Question 1

WHAT IS EMI?

Accepted Answer

EMI stands for Electromagnetic Interference. EMI (also called radio frequency interference or RFI) by a loose definition is an unwanted disturbance that affects an electrical circuit due to either electromagnetic conduction or electromagnetic radiation emitted from a defect within the electrical circuit or from an external source.

Question 2

Why is EMI a problem?

Accepted Answer

EMI is a problem in the industry as it can affect the operation of the component itself and could cause disturbances in other sensitive equipment in the area.
 
Depending on the severity of the defect, if the left unchecked, will degrade over time. Defects and deterioration are not self healing and will eventually result in failure of the equipment and in some cases, rare cases that may be catastrophic.

Question 3

What is EMSA?

Accepted Answer

ElectroMagnetic Signature Analysis (EMSA) is the industry standard term used regarding the software that collects the EMI data and the interpretation of data results themselves.

EMSA is a comprehensive, non-intrusive method to evaluate the machines health. Technically, it is a precise frequency domain measurement and identification of RF Energy that results from electric activity at the defects.

Question 4

What is Deep Blue RF Monitoring System™ ?

Accepted Answer

The Deep Blue RF Monitoring System™ is a highly complex Artificial Intelligence based advanced EMSA diagnostic online monitoring system. Deep Blue RF Monitoring System™ monitors your critical electrical assets around the clock giving you online, real-time condition assessment of your asset's health under actual operating conditions.  Streaming data is captured by our own advanced high-speed hardware and is analyzed by our proprietary software and is sent to the cloud. The data is parsed and processed using an artificial intelligence engine created specifically for the Deep Blue Monitoring System™.

Question 5

How long has EMI/EMSA technology been around and what has it been applied to?

Accepted Answer

EMI technology has been around since the 1920’s & 1930’s when it was first utilized to determine what was causing radio and television interference. International CISPER 16 standards (International Special Committee for Radio Interference).  These standards were developed to ensure consistent measuring techniques of Radio Interference would be utilized allowing for comparative readings no matter who performs the testing. This allows for apples to apples comparison for tests preformed on machine 30 years ago or today, whether it was company A or company Z.

This technology has been applied to generators and motors then later expanded to transformers, buses and other components which is where we are today. Since 1980, we have performed over 10,000 tests on more than 500 different machine designs from 25 HP to 1,100 MVA, over 1000 transformers (oil & dry), over a 1000 bus systems (isophase, segregated and non-segregated), 1000’s of power cables up to 345kV, 100’s of breakers, switchgear and switchyard. This technology applicable to all power systems 25,50 & 50 Hz. Best results on assets 2,300 volts AC and higher. Some success with 250 & 600 volts DC systems.

Over 65 types of system defects and conditions have been identified.

Question 6

Why is EMSA technology of importance?

Accepted Answer

Having the ability to perform a test on-line, that is non-intrusive, does not require any hot connections and is inherently safe is of significant importance to many clients.  Most testing techniques require to the plant or equipment to be off-line; this can have significant impact on the bottom line in some industries. The EMSA diagnostics and Deep Blue RF monitoring system™  monitoring system are performed on-line, this allows the facility to continue operating while letting us determine the health of the asset in real time under real conditions and, provide recommendations for maintenance when the time comes. The Deep Blue RF monitoring system™  monitoring system differs in that it is a 24/7 monitoring system with data streamed to the cloud then to the Command Center while EMSA diagnostics is performed typically on an annual basis.

This technology has also been used to test equipment prior to the warranty period ending on an asset. This is of vital importance that ensures any concerns or issues with the equipment are addressed and covered by the  warranty while it is still in valid.

This technology can also determine if your maintenance was performed correctly and determines if the issues were resolved or not. It can also show whether any issues were introduced that did not exist prior to maintenance being performed.

This technology can help aid you in optimizing your PM programs based on the findings.

Question 7

How does Partial Discharge technology differ from EMSA technology?

Accepted Answer

Partial Discharge Analysis (PDA) is a time domain based technique that measures and classifies electrical impulses resulting from insulation defects. PDA utilizes capacitive couplers that may require design changes to the facility for installation. PDA “looks at” high voltage electrical discharges and is measured in millivolts (mv). Signals from other sources or defects (arcing) are usually discarded as noise. Trending is often necessary to develop recommendations.

EMSA technology is a precise frequency domain measurement and identification of radio frequency (RF) energy that results from electrical activity at defects. EMSA technology utilizes a split core Radio Frequency Current Transformer (RFCT) that is temporarily installed for annual EMSA diagnostics. The same type RFCT is also utilized for the Deep Blue Monitoring System TM monitoring system. EMSA technology detects both electrical and mechanical problems on the first test including Gap Discharges (Partial Discharge), Corona, Random Noise, Arcing & Sparking, bearing/seal rubs, misalignment issues, connection related issues etc. In addition to detecting these issues on your asset, it also see system issues, for example, testing a generator it also sees the exciter, the AVR, into the generator bushing box and out into the bus. EMSA technology measures discharges in the microvolt (uV) range which is 1000 times more sensitive than PDA measurement techniques.

Question 8

Are their standards for these types of technologies?

Accepted Answer

Yes, EMI data is processed by instruments that comply with the CISPR 16 standards

Question 9

How Does EMSA Diagnostics Work?

Accepted Answer

For EMSA Diagnostics, our EMSA engineer collects the data and performs a preliminary review in field and provides a verbal post job brief with the client whenever possible prior to leaving the site. Upon return to the office, the EMSA engineer performs an in-depth analysis review of the data for the preliminary and final reports.

For the Deep Blue RF monitoring system™  our proprietary software uses Artificial Intelligence and analyzes the data and automatically notifies the EMSA engineers or any alarm conditions that may require further attention. Data is streamed to the cloud and then to our Command Center where further analysis by our qualified engineers occurs. Our engineers also have the capability to review data and alarms conditions from anywhere around the globe.

Question 10

How Does the Deep Blue RF Monitoring System™  work?

Accepted Answer

The Deep Blue RF Monitoring System™  works in a similar manner to the EMSA Diagnostics previously discussed. A split core Radio Frequency Current Transformer (RFCT) is installed around an appropriate data collection point, this may be a safety ground, power conduit or other location determined by the EMSA Engineer during the installation process, no hot connections are made. A cable is run between the RFCT and the installed Deep Blue RF monitoring system™ . An independent ethernet connection provided by the client streams the data to the cloud and then to the Command Center. Our proprietary software uses Artificial Intelligence and analyzes the data and automatically notifies the EMSA engineers or any alarm conditions that may require further attention.  Any of our engineers around the globe can then login to the specific site and review the data and perform any additional tests from their location. If it is determined that the alarm condition is “real”, the engineer then analyzes the severity of the condition. If it is determined that the condition is significant, the client will be notified immediately, maintenance recommendations may be given at that time. It may also require an engineer to be dispatched1 to the site for further testing and evaluation.  If the condition only warrants trending, then the client will be informed during the quarterly report. If the condition is determined to be a transient, this will be noted and trended as our AI-based software may need to make adjustments to alarm setpoints to eliminate spurious non-consequential alarms.

1. If it is determined an engineer must be dispatched to the site, this is an additional charge that will be charged to the client including expenses

Question 11

Is an outage for required for EMSA Diagnostics or Deep Blue Monitoring System™ ?

Accepted Answer

An outage is not required for the performance of EMSA Diagnostics.

Our engineer works with the site personnel to determine the location of the monitoring system components and customer requirements. An outage is not be required for the installation of the Deep Blue RF monitoring system™  unless the client determines that it may be necessary based on the walkdown results and site engineering/procedural requirements. The client will be responsible for the conduit materials, installation, dedicated 120 VAC power for the monitoring system and dedicated internet service.

Question 12

How is the data review process performed for EMSA Diagnostics and Deep Blue Monitoring System™ ?

Accepted Answer

For EMSA Diagnostics, our EMSA engineer collects the data and performs a preliminary review in field and provides a verbal post job brief with the client whenever possible prior to leaving the site. Upon return to the office, the EMSA engineer performs an in-depth analysis review of the data for the preliminary and final reports.

For the Deep Blue RF Monitoring System™  our proprietary software uses Artificial Intelligence and analyzes the data and automatically notifies the EMSA engineers or any alarm conditions that may require further attention. Data is streamed to the cloud and then to our Command Center where further analysis by our qualified engineers occurs. Our engineers also have the capability to review data and alarms conditions from anywhere around the globe.

Question 13

Is there a report of the findings and recommendations generated from the EMSA Diagnostics and Deep Blue Monitoring System™ ?

Accepted Answer

For EMSA Diagnostics, the is a preliminary report issued in 3-5 days followed by the final report for up 16 components to issued within 30 days. Add an additional week for every 8-12 components tested. Maintenance recommendations will be issued in both the preliminary and final reports.

For the Deep Blue RF Monitoring System™ , a quarterly report of findings with maintenance recommendations will be issued.

Question 14

What if I have questions regarding the findings or recommendations?

Accepted Answer

We are available to answer any questions regarding our findings, please refer to the contacts list at the end of the report

FAQ's

Frequently asked questions