Helicopters aid infrastructure repair strategy
Helicopters fitted with thermal imaging equipment are being used by E.On’s infrastructure firm to improve its inspection regime.
The helicopters will inspect electricity substations and identify spots where maintenance work might be required.
The substations, in the East and West Midlands, are being analysed by special cameras that show a glowing bright light when there are high levels of heat between connections, joints or any other positions. Engineers can then prioritise these hot spots for repair work.
The analysis is being carried out by Central Networks, which is responsible for 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and almost 97,000 substations.
Jim O’Sullivan, director of infrastructure services at the company, said: “Taking up a helicopter is the best, easiest and fastest way to carry out checks on large sections of the network.”
© PE Publishing, 26 November 2008
