Insulator contamination monitoring and performance in a nuclear power generating station

This paper presents the results of a project performed to (a) determine the severity of insulator contamination in nuclear power generating station, and (b) compare and evaluate different types of room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber coatings available for improving the contamination performance of the porcelain insulators in the station. Cap and pin suspension insulators coated with four different formulations of RTV silicone rubber and uncoated insulators, were evaluated over a 3 year period. Periodic measurements of ESDD, NSDD, contaminant analysis, flashover testing and material analysis were performed. Results indicate that the RTV coatings evaluated can provide a significant improvement in the contamination performance, are resistant to environmental conditions prevailing in the station, and exhibit similar electrical and weathering, characteristics