulators are used mainly as suspension insulators, with minor usage in pedestal and post
insulator applications.
Damage to glass insulators includes the following, which are typically external and easily
detected through visual inspection:
Glass shell breakage from flashovers and contact with other insulators caused by tensile
mechanical overloading from line galloping or heavy line icing;
Visible metal fatigue, deformation, hairline cracks and material loss of the galvanized pin
(i.e., ball and shank region) and cap;
Flashover burn markings of the glass shell resulting from lightning;
Cotter key slippage or pullout that has been squashed from galloping, conductor uplifting,
or ice shedding, all of which can uncouple the string and drop the conductor.
Composite line post insulators that offer a great range of cantilever strengths and are
about half the weight of equivalent post insulators;
Composite line V insulators used for tangent, light or medium angle applications; and
Composite suspension insulators used for jumper, tangent or light angle conductor
support applications and to withstand loaded conductor tensions in dead end assemblies.
Composite insulators consist of a glass fibre reinforced rod covered in either EPDM or
silicone rubber weather sheds with appropriate end fittings. While the composite insulators
offer a great range of mechanical strengths and much lower weight than other types of
insulators, the EPDM silicone rubber material also is soft and easily cut, ripped or punctured
by sharp objects. The integrity of the sheath and weather sheds is critical. Failure commonly
occurs when moisture enters into the glass fibre rod area.
Composite post insulator failures are not as common as composite suspension insulator
failures. When subjected to high mechanical loading, composite line posts can undergo large
deflections before ultimate failure. In response to differential conductor tensions, if the
insulator deflects along the direction of the line this helps to reduce high loading and to avoid
failures. Composite line post failures seldom cause line drops. Instead, the glass fibre rod
tends to bend causing insulator folding and fracturing.
Corona, a discharge cause by electrical overstress, is frequently luminous and may or may
not produce audible sound, depending upon the level of activity. Corona activity eventually
results in cutting and erosion damage to sheath and shed material. Thus, abnormal audible
noise from composite line insulators indicates increased corona activity and requires closer
investigation. Night vision equipment can detect corona activity at the live end.
Noticeable damage around the insulators live end includes cuts, splits, holes, erosion,
chalking, crazing, tracking, or burning of the rubber shed and sheath material, plus separation
or degradation of the rubber sheath material where it meets the metal end fittings. Any signs
of power arc, lightning damage, or corrosion on the metal end fittings also indicate
deterioration of the component.
Degradation and Failure of Insulator Hardware
Degradation or reduction in strength of insulator hardware may occur due to the following:
Close-up visual inspections generally can determine the extent of degradation. Laboratory
testing can further corroborate results of visual investigations.
Close-up visual inspections generally can determine the extent of degradation. Laboratory
testing can further corroborate results of visual investigations.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed wood pole structures first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no damage to the pole and the pole is in as new condition
B Normal signs of wear with respect to these characteristics.
C One or two of these characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of these characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of these characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no evidence of burn marks and the pole is in as new condition
B A minor burn mark is present but it does not impact pole strength
C There is significant damage to the pole from burn mark requiring remedial
repairs
D There is extensive damage to the pole requiring immediate repairs.
E Burn damage is beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A The guys and anchors are fully tensioned and in like new condition; no
evidence of corrosion
B Minor slack on guys and anchors, does not require corrective action; minor
corrosion present
C Significant slack in guys or significant corrosion, requiring planned corrective
action
D Major slack in guys or severe corrosion, requiring immediate emergency
repairs.
E Guys or anchors are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no wood rot and the pole is in like new condition
B Minor wood rot, does not require corrective action
C There is significant wood rot, requiring planned corrective action
D There is major wood rot, requiring immediate emergency repairs.
E Wood rot is beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no fiber damage, delamination or deformation of crossarms and
timber and they are in as new condition
B Minor fiber damage, delamination or deformation of crossarms and timber,
does not require corrective action
C There is significant fiber damage, delamination or deformation of crossarms
and timber, requiring planned corrective action
D There is major fiber damage, delamination or deformation of crossarms and
timber, requiring immediate emergency repairs.
E Cross braces or timbers have fiber that is damaged/degraded beyond repair
Table 28.3.8 Crossbraces and Timber - Fiber Damage, Delamination, Deformed Holes
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no rot, cuts, cracks, checks or splits of crossarms and timber and
they are in as new condition
B Minor rot, cuts, cracks, checks or splits in crossarms and timber, does not
require corrective action
C There is significant rot, cuts, cracks, checks or splits in crossarms and timber,
requiring planned corrective action
D There is major rot, cuts, cracks, checks or splits rot, cuts, cracks, checks or
splits in crossarms and timber, requiring immediate emergency repairs.
E Crossbraces or timbers have rot, cuts, cracks, checks or splits that have
damaged/degraded these members beyond repair.
Table 28.3.9 Crossbraces And Timber - Rot, Cuts, Cracks, Checks or Splits
Condition
Description
Rating
A There are no flashover burn marks on insulator shell and they are in as new
condition
C There are significant flashover burn marks on insulator shell, requiring
planned corrective action
E There are major flashover burn marks on insulator shell, requiring immediate
emergency repairs or replacement
Condition
Description
Rating
A There insulator assembly is free from metal fatigue or corrosion and it is in
as new condition
C Significant metal fatigue or corrosion of the insulator assembly is evident,
requiring planned corrective action
E Evidence of major metal fatigue and/or corrosion is present, requiring
immediate emergency repairs or replacement
Condition
Description
Rating
A The cotter key is securely in its place
E The cotter key has slipped out of its place and there is danger of the insulator
assembly coming apart
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no loss of galvanization, corrosion or loss of strength in insulator
hardware due to fatigue
C There is significant deterioration of insulator hardware due to corrosion and
fatigue requiring planned corrective action
E There is major deterioration of insulator hardware requiring emergency
repairs or replacement
Condition
Description
Rating
A There is no slack in guys and no deterioration of guys, anchors or fittings and
they are in as new condition
B Minor slack in guys and/or minor deterioration of guys, anchors or fittings,
does not require corrective action
C Significant slack in guys and/or significant deterioration of guys, anchors or
fittings, requiring planned corrective action
D Major slack in guys and/or major deterioration of guys, anchors or fittings,
requiring immediate emergency repairs
E Anchors, guy wires, or fittings are damaged/degraded beyond repair.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 28.3.19 below.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, wood pole
structures in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while completely degraded
wood pole structures would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for timbers and cross
braces in Table 28.3.19 below, assume a timber/cross brace with partial data has a maximum
condition score of 27 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 40. That timber,
therefore, has only 68% of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On
the other hand, if that timber/cross brace structure with partial data had a maximum condition
score of 29, it would have 73% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
Tables 28.3.20 through 28.3.22 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings,
condition ratings as both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total
possible maximum score for each member of this asset class.
Table 28.3.18 Health Index Formulation for Timbers and Cross Braces
(All Timbers on a Structure)
Table 28.3.19 Health Index Formulation for Insulators and Insulator Hardware
(All Insulators on a Structure)
Table 28.3.20 Health Index Formulation for Anchors, Guys and Fittings
(All Equipment on a Structure)
Because of the sizeable effect that individual components may have on a wood pole
structures end-of-life, the Health Index calculation for this asset class involved a different
approach from that used for most asset classes described in previous chapters of this report.
The approach used for wood pole structures involved developing a composite Health Index
(Composite HI) that combined the end-of-life criteria for specific individual wood pole
structure components.
Figure 28.3.1 illustrates the Composite HI formulation and calculation process for wood pole
structures. Tables 28.3.23 28.3.27 below also show specific steps in the process.
Insulators
Wood Poles
Anchors/Guys
Final Structure HI
Figure 28.3.1 Wood Pole Structure Health Index Information Combination Process
Calculation of the Composite HI required use of condition information from the STARR
maintenance management system. However, some of the information from STARR did not
correspond exactly to the condition criteria presented in Tables 28.3.20 28.3.22 above.
Table 28.3.23 compares those condition criteria to condition information available in the
STARR system. The table also shows how the original condition criteria were adjusted to
use information available in STARR.
When the STARR system had no condition assessment values for a given asset, an attempt
was made to use age as a surrogate for condition in assigning the condition ratings needed for
health indexing. Table 28.3.24 below shows the condition ratings assigned to various age
ranges for purposes of this study.
<20 yrs A
20 - 40 yrs B
40-50 yrs C
>50 D
Unknown Age B
Each component was then grouped. For all timbers at a wood pole structure, the worst
condition rating was kept. A similar process was applied to insulators and guys. All the
anchors and guys for a structure were grouped together, and the worst condition rating found
was assigned to the category.
Each wood pole earned points based on its CV, as shown in Table 28.3.25 below. These
points were then averaged for the wood pole structure.
The condition of timbers and insulators affected the overall Composite HI calculation for a
wood pole structure by adjusting the point score downward for either defective timbers or
anchors/guys. Table 28.3.26 below illustrates how the structure lost points based on the
condition of the timber and anchors/guys.
As shown in Tables 28.3.25 and 28.3.27, a wood pole structure could lose a maximum of 66
points from its total score. These include a loss of 20 points based on the condition of
timbers, 20 points based on the condition of anchors/guys, and 26 points from the condition
of insulators.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 28.3.28 was used to determine the overall condition of wood pole structures as well as
the condition of individual components (e.g., wood poles, timbers, insulators, anchors/guys).
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
As described in subsection 28.3.3 above, when the STARR system had no condition
assessment values, an attempt was made to base condition ratings on age to compensate for
the lack of STARR data. Using age data as a surrogate for condition data appeared to offer a
way of developing a baseline condition assessment for purposes of this study. However,
STARR contains very little reliable information on the age of wood poles in the BCTC-
managed transmission system.
Because usable condition information was very limited, and because surrogate age data was
both limited and unreliable, no Health Indices were calculated for wood pole structures.
No conclusions can be drawn about the condition of wood pole structures in the BCTC-
managed transmission system.
29.1 Description
The BCTC-managed transmission system contains more than 75,000 hectares of land in
transmission line rights-of-way (ROW). Vegetation management in these ROW directly
affects reliability and safety of the transmission system.
BCTC organizes the ROW it manages into the following operating jurisdictions:
Vancouver Island;
Lower Mainland;
Southern Interior; and
Northern Interior.
29.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission systems ROW have an estimated area of 75,798 Ha and
estimated length of 11,539 km. The estimated area and length are believed to be within 20%
of the actual values. Table 29.2.1 shows the area of ROW grouped by region. The order of
ROW distribution among the regions based on area is first Southern with the largest area of
ROW, then Northern, Lower Mainland, and then Vancouver Island with 37%, 35%, 20%,
and 8% respectively.
Table 29.2.2 shows the length of ROW grouped by region. The order of ROW distribution
among regions based on length is the same as the distribution listed above for area. That is,
Southern, Northern, Lower Mainland, and Vancouver Island with a distribution of 35%,
34%, 22%, and 9% respectively.
Region
Southern 4,018 35%
Northern 3,891 34%
Vancouver Island 1,093 9%
Total 11,539 100%
The degradation of transmission line ROW involves uncontrolled growth and encroachment
of tall growing vegetation species such as coniferous and deciduous trees into the safe
transmission line envelope. These trees species are known as target trees. To ensure the
safety and reliability of transmission systems, utilities must eliminate outages from
vegetation growing into the lines from under the conductors and mitigate for outages caused
by vegetation falling onto the lines from the edges of the ROW. Inadequate vegetation
management can increase system fault levels and require costly corrective actions. Adverse
weather conditions increase the potential for faults associated with vegetation
Visual inspections to detect encroaching vegetation can help prevent deterioration. Common
methods to manage ROW vegetation include the following:
ROW extend across many different vegetation types and topographical features, ranging
from flat land to mountains and swamps. In BC, the growth of conifers and certain
hardwood species is slower in the north than in the south. As a result, to adequately control
vegetation ROW must have planned clearing cycles that reflect growth patterns in different
parts of the province.
Maintenance requirements also vary on ROW in urban versus rural areas. For example,
ROW in urban, highly developed areas may require almost no maintenance. On the other
hand, ROW in urban and suburban neighbourhoods may require intensive maintenance,
depending upon adjacent land uses and community standards. However, ROW in rural areas
have maintenance cycles based on growth rates of the vegetation found on the ROW (i.e.,
typically shorter cycles in the south and longer cycles in the north).
The condition, height and growth of trees have serious impacts on transmission systems.
Within the ROW, tree densities can substantially affect costs of ROW maintenance If not
managed adequately tree growth and density can result in the need for intensive maintenance.
In addition, trees falling into the ROW from the edge can cause outages. Therefore, edge
trees require explicit assessments to determine their condition and potential impact to the
reliability of the transmission system.
Generally, the operational reliability for ROW depends heavily on impacts from trees. ROW
reliability criteria, therefore, must include considerations of tree types, growth, hazards, and
density within the ROW. The potential for tall trees to fall into nearby lines also requires
assessment. Hazard trees are trees with defects that increase their potential to fail (e.g., dead,
dying or leaning trees) located near targets such as transmission lines.
A means the ROW has no vegetation or very limited target vegetation with no risk
of failure;
B means the ROW has limited target vegetation with low risk of failure that does
not significantly affect the maintenance schedule or warrant immediate corrective
action (i.e., acceptable until the next maintenance period);
C means the ROW has significant target vegetation with medium risk of failure, that
would require remedial action to achieve appropriate performance level (i.e.,
maintenance interval may need to be advanced);
D means the ROW has extensive target vegetation with high risk of failure, that
requires immediate action to achieve appropriate performance level (i.e., correct
as soon as possible); and
E means the line has been decommissioned and maintenance of the ROW no longer
occurs.
Tables 29.3.1 through 29.3.7 list the optimum ROW condition criteria considered for each
component evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used
for each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of ROW.
Condition
Description
Rating
A 90% of vegetation is less than 4 m in height
B Majority of vegetation is more than 4m in height and the ROW is scheduled
for maintenance this year
C Vegetation is within the WCB limits of approach and a Certified Utility
arborist is required for the work
D Vegetation is within the limits for flash over potential as specified in the
NERC standard
E Line has been decommissioned and maintenance of the ROW no longer
occurs.
(*) Specified height varies with operating voltage of line
Condition
Description
Rating
A Fewer than 500 stems per ha
B 500 to 5,000 stems per ha
C 5,000 to 8,000 stems per ha
D 8,000 to 10,000 stems per ha
E Line has been decommissioned and maintenance of the ROW no longer
occurs.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Less than 1% of the circuit contains hazard trees
B 1% to 10 % of the circuit contains hazard trees
C 10% to 20% of the circuit contains hazard trees
D 20% to 25% of the circuit contains hazard trees
E Line has been decommissioned and maintenance of the ROW no longer
occurs.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Limited fuel loading
B Low fuel loading
C Medium fuel loading
D High fuel loading
E Line has been decommissioned and maintenance of the ROW no longer
occurs.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No outages in last three years
B One outage in last three years
C Two outages in last three years
D More than two outages in the last three years
E Line has been decommissioned and maintenance of the ROW no longer
occurs.
Health indexing quantifies an assets condition relative to long-term degradation factors that
cumulatively lead to complete deterioration. Health indexing differs from maintenance
testing, which emphasizes finding defects and deficiencies that need correction or
remediation to keep the asset operating during some time period.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 29.3.8 below.
For this asset class, the components shown in the tables above were weighted based on their
importance in determining the class members status relative to its optimum condition. For
example, those that relate to primary functions of the asset received higher weights than
those that relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component. The
weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a ROW in
perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded ROW
would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for ROW in Table 29.3.8
below, assume a ROW with partial data has a maximum condition score of 62 out of the
Health Index maximum possible score of 96. That ROW, therefore, has only 65% of the
maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand, if that ROW
with partial data had a maximum condition score of 71, it would have 74% of the Health
Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
Table 29.3.8 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member or line section in this asset class.
For this study, BCTC did not have any of the information required by the Health Index
Formulation shown in Table 29.3.8 above. Thus, it was not possible to compute valid Health
Indices for this asset class using the Health Index Formulation for Vegetation/ROW.
However, BCTC has some general ROW assessment information for vegetation along
corridors, corridor edges and immediately outside corridors. Through discussions with
BCTC field staff, this information was used to develop a simplified temporary health index
for Vegetation/ROW. Table 29.3.9 below presents the simplified Temporary Health Index
Formulation for Vegetation/ROW used in this study. However, it is recommended that
ongoing Vegetation/ROW condition assessment processes use the criteria and approach
presented as the Health Index Formulation shown in Table 29.3.8 above.
Maximum
# Condition Criteria Weight Condition Rating Factors
Score
1 Corridor Assessment 4 Green, Yellow, Red 2,1,0 8
2 Edge Assessment 2 Green, Yellow, Red 2,1,0 4
3 Off-ROW Assessment 1 Green, Yellow, Red 2,1,0 2
Max Score= 14
HI = 100*Score/Max
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 29.3.10 was used to determine the overall condition of the Vegetation/ROW asset
class.
As described in subsection 29.3.3 above, BCTC did not have any of the data needed to
populate the recommended Health Index Formulation for Vegetation/ROW. To provide
BCTC with an estimate of the condition of Vegetation/ROW, a simplified temporary Health
Index was derived for Vegetation/ROW using information gained through discussions with
BC Hydro field staff. The Health Index results presented below are based on estimates for
the Lower Mainland, Southern Interior and Vancouver Island made after discussions with
field staff, rather than systematic measurement and analysis. Table 29.4.1 summarizes the
results, which are also illustrated in Figure 29.4.1.
250 234
Number of Circuit Areas
200 176
150
119
99
100
63
50
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
51.1% of the Vegetation/ROW circuit areas are in Good or Very Good condition.
25.5% of the Vegetation/ROW circuit areas are in Fair condition.
9.1% of the Vegetation/ROW circuit areas are in Poor condition. Additional
vegetation management needed; establish priorities considering risk and
consequences.
14.3% of the Vegetation/ROW circuit areas are in Very Poor condition, which is
consistent with BCTCs Vegetation Management Plan.
30.1 Description
The BCTC-managed transmission system uses a combination of main access roads, access
tracks, helipads, boat launches and, where appropriate, signage for access to the transmission
system. Main access roads also may include culverts, bridges, waterbars, cross ditches,
modified armoured swails, ditches, utility crossings, and gates. The assets included in this
chapter consist of access roads and access tracks only.
Access roads and tracks provide vehicular and pedestrian access from public roadways to
transmission line rights-of-way, substations and microwave locations. BCTC emphasizes the
safe and reliable operation of transmission facilities in an environmentally, socially and
fiscally responsible manner. To meet these operational goals, workers and equipment must
have access to transmission operating facilities..
Access roads and tracks enable maintenance and emergency activities throughout the
transmission system. Depending upon the location, they may be paved or unpaved. In some
locations, fences, gates and locks prevent trespass from access roads onto rights-of-way.
Access roads and tracks facilitate power restoration after transmission line breakdowns.
Thus, the condition of access roads and tracks can directly affect the reliability and safety of
transmission systems. Generally, access roads and tracks also require vegetation management
to ensure unimpeded access during all seasons.
30.2 Demographics
Comprehensive inventories, regularly scheduled inspections and condition assessments of
transmission access facilities are needed to develop an appropriate access road management
program. BCTC is gathering such data for this asset class. However, at this time no
demographic data for access roads or tracks is available.
Paved and unpaved transmission system access roads experience the same deterioration as
any other road system. Weather causes most degradation of access roads. Fast moving water
during major rainstorms causes soil erosion. After rainstorms, poor drainage can lead to
standing water and puddles in roadways. These conditions degrade surfaces and result in
potholes. Vegetation also can grow on or along access roads, leading to deterioration and
poor driving conditions.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed access roads first required developing end-
of life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a factor
critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 30.3.1 through 30.3.6 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component
evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each
condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Road or track is free of obstruction and can be travelled safely at appropriate
speeds. Road or track is of sufficient width to meet designated requirements
and turnarounds/parallel lanes are at appropriate intervals. Bridges and utility
crossings are adequate to meet loading conditions.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Driving lane conditions are unacceptable and cannot be brought into
acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Road surface is free from unwanted vegetation. Danger trees are not evident
and tree growth/hanging trees are not affecting road traffic.
B Normal signs of vegetation growth with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Road shoulders are in good condition and no erosion can be seen.
B Few minor examples of erosion or shoulder deterioration are noticeable
C Many minor erosions or shoulder deteriorations are noticeable but road is still
safe for travel.
D Major erosion is evident and road is difficult or unsafe for travel.
E Road is unsafe and cannot be made safe for travel.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Signage is appropriate for this road
B Signage is somewhat deficient or in deteriorated condition
C Signage are deficient and/or in deteriorated condition
D Signage is unacceptable for this road
E Signage is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 30.3.7 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end of life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, an access road in
perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded access road
would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for access roads in
Table 30.3.7 below, assume an access road with partial data has a maximum condition score
of 47 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 72. That access road, therefore, has
only 65% of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other
hand, if that access road with partial data had a maximum condition score of 53, it would
have 74% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
Table 30.3.7 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
Condition Maximum
# Condition Criteria Weighting Factors
Ratings Score
1 General condition of driving lanes 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
2 Surface and subsurface drainage 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
3 Vegetation control 2 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 8
4 Soil erosion along road shoulders 1 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 4
5 Condition of gates, fences, locks 1 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 4
6 Signage 1 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 4
Max Score= 40
HI = 100*Score/Max
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 30.3.8 was used to determine the overall condition of the access road asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
31.1 Description
Civil works include support structures such as foundations, retaining walls, berms and rip
rap. Civil works also include diverters for erosion control to protect tower foundations
constructed in rivers or streams. Generally, civil works consist of earth and concrete
structures. Some concrete structures also may include reinforced steel.
31.2 Demographics
BCTC is in the process of gathering data about this asset class. However, at this time no
demographic data about civil works is available.
The presence of acidic salts (e.g., sulfates, chlorides) affects corrosion rates. Similarly, salts
in soil can affect rates of spalling in concrete. Moisture ingress and variations in temperature
also affect concrete degradation rates. Heavy uplift forces during major storm events can
sometimes lead to dislocation of civil works. Frequent flooding and poor drainage also can
cause deterioration in civil works.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed civil works first required developing end-
of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a factor
critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E.
For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings for various
components and tests:
Tables 31.3.1 through 31.3.4 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component
evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each
condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Concrete is level and free from cracks and spalling. Support steel and/or
rebar, if applicable, are tight and free from corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Concrete is damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Drains and sewers appear in good condition. All systems are free from any
obstructions. No indications of wear or corrosion.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One of the above characteristics is unacceptable.
D Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Two or more of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A No evidence of displacement
B Few minor examples of displacement are noticeable and additional
maintenance should be considered.
C Displacement is clearly noticeable and some remedial work is required.
D Major soil displacement is evident and major remedial work is urgently
required.
E Rip rap is displaced beyond repair.
Table 31.3.4 Signs of Rip Rap Displacement (Due to excessive compression or lift
forces)
For purposes of formulating the Health Index for this asset class, the letter condition ratings
listed above also received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 31.3.5 below.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, civil works in
perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while completely degraded civil works
would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for civil works in
Table 31.3.5 below, assume a civil structure with partial data has a maximum condition
score of 32 out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 48. That civil structure,
therefore, has only 67% of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On
the other hand, if that civil structure with partial data had a maximum condition score of 35,
it would have 72% of the Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
Table 31.3.5 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 31.3.6 was used to determine the overall condition of the civil works asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
32.1 Description
Self Contained Fluid Filled (SCFF) Cables [Lead and Aluminum Sheathed]
SCFF cables are single core cables with hollow conductors, insulating fluid, and internally
pressurized taped impregnated-paper insulation. Pumping plants, gravity or pre-pressurized
reservoirs supply pressure up to 1.4 MPa (e.g., 5L29/31). Metallic sheaths of lead or aluminum
surround the insulation and contain the fluid impregnant. Insulated jackets are extruded over the
metallic sheaths. These jackets provide both sheath corrosion protection and electrical
insulation. SCFF cables can be direct buried, installed in ducts, or on racks in shafts or tunnels.
When provided with armour wires, SCFF cables also may have submarine applications.
Self Contained Gas Filled (SCGF) Submarine Cables (i.e., 1L17 and 1L18)
SCGF cables are single conductor cables consisting of a hollow conductor insulated with
impregnated paper tapes, internally pressurized at 2 MPa with nitrogen gas. The paper
impregnant is a very viscous compound. A reinforced lead alloy sheath contains the gas
pressure, and the cable has galvanized steel wire armour. This design allows use of long lengths
unlimited by pressure constraints. The continuous gas pressure allows for monitoring of the
sheath integrity via a gas pressure monitoring system.
For more detailed descriptions of underground cable systems see Underground Transmission
Systems Reference Book, 1992 Edition, prepared by J.A. Williams and P.L. Ostermann, Power
Technologies, Inc. for the Electric Power Research Institute, 1992.
32.2 Demographics
Underground and Submarine Cables
The BCTC-managed transmission system has a total of 348.1 km of underground and submarine
cable. Table 32.2.1 shows the lengths of cables grouped by each relevant voltage level and
cable type.
Length km
Total Percentage
Voltage kV 60 138 230 DC 500
SCGF 0.0 57.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 57.6 16.5%
HPFF 0.0 0.0 2.3 0.0 0.0 2.3 0.7%
Cable Type
SCFF (AC Pb) 16.2 4.2 52.2 0.0 76.0 148.6 42.7%
SCFF (AC Al) 9.8 1.1 58.9 0.0 0.0 69.8 20.1%
SCFF (DC Pole 2) 0.0 0.0 0.0 30.5 (1) 0.0 30.5 8.8%
MI (DC Pole 1) 0.0 0.0 0.0 31.6 (1) 0.0 31.6 9.1%
XLPE 7.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 7.7 2.2%
Total 33.7 62.9 113.4 62.1 76.0 348.1 100%
Percentage 10% 18% 33% 18% 22% 100%
Note: Pole 1 has 3-cables; Pole 2 has 2-cables therefore cable lengths will be 3 times and 2 times the circuit length
shown respectively.
Table 32.2.1 Length of Cable Grouped by Voltage Level and Cable Type
Table 32.2.2 shows the lengths of cables grouped by each relevant voltage level and
manufacturer. The table shows that Pirelli and BICC are the two major manufacturers by length
of cable. These manufacturers produced 29.8% and 22.6% of the cables by length respectively.
The distributions of the lengths of cable by voltage level are the same as those shown in Table
32.2.1.
Table 32.2.3 shows the lengths of cables grouped by each relevant voltage level and installation
type. This table demonstrates that 56.2% of the systems cable is submarine. Thus, 43.8% of the
cables are installed underground. For the system as a whole, 31.8% are installed in Duct Banks
and 12% are Direct Buried. The distributions of the lengths of cable by voltage level are the
same as those shown in Table 32.2.1.
Length km
Total Percentage
Voltage kV 60 138 230 DC 500
Install Type
Table 32.2.3 Length of Cable Grouped by Voltage Level and Install Type
Table 32.2.4 shows the lengths of cables grouped by each relevant age group and cable type.
The distributions of the lengths of cable by cable type are the same as those shown in
Table 32.2.1. The table also shows that the cable distribution between age groups 20 to 29
years, 30 to 39 years, and 40 to 49 years is 36%, 24%, and 31% respectively. By length; 2% of
the cables are over 50 years old.
Oil Systems
As seen in Table 32.2.5, the BCTC-managed system has a total of 14 pumping plants and 197
oil reservoirs.
Structure Count
Oil Reservoir 197
Pumping Plant 14
Table 32.2.6 shows the count of pumping plants grouped by cable type and relevant age group.
86% of the pumping plants are between the age groups 20 to 29 years, and all others are
between 30 and 39 years. Notably, no pumping plants were commissioned in the last 20 years.
20 to 29 years 0 1 0 11 12 86%
30 to 39 years 0 0 2 0 2 14%
40 to 49 years 0 0 0 0 0 0%
Total 0 1 2 11 14 100%
Percentage 0% 7% 14% 79% 100%
Table 32.2.6 Count of Pumping Plants Grouped by Cable Type and Age
In practice, maintaining the integrity of the metallic sheath presents the primary concern with
SCFF cables. Selecting proper sheath material and design, then adequately protecting sheaths
during transportation, installation and operation help maintain this integrity. Corrosion, fatigue
and creep cause most damage to metallic sheaths in service. Corrosion of reinforcing tapes or
armour wires also may compromise sheath integrity. Widespread sheath damage causes end-of-
life concerns.
Tests of the sheath bonding system are also important. If bonding system connections and
performance are verified during installation, routine tests thereafter can evaluate sheath fault
voltage limiters, jacket resistance, and resistance of linked contacts. Where cathodic protection
systems exist, testing these systems operation and conducting close interval pipe potential
surveys also can help prevent sheath corrosion.
Sampling and testing insulating fluid for chemical and dielectric properties can provide overall
cable condition information. However, since this fluid does not circulate freely, any given
sample may provide information only about the circuit near the sampling point. To overcome
this problem and determine overall cable condition sampling at several locations may be
needed.
For insulating fluids, residual gas pressure (RGP) testing and trend analysis can provide an
effective way to detect cable deterioration. RGP involves reducing sample pressure until
dissolved gas starts to evolve. For newly installed modern cable, this should at about 5 Torr1.
Generally, when RGP tests result in Torr values exceeding 60, cables require investigation.
Evaluating RGP trends and comparing RGP values between separate hydraulic sections can
provide useful information about cable condition and specific activity.
When RGP testing results in excessive Torr values, dissolved gas analysis (DGA) also can help
pinpoint problems. DGA tests measure concentrations of different gases present in a sample.
Through DGA testing, therefore, one can distinguish hydrocarbon gases from atmospheric
gases. The breakdown of insulating fluids generates hydrocarbon gases, while the
decomposition of insulating paper creates atmospheric gases.
While no clearly defined limits exist for dissolved gas in cable oils, some basic guidelines
follow:
The presence of any hydrocarbon gas indicates that some form of electrical activity or
insulation deterioration is taking place;
1
760 Torr = 1 Bar = 1 atmosphere = 101.3 kPA; 5 Torr = 6.6 mBar = 0.066 atmosphere. Note that older cables
may have had higher residual gas pressures when new.
Moisture increases dissipation factors and accelerates aging rates for the cables oil-paper
system. Aging also produces moisture. Moisture values below 20 ppm are normal. Moisture
levels above this value and moisture increases give rise for concern. Dissipation factor tests on
cables isolated from the system also provide useful condition information.
Where the potential for thermo-mechanical joint damage exists, radiographic or endoscopic
examinations may help detect developing problems.
Testing the cathodic protection system helps ensure pipe protection. This involves evaluating
components of the system for proper operation and conducting close interval pipe potential
surveys.
Where the potential for thermo-mechanical joint damage exists, radiographic or endoscopic
examination of joints may help detect developing problems.
Analysis of HPFF cable insulating fluid provides a useful means to detect deteriorating internal
conditions. The following tests apply readily to HPFF cables:
When HPFF cables are isolated from the system, dissipation factor tests also may provide
valuable degradation information. These low frequency and low voltage tests offer data as
effective as high voltage measurements.
SCGF cables do not require pumping plants. Rather, the pressurizing system in these circuits
consists of nitrogen bottles with regulators, gauges and low-pressure alarm indicators all
placed in a small cabinet. Generally, SCGF pressurizing systems do not present operational or
maintenance concerns.
In addition, one can test a cables pressurizing medium. To do so involves conducting gas
analysis and dew point measurements. Gas analysis helps to identify deterioration processes.
The presence of nitrogen gas is expected, but oxygen is not. Trends in gas analysis provide
more critical information than specific values or ratios of particular gases.
Water penetration into the dielectric presents the greatest threat to XLPE cable longevity,
making it important that these cables have reliable moisture barriers and protection during
manufacture, transport, and installation. To prevent moisture penetration, these cables often
have water blocking systems, metallic tapes and metallic sheaths. Maintenance of radial
moisture barriers and over-sheath jackets is critical to ensure reliable long term operation of
these cables.
Some experts believe that routine monitoring of jackets is more critical for XLPE cables than
for pressurized cables. Pressurized cables have: (1) pressure systems that keep moisture out of
the cables when leaks develop, and, (2) alarm systems that alert operators of problems. XLPE
cables have no such safeguards, so undetected sheath breaches can result in water entering the
cable and causing premature failures.
Generally, with proper design and installation, these problems do not arise. However, when
they do occur cable damage can result and shorten the installations life.
As with SCFF cables, tests on the over-sheath jacket, bonding system and cathodic protection
systems, provide useful information when the potential for thermo-mechanical joint damage
exists. Radiographic examinations also may detect developing problems.
Water penetration into the dielectric represents the greatest end-of-life issue for MI cables.
They must, therefore, have reliable moisture barriers, and their design must limit radial moisture
penetration and longitudinal water movement should sheath failure occur.
Because MI cables have submarine applications, they receive more mechanical stress than land
cables do. While their design takes this stress into account, proper cable handling during
manufacture, transport and installation also is critical to their longevity. Long-term protection
of sheath integrity depends on maintaining armour wires and over-sheath jackets. Routinely
monitoring and repairing armour wires, jackets and sheaths helps ensure a full cable life.
Transient over voltages may damage the over-sheath jacket, causing degradation. While MI
cable designers consider most of degradation factors, they cannot predict all natural phenomena
potentially affecting these cables. Even if they could, to protect against such rare and extreme
natural events would likely result in prohibitively expensive cable designs.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed cable and oil systems first required developing
end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion represents a factor
critical in determining the components condition relative to potential failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews of
maintenance records and diagnostic test reports extracted from BCTCs asset management
system databases. In addition to maintenance histories, these databases contain information
about operating requirements and conditions, defects, failures, and spares. In assessing the
information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A through E. For
this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings for various
components and tests:
Tables 32.3.1 through 32.3.13 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component
evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for each
condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Condition
Description
Rating
A The cable has been consistently loaded below its continuous design rating. The
cable has not been subjected to emergency loading.
B The cable has been consistently loaded below its continuous design rating. The
cable has been subjected to emergency loading within recommended time-
temperature limits.
C The cable has been consistently loaded near or at its continuous design rating.
The cable has been subjected to emergency loading within recommended time-
temperature limits.
D The cable has been consistently loaded above its continuous design rating or the
cable has been subjected to emergency loading exceeding recommended time-
temperature limits.
E The cable has been so consistently loaded above its continuous design rating or
above recommended time-temperature limits that it has become
damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Note: BCTC cables are seldom overloaded
Condition
Description
Rating
A No visible oil leakage or water ingress at terminations, reservoirs, pumps, piping,
valves, gauges, fittings or joints installed in vaults. No evidence of leakage in
buried/submarine cable or joints.
B Evidence of minor oil stains visible at terminations, reservoirs, pumps, piping,
valves, fittings or joints installed in vaults but no moisture ingress likely. No
evidence of leakage in buried/submarine cable or joints.
C Oil leakage visible at terminations, reservoirs, pumps, piping, valves, fittings or
joints installed in vaults. However rate of loss not likely to have any operational
or environmental impact and no moisture ingress likely. No evidence of leakage
in buried/submarine cable or joints.
D Oil leakage visible at terminations, reservoirs, pumps, piping, valves, fittings or
joints installed in cable vaults with a rate of loss likely to have operational or
environmental impact; or evidence of leakage in buried/submarine cable or joints.
E Oil leakage or water ingress so severe that it has caused damage/degradation
beyond repair.
Note: Oil leaks are the major cause of cable degradation in the BCTC system
Condition
Description
Ratings
A Reservoirs, gauges, and recorders/alarms operating satisfactorily. No damage or
rust on reservoir body, weld seals, flanges, piping, fittings or gauges.
Reservoirs, gauges, and recorders / alarms operating satisfactorily. Some rust on
B reservoir body, weld seals, flanges, piping, fittings or gauges but no damage or
metal loss.
Reservoirs, gauges, or recorders / alarms not operating satisfactorily, or
E significant damage/corrosion on reservoir body, weld seals, flanges, piping,
fittings or gauges, or damage/degradation beyond repair
Condition
Description
Ratings
A Cables and joints are well supported. No evidence of uncontrolled movement
due to thermal expansion/contraction.
B Supports show signs of corrosion but cables and joints are well supported. No
evidence of uncontrolled movement due to thermal expansion/contraction.
E Supports are corroded or cables and joints are not well supported or evidence of
uncontrolled movement due to thermal expansion/contraction, or equipment
damaged/degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Ratings
A Insulated leads, sheath isolators and voltage limiters are clean/well coated and
show no sign of insulation deterioration.
B Sheath isolator and voltage limiters are not clean but show no sign of insulation
deterioration. Insulated leads show no sign of insulation deterioration.
E Insulated leads, sheath isolator and voltage limiters have significant insulation
deterioration or damage/degradation beyond repair
Condition
Description
Ratings
A No abnormal indication
B Some possible abnormal indications
C Definite indication of abnormal activity
D Definite indication of high levels of abnormal activity
E Very high levels of abnormal activity that require immediate attention
Condition
Description
Ratings
A Values well within specifications
C Values do not meet specifications, relatively small deviation
E Values do not meet specification and cannot be brought into specified condition.
Table 32.3.12 Sheath Bonding and Cathodic Protection Tests and Tests on Outer Jacket
Condition
Description
Ratings
A Operation of all equipment in piping ladder tested satisfactorily. Valve
configuration, alarm settings and pump start-stop pressures as per design values.
Oil pressure and oil volume in reservoir or gas pressure of gas-pressurized cables
within design limits.
B Operation of all equipment in piping ladder tested satisfactorily. Valve
configuration, alarm settings and pump start-stop pressures as per design values.
Oil pressure or oil volume in reservoir or gas pressure of gas-pressurized cables
exceeds design limits by a small margin.
E Operation of any equipment in piping ladder not testing satisfactorily, or valve
configuration or alarm settings or start-stop pressures not per design values, or
oil pressure or oil volume in reservoir or gas pressure of gas-pressurized cables
below design limits, or equipment damaged/degraded beyond repair.
For purposes of formulating the Health Index, the letter condition ratings listed above also
received the following numbers shown as factors in Table 32.3.14 below:
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1; and
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based on
their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that relate
to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that relate to
more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were multiplied
by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test. The weighted
scores were totaled for each asset class member.
Totaled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component. For
each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score by its
maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by producing a
number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a cable in perfect condition
would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely degraded cable would have a Health
Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset class
to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a valid
Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or equal to
70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., 70% Rule). For example,
using the weightings and maximum possible scores for SCFF cables in Table 32.3.14 below,
assume a cable with partial data has a maximum condition score of 91 out of the Health Index
maximum possible score of 136. That cable, therefore, has only 67% of the maximum score,
and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand, if the cable with partial data had a
maximum condition score of 98, it would have 72% of the Health Index maximum and a valid
Health Index.
For some components in this asset class, available data were insufficient to provide a valid
Health Index using the 70% Rule described above. In such cases, to provide BCTC with some
information about the assets health, a Health Index was calculated using a 50% cut-off (i.e.,
50% Rule). Thus, if the assets calculated condition score was greater than or equal to 50% of
the maximum possible condition score, a Health Index was computed and presented in the
results.
Condition Maximum
# Condition Criteria Weight Factors
Ratings Score
1 Loading History 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
2 Installation Method 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
3 Leaks 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
4 Terminations 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
Reservoirs, Piping, Fittings, Gauges
5 3 A,B,E 4,3,0 12
and Alarms
Foundations, Support Structures and
6 3 A,B,E 4,3,0 12
Grounding
7 Cable Supports in Underground Vaults 2 A,B,E 4,3,0 8
Insulated Leads, Sheath Isolators
8 3 A,B,E 4,3,0 12
and Voltage Limiters
Gas/Water Content and Dielectric
9 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
Tests on oil
10 Gas-in-oil Analysis 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
Sheath Bonding Tests and Tests on
11 2 A,C,E 4,2,0 8
outer Jacket
12 Testing of Pressurizing System 3 A,B,E 4,3,0 12
Max Score= 136
HI = 100*Score/Max (*)
(*) All cable circuits with pervasive, recurring and inaccessible cable leaks must have their HI score divided by 4
since this represents an exceptional condition that cannot be accounted for adequately in the HI.
2
Class Failures are failures experienced with certain models or vintages of equipment such as the failures of lead
covered cables manufactured by BICC.
Condition Maximum
# Condition Criteria Weight Factors
Ratings Score
1 Loading History 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
2 Installation Method 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
3 Terminations 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
Foundations, Support Structures and
4 3 A,B,E 4,3,0 12
Grounding
Cable Supports in Underground
5 2 A,B,E 4,3,0 8
Vaults
Insulated Leads, Sheath Isolators
6 3 A,B,E 4,3,0 12
And Voltage Limiters
7 Dielectric Tests 3 A,C,E 4,2,0 12
Sheath Bonding Test and Tests on
8 2 A,C,E 4,2,0 8
outer Jacket
Max Score= 88
HI = 100*Score/Max
Table 32.3.17 Health Index Formulation SCGF Cables (Circuits 1L17 & 1L18)
Condition Maximum
# Condition Criteria Weight Factors
Ratings Score
1 Loading History 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
2 Installation Method 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
3 Terminations 3 A,B,C,D,E 4,3,2,1,0 12
Foundations, Support Structures and
4 3 A,B,E 4,3,0 12
Grounding
Sheath Bonding and Grounding Tests
5 2 A,C,E 4,2,0 8
and Tests on outer Jacket
Max Score=56
HI = 100*Score/Max
Table 32.3.18 Health Index Formulation Mass Impregnated Cables (HVDC Pole 1)
As shown in the tables above, Health Indexing for this asset class involved considering a range
of degradation information cumulatively for all components in each circuit. By providing a total
score for each circuit, this approach combines all component and criteria degradation
information into one number. Using this total overall circuit condition score, one can rank
individual circuits.
While one should not necessarily use these condition scores alone to make high cost circuit
replacement decisions, these scores can be used to establish inspection and investigation
priorities by focusing on cables with condition scores that indicate greater risk. Using these
scores as a starting place, one can then consider other strategic factors in making capital
improvement program decisions.
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 32.3.19 was used to determine the overall condition of each cable type.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good Normal maintenance
of a limited number of components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess risk;
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration
replace or rebuild based on assessment
Table 32.3.19 Health Index Scale Underground and Submarine Cable and Oil Systems
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for the Underground and
Submarine Cables and Oil Systems in the BCTC-managed transmission system. Figures 32.4.1
through 32.4.5 summarize the results.
Health Index
Results SCFF Cable HPFF Cable XLPE Cable SCGF Cable MI Cable
Classification
Very Good 1 0 3 0 0
Good 38 2 11 3 0
Fair 14 0 1 1 2
Poor 1 0 0 0 0
Very Poor 4 0 0 0 0
Total Results 58 2 15 4 2
Percentage of
100 100 100 100 100
Total Population
30
SCFF Cables
25
20
14
15
10
4
5 1 1
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
2.5
2
2
Number of runs of
HPFF Cables
1.5
0.5
0 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
10
Number of runs of
XLPE Cables
4 3
2 1
0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
3.5
3
3
Number of runs of
2.5
SCGF Cables
2
1.5
1
1
0.5
0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
1.5
0.5
0 0 0 0
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
67.2% of SCFF Cable, 100% of HPFF Cable, 93.3% of XLPE Cable, 75% of SCGF
Cable are in Good or Very Good condition. No capital improvements are expected in
the near term.
24.1% of SCFF Cable, 6.7% of XLPE Cable, 25% of SCGF Cable and 100% of MI
Cable are in Fair condition. Increased maintenance or capital improvements will be
required in the next five years to prevent failure.
8.6% of SCFF Cable is in Poor or Very Poor condition or at its end-of-life.
33.1 Description
Manholes and direct buried duct installations provide access to underground transmission
facilities that require periodic inspections or maintenance. Joint bays are used temporarily to
access joints. After these temporary uses joint bays are backfilled, but their locations remain
important for access during failures.
Components of this asset class must withstand the heaviest structural loading possible at their
installation location. For example, when located in streets, manholes must withstand heavy
loads associated with traffic in the street. When located in driving lanes, manhole chimney
and collar rings must match street grading. Since manholes often experience flooding, they
commonly include drainage sumps and sump pumps.
Duct banks are typically constructed using four ducts in a two over two configuration. Ducts
are sized as required and are typically four, five or six inches in diameter.
33.2 Demographics
The BCTC-managed transmission system has 430 Manholes. Table 33.2.1 shows the count
of manholes and associated equipment grouped by type. The table also shows kilometres of
duct banks in the BCTC-managed transmission system.
The ducts connecting one manhole to another cannot easily be assessed for condition without
excavating areas suspected of suffering failures. However, water ingress to a manhole that is
otherwise in sound condition is a good indicator of a failure of a portion of the ductwork.
Since there are no specific tests that can be conducted to determine duct integrity at
reasonable cost, the duct system is typically treated on an ad hoc basis and repaired or
replaced as is determined at the time of cable replacement or failure.
Computing the Health Index for BCTC-managed manholes and duct systems first required
developing end-of-life criteria for various components of this asset class. Each criterion
represents a factor critical in determining the components condition relative to potential
failure.
The condition assessment and rating process included visual inspections and detailed reviews
of maintenance records extracted from BCTCs asset management system databases. In
assessing the information available against end-of-life criteria, condition states were rated A
through E. For this asset class, letter condition ratings have the following general meanings:
Tables 33.3.1 through 33.3.7 list the end-of-life criteria considered for each component or
test evaluated for this asset class. The tables also contain the specific definitions used for
each condition rating (i.e., A E) in the assessment of this asset class.
Table 33.3.1 Condition of Concrete and Rebar in Manhole Roof and Walls
Condition
Description
Rating
A Chimney is free from any obstructions. No indications of wear or corrosion.
Lighting is appropriate and in good condition.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E Manhole chimney is damaged or degraded beyond repair.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Manhole cover as new.
B Normal signs of wear.
C Some damage or deterioration.
D Major damage or deterioration but repair possible
E Cover damaged or degraded beyond repair - cover requires replacement
Condition
Description
Rating
A Manhole cover is level with road surface
C Manhole cover is not level with road surface, minor problem
E Manhole cover is not level with road surface, major problem
Condition
Description
Rating
A Clean and free from signs of deterioration. Components are mechanical
sound and functional with no indications of excessive wear or looseness.
Pump and its connections are free from any indications of leaks. Pump and
its controls are fully functional. Appears as new or to have been well
maintained.
B Normal signs of wear with respect to the above characteristics.
C One or two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
D More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable.
E More than two of the above characteristics are unacceptable and cannot be
brought into acceptable condition.
Condition
Description
Rating
A Appropriate availability of usable spare ducts
E No usable spare ducts available.
A = 4;
B = 3;
C = 2;
D = 1;
E = 0.
For this asset class, the components and tests shown in the tables above were weighted based
on their importance in determining the class members end-of-life. For example, those that
relate to primary functions of the component or asset received higher weights than those that
relate to more ancillary features and functions.
The condition rating numbers listed immediately above (i.e., A = 4, B = 3, etc.) were
multiplied by the assigned weights to compute weighted scores for each component and test.
The weighted scores were totalled for each asset class member.
Totalled scores were used in calculating final Health Indices for each asset class component.
For each component, the Health Index calculation involved dividing its total condition score
by its maximum condition score, then multiplying by 100. This step normalizes scores by
producing a number from 0-100 for each asset class member. For example, a manhole or
duct system in perfect condition would have a Health Index of 100 while a completely non-
functional manhole or duct system would have a Health Index of 0.
As described above, condition assessment and health indexing require review and use of
substantial information. However, one need not have complete information about an asset
class to compute its Health Index. When only partial data exist it is possible to calculate a
valid Health Index if the maximum condition score for the partial data set is greater than or
equal to 70% of the maximum possible condition score for a full data set (i.e., the 70% Rule).
For example, using the weightings and maximum possible scores for manhole systems in
Table 33.3.8 below, assume a system with partial data has a maximum condition score of 47
out of the Health Index maximum possible score of 76. That system, therefore, has only 62%
of the maximum score, and would not have a valid Health Index. On the other hand, if that
system with partial data had a maximum condition score of 57, it would have 75% of the
Health Index maximum and a valid Health Index.
Table 33.3.8 shows the component/test condition criteria, weightings, condition ratings as
both letters and numbers (i.e., the Factors column), plus the total possible maximum score
for each member of this asset class.
Table 33.3.8 Health Index Formulation for Manholes and Duct Systems
After performing all of the steps described above, the Health Index scale shown in
Table 33.3.9 was used to determine the overall condition of the manholes and duct system
asset class.
Health
Condition Description Requirements
Index
Some aging or minor deterioration
85-100 Very Good of a limited number of Normal maintenance
components
Significant deterioration of some
70-85 Good Normal maintenance
components
Widespread significant
Increase diagnostic testing, possible
deterioration or serious
50-70 Fair rebuild or replacement needed
deterioration of specific
depending on criticality
components
Start planning process to replace or
30-50 Poor Widespread serious deterioration rebuild, considering risk and
consequences of failure
At end-of-life, immediately assess
0-30 Very Poor Extensive serious deterioration risk; replace or rebuild based on
assessment
Table 33.3.9 Health Index Scale for Manholes and Duct Systems
As described above, a condition-based Health Index was derived for Manholes and Duct
Systems in the BCTC-managed transmission system. Table 33.4.1 summarizes the results,
which are also illustrated in Figure 33.4.1.
Very Good 28
Good 398
Fair 4
Poor 0
Very Poor 0
Total Results 430
Percentage of Total Population 100.0
Table 33.4.1 Summary of Condition Rating Results for Manholes and Duct Systems
450 398
400
Number of Manholes
350
300
250
200
150
100
50 28
0 0 4
0
Very Poor Poor Fair Good Very Good
0-30 30-50 50-70 70-85 85-100
Health Index Categories
Figure 33.4.1 Summary of Condition Assessment Results For Manholes and Duct
Systems