Following the results of 2018, employees of the regional isolation and overvoltage protection service (RI OPS) and insulation services of the production divisions of the Ulyanovsk Distribution Grids branch (included in the Rosseti group) -IDGC of Volga, PJSC conducted 7,148 electrical equipment tests.

They included 2,478 tests at transformer substations (SS) 0.4 / 6/10 kV, 732 tests at SS 110/35 kV and 46 tests on overhead lines (OHL) with voltage 0.4 / 6/10 kV. Power engineers are able to achieve maximum accuracy and efficiency when conducting electrical tests and measurements through the use of modern diagnostic methods and high-tech equipment. In particular, a vibro-acoustic method is used to identify microcracks in porcelain-core insulation.

Since 2017, the branch has been using the ultrasonic method to diagnose the structure of high-voltage porcelain. The most effective, so-called non-contact method for diagnosing the state of equipment and structures without taking them out of work is thermal imaging control. Thermal imaging surveys allow power engineers to detect even minor defects by fixing and converting infrared radiation into the visible spectrum. In 2018, DS IZP specialists used a thermal imager to examine 43 high-voltage substations, 56 high-voltage overhead lines and 1,431 6-10 / 0.4 kV transformer substations. In addition, the branch operates a modern high-performance chemical and chromatographic laboratory that analyzes samples coming from the entire region. At the end of last year, laboratory staff conducted 773 analyses of transformer oil samples.

Physico-chemical and chromatographic analyses carried out on electronic equipment with the use of new techniques and technologies allow to determine any deviations from the norm as accurately as possible and to diagnose slowly developing defects in transformers at early stages. Periodic tests, measurements and inspections of electrical equipment allow early detection of defects and malfunctions, thereby eliminating the risk of damage to expensive equipment and the occurrence of technological disruptions in networks.

All data obtained during surveys are taken into account in the formation and adjustment of annual production programs.