Saudi Electricity Company improves service and reduces costs with Fluke inspection equipment
MEASUREMENT & MONITORING SETTING A NEW STANDARD
FLUKE
Saudi Electricity Company improves service and reduces costs with Fluke inspection equipment
Cutting-Edge Fluke Inspection Equipment is Setting a New Standard for Reliable Power The Saudi Electricity Company ( SEC ) has reduced its yearly operational costs by 20 % and improved its service levels to customers by upgrading its maintenance capabilities with inspection equipment from Fluke , the global technology leader in professional electronic test and measurement tools and software . SEC ’ s value-based maintenance strategy , which was implemented in 2014 , has transformed its maintenance routines with the use of Fluke Ti32 definition thermal imaging cameras and Ti400 / Ti450 portable infrared cameras , leading to a reduction in power outages .
Thermal imaging capability
Infrared cameras are invaluable for detecting small temperature differentials and can demonstrate progressive heat changes over time , allowing maintenance professionals to detect critical issues before they become failures . Fluke has recently relaunched its popular range of thermal imaging cameras , Ti300 +, Ti401PRO and TiX501 , all of which offer the quality expected from Fluke products and industryleading Lasersharp ® autofocus technology which allows users to get the images they require in focus every time . Designed with field use in mind , the cameras are rugged and able to be used with one hand for simple and easy operation . The built-in laser distance meter calculates and displays the distance to the designated target on the camera screen and snaps the image in focus . Most importantly , temperature readings from in-focus images will be highly accurate . Each tool allows the user to record imagery for reports and record notes to the device so there is no need to carry paper and pen .
Transition from CBM to value-based maintenance
With the implementation of Fluke equipment , the SEC has been able to transform its maintenance routines and improve the reliability of its networks . The thermal cameras have been instrumental in identifying hot spots and detecting
With the implementation of Fluke equipment , the SEC has been able to transform its maintenance routines and improve the reliability of its networks .
temperature differences between phases , which have helped in reducing the number of unplanned outages . The use of precision acoustic imagers for corona discharge detection is expected to further enhance the company ’ s predictive maintenance strategy and help it achieve its goal of providing an uninterrupted power supply to its customers .
Increased reliability
Zakaria Al-Ramadhan , who has over 20 years ’ experience at SEC and is the Distribution Engineering Specialist , says “ Reliability is the key issue when supplying power . Customers pay the company to supply power with no outages , which is why minimising disruption to supply is the most important focus for us .”
As a result of the successful implementation of Fluke equipment , the SEC is planning to purchase more corona cameras and deliver training to more of its technicians .
In addition to the thermal imaging equipment , the SEC has also taken on a range of rugged hand-held maintenance tools , which have increased the efficiency of its maintenance teams and reduced downtime . These include 49 Fluke 1736 three-phase power loggers alongside nearly 1000 Fluke 376 AC / DC clampmeters , 470 Fluke 1507 insulation testers and 600 1ACII non-contact voltage detectors . The move from condition-based maintenance to valuebased maintenance has not only resulted in significant cost savings , but it has also improved the sustainability of the company ’ s networks .
The SEC ’ s successful implementation of predictive maintenance has set an example for other utility companies both locally and around the world .
For further information , please visit www . fluke . com
110 PECM Issue 62