CableWISE®
  Process & Applications

Technology
Partial discharge is a phenomenon that occurs within imperfections of the cable system resulting from aging, thermal, mechanical or electrical stresses.  Another primary cause of aging is moisture entry in both extruded and PILC cable systems.  Cable degradation is caused by partial discharge and water entry.  High frequency signals radiate from these sources in both extruded and laminar insulations.  CableWISE records partial discharge and other emissions and analyzes them to assess the condition of the cable circuit.

Process

  • Data Acquisition: Technicians begin the assessment process by placing sensors over the electric power cables. The cable remains in service and does not have to be isolated from the system. The sensors, which can detect signals over wide frequency bandwidth, relay information to measuring equipment. Data is acquired and recorded, then analyzed to assess the condition of the cable sections and accessories.
  • Analysis: The CableWISE data acquisition displays aging-induced signals in both time and frequency domains. Frequency data reveals the source of the signals and the condition or extent of degradation of the cables. Pulse data identify the type of defect and the equipment that is producing it. CableWISE assessment distinguishes between the harmful effects of different types of defects and estimates future performance on analysis of such signatures.
  • Report: CableWISE customers receive a detailed, written report. This written report includes the condition of each section of cable and cable accessory; enough information to decide whether to repair, replace, or continue operation of the cable system.
  • Consultation: A CableWISE service's expert will use the test results to recommend the best plan of action; repair, replacement or periodic monitoring of the system.  These recommendations should be incorporated into the reliability program.

Applications

  • Voltage class from 3.3 kV to 345 kV
  • All types of insulation: PILC, EPR, XLPE, TRXLPE and Butyl Rubber
  • All conductor sizes shielded and non-shielded circuits
  • Armored and pipe-type cables
  • Laminar, extruded & mixed cable circuits
  • All installations - direct buried, conduit, trays
  • Any circuit configuration - straight or branched

Customers

  • Utility companies
    • Generation
    • Transmission
    • Distribution
  • T&D system owners
  • Industrial plants
  • Chemical/refinery plants
  • Government and military facilities
  • Municipal water and waste facilities
  • Commercial facilities
  • Universities, hospitals and shopping malls