Iriss Sonus PD User manual

Operating Manual
Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector

Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector2
Distribution:
Model:
Type:
IRISS Inc.
Ultrasonic Detector
Sonus PD Multifunction device for leak detection, tightness control and other maintenance tasks
IRISS Inc.
10306 Technology Terrace
Bradenton, FL 34211
Phone: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.iriss.com
© 2017 IRISS Inc. All rights reserved
The contents of this manual are copyrighted property. Duplication and distribution in any form, particularly reprinting,
photographic, mechanical or electronic reproduction, or in the form of storage in data processing systems or data
networks, is prohibited without the consent of the copyright holder.
Revision: 1.0, Date: 2017-03-15 Subject to technical modications!

Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector 3
07
1 The Sonus PD
2 Partial Discharge
2.1 Electromagnetic Waves
2.1.1 Electromagnetic Waves
2.1.2 Acoustic Emissions
3 Physical Dimensions Of Sonus PD
3.1 Dimensions
3.2 Weight
3.3 Power Supply
3.4 Temperature
3.5 Relative Humidity
3.6 IP Rating
4 CE Compliance
5 Sonus PD Kit List
6 General Substation Safety Precautions
6.1 Access
6.2 Visual Inspection Of Substation
7 Environmental Protection
8 Sonus PD Overview
8.1 Sonus PD Outline
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Contents

Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector4
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8.2 Sonus PD Input/ Output
9 Transient Earth Voltage (TEV)
9.1 Capacitive Coupler Sensor
9.2 Specication
10 Acoustic Emission (AE)
10.1 Surface Tracking
10.2 Acoustic Sensor
10.3 Specication
11 Operational Control
11.1 Control Buttons
11.2 Power
11.2.1 Battery Level
11.3 Operating Modes
11.3.1 TEV Modes
11.3.2 TEV Noise Detection
11.3.3 AE Mode
11.4 Display
11.4.1 Level Display
11.5 Sonus PD App
11.5.1 Sonus PD App Introduction
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Contents Cont.

Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector 5
11.5.2 Combined Functionality
12 Check Sonus PD Function
12.1 Function Tester
12.2 Check The TEV Function
12.3 Check The AE Function
13 Surveying Switchgear Panels For PD- TEV
13.1 Step 1- Check TEV Activity Levels
13.1.1 Example 1 – Component Switchgear
13.1.2 Example 2 – Fully Enclosed Switchgear
13.2 Step 2- Verify Whether Detected Activity is Noise or PD
14 Surveying Switchgear Panels For PD- TEV
14.1 Step 1- Check Acoustic Emissions Activity Levels
15 Appendix A: Example Test Sheet
16 Appendix B: The Relationship Between PD and Criticality
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Contents Cont.

Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector 6
The Sonus PD is a rst level partial discharge (PD)
detection instrument designed for use both in distribution
voltage substations and HV Switchyards. It enables
Network Operators to carry out simple routine tests that will
identify discharge activity in switchgear and accessories.
The battery powered portable device has a live display that
shows a quantied level of detected PD activity. A colour
coded trac light system indicates when detected levels
exceed the pre-set thresholds.
The Sonus PD has a built in TEV sensor for capacitive
coupling to switchgear and a built in ultrasonic sensor for
detection of surface discharge and tracking. Headphones
are also supplied to help the user when working in noisy
environments.
The Sonus PD is supplied with a battery operated Function
Tester that should be used to verify the correct operation of
the instrument before use.
The Sonus PD is a non-intrusive test device therefore PD
can be identied and located whilst the equipment remains
live.
1 The Sonus PD

Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector7
Partial Discharge (PD) is an electrical discharge that does not completely bridge the space between two conducting
electrodes. The discharge may be in a gas lled void in a solid insulating material, in a gas bubble in a liquid insulator or
around an electrode in a gas. When partial discharge occurs in a gas, it is usually known as corona.
Partial discharge is generally accepted as the predominant cause of long term degradation and eventual failure of
electrical insulation. As a result, its measurement is standard as part of the factory testing of most types of high voltage
equipment. In-service monitoring of equipment for PD gives an advance warning of pending insulation failure. This allows
a plant operator to take remedial action during planned outages.
Partial discharge often occurs under normal working conditions, gradually deteriorating the dielectric until it can no longer
withstand the electrical stress and fails. Levels of PD activity will measure as insulating materials degrade. By detecting
this PD activity while the equipment is in operation, failure can be avoided.
A PD event will radiate energy in different forms and this energy can be picked up by the Sonus PD in order to detect the
source and locate it.
PD creates EM radiation that dissipates in all directions away from the source. Metal components, for instance the panels
around switchgear, will pick up this radiation and small voltages called Transient Earth Voltages (TEVs) are induced on
the surface. These very high frequency signals will be picked up by the Sonus PD and indicate that there is a PD source
nearby.
Partial Discharge also generates acoustic emissions energy across a wide band of frequencies. This acoustic energy can
be detected in the ultrasonic range when there is a ‘line of sight’ between the PD source and the detecting sensor. Sharp
points, for instance on air insulated cable terminations, are typical sources of corona that will produce acoustic emission.
Cast insulators are prone to Surface Tracking where electrical stress across the insulator’s surface causes discharge, and
deteriorates the insulator surface and creates carbon tracks. This can lead to ashover and failure of the equipment
2.1.2 Acoustic Emmissions (AE)
2 Partial Discharge
2.1 Radiated Energy
2.1.1 Electromagnetic Waves (EM)

Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector 8
The Sonus PD has the following external dimensions excluding the carry bag:
• Width: 190 mm
• Height: 90 mm
• Depth: 65 mm
The Sonus PD weighs 300g.
3.3 Power Supply
The Sonus PD has a built in Lithium-Ion battery allowing for long battery life. A battery charger and car charger is included
in the kit.
The Sonus PD Field Detector can be used in the following temperature ranges:
• Operation: 0°C to +55°C
• Storage: -20°C to +75°C
3.5 Relative Humidity
The Field Detector can be used in the following relative humidity ranges:
• Operation: 0% to 90%
3.4 Temperature
The SONUS PD is IP54 rated but is not intended for use in damp conditions.
3.6 IP Rating
Test Situation Est. Battery Life
Sonus PD Only 5 hours
Sonus PD with App 6 hours
3 Physical Dimensions of Sonus PD
3.1 Dimensions
3.2 Weight

Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector 9
The Sonus PD system complies with the following directives:
EN 61000-6-2: 2005 Immunity Standard (Industrial Environment)
EN 61000-6-3: 2007 Emission Standard (Residential, Commercial and Light Industry Environment)
4 CE Compliance
The Sonus PD Kit includes:
• 1 x Sonus PD
• 1 x Sonus PD power supply / charger unit
• 1 x USB Charger Cable
• 1 x Car Charging Adapter
• 1 x 3.5mm stereo headband Headset
• 1 x PD-FT Function Tester
• 1 x Moulded carry case
• 1 x Sonus PD Manual
• 1 x Sonus PD Companion App Manual
5 Sonus PD Kit List

Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector10
The Test Engineer shall only enter the customer’s switchyard or substation after they have received permission from an
Authorised Person appointed by the Plant Owner. If in doubt on any matter the Plant Owner’s High Voltage safety rules
should be consulted by theTest Engineer(s) who will carry out the testing.
On entry to the test area a visual inspection of the area should be carried out by the Test Engineer(s). This should enable
the operator to identify any potential hazards in the area and to assess both the type of equipment to be tested and the
method of doing so. (i.e. Switchgear using CC sensors or Cables using HFCT sensors) Only when this visual inspection
has been completed can the equipment be set-up for testing.
6.2 Visual Inspection of Substation
6 General Substation Safety Precautions
Before using the Sonus PD in the substation or switchyard it is important for the user to read and
understand the following general safety information
The test engineer should obey the plant owner’s High Voltage safety rules at all times. The following safety rules which
are particular to the Sonus PD equipment should be applied in addition to the existing safety rules, which are required by
the plant owner. General safety rules for the use of the Sonus PD are as follows:
1. Avoid working alone.
2. Only authorized personnel with appropriate Health and Safety Training should use the equipment.
3. Do not use the equipment if it is damaged, or its safety is impaired in any way.
4. Inspect and test all ground leads and signal cables for continuity.
5. The User should have read and understood the appropriate equipment manuals.
6. Always select the appropriate sensor and sensor connection for the application.
7. The instrument has been designed for use only on the grounded, outer surfaces of metal-clad equipment and
the ground/neutral connections of cables/switchgear. Under no circumstances should the Sonus PD sensors be
connected to the high voltage terminals of HV Plant under test.
8. Always maintain Safety Distances between the instrument, PD sensors, the operator and any high voltage
components.
9. Do not disturb or interfere with the high voltage equipment in any way.
10. The User should wear sensible and appropriate PPE and clothing when in the substation.
6.1 Access

Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector11
This product contains general electronic components that may be environmentally harmful if improperly disposed. Please
use correct disposal methods in accordance with local regulations. Device can be returned to IRISS Inc. at the end of life
for proper disposal.
The SONUS PD has a tough ABS plastic enclosure with rubber protective covering around the PD sensors. Both built in PD
sensors are mounted at the front of the instrument so that they can be easily directed at the inspection point. The SONUS
PD is controlled with two membrane switches on the front panel. An OLED type screen is used for function control and
providing both text and graphical output information to the user. In addition the SONUS PD has an audio output through
both a built in speaker and 3.5mm earphones jack.
The unit is powered by a lithium-ion battery giving a long life for hours of use. The software has intelligent power
management prolonging battery life further.
8.1 Sonus PD Outline
The Sonus PD has inputs and outputs as detailed in the tables below:
8.2 Sonus PD Input/Output
Front Panel Type
Display OLED
Display 6 x PD Level LEDs
Control Button MODE Membrane Switch
ON/OFF Button Membrane Switch
Earphone Socket 3.5mm Jack
External AE Sensor 3.5mm Jack
Power Charge Socket 2.1mm DC Power
Bluetooth Module Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR
7 Environmental Protection
8 Sonus PD Overview

Sonus PD Ultrasonic Detector 12
Partial discharge activity inside a metal clad high voltage plant induces small voltage impulses called Transient Earth
Voltages on the surface of the metal cladding. These TEVs travel around the cladding surface to the outside of the gear
where they can be picked up using capacitively coupled transducers.
Note: TEV is generally only present in equipment rated above 2,500 Volts.
Fig 2a: TEV PD pulse propagation equipment.
The built in Capacitive Coupler sensor detects TEVs as they pass over the cladding of the high voltage equipment. The
very fast transient signals are detected by the Sonus PD and their magnitude measured and displayed. A noise cancelling
algorithum inside the Sonus PD unit seperates background noise from actual TEV.
9.1 Capacitive Coupler Sensor
Frequency Response 20MHz – 200MHz
TEV detection range 0 – 70dB
9.2 Specication
9 Transient Earth Voltage (TEV)

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Acoustic Emission is ultrasonic energy that is emitted by discharges on electrical insulating surfaces or sometimes called
Surface Tracking.
10 Acoustic Emission (AE)
Surface Tracking is the formation of a permanent conducting path across an insulator surface. Usually the conduction
path results from degradation of the insulation. Tracking most readily occurs when the insulation is a carbon based
compound. A High voltage plant is often very dicult to clean, so dirt and contaminants can build up over time. In the
presence of moisture, these contaminating layers give rise to leakage current over the insulator surface. This heats the
surface and through evaporation causes interruption in the moisture lm. Large potential differences are generated over
the gaps in the moisture lm and small sparks can bridge the gaps. Heat from the sparks causes carbonisation of the
insulation and leads to the formation of permanent carbon tracks on the surface. Under such conditions this process will
develop over time and eventually lead to ashover and full breakdown of the insulation.
10.1 Surface Tracking
The ultrasonic acoustic Sensor is designed for use on air insulated terminations where there is a clear sound path
between the electrically stressed insulation and the probe. The sensor is extremely sensitive when pointed directly at
the discharge source. The transducer is embedded into the rubber moulded cover at the front of the instrument so it
can be easily directed towards the parts of electrical plant where tracking may occur. It is generally recommended that
equipment be kept in a closed and guarded condition at all times. IRISS recommends the use of ultrasound ports built into
the equipment to take AE readings safely and eciently.
10.2 Acoustic Sensor
Frequency response 40KHz ± 1KHz
Detection 70dB
10.3 Specication
Fig 2b: AE PD pulse propagation in equipment.

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11 Operational Control
The Sonus PD is controlled by three buttons on the instrument as shown in Figure 3.
11.1 Surface Tracking
Fig 3: Sonus PD Controls
The POWER button is used to turn the Sonus PD ON and OFF. By pressing the button once the
instrument will toggle between these states.
Note: that the POWER button should be pressed and held down for two seconds before the power is
switched.
11.2 Power
The remaining charge in the battery is indicated by the small icon in the bottom right hand side of the display screen.
11.2.1 Battery level

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The MODE button is used to toggle the instrument between TEV Mode and AE Mode. The MODE
button should be pressed for about half a second in order switch between the two modes
11.3 Operating Modes
In TEV Mode the instrument measures and displays the magnitude of TEV signals detected. The measured value is shown
in dBmV such that 0dB = 1mV. The relationship between detected signal magnitude in dB and mV is shown in the Table
below;
11.3.1 TEV Mode
mV dB
1 0
2 6
5 14
10 20
20 26
35 31
50 34
100 40
1,000 60
10,000 80
Table 1: Relationship between mV and dB for TEV signals

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In TEV Mode, the Sonus PD can identify high frequency signals that are from a noise source and are not PD. When noise is
detected, the display will show both the true TEV value in dB and the noise dB level as shown in the gure 4 below.
11.3.2 TEV Noise Detection
Fig 4: Noise Indication
The noise detection algorithm is only applied to signals with a magnitude greater than 20dB as noise signals below this
level are relatively common.
It should be noted that when high noise is detected, it can mask genuine TEV. It is advisable to use more sophisticated PD
detection instruments that can detect PD even in the presence of high noise.
In AE Mode the instrument measures and displays the magnitude of ultrasonic acoustic signals detected. The measured
value is shown in dBµV such that 0dB = 1µV. The relationship between detected signal magnitude in dB and mV is shown
in the Table below.
11.3.3 AE Mode

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µV dB
0.5 -6
1 0
2 6
5 14
10 20
20 26
35 31
50 34
100 40
1,000 60
3,100 70
Table 2: Relationship between µV and dB for AE signals
11.4 Display
Fig 5 shows the default display for both TEV and AE Modes and shows the real-time signal levels measured in dB as a
single number.
11.4.1 Level Display
Fig 5: LEVEL Mode for TEV and AE
In TEV mode, the Count is also shown. The Count is the average number of pulses detected in a single power cycle and
reects the intensity of the detected activity.
Coloured LEDs on either side of the display indicate whether the activity detected is Low, Medium or High.

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Fig 6: LEVEL Mode for TEV and AE
Low <20dB
Medium 20- 29dB
High >29dB
Thresholds for TEV measurements are set according to the levels shown in the table below;
Thresholds for AE measurements are set according to the levels shown in the table below;
Table 3: TEV activity level thresholds
Table 4: AE activity level thresholds
Low <20dB
Medium 20- 29dB
High >29dB

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The SONUS PD is unique in PD detection in that by using a built-in Bluetooth module, the SONUS PD is able to connect
with an Android smartphone running the Sonus PD App.
The SONUS PD will automatically connect to a smartphone once it receives a Bluetooth connection request from the
SONUS PD App. From here, the user may take and store readings in real time.
11.5 Sonus PD App
11.5.1 Sonus PD App Introduction
For further information please refer to the Sonus PD App User Guide
The Sonus PD App unlocks additional functions with the Sonus PD Instrument. Once the Instruments and App have been
paired, the Sonus PD will display only a Bluetooth Symbol and all reading and monitoring functionality will transfer to the
Sonus PD App.
11.5.2 Combined Functionality

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When taking readings, the Sonus PD will seek synchronization with the power cycle in the substation in order to ensure
that the readings it is collecting are accurate.
Not Synchronized Synchronized
The synchronization status will also be displayed on the mobile app.