Linemen Install Shunts on Energized Lines
Transcription
Linemen Install Shunts on Energized Lines
ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS Linemen Install Shunts Linemen Install Shunts on Energized Lines ELECTRIC ELECTRICUTILITY UTILITY UTILITYOPERATIONS OPERATIONS OPERATIONS ELECTRIC ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS on Energized Lines Utilities confront the challenge of line uprates byUtilities installing shuntthe technology helicopters. confront challengevia of line uprates by installing shunt technology via helicopters. By Mark Camus, AIR2, LLC By By Mark Mark Mark Camus, Camus, Camus, AIR2, AIR2, AIR2, LLC LLC LLC By lectric utilities must not only operate aging lines and equipment at higher levels, but they must also adhere lectric lectricutilities utilities utilities must must not not only only operate operate aging aging lines lines and and lectric must not only operate aging lines lectric only operate aging lines and to technical, safetymust and not reliability requirements. For equipment equipment at at higher higher levels, levels, but but they they must must also also adhere adhere and equipment at higher levels, but they must also equipment at higher but theyAmerican must also adhere example, five years ago,levels, The North Elecadhere to safety technical, safety requirements. and reliability to totechnical, technical, technical, safety safety and andreliability reliability reliability requirements. requirements. For For and For tric ReliabilitytoCorporation (NERC) began advising utilities requirements. For example, five years ago, The example, example, five five years years ago, ago, The The North North American American ElecElecexample, years ago, Theverifying North American Electo consider actual field five conditions when facility ratNorth American Electric Reliability Corporation tric tric Reliability Reliability Reliability Corporation Corporation (NERC) (NERC) began began began advising advising(NERC) utilities utilities tric Corporation (NERC) advising utilities ings.began In turn, many utilities have surveyed transmission lines advising utilities to consider actual field facility conditions to to consider consider consider actual actual field field conditions conditions conditions when when verifying verifying facility facility ratratratto actual field when verifying to identify critical issues and determine whether or not hardwhen verifying facility ratings. In turn, many utilities have ings. ings. In In turn, turn, many many utilities utilities have have surveyed surveyed transmission transmission lines lines ings. In turn, many utilities have surveyed transmission lines waresurveyed components can handle high temperatures. tooperating identifywhether critical issues and to toidentify identify identifytransmission critical critical issues issueslines and and determine determine whether or or not nothardhardhardto critical issues and determine whether or not After reviewing clearance reports and conducting in-depth determine whether or not hardware components can handle ware warecomponents components componentscan can canhandle handle handlehigh high highoperating operating operatingtemperatures. temperatures. temperatures. ware high operating temperatures. analysis, utilities often immediately derate lines to bring the After After reviewing reviewing clearance clearance reports reports and and conducting conducting in-depth in-depth After reviewing clearance reports and conducting in-depth After reviewing clearance reports and conducting in-depth line rating into compliance. Next, utilities replace all singleanalysis, analysis, utilities utilities often often immediately immediately immediately derate derate lines lines to to to bring bring bring the the analysis, utilities often derate lines the analysis, utilities often immediately derate lines to connecbring the die compression dead-ends and splices with two-stage line line rating rating into into compliance. compliance. Next, Next, utilities utilities replace replace all all singlesingleline rating into compliance. Next, utilities replace all singleline rating the intoline’s compliance. Next,rating, utilitieswhich replace allresult single-die tors to recover emergency can in die die compression compression dead-ends dead-ends and andsplices splices spliceswith with withtwo-stage two-stage two-stage connecconnecdie compression dead-ends and connec- EE compression dead-ends and splices with two-stage connectors tors torsto to torecover recover recoverthe the theline’s line’s line’semergency emergency emergencyrating, rating, rating,which which whichcan can canresult result resultin in in tors Reprinted from T&D World magazine’s June 2015 issue. a specific maximum conductor operating temperature. Depending on line length, utilities must replace dozens or specific specific maximum maximum conductor conductor operating operating temperature. temperature. recover the of line’s emergency rating, which cancompression result in a aaato specific maximum conductor operating temperature. even hundreds compression dead-ends and Depending Depending on on line line length, length, utilities utilities must must replace replace dozens dozens or or a specific maximum conductor operating temperature. Depending onField line length, utilities or mid-span splices. crews not onlymust will replace have todozens work on Depending on line length, utilities must replace dozens or even even hundreds hundreds of of compression compression dead-ends dead-ends and and compression compression evenschedule, hundredsbut of they compression compression tight may not dead-ends be able to and obtain a clearance even hundreds of compression dead-ends and compression mid-span mid-span splices. splices. Field Field crews crews not not only only will will have have to to work work on on splices. crews not only willmay have to worka on aaa tomid-span de-energize theField lines. Circumstances require utility mid-span splices. Field crews not only will have to work on tight tight schedule, schedule, but but they they may may not not be be able able to to obtain obtain a a clearance clearance they may notanother be able source to obtain clearancea totight fundschedule, spinningbut reserve from to aaccommotight schedule, but they may not be able to obtain a to to de-energize de-energize the the lines. lines. Circumstances Circumstances may may require require utility utility to de-energize the lines. Circumstances may requireclearance aaa utility date the outage if the duration of the transferred load exceeds to de-energize the lines. Circumstances may require a utility to to fund fund spinning spinning reserve reserve from from another another source source to to accommoaccommoto fund spinning reserve from another source to accommo- to the emergency rating of the alternate transmission line. To fund spinning reserve from another source to accommodate date date the the outage outage ififthe the theduration duration duration of ofthe the thetransferred transferred transferred load load exceeds exceeds date the outage if of load exceeds circumvent these challenges and save time in the field, AIR2, the outage if the duration of the transferred load exceeds the theemergency emergency emergencyrating rating ratingof of ofthe the thealternate alternate alternatetransmission transmission transmissionline. line. line.To To To the the emergency rating the alternate transmission line. an airborne power line of contractor, has helped utilities toTo incircumvent circumvent these these challenges challenges and and save save time time in in the the field, field, AIR2, AIR2, circumvent these challenges and save time in the field, AIR2, circumvent these challenges and save time in the field, AIR2, stall ClampStar shunt Classic Connectors an an airborne airborne airborne power power power line linetechnology contractor, contractor,from has has helped helped helped utilities utilities to toinininan line contractor, has utilities to an airborne power line contractor, has helped utilities to via helicopter. stall stall ClampStar ClampStar shunt shunt technology technology from from Classic Classic Connectors Connectors stall ClampStar shunt technology from Classic Connectors install ClampStar shunt technology from Classic Connectors via viahelicopter. helicopter. helicopter. via via helicopter. The TheAIR2 AIR2crew crewisisen enroute routeto tothe thejob jobsite, site,where wherethey theywill willinstall install22 22mid-span mid-spanshunts shuntson onday dayone. one. The crew AIR2 crew en route to job the job where they install mid-spanshunts shuntson onday dayone. one. The AIR2 is en isroute to the site,site, where they willwill install 2222 mid-span June2015 2015 || www.tdworld.com www.tdworld.com 64F 64F June June 2015 | www.tdworld.com 64F 2015 | www.tdworld.com 64F June Evaluating Alternatives Evaluating Evaluating Alternatives Alternatives Before installing the shunt Evaluating Alternatives Before Before installing installing the the shunt shuntretechnology, utilities primarily Before installing the shunt technology, technology, utilities utilities primarily primarily rereplaced all single-stage splicesreand technology, utilities primarily placed placed all all single-stage single-stage splices splices and and placed all single-stage splices and dead-ends with two-stage comdead-ends dead-ends connectors. with with two-stage two-stage two-stage comcomdead-ends with compression However, pression pression connectors. connectors. However, However, pression However, there areconnectors. several concerns with there there are are are several several several concerns concerns concerns with with with there this method. First of all, utilities this this method. method. First First First of of of all, all, all, utilities utilities utilities this maymethod. face challenges completing may may face face challenges challenges completing completing may face challenges the project on timecompleting at a reasonthe the project project project on on on time time time at at at aaa reasonreasonreasonthe able cost because of the number able able cost cost because because of of the the number number able cost because of the number of connectors requiringreplacereplaceof of connectors connectors connectors requiring requiring requiring replaceof replacement. Also, companies may face ment. ment. Also, Also, Also, companies companies companies may may may face face face ment. reliability concerns over the reliability reliability concerns concerns concerns over over over the the the reliability introduction of two two potential potential introduction introduction of of of two two potential potential introduction “weak” points in the line because “weak” “weak” points points in in the the line line because because “weak” points in the line because replacing a single mid-span splice replacing replacing a a single single mid-span mid-span splice splice replacing a single mid-span splice typically typically requires requires two two new new splices splices typically requires two new splices typically requires two new splices plus plus aaa length length length of of conductor conductor in inin its itsits plus lengthof ofconductor conductorin plus its place. place. Linemen Linemen also also must must spend spend place. Linemen also must spend place. Linemen also must spend extra extra time time time on on the the dead-ends dead-ends bebeextra beextra timeon onthe thedead-ends dead-ends because cause they they must must remove remove a a length length cause causethey theymust mustremove removea alength length of of conductor. conductor. conductor. To To To maintain maintain existexistof of conductor. Tomaintain maintainexistexisting ing tensions, tensions, extra extra conductor conductor ing ing tensions, tensions, extra extra conductor conductor and and another another splice spliceis isis required requiredor or or and and another anothersplice splice isrequired required or The connector shown was considered thermally failed at The connector shown was considered thermally failed connector shown was considered thermally failed atatat The connector shown was considered thermally failed The connector shown was considered thermally failed at 250°C (482°F) and now has been corrected with ClampStar. 250°C (482°F) and now has been corrected with ClampStar. (482°F) and now has been corrected with ClampStar. 250°C (482°F) and now has been corrected with ClampStar. 250°C (482°F) and now has been corrected with ClampStar. Linemen position the ClampStar mid-span shunt around the 1590 Linemen position ClampStar mid-span shunt around Linemen position thethe ClampStar mid-span shunt around the the 15901590 kcmil 54/19 ACSR single-die compression splice. kcmil 54/19 ACSR compression splice. kcmil 54/19 ACSR single-die compression Linemen position thesingle-die ClampStar mid-spansplice. shunt around the 1590 kcmil 54/19 ACSR single-die compression splice. Inmany many cases, utilities often to the work the lines cases, utilities often to work the lines ener-enerIn In many cases, utilities often optopt toopt work lines enerIn many cases, utilities often opt to work the lines energized as well as from a helicopter for several key reasons. gized well from a helicopter several reasons. gized as as well as as from a helicopter forfor several keykey reasons. ForFor For gized as well as from a helicopter for several key reasons. For example, in environmentally sensitive areas, utilities must example, environmentally sensitive areas, utilities must mat mat example, in in environmentally sensitive areas, utilities must mat example, in environmentally sensitive areas, utilities must mat or bridge wetlands and streams to gain access to the structures bridge wetlands and streams to gain access to the structures or or bridge wetlands and streams to gain access to the structures or bridge wetlands and streams to gain access to the structures or Also, by using traditional ground equipment rather orsplices. splices. Also, by using traditional ground equipment rather or splices. Also, by using traditional ground equipment rather or splices. Also, by using traditional ground equipment rather than helicopters, utilities must discover a way to traverse pri- prithan helicopters, utilities must discover a way to traverse than helicopters, utilities must discover a way to traverse prithan helicopters, utilities must discover a way to traverse private properties to to gain access to the right-of-way. un- unproperties the right-of-way. It’s vate properties to access to right-of-way. It’s It’s notnot un-not vatevate properties to gain gain gain accessaccess to the theto right-of-way. It’s not uncommon for a landowner’s path to provide the only feasible common for a landowner’s path to provide the only feasible common for a landowner’s path to provide the only feasible common for a landowner’s only feasible AIR2 helicopter crew performs work on dead-ends. AIR2 helicopter crew performs work on dead-ends. access a structure, and in these situations, workers havehave AIR2 helicopter performs work on dead-ends. AIR2 helicoptercrew crew performs work on dead-ends. access to a structure, and in these situations, workers may access to aastructure, and in these situations, workers maymay have access toto structure, and workers may have a bridge to to safely accommodate weight a of line toto rebuild bridge to safely thethe weight of line torebuild rebuild a bridge safely accommodate the weight a line to rebuild aa bridge to accommodate weight of aaof line truck. the insulator assemblyhas hastoto tobe belengthened, lengthened, thus requiring truck. theinsulator insulatorassembly assembly has be lengthened, thus requiring truck. the insulator assembly has to be lengthened, thus requiringtruck. thus requiring Finally, the heights many dead-ends splices the jumpersto belengthened. lengthened. Finally, the heights of of many of of thethe and splices the tobe be lengthened. Finally, the heights of many of the dead-ends andand splices the jumpers Finally, the heights of many ofdead-ends the dead-ends and splices jumpers to be lengthened. could be over 100 ft aboveground with uneven terrain below, Utilities decide whether to perform the work with the could be over 100 ft aboveground with uneven terrain below, must decide whether to perform the work with the be over 100 ft100 aboveground with uneven terrainterrain below, below, Utilities toto perform thethe work withwith the thecould could be over ft aboveground with uneven Utilitiesmust mustdecide decidewhether whether perform work some of of thethe locations nearly impossible to reach safely line de-energized de-energized or the system load. InIn making making some locations nearly impossible to reach safely line or energized energizedbecause because the system load. some of the nearly impossible to reach ofofof the system load. In making some oflocations the locations nearly impossible tosafely reach safely line de-energized de-energizedororenergized energizedbecause because of the system load. Inmaking from a truck. As such, working from the ground can quickly order for the work to be performed with the line de-energized, from a truck. As such, working from the ground can quickly order work to be performed with the line de-energized, fromfrom a truck. As such, working from the ground can quickly order for totobe with thethe line de-energized, a an truck. As such, working from the ground can quickly order forthe thework work beperformed performed with line de-energized, evolve into expensive option requiring extensive coordinautilities may need to conduct significant temporary work to enevolve into expensive option requiring extensive coordinautilities may need to conduct significant temporary work en- evolve into anan expensive option requiring extensive coordinautilities may need toto conduct significant temporary work to to enevolve into an expensive option requiring extensive coordinautilities may need conduct significant temporary work to ention efforts, making the useuse of aofhelicopter a more viable option. sure all all tap tap lines energized during construction. tion efforts, making a helicopter a more viable option. sure lines could could remain remain energized during construction. tion efforts, making thethe use a helicopter a more sure all energized during construction. efforts, making theofuse of a helicopter aviable moreoption. viable option. sure all tap taplines linescould couldremain remain energized during construction. tion Installing Shunt Technology Installing Shunt Technology Shunt Technology Installing Shunt Technology Installing Shunt Technology Given the numerous challenges accompanied by the drawGiven the numerous challenges accompanied the drawGiven the numerous challenges accompanied by the drawGiven thenumerous numerous challenges accompanied byby the drawGiven the challenges accompanied by the drawbacks of a splice and dead-end replacement option, investigatbacks of a splice and dead-end replacement option, investigatbacks of a splice and dead-end replacement option, investigatbacksofofa asplice spliceand anddead-end dead-endreplacement replacementoption, option,investigatinvestigatbacks ing the use ofof shunts isisa alogical alternative. Many utilities have ing the use shunts logical alternative. Many utilities have ingthe theuse use of shunts isisaaalogical logical alternative. Many utilities have ing the use of shunts logical alternative. Many utilities have ing of shunts is alternative. Many utilities have never used shunts on a permanent basis before. However, the never used shunts on a permanent basis before. However, the never used shunts on a permanent basis before. However, the never usedshunts shunts on permanent basisbefore. before. However, the never used on a apermanent basis However, the ClampStar shunt provides an excellent solution for permaClampStar shunt provides an excellent solution for permaClampStar shunt provides an excellent solution for permaClampStar shuntprovides provides excellent solution for permaClampStar shunt ananexcellent solution for permanent mechanical and electrical upgrade to existing conductor nent mechanical and electrical upgrade to existing conductor nent mechanical and electrical upgrade to existing conductor nent mechanical and electrical upgrade to existing conductor nent mechanical and electrical upgrade to existing conductor connections. The ClampStar shunt isismade up ofoftwo sets of connections. The ClampStar shunt made up two sets connections. The ClampStar shunt made up ofoftwo two sets ofofof connections. Thewhich ClampStar shunt madeup upof two setsand connections. The ClampStar shunt isisisconductor made sets of clamping ends, secure to the with bolts clamping ends, which secure to the conductor with bolts and clamping ends, which secure the conductor with bolts and clamping ends, which securetoto tothe theconductor conductor withbolts bolts and clamping ends, which secure with and shear nuts, with two strands of conductor ininbetween. Classic shear nuts, with two strands of conductor between. Classic shear nuts, with two strands of conductor in between. Classic shear nuts,with with twostrands strands conductor between. Classic shear nuts, two ofofconductor between. Classic Connectors designed the shunt totohave ainain total resistance less Connectors designed the shunt have total resistance less Connectors designed the shunt to have aatotal resistance less Connectors designed the shunt to have total resistance less Connectors designed the shunt to have a total resistance less than the main line conductor and splice combined. With this than main conductor and splice combined. With this than thethe main lineline conductor and splice combined. With this than themain mainline line conductorand and splice combined. this than the splice combined. With this configuration, theconductor ClampStar shunt isisnot only able toWith redirect configuration, ClampStar shunt not only able redirect configuration, thethe ClampStar shunt is not only able to to redirect configuration, the ClampStar shunt is not only able to redirect configuration, the ClampStar shunt is not only able to redirect the current such that the splice never experiences temperacurrent such that splice never experiences temperathethe current such that thethe splice never experiences temperathecurrent currentsuch suchthat thatthe thesplice splicenever neverexperiences experiencestemperatemperathe This infrared photo shows ClampStar serving the full electriThis infrared photo shows ClampStar serving the full electriphoto shows ClampStar serving the full electriThis infrared photo shows ClampStar serving the full electriThis infrared photo shows ClampStar serving the full electrical and mechanical load on aa200°C (392°F) conductor. cal and mechanical load on 200°C (392°F) conductor. cal and mechanical load on a 200°C (392°F) conductor. cal and mechanical load on a 200°C (392°F) conductor. mechanical load on a 200°C (392°F) conductor. tures greater than ambient, it also restores the mechanical intures greater than ambient, also restores the mechanical intures greater than ambient, ititit also restores the mechanical intures greater than ambient, italso also restores the mechanical intures greater than ambient, restores the mechanical integrity to its original strength, preventing future mechanical tegrity to its original strength, preventing future mechanical tegrity to its original strength, preventing future mechanical tegrity to its original strength, preventing future mechanical tegrity to its original strength, preventing future mechanical splice failure. splice failure. splice failure. splice failure. splice failure. In addition, the dead-end style ClampStar shunts are In addition,the thedead-end dead-endstyle style ClampStar shunts are In addition, ClampStar shunts are addition, the dead-end style ClampStar shunts are InInaddition, the dead-end style ClampStar shunts are equipped with a tether device that provides a robust mechaniequipped with a tether device that provides a robust mechaniequipped with a tether device that provides a robust mechaniequipped with a tether device that provides a robust mechaniequipped with a tether device that provides a robust mechanical restraint, which will keep the line in the air should excescal restraint, which will keep the line in the air should excescal restraint, which will keep the line in the air should excescal restraint, which will keep the line in the air should excescal restraint, which will keep the line in the air should excessive loading occur at the dead-end. The capabilities of the sive loadingoccur occurat atthe thedead-end. dead-end.The Thecapabilities capabilitiesofofthe the sive loading sive loading occur at the dead-end. The capabilities of the sive loading occur at the dead-end. The capabilities of the ClampStar shunts offer numerous advantages, especially when ClampStar shunts offer numerous advantages, especiallywhen when ClampStar shunts offer numerous advantages, especially ClampStar shunts offer numerous advantages, especially when ClampStar shunts offer numerous advantages, especially when installing them from Not only does this option installing them fromahelicopter. ahelicopter. helicopter.Not Notonly onlydoes doesthis thisoption option installing them from installing them fromaaerosion ahelicopter. helicopter. Not onlydoes does thisoption option installing them from Not only this remove any required control or other environmental remove any required erosion controlororother otherenvironmental environmental remove any required erosion control remove any required erosion control or other environmental remove any required erosion control or other environmental preservation measures, but also eliminates other logistical preservation measures,but butititalso alsoeliminates eliminatesother otherlogistical logistical preservation measures, preservationassociated measures,with butitittrucks, italso alsoeliminates eliminates other logistical preservation measures, but other logistical nightmares and allows for the lines nightmares associated with trucks,and andallows allowsfor forthe thelines linestoto to nightmares associated with trucks, nightmares associated with trucks, and allows for the lines nightmares associated with trucks, and allows for the lines toto remain energized, significantly reducing the length of the conremain energized, significantly reducing the lengthofofthe theconconremain energized, significantly reducing the length remainenergized, energized, significantly reducing thelength lengthofofthe theconconremain significantly reducing the struction schedule and lowering overall cost. struction schedule and lowering overall cost. struction schedule and lowering overall cost. structionschedule scheduleand andlowering loweringoverall overallcost. cost. struction Saving Time SavingTime Time Saving Saving Time Saving Time Most Most ClampStar ClampStar shunts shunts The Effect Effect of High Temperatures on Conductors The ofHigh High Temperatures onConductors Conductors The Effect of Temperatures on Single-stage connectors were originally designed for a maximum operating temperature of 75°C (167°F). According The Effect of High Temperatures oncontinuous Conductors Single-stage connectors were originally designed for a maximum continuous operating temperature of 75°C (167°F). According toSingle-stage recent studies and long-term tests by internationally research facilities like Electric Power Research InstituteAccording and Oak connectors were originally designed forrecognized afor maximum continuous operating temperature of 75°Cof(167°F). connectors were originally designed a maximum continuous operating temperature 75°C (167°F). According toSingle-stage recent studies and long-term tests internationally recognized research facilities like Electric Power Research Institute and Oak thistests type ofby connector can be considered high risk when operated at Power temperatures as low as 125°C (257°F). toRidge recentNational studies Laboratory, and long-term by internationally recognized research facilities like Electric Research Institute and Oak toRidge recent studies and long-term tests by internationally recognized research facilities like Electric Power Research Institute and Oak National Laboratory, this type of connector can be considered high risk when operated at temperatures as low as 125°C (257°F). Manufacturers of these types of connectors recommend that they not be operated on lines above 93°C to 100°C (200°F to 212°F), Ridge National Laboratory, this type of connector can be considered high risk when operated at temperatures as low as 125°C (257°F). Ridge National Laboratory, this type of connector can be considered high risk when operated at temperatures as low as 125°C (257°F). Manufacturers of these types of connectors recommend that they not be operated on lines above 93°C to 100°C (200°F to 212°F), because temperatures aboveofthis level subject the connectors to annealing, resulting a loss of a significant portion of their tensile Manufacturers of these types connectors recommend that they not be operated oninlines above 93°C to 100°C (200°F to 212°F), Manufacturers of these types of connectors recommend thatas they not be to operated on above 93°C to 100°C (200°F 212°F), because above this level the connectors to annealing, resulting alines loss of a significant portion of theirto tensile strength. temperatures To examine conductor life and subject hardware components they relate the highin temperatures, utilities can use high-definition because temperatures above this level subject the connectors to annealing, resulting in a loss of a significant portion of their tensile strength. To examine conductor andstill hardware they relate to the highintemperatures, utilities can use high-definition because above thislife level subject connectors to annealing, resulting aand losstake of aboth significant portion of images, their tensile cameras.temperatures In turn, they can produce both shotsthe ascomponents well as videoas from the airborne platform visual and infrared strength. To examine conductor life and hardware components as they relate to the high temperatures, utilities can use high-definition which allows the utility to identify trouble cameras. In examine turn, theyconductor can produce both still shots ascomponents well as videoasfrom airborne platform and take bothutilities visual and images, strength. To life andspots. hardware theythe relate to the high temperatures, caninfrared use high-definition cameras. In turn, they can produce both still shots as wellaged as video from the30airborne platform and take both visual and infrared images, Taking infrared images is particularly critical those to 40 years ofplatform age or older, thevisual design lifeinfrared of the images, which allows the utilitycan to identify trouble spots. cameras. Inthe turn, they produce both still shotswith as well aslines, video from the airborne andbecause take both and which allows the utility to identify trouble spots. connectors used at that time was intended tocritical be no with moreaged than lines, 30 years. Furthermore, transmission built beforethe thedesign year 2000 Taking the infrared images is particularly those 30 to 40 years of age orlines older, because life of the which allows utility to identify trouble spots. Taking the the infrared images islimitations particularly critical withasaged lines, those 30suitable to 40 years of age or older, because the designratings life of of the used connectors with thermal of 75˚C, and such, they are not for temperatures typical for emergency connectors used at that time was intended tocritical be nowith moreaged than lines, 30 years. Furthermore, transmission lines built before the the design year 2000 Taking the infrared images is particularly those 30 to 40 years of age or older, because life of the connectors used at that time was intended to be no more than 30 years. Furthermore, transmission lines built before the year 2000 any duration. Thewith inhibitors used at that time were and mineral oil-based and not suitable intendedfor fortemperatures higher temperatures. Therefore, when a used connectors thermal limitations of 75˚C, as such, they are not typical for emergency ratings of connectors used at that time was intended to be no more than 30 years. Furthermore, transmission lines built before the year used connectors with thermal and before as such,the they are temperatures typical for emergency ratings of 2000 utility performs an analysis oflimitations aged lines,ofor75˚C, any built turn ofnot thesuitable century, for they must pay particular attention to connectors. any duration. The inhibitors used at that time were mineral oil-based and not intended for higher temperatures. Therefore, when a used connectors with thermal of 75˚C, and asthe such, they are not suitablefor forhigher temperatures typical for emergency Through this analysis, utilities may that although clearances and conductor could probably handle the elevated any duration. The inhibitors usedlimitations at thatlearn time were mineral oil-based and not intended temperatures. Therefore, when a ratings of utility performs aninhibitors analysis ofused agedatlines, or anywere builtmineral before the turn of and the century, they must pay particular attentionTherefore, to connectors. any duration. The that time oil-based not intended for higher temperatures. when a temperatures, components such as single-stage compression dead-ends and splices are quite often inadequate. Using shunt utility performs an analysis of aged lines, or any built before the turn of the century, they must pay particular attention to connectors. Through thisananalysis, utilities may learn although the clearances conductor could probably handle the elevated utility performs analysis of aged lines, orthat any built by before the turn of and the century, they must pay handle particular to connectors. technology successfully addresses these providing an excellent mechanical and electrical solution for line uprate Through this analysis, utilities may learninadequacies that although the clearances and conductor could probably the attention elevated temperatures, components such as single-stage compression dead-ends andde-energizing splices are quite often inadequate. Usinginstallation shunt projects. When combined with helicopter installation, electricthe utilities canand avoid lines and save considerable Through this analysis, utilities learn that although clearances and conductor probably handle elevated temperatures, components such asmay single-stage compression dead-ends splices are quitecould often inadequate. Usingthe shunt technology successfully addresses these inadequacies by providing an excellent mechanical and electrical solution for line uprate time translating into lower costs reliability for end users. temperatures, components suchand as higher single-stage compression dead-ends and splices are quite often inadequate. Using shunt technology successfully addresses these inadequacies providing an excellent mechanical and electrical for line uprate projects. When combined with helicopter installation,byelectric utilities can avoid de-energizing lines and solution save considerable installation technology successfully addresses these inadequacies by providing an excellent mechanical and electrical solution for line uprate projects. When combined with helicopter installation, utilities time translating into lower costs and higher reliabilityelectric for end users.can avoid de-energizing lines and save considerable installation projects. Wheninto combined withand helicopter installation, electric utilities can avoid de-energizing lines and save considerable installation time translating lower costs higher reliability for end users. www.tdworld.com | June 2015 64G time translating into lower costs and higher reliability for end users. www.tdworld.com | June 2015 64G www.tdworld.com | June 2015 64G www.tdworld.com | June 2015 64G The transmission lines run horizontal out ofofswitchyard for several spans then roll totothe self-supporting, The transmission lines run horizontal out switchyard for several spans then self-supporting, The transmission lines run horizontal out of switchyard for several spans then rollroll to thethe self-supporting, single-pole structures shown ininthe background. The installed ClampStar mid-span shunts are shown single-pole structures shown the background. The installed ClampStar mid-span shunts shown single-pole structures shown in the background. The installed ClampStar mid-span shunts areare shown The transmission lines run horizontal out switchyard for several spans then roll the self-supporting, The transmission lines run horizontal out ofof switchyard for several spans then roll toto the self-supporting, on the conductor. on the conductor. on the conductor. single-polestructures structuresshown shownininthe thebackground. background.The Theinstalled installedClampStar ClampStarmid-span mid-spanshunts shuntsare areshown shown single-pole theconductor. conductor. ononthe June 2015 | |www.tdworld.com 64H June 2015 www.tdworld.com 64H June 2015 | www.tdworld.com 64H June 2015 | www.tdworld.com 64H 64H June 2015 | www.tdworld.com Most ClampStar shunts Most ClampStartime shunts Most ClampStar shunts have an installation of have installationtime time have ananinstallation ofof have an installation time have an installation time ofof less than 10 minutes and can less than1010minutes minutesand andcan can less than less than 10 minutes and can less than 10 minutes and can be installed on an energized installedononananenergized energized bebeinstalled beinstalled installed onan anenergized energized line with hot stick or livebe on line withaaahot hot stick liveline with stick ororliveline barehand crew. Despite line with a hot stick orliveliveline with a hot stick or linebarehand barehandcrew. crew.Despite Despite line the higher material costs line barehand crew. Despite line barehand crew. Despite thehigher highermaterial materialcosts costsofof of the the ClampStar shunts verthe higher material costs the higher material costs ofof theClampStar ClampStarshunts shunts verthe versus the splice and dead-end the ClampStar shunts verthe ClampStar shunts versus the spliceand and dead-end sus the splice dead-end materials, ClampStar shunts sus the splice and dead-end sus the splice and dead-end materials,ClampStar ClampStarshunts shunts materials, installed by helicopter will materials, shunts materials, shunts installed byClampStar helicopter will installed byClampStar helicopter will typically decrease most coninstalled by helicopter will installed by helicopter will typicallydecrease decreasemost mostconcontypically struction time by 70% to typically decrease most contypically decrease most constructiontime timebyby70% 70%toto struction 80%. structiontime timebyby70% 70%toto struction 80%. 80%. Case in point: On re80%. 80%. Caseininpoint: point:On OnaaarereCase cent uprate project, AIR2 Case in point: On a reCase in point: On a recentuprate uprateproject, project, AIR2 AIR2 cent forecasted that it could cent uprate project, AIR2 cent upratethat project, AIR2 forecasted that could forecasted it it could complete three-month forecastedaathat could forecasted it it could complete a that three-month complete three-month job in only weeks. The complete a three-month three-month job onlyfour four weeks.The The complete afour job ininonly weeks. lines were primarily built on lines primarily builtThe on jobin inwere only fourweeks. weeks. The job only four lines were primarily built on double-circuit H-Frame and double-circuit H-Frame and lineswere wereprimarily primarily built on lines built on double-circuit H-Frame and self-supporting single-pole self-supporting single-pole double-circuitH-Frame H-Frame and double-circuit and self-supporting single-pole structures with vertical constructures withvertical vertical conself-supporting single-pole self-supporting single-pole structures with configurations. Both lines use figurations. Both linesuse use structureswith with vertical configurations. Both lines structures vertical configurations.Both Bothlines linesuse use figurations. A AAT AA Shunt Installation on Energized Lines ELECTRIC UTILITY OPERATIONS ELECTRIC ELECTRIC UTILITY UTILITY OPERATIONS OPERATIONS 1590 kcmil 54/19 ACSR (Falcon) conductor and were origi1590 1590 kcmil kcmil 54/19 54/19 ACSR ACSR (Falcon) (Falcon) conductor conductor and and were were origioriginally designed with sufficient clearance forfor max operating nally nally designed designed with with sufficient sufficient clearance clearance for aa max a max operating operating temperature ofof 148°C (300°F). The program began with the temperature temperature of 148°C 148°C (300°F). (300°F). The The program program began began with with the the helicopter crew installing the mid-span shunts with two linehelicopter helicopter crew crew installing installing the the mid-span mid-span shunts shunts with with two two linelinemen working offoff attached toto the helicopter. On men men working working off aa platform aplatform platform attached attached to the the helicopter. helicopter. On On the first day ofthis this project, the linemen installed 2222 mid-span the the first first day day of of this project, project, the the linemen linemen installed installed 22 mid-span mid-span ClampStar units with typical average ofsix sixsix minutes per locaClampStar ClampStar units units with with aatypical a typical average average of of minutes minutes per per localocation. After the second day, allall 3939 mid-span splices were comtion. tion. After After the the second second day, day, all 39 mid-span mid-span splices splices were were comcompletely shunted. pletely pletely shunted. shunted. Installing the dead-end shunts, however, was more Installing Installing the the dead-end dead-end shunts, shunts, however, however, was was aa bit abitbit more more This line now uprated toexceed exceed specified emergency rating re-reThis This line line isisnow is now uprated uprated to to exceed specified specified emergency emergency rating rating reinvolved. AIR2 installed these units anan average rate ofof 3030 involved. involved. AIR2 AIR2 installed installed these these units units atat an at average average rate rate of 30 quirements. quirements. quirements. minutes each. ToTo perform this work, the helicopter positioned minutes minutes each. each. To perform perform this this work, work, the the helicopter helicopter positioned positioned liable and clean energy tocustomers. customers. two linemen the structure towork work offoff ladders supported byby liable liable and and clean clean energy energy to to customers. two two linemen linemen atatthe at the structure structure to to work off ladders ladders supported supported by With the ClampStar units installed, these connectors will the conductor. With With the the ClampStar ClampStar units units installed, installed, these these connectors connectors will will the the conductor. conductor. not bebe subjected toadditional additional temperatures, which would de-deDespite stringent project requirements and calendar liminot be subjected subjected to to additional temperatures, temperatures, which which would would deDespite Despite stringent stringent project project requirements requirements and and calendar calendar limilimi- not grade them. The shunts serve toto carry the current, and any tations, AIR2 was able toinstall install 147 dead-end and 3939 mid-span grade them. them. The The shunts shunts serve serve to carry carry the the current, current, and and any any tations, tations, AIR2 AIR2 was was able able to to install 147 147 dead-end dead-end and and 39 mid-span mid-span grade remaining tension requirements ofof the conductor. The line shunts inin just 1919 total days, which was less than third ofof the remaining tension tension requirements requirements of the the conductor. conductor. The The line line shunts shunts in just just 19 total total days, days, which which was was less less than than aathird a third of the the remaining will therefore bebe uprated forfor higher current capacity, and originally allotted time frame forfor construction. Ultimately, the will therefore therefore be uprated uprated for higher higher current current capacity, capacity, and and originally originally allotted allotted time time frame frame for construction. construction. Ultimately, Ultimately, the the will depending onon the condition ofthe the conductor, provide anan ad-adproficiency ofof the AIR2 crews, coupled with the ease ofof the depending on the the condition condition of of the conductor, conductor, provide provide an adproficiency proficiency of the the AIR2 AIR2 crews, crews, coupled coupled with with the the ease ease of the the depending ditional 3030 to50 5050 years ofavailable available service life tothe the line. ClampStar shunt installations, drove the project toto compleditional 30 to to years years of of available service service life life to to the line. line. ClampStar ClampStar shunt shunt installations, installations, drove drove the the project project to complecomple- ditional tion well ahead ofthe the deadline. tion tion well well ahead ahead of of the deadline. deadline. ByBy installing ClampStar shunts, AIR2’s helicopter crews are Mark Camus ([email protected]) vice president ofof By installing installing ClampStar ClampStar shunts, shunts, AIR2’s AIR2’s helicopter helicopter crews crews are are Mark Mark Camus Camus ([email protected]) ([email protected]) isisvice is vice president president of helping utilities todeliver deliver projects well ahead ofschedule, schedule, save operations forfor AIR2, LLC. helping helping utilities utilities to to deliver projects projects well well ahead ahead of of schedule, save save operations operations for AIR2, AIR2, LLC. LLC. significant expenses relative toother other alternatives and avoid de-designificant significant expenses expenses relative relative to to other alternatives alternatives and and avoid avoid deMentioned inin this article: Mentioned Mentioned in this this article: article: energizing critical lines. InIn addition, this work practice imenergizing energizing critical critical lines. lines. In addition, addition, this this work work practice practice isisimis imAIR2 www.air2.com AIR2 AIR2 | |www.air2.com | www.air2.com proving safety byby minimizing linemen’s time inin anan energized proving proving safety safety by minimizing minimizing linemen’s linemen’s time time in an energized energized Classic Connectors www.classicconnectors.com Classic Classic Connectors Connectors | |www.classicconnectors.com | www.classicconnectors.com environment and enhancing efforts toprovide provide affordable, re-reenvironment environment and and enhancing enhancing efforts efforts to to provide affordable, affordable, re- T&D Infrastructure Management T&D T&D Infrastructure Infrastructure Management Management THE BEST METHOD TO PERMANENTLY 8080Years Years Protecting Prolonging the Life Utility Assets 80 YearsofofofProtecting Protecting&&&Prolonging Prolongingthe theLife LifeofofofUtility UtilityAssets Assets UPRATE & PROTECT Wood Pole Management Wood Wood Pole Pole Management Management OVERHEAD CONNECTIONS Pole inspection and life-extension •• • Pole Pole inspection inspection and and life-extension life-extension Pole restoration and upgrading This new lighter weight, three piece design consists of•• • Pole Pole restoration restoration and and upgrading upgrading a main ClampStar body weighing less than 20 lbs. and•• • Pole Pole loading, make-ready, and pole replacement design Pole loading, loading, make-ready, make-ready, and and pole pole replacement replacement design design two individual 10 lb. Keeper Shoes which allows for an easy hot stick installation. Steel Structure Assessment Rehabilitation Steel Steel Structure Structure Assessment Assessment &&& Rehabilitation Rehabilitation - Installs in less than 10 minutes on energized lines - Decreases total installation time by 70 - 80% - Easily Installs over existing connectors - No mechanical grips, Come-Alongs, jumper cables or cutters needed - Installs with a hot stick or barehand Pole and tower inspection and corrosion mitigation •• • Pole Pole and and tower tower inspection inspection and and corrosion corrosion mitigation mitigation Engineered repairs forfor steel and concrete •• • Engineered Engineered repairs repairs for steel steel and and concrete concrete Highly-trained engineers, eld technicians, and •• • Highly-trained Highly-trained engineers, engineers, fifield field technicians, technicians, and and NACE-certifi eded corrosion experts NACE-certifi NACE-certifi ed corrosion corrosion experts experts Comprehensive asset management programs designed Comprehensive Comprehensive asset asset management management programs programs designed designed totoimprove toimprove improve system resiliency, extend service life, provide accurate system system system resiliency, resiliency, extend extend service service life, life, provide provide accurate accurate system system data, and optimize your investment data, data, and and optimize optimize your your investment investment CALL 800.269.1462 TODAY Visit www.ClampStar.com/bro for a free white paper “Automatic Splices - The Inside story” Classic Connectors USA, LLC ClassicConnectors.com Provider Since 1934 AA Trusted ATrusted Trusted Provider Provider Since Since 1934 1934 382 • Park Ave. East, Mansfield, OH 44905 Safety Quality • • Innovation Innovation Safety Safety •• • Quality Quality Innovation [email protected] 716.319.3423 osmoseutilities.com [email protected] 716.319.3423 716.319.3423•• •osmoseutilities.com osmoseutilities.com ••www.tdworld.com •[email protected] [email protected] www.tdworld.com June 2015 www.tdworld.com || June | June 2015 201567 6767 A New Hope for Aged Lines Lines Utilities now have a cost effective means of increasing ampacity and thermal limits on aging power lines while maintaining technical, safety, reliability and regulatory requirements. Installation of ClampStar® shunts, using helicopters and line crews, to replace traditional splice and dead end materials, can decrease total project time by 70% to 80%. This method also avoids expensive environmental preservation measures and temporary work associated with ground based methods. The utility industry and third party testing have proven that the results achieved are technically superior to other options. Contact your Classic Connectors representative for additional information. classicconnectors.com | 800.269.1462