Abstract: Methods of testing at least a transmission line of interest within a group of transmission lines for anomalies using Time Domain Reflectometry are provided. The testing methods set forth herein aim to improve, for example, the quality and accuracy of information collected when propagating signals along a length of transmission line in order to pinpoint specific anomalies. To achieve this and other benefits, the testing methods simultaneously impose, for example, pulses of equal magnitude and form onto a group of transmission lines, such as the phases cables of a three phase power transmission cable system. From this, at least one transmission line from the group is monitored for reflected signals caused by impedance change. An example TDR is also provided.

Abstract: A capacitor component is adapted for capacitive coupling to an electrical power apparatus in which a PD is suspected, such as a shielded power cable; and an impedance transformance device has an input side connected directly to the capacitor component. Together the two components are used as a sensor to pick up and convey PD signals to a PD signal-analyzing system. Although the two components inherently form a classic high-pass RC filter, in accordance with the invention the input impedance at the capacitor side is much greater than the output impedance at the signal-analyzing system side. The effect is to pass much more of the lower frequency components of the PD signal for analysis by the PD signal-analyzing system than if the tranformance device were not included.

Abstract: A number of TDR systems and testing methods are provided that improve the quality and accuracy of information collected when propagating a signal along a length of cable in order to pinpoint specific anomalies. One or more of the TDR systems includes, for example, a computing device, a pulse generator, and at least one capacitive test sensor. The at least one capacitive test sensor transmits/receives pulses to/from a power system component, such as an insulated power cable, in a capacitive manner.

Abstract: The charge value of a partial discharge pulse in an electrical cable is provided by analyzing the frequency spectrum of the propagated pulse in a spectrum analyzer 21 to generate sets of spectrum signals, each including a magnitude and a frequency of a component of the pulse. A laptop computer has a processor, receives the spectrum signals, and has one or more application computer programs operable to perform the calculations of Equations 2-6, finds the bandwidth and energy of the spectrum signals from which the computer programs derive unknown time domain parameters including the maximum value of the pulse and the time interval of the pulse at half its maximum value. With those parameters, the program reconstructs a time domain signal of the pulse and integrates that signal to provide the charge value of the partial discharge.

Abstract: A number of TDR systems and testing methods are provided that improve the quality and accuracy of information collected when propagating a signal along a length of cable in order to pinpoint specific anomalies. One or more of the TDR systems includes, for example, a computing device, a pulse generator, and at least one capacitive test sensor. The at least one capacitive test sensor transmits/receives pulses to/from a power system component, such as an insulated power cable, in a capacitive manner.

Abstract: A valve assembly configured to close off the flow of fluid within a fluid injection assembly includes a fluid column having a first open end and a second open end. A fluid flow path is defined between the first and second open ends of the fluid column, and a saturation valve portion is disposed within the fluid flow path. The saturation valve portion is a first configuration when no fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path, and the saturation valve portion transitions to a second configuration when fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path.

Abstract: An injection protocol for a cable includes selecting a cable for testing, selecting a pre-injection electrical discharge test for determining if electrical discharge activity occurs at or about operating voltage of the cable, configuring the cable for the pre-injection electrical discharge test; running the pre-injection electrical discharge test on the cable, and determining whether to inject the cable with a restorative fluid based upon electrical discharge activity detected at or about operating voltage of the cable.

Abstract: A capacitor component is adapted for capacitive coupling to an electrical power apparatus in which a PD is suspected, such as a shielded power cable; and an impedance transformance device has an input side connected directly to the capacitor component. Together the two components are used as a sensor to pick up and convey PD signals to a PD signal-analyzing system. Although the two components inherently form a classic high-pass RC filter, in accordance with the invention the input impedance at the capacitor side is much greater than the output impedance at the signal-analyzing system side. The effect is to pass much more of the lower frequency components of the PD signal for analysis by the PD signal-analyzing system than if the tranformance device were not included.

Abstract: A valve assembly configured to close off the flow of fluid within a fluid injection assembly includes a fluid column having a first open end and a second open end. A fluid flow path is defined between the first and second open ends of the fluid column, and a saturation valve portion is disposed within the fluid flow path. The saturation valve portion is a first configuration when no fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path, and the saturation valve portion transitions to a second configuration when fluid is flowing through the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A sensor detects partial discharges (PDs) in an electrical power system and generates a corresponding analog electrical signal. A data acquisition component receives the signal from the sensor and converts it to digitized zero span data for a series of uniformly spaced frequencies in a frequency spectrum of interest. A digital signal processing component receives the digitized zero span data, analyzes such data, and generates a corresponding phase resolved spectrum signal in three dimensional format including dimensions of amplitude, phase and frequency for each of the uniformly spaced frequencies. A display component receives the analyzed data stream from the processing component and actuates one or more displays from which characteristics of the PD can be identified, such as different types of PDs from different sources, and information on the location of a PD relative to the sensor.

Abstract: Data acquisition systems and methods for acquiring test data associated with standard insulated power cables and/or power equipment such as switchgears, transformers, electric motors, etc are disclosed. The test data may then be subsequently analyzed for defects, such as the presence of faults, discharges (e.g., PD, coronas, arcing, etc.). The systems may store the acquired test data on removable, non volatile memory, such as Flash memory. The removable memory may be retrieved by an un-skilled technician periodically and returned to a lab or other test facility for subsequent analysis by highly trained analysts.

Abstract: A cable splice connection assembly for coupling a first cable to a second cable generally includes a main body having first and second ends and defining an inner cavity, the first end configured to receive at least a portion of a first cable therein, and the second end configured to receive at least a portion of a second cable therein, and a first engagement mechanism configured to couple the main body to a first cable wherein the first engagement mechanism includes a cable seal, wherein the cable seal includes an adhesive seal.

Abstract: Methods of testing at least a transmission line of interest within a group of transmission lines for anomalies using Time Domain Reflectometry are provided. The testing methods set forth herein aim to improve, for example, the quality and accuracy of information collected when propagating signals along a length of transmission line in order to pinpoint specific anomalies. To achieve this and other benefits, the testing methods simultaneously impose, for example, pulses of equal magnitude and form onto a group of transmission lines, such as the phases cables of a three phase power transmission cable system. From this, at least one transmission line from the group is monitored for reflected signals caused by impedance change. An example TDR is also provided.

Abstract: A connector or similar apparatus for connecting or terminating at least one cable or cable section is provided. The connector includes at least one stepped cavity for receiving a cooperatingly sized and configured stepped conductor end of the cable or cable section. The stepped cavity includes two or more adjoining cavity sections of decreasing diameter. After insertion of the stepped conductor end of the cable or cable section into the stepped cavity, the cable or cable section may be affixed to the connector via crimping or other suitable coupling techniques. Prior to insertion, the stepped conductor end is cleaned so as to remove oxidation, dirt and debris, and/or strand fill, etc.

Abstract: A cable termination connection assembly for coupling a cable to an apparatus generally includes a main body defining an inner cavity having first and second ends, the main body configured to receive a pressurized fluid, and the first end configured to receive at least a portion of the cable therein, and a first engagement mechanism configured to couple the main body to the cable, wherein the first engagement mechanism includes a first adhesive seal.

Abstract: A number of TDR systems and testing methods are provided that improve the quality and accuracy of information collected when propagating a signal along a length of cable in order to pinpoint specific anomalies. One or more of the TDR systems includes, for example, a computing device, a pulse generator, and at least one capacitive test sensor. The at least one capacitive test sensor transmits/receives pulses to/from a power system component, such as an insulated power cable, in a capacitive manner.

Abstract: Composition and method for enhancing the dielectric strength of an in-service solid dielectric shielded electrical cable and preventing corrosion of a central aluminum conductor of the cable by supplying the cable with an alkoxysilane composition. In one embodiment, the alkoxysilane composition includes dimethyldi(n-butoxy)silane.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cable connector are provided that include an inner connector assembly and an outer connector housing. In use, the cable connector securely fastens or splices together at least two cables or cable sections and in electrical communication while also providing fluid communication therebetween. The cable connector further protects, and preferably seals off, the connection interface between the cables or cable sections and from the environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described to prevent the unwanted energizing of equipment not normally intended to be energized when delivering a fluid to an energized power cable. The method and apparatus relate to the installation of a fluid back-flow prevention device in the line or equipment carrying a fluid to the cable, and also providing a pressure relief device that may relieve excess pressure to prevent damaging equipment.

Abstract: A cable termination connection assembly for coupling a cable to an apparatus generally includes a main body defining an inner cavity having first and second ends, the main body configured to receive a pressurized fluid, and the first end configured to receive at least a portion of the cable therein, and a first engagement mechanism configured to couple the main body to the cable, wherein the first engagement mechanism includes a first adhesive seal.