Advanced HV circuit breaker analyzer PKV/M7

Since 2010, Khabarovsk repair and installation company, JSC has been successfully using in its professional activities one PKV/M7 high-voltage circuit breaker analyzer and one PUV-10 control panel for the drive of the high-voltage circuit breaker.

Basically, PKV/M7 and PUV-10 are used to measure the parameters of high-voltage circuit breakers of 6 (10) kV voltage classes, less often of 35 kV voltage class. But PKV/M7 has also been repeatedly used to measure time parameters of high-voltage circuit breakers of 110 kV and 220 kV voltage classes of foreign and Russian production.

The advantages of PKV/M7 and PUV-10 are: reliability because for 10 years of operation, the devices have proven themselves in a good way; simplicity and ease of use; low weight and dimensions of the devices; the design of PKV/M7 in a robust case that is very important during device transportation and field operation.

Taking into account our experience, we would like to recommend SKB EP devices for high-voltage equipment diagnostics.

In the production activities, our production department uses the following devices manufactured by SKB EP, LLC:

• PKV/M7 high-voltage circuit breaker analyzer (in operation since 2008);
• PUV-regulator dedicated for controlling the drive of a high-voltage circuit breaker at low voltage (in operation since 2019);
• MIKO-1 industrial microohmmeter (in operation since 2019).

Above-mentioned devices are used for diagnostics of both Russian-manufactured high-voltage circuit breakers (VMT-110, MKP-110, VT-35, S-35, VK-10, VMP-10) and of foreign production (LTB-145).

Being used these devices have proven themselves to be the best side. With the help of PKV/M7, it became possible to detect internal defects of the circuit breakers in a non-demountable mode. The functionality of the device is very simple and easy to use. The device allows you to control main characteristics of high-voltage circuit breakers. The main faults identified by PKV/M7 during repairs are the different timing of contact closures. When analyzing the speed characteristics, speed dips are detected that indicate the presence of jamming or mashing in the mechanism and that means that repair is required. Before this device was purchased, all the characteristics had to be taken with the demount of the circuit breaker, which led to an increase in the repair time.

The device for controlling the drive of a high-voltage circuit breaker at a low voltage (PUV-regulator) was purchased for the needs of our division relatively recently. The presence of this device made it possible to check the operability of a high-voltage circuit breaker at low voltage, which is one of the standards for testing and measurements.

Industrial microohmmeter MIKO-1 is also relatively new for our company, but it has proven itself only on the positive side.

All the devices we use are mobile. One more advantage of MIKO-1 is the presence of autonomous power supply.

We would also like to thank you for holding free webinars dedicated to the study of the devices manufactured by your company.

I definitely recommend these devices for organizations that operate high-voltage equipment.

We would like to inform you that the following devices manufactured by SKB EP, LLC are in operation at Sakhalin RHPP: PKV/M7, MIKO-2.3, PKR-2.

The devices have proven themselves to be a good side in terms of operation. Their use allows you to significantly save time for diagnostics of electrical equipment and improve the quality of repairs. The devices are distinguished by ease of operation, compact design, good build quality and high accuracy.

We are grateful to SKB EP, LLC for the manufacture of high-quality diagnostic devices and for the interest that was shown to the experience of use of their devices. We also hope for the manufacture of new developments that will interest the specialists of electrical laboratories of power enterprises.

In the Eastern Electrical Grids the branch of IPGC, OJSC we have been using the following devices manufactured by SKB EP, LLC:

• PKV/M7 circuit breaker analyzer (since 2012);
• MIKO-1 microohmmeter (since 2014);
• MIKO-2.3 micromillikiloohmmeter (since 2019).

PKV/M7 circuit breaker analyzer proved to be reliable, there was not a single case of failure. The device allows to measure several parameters in one measurement cycle, which significantly reduces the total time spent on assessment of the circuit breaker technical condition. The ability to use local and remote start expands the application area of this instrument.

MIKO-1 microohmmeter has established itself as a simple, unpretentious in use, but quite accurate device. It is compact, and its test cables are flexible, therefore the work might be done even at low temperatures.

MIKO-2.3 device is easy to use due to its small size. The device is equipped with a convenient and useful carrying bag in that you can put all the accessories and test cables. Additionally, we purchased test cables of different lengths and different other accessories that made it easier to work with the device on various equipment. During the use of the device, no failures in its operation were detected.

We express our gratitude to SKB EP, LLC for the production of high-quality and reliable devices and we recommend the use of these devices to companies of various activity types.

To date, the following devices are in operation in the electrotechnical laboratory of the Yaroslavl Power Supply Distance of the Northern Energy Supply Directorate: MIKO-2.3, MIKO-7, PKR-1 and PKV/M7.

These devices are used in conducting a comprehensive survey of electrical equipment of substations, such as power and converter transformers, high-voltage circuit breakers, and disconnectors. During the tests, SKB EP devices gave a good account of their reliability, stability of operation, and ease of use. When using the above-mentioned devices, total measurement time was reduced.

The use of PKR-1 OLTC analyzer made it possible to more accurately determine the defects of the power transformer and tap changing device during a comprehensive check-up. The most frequently diagnosed damages are burning and adjustment of the contactor contacts of the tap changing device. The second most common defect is the burning of circuit breaker contacts. One of these defects was confirmed by the visual inspection.

The use of MIKO-2.3 and MIKO-7 devices that are dedicated to the resistance measurement in inductive circuits gave the greatest reduce of measurement time. When using an AC bridge, one resistance measurement of the 110 kV transformer winding lasted about 1.5 minutes. When using MIKO-2.3 or MIKO-7 devices, the time spent on one measurement was reduced to 30 seconds.

PKV/M7 circuit breaker analyzer is used for a comprehensive assessment of the state of high-voltage circuit breakers. As the main direction was chosen the assessment of SF6 circuit breakers of MKP-110 type. There is a big survey conducted of SF6 circuit breakers installed instead of oil circuit breakers. The use of PKV/M7 circuit breaker analyzer has reduced the time spent on the diagnostics of circuit breakers, and increased the accuracy of the data obtained. Previously, the measurements of the moving parts movement and compression were controlled by a ruler with oil drained from the circuit breaker tank. PKV/M7 circuit breaker analyzer is, first of all, more comfortable to use and has better accuracy comparing to the previously used methods.

Having experience in the operation of SKB EP devices since 2016, we can definitely recommend the use of these devices for diagnostics of energy facilities.

We have been using the devices MIKO-2.3 (2 pcs.), PKV/M7 (1 pc.) and MIKO-1 (1 pc.) in the Vakhsky district of Nizhnevartovsk electrical networks.

We have been working with your devices for more than 10 years on the following types of high-voltage switches: VGB-35 (6-110kV), S-35 (with the drives SHPE-12 and PP-67), VMT-110, VGT-110, transformers TM (6-10 kV), TMG (6-10kV), and various types of disconnectors with the voltage 6-220 kV.

All the devices are quite convenient to use.

With the help of your devices, we have detected a lot of equipment malfunctions.

The accuracy of the results compared to similar devices of other manufacturers is at a high level. I can sincerely recommend your devices to other organizations.

T. N. Ratnikov
Chief Foreman of the Vakhsky District of Nizhnevartovsk electrical networks

The electrotechnical laboratory of Kanskaya CHPP, JSC has used the following devices of SKB EP, LLC in operation: MIKO-1 (since 2009); PKV/M7 and PUV-regulator (since 2016).

These devices are used to measure and diagnose oil circuit breakers, vacuum circuit breakers; load-break switches; measurement of transient resistances of contact connections of disconnectors, busbars.

MIKO-1 microohmmeter has optimal overall dimensions, easy and convenient to use. This device is equipped with a built-in battery, which makes it easier to use it even on the high objects. The disadvantage of this device is the inability to work while charging and the inability to connect power bank when working in the field. 

[Manufacturer note]: MIKO-1 was developed more than 20 years ago, when the ability to connect to a power bank, as well as the ability to work when charging from mains, weren’t so widespread and necessary. These disadvantages are eliminated for our more modern microohmmeters MIKO-10 and MIKO-21. At the same time, we also would like to note that the built-in battery is safer from the point of view of the device's safety than the external one, and makes it possible to conduct diagnostics and measurements even when the device can’t be connected to the network. If your MIKO-1 runs out of power quickly, we recommend you to replace the battery in the device by yourself (we can send you instructions).

We also equipped the crocodile-type measuring clamps with measuring forks, which allows to take measurements faster.

[Manufacturer note]: As regards the additional supply of the measuring terminals with measuring plugs by yourself, we would like to note that it may affect the condition of the cables and the accuracy of the measurement results. In the additional configuration of MIKO-1 (you can learn more about them in the section Complete set) there are measuring cables with with spring loaded needle-type contacts (art. SKB018.13.00.000 and SKB018.17.00.000), which can be used for measuring transient resistances in hard-to-reach areas of any objects with painted or dirty surfaces.

The devices PKV/M7, PUV-regulator also proved its great quality. They are convenient and easy to use, and what is more, they have high measurement accuracy. The devices allow you to measure a number of important parameters in one cycle (time diversity, compression, speed, etc.), which significantly cuts the processing time and assessment of the technical condition of the switch. The complete set of the device is sufficient for carrying out work on the equipment operated by us.

The devices of SKB EP LLC have proven themselves positively in terms of operation, accuracy and speed of measurements. Their use can significantly save time for diagnostics of electrical equipment and improve the quality of service.

We express our gratitude to SKB EP LLC for high-quality and reliable products and recommend these devices to organizations engaged in the repair and operation of equipment.

V. N. Vladimirov
Director

Since 2006, Tulenergo the branch of IDGC of Center and Volga region, PJSC, has been using devices PKV/M6, PKV/M7, MIKO-1 and PKR-2M manufactured by SKB EP, LLC.

PKV/M7 and MIKO-1 have become irreplaceable assistants in diagnostic of high-voltage switches the following types: VMG-133, VMP-10, VK-10, VBM-10-20, S-35, VT-35, VGBE- 35, MKP-110, VGT-110. PKR-2M is used to accurately and quickly assess the state of the switching device of power transformers.

All devices are reliable, convenient and easy to use thanks to the clear interface and small dimensions.

We express our gratitude to SKB EP, LLC for the production of high-quality and also we recommend devices of the company to organizations involved in the installation, debugging, operation and repair of electrical equipment.

Churakov A.V.
Commissioning and testing engineer of Diagnostic Service

Odinets A. A.
Acting head of Diagnostic Service

Specialists of Irkutsk HPP (hydro power plant) have been using the SKB EP instruments for several years. The PKV/M7 instruments were used for measuring time characteristics of moving parts of such circuit breakers as ABB HGI-3 (13.8kV), AREVA HGF-1012 (110kV), SIEMENS 3AP1DT-145 (110kV, 220kV), and 3AP1DT-245 (220kV); the MIKO-2.3 and MIKO-7 instruments are used on electric motors (0.4kV) and the RVR(Z)-20/2000 M-U3, RGNP-110/2000-50UHL1, RDZ-1-110-2000UHL1, and RNDZ-220/2000U1 (13.8/110/220kV) disconnecting devices.

The PKV/M7 instrument meets all our needs in HV circuit breaker diagnosis. It provides convenient control of poles time difference using the PC software that shows defects in a circuit breaker long before they may cause a heavy failure.

The MIKO-2.3 milliohmmeter provides quick output of the results of measurements; it is a universal instrument that integrates four modes in one. The instrument is rather convenient and mobile. But for some circuit breaker models the length of a cable for the milliohmmeter mode is not quite sufficient for convenient instrument manipulation. Battery charge for ‘microohmmeter with account of a current transformer’ mode is sufficient for one measurement only, which extends the diagnosis time, but the instrument has an option of fast battery charge.

The MIKO-7 in the course of operation proved to be rather efficient. The only drawback is non-reliable "crocodile" clips. The instrument has a robust shock-proof housing that “saved” the instrument many times.

The updated software of the milliohmmeter allowed us to save time and eliminate personnel’s mistakes. When we used a voltampermetre we had to carry several instruments, and a battery; their assembly took time, and measurements on a transformer took two hours minimum. Time of measurements using the MIKO-7 is halved or even makes one third of that.

Benefits of the PKV/M7 include: information on the results of measurements and ability to operate the circuit breaker from the instrument. The MIKO-2.3 is rather mobile; the MIKO-7 has a large set of functions and automatic mode of operation.

During the SKB EP instruments operation on the main electric equipment of the plant we did not face any problems, the instruments worked properly, without failures. On the auxiliary equipment the problems with electric motors were timely revealed (inter-winding short circuit, break of windings end).

Specialists of Irkutsk HPP recommend the PKV/M7, MIKO-2.3 and MIKO-7 to all the companies as they are cost-effective analogues of the instruments of foreign manufacture.

The PKV/M7 Instrument is used in MES of East for measurement of time characteristics of moving parts of the U-220, and MKP-110 circuit breakers.

The PKV/M7 Instrument meets all our needs in HV circuit breaker diagnosis. It provides convenient control of poles time difference using the PC software that shows defects in a circuit breaker long before they may cause a heavy failure.

The instrument allows early identification of misalignment of a drive and contact system (squeeze, time of contact system delays, bounce) in the circuit breakers. Early detection of these developing faults eliminates costly repair of a contact system of a circuit breaker.