Laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy for detection of biological contamination on composite insulators

Paper in proceeding, 2003

A new technique for remote detection of biological contamination on high-voltage outdoor insulators has been investigated. The technique, which is based on laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy, has been applied to study surfaces of real silicon rubber insulators from a distance of approximately 60 m. Measurements were performed outdoors on a number of clean, as well as, biologically contaminated insulators. Several types of biological contamination were included, as five of the studied insulators had become covered when installed in Sweden, and another three had been contaminated by fungal growth in laboratory. Fluorescence spectra obtained from the surfaces of the described insulators are presented and the applicability of the technique is discussed and compared with photographic methods.