Title :
Analysis of water trees in underground HV cables using the KFUPM micro-PIXE facility
Author :
Ahmed, M. ; Al-Ohali, M.A. ; Garwan, M.A. ; Al-Soufi, K. ; Narasimhan, S.
Author_Institution :
Centre for Applied Phys. Scis., King Fahd Univ. of Pet. & Miner., Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
fDate :
2/1/1999 12:00:00 AM
Abstract :
Scanning with the micro-PIXE technique was employed to analyze water trees in the XLPE insulation of a field-aged underground HV cable. X-ray spectra of bow tie and vented water trees, the inner and outer semiconductive compounds, and an insulation spot free from any water tree were acquired. Simultaneously, two-dimensional elemental distribution profiles across the water trees were also measured. Various trace element impurities were identified in the analyzed spots and their possible sources are suggested. Differences in elemental distribution profiles in the scanned areas were observed and have been discussed on the basis of the mechanism of incorporation of these elements into the insulation. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the micro-PIXE facility available in this laboratory in analyzing water trees in underground power cables
Keywords :
X-ray chemical analysis; XLPE insulation; ageing; power cable insulation; power cable testing; trees (electrical); underground cables; underground transmission systems; KFUPM micro-PIXE facility; X-ray spectra; XLPE insulation; bow tie water trees; field-aged power cable; inner semiconductive compounds; outer semiconductive compounds; trace element impurities; two-dimensional elemental distribution profiles; underground HV cables; vented water trees; water trees; Cable insulation; Electric breakdown; Impurities; Laboratories; Microscopy; Minerals; Sea measurements; Trees - insulation; Underground power cables; Underwater cables;
Journal_Title :
Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation, IEEE Transactions on
