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A unique sleek state-of-the-art Multi-Spectral Imaging System (MultiCAM) has been developed by the Sensor and Sensor Technology competence area of the CSIR Materials Science and Manufacturing. The MultiCAM can detect and visualise UV discharges, as well as infrared thermal gradients, thus exposing different fault types, and can overlay the images of one on the other giving the user a comprehensive picture of the state of the high-voltage installation.
Development process
Collaboration
Development process
When failures occur on transmission lines, the impact is felt throughout the business and more so by customers. The imager offers an improved solution to customers since it combines visual, ultra-violet and infra-red technologies in one compact, portable camera, thus allowing for time and cost savings with line inspections, and also providing comprehensive inspection capabilities that allow for the integrity of the lines and associated equipment to be assessed.
The unique MultiCAM model is a combination of the CoroCAM 504 daylight UV/Corona detection and visualisation system with the addition of an on-board infrared detection channel. For the first time ever, a single instrument can detect and visualise UV discharges, as well as infrared thermal gradients, thus exposing different fault types, and can overlay the images of one on the other giving the user a comprehensive picture of the state of the high-voltage installation.
Its sleek, videocam looks and portability identify the MultiCAM as part of the CoroCAM family and it comes with most of the comprehensive features and options of the CoroCAM 504. The MultiCAM system already boasts several awards as the most innovative research project and it is expected that market acceptance of the product will meet with the same success as its sister product, the CoroCAM 504, which has generated sales to the extent of $ 1,25 million in its first 12 months after introduction.
Collaboration
The MultiCAM was developed in conjunction with Eskom, whose various units have so far purchased three systems as part of the development programme. Eskom and the CSIR have closely collaborated on several projects, especially in the development of new diagnostic tools for application to transmission line inspections. Their most recent innovation was the development of the MultiCAM.
Primary Contact
Jeremy Wallis
CSIR
jwallis@csir.co.za
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