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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

X-ray monitoring of 230-kV cable potheads for maintenance inspections

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5478053
A system has been designed by which pothead connections and corresponding components can be radiographically inspected for high mechanical stresses and failure potential. The system, employing a /sup 60/Co source with a special lead collimator, was used to make high-resolution radiographs of 230 kV potheads of cables in the high-pressure oil-filled pipe-type cable system at Grand Coulee Dam. The selection and use of the equipment are discussed. It was concluded from this operation that radiography can verify conditions of cables and potheads that could result in future problems. It cannot positively identify an imminent failure. This limitation of radiography should be recognized, and care must be exercised in the interpretation of inspection radiographs. However, there is a certain amount of confidence to be realized when the cable or pothead mechanical condition appears to be normal or as-designed, and when no changes can be observed over a period of time. With further development of radiographic techniques and special equipment, it should be possible to inspect the condition of cables inside steel-flange or ceramic potheads with a single type of cassette and a standard exposure geometry. (LCL)
Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
5478053
Report Number(s):
PNL-SA-7529; CONF-7904187-1; ON: DE82008594
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English