The November Technology Evening was held at Umhambi Lodge where Fernando Bolota from IPI holdings delivered a presentation on introduction to partial discharge and its uses in condition monitoring of power assets.
Fernando started off by explaining that partial discharge activity results in the deterioration and degradation of insulation systems in a range of high and medium voltage equipment and if left unchecked will eventually lead to breakdown, flashover and disruptive failure of the equipment. Operating any power equipment, especially switchgear, with active partial discharge increases the risk of failure occurring at the time of switching leading to increased risk to the operator.
He went on to explain that the understanding and identification of the processes involved in the degradation of a range of insulation types has enabled the development of instruments capable of non-intrusively detecting partial discharge activity. The instruments are designed to assess insulation condition by detecting the presence of partial discharge activity in any high or medium voltage equipment while the equipment is energised and in normal service and therefore there is no need to switch off for the tests to be done.
Several case studies were given of tests done and predictions to failure, some of which were not taken seriously and ended up in substation explosions.
Golf day
The golf day was held on 16 November at the Richards bay Country Club. Four teams turned up for the event, together with Johan and Ina Maartens who had arrived ahead of the year end function for a round of golf.
The prize giving ceremony was held during the year end function and saw the first and second prizes going to Joe Koekemoer and Johan Posthumus of Philco Systems. The third and fourth prizes were won by Wilson Maminimini and Farai Pasipamire respectively. There were also prizes for the least number of holes played which was won by Peter Molokoane and Tumelo Gopane who retired after the third hole.
Year-end function
The year-end function was held at Umhambi Lodge which was set up magnificently for the event and the food was superb. The function was attended by about 50 guests and the raffle was one of the highlights. Prizes were won by Lolly Ankiah, a night for two at Umhambi Lodge, and Dennis Bantjes, a year’s free SAIMC membership.
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