The PDSurveyor™ is HVPD's original handheld PD surveying tool. It is the 'first-line of defence' for the detection of partial discharge activity in On-line medium voltage (MV) power cables and plant in the voltage range 3.3 kV to 45 kV. The unit enables the user to carry out rapid (10 - 20 seconds per plant item), 'look-see' insulation condition testing through a unique combination of measurement technology, incorporating three types of PD sensor: HFCT, TEV and Airborne Acoustic.
The PDSurveyor™ has been designed by HVPD to meet the specific requests from both utility and industrial MV plant owners for a simple, portable and easy-to-use PD test device which can be used by all operational staff in MV substations. The PDSurveyor™ is the most flexible handheld PD screening device on the market as it contains three built-in PD sensors to enable the unit to be used to detect partial discharge activity in MV plant including metal-clad switchgear and power cables. Alternative versions of the unit are now available for specialist purposes, including the testing of rotating machines; see the PDSurveyor™ Family page for more info.
The primary purpose of the unit is to perform pre-screening tests (typically of between 10-20 seconds) of large numbers of cables and plant in Phase 1 of the HVPD 4-Phase PD Test and Monitoring Solution as a precursor to using higher specification, advanced diagnostic PD spot test technology (which can differentiate between PD and noise using advanced noise reduction and wave-shape analysis) in Phase 2.
Benefits include:
How it Works
The PDSurveyor™ incorporates three individual PD sensors which are designed to pick up different types of PD activity in different types of MV plant, as follows:
CT - High Frequency Current Transformer - Cable PD activity is measured using the external, split-core, High Frequency Current Transformer (HFCT 100/50) sensor, which is attached to the MV cable's earth straps.
TEV - Transient Earth Voltage (TEV) - PD signals are generated by internal partial discharges in 'local' MV equipment including switchgear and cable terminations and are picked up using the unit's built-in TEV sensor.
AA - Airborne Acoustic - Acoustic/Ultrasonic PD signals are generated by partial discharges into air and these are detected using the unit's built-in airborne acoustic (ultrasonic) sensor which is placed over vents in metal-clad plant's housing.
The outputs of each of the above sensors are displayed on 3x colour-coded LED arrays for each of the sensors. The Guideline PD Levels vs. Plant Condition/Action for each LED level are shown below, allowing the user to quickly identify potential insulation defects and incipient faults.
| PD Level Indication Key | |
|---|---|
| LED 1 | Green (Plant OK) |
| LEDs 2 & 3 | Yellow (Moderate PD - Monitor) |
| LEDs 4 & 5 | Orange (Moderate to High PD - Investigate Source of PD) |
| LEDs 6 & 7 | Red (High PD - Diagnostic Test, Locate & Restrict Access) |
(Surveyor CT outside wood pole.png) Measuring PD activity in 11 kV cable with HFCT sensor
| 1x HVPD PDSurveyor™ |  |
|---|---|
| 1x HVPD HFCT100/50 Sensors |  |
| 1x 2 metre BNC Cable |  |
| 1x AC/DC Power Supply |  |
| 1x User Manual |  |
| 1x Inspection Test Pad |  |
| 1x Set of 100 POA Labels |  |
| 1x Soft Carry Case |  |
Medium Voltage plant that can be 'pre-screened' for PD with the PDSurveyor™