Automated high voltage cable joint inspection using X-ray techniques

Abstract

Non-destructive testing methods for high voltage joints cables include dimensional checks and insulation system contamination evaluations that are generally performed using conventional x-ray technology. This thesis investigates the feasibility of converting from photographic x-ray imaging and manual inspection to a digital image capture with automated inspection. To do this a new inspection facility was constructed that replaces the photographic film with an x-ray CCD camera coupled with a microfocus x-ray source, enclosed in an irradiation chamber. The images produced from the new facility have to be photometrically corrected to removed the noise in the image associated with the CCD array/scintillating screen. The interfaces between each component of the insulation system can be found using novel feature extraction techniques on the differentiated cable joint image. From this detection the size of each component can be calculated. Once the dimensions of the joint are known, the defect free insulation system data can be removed from the image to allow the insulation contamination evaluation to be completed. This is achieved using statistical analysis of pixel intensity distributions of regions of the image. The results of this cable joint defect inspection can then be used along with the data from the dimensional checks to generate a virtual 3D cable joint. The analysis of the dimensional and contamination investigations along with the virtual cable joint can then be used to determine if the cable joint is fit for service.

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