Indicators for early detection of potential failures due to water exposure of polymer-clad fiberglass
US7002079B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 4, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/31515
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A composite insulator containing means for providing early warning of impending failure due to stress corrosion cracking, flashunder, or destruction of the rod by discharge activity conditions is described. A composite insulator comprising a fiberglass rod surrounded by a polymer housing and connected with metal end fittings on either end of the rod is doped with a dye-based chemical dopant. The dopant is located around the vicinity of the outer surface of the fiberglass rod. The dopant is formulated to possess migration and diffusion characteristics, and to be inert in dry conditions and compatible with the insulator components. The dopant is positioned within the insulator such that upon the penetration of moisture through the housing to the rod through a permeation pathway in the outer surface of the insulator, the dopant will become activated and will leach out of the same permeation pathway or diffuse through the housing. The activated dopant then creates a deposit or stain on the outer surface of the insulator housing. The dopant comprises an oil-soluble dye, an indicator, or a stain compound that can either be visually identified, or is sensitive to radiation at one or more …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.