An innovative method for insulators washing in energised lines

Abstract

A major problem experienced by Red Electrica de Espana in certain coastal areas, as well as highly industrialised inland areas, involves insulator contamination, which leads to countless flashovers in the system. Red Electrica has developed a new insulator washing system, based on a nacelle permanently suspended from the helicopter throughout the insulator high-pressure washing process. The nacelle is also secured to the line conductor, so that the nozzle can be aimed more accurately towards the insulator string and to maintain the high pressure water jet as long as is required to completely clean the insulator string. Under this system, the engine/pump assembly, tanks and spray nozzle are mounted on the nacelle, such that all the weight is suspended from the helicopter load hook. The nacelle design enables water reloading with both the nacelle and helicopter remaining airborne.