As in the case of asphalt-mica a defect common to these polyester mica windings is a leakage path to ground associated with tape separations in the end arm immediately
adjacent to the core.
An example will be found in the ramp test reported in Figure 9. Note that increased leakage current becomes noticeable at 16 kV and is pronounced at 28 kV.
A defect with this characteristic is not serious unless the winding is exposed to moisture.
At Kettle these defects often are at coils that were involved in lifts at the time of
installation.
There have been at least 5 ground faults inservice or on test since 1976 with no external cause.
Off-line partial discharge measurements at 8 kV line-toground using the electromagnetic (TVA) probe and peak pulse meter have been particularly useful at Kettle for detecting slot discharge before serious damage has occurred.
Corrective action is initiated when readings exceed 30 mA peak pulse [15]. This usually involvesrestoring the semi-conducting coating on the stator coil.
This is accomplished more thoroughly when the front leg of the coil is lifted clear of the slot as is shown in Figure 10 which requires removal of field poles.
Remedial work such as is shown in Figure 10 has often been associated with
re-wedging of the stator coils in the core.
Helpful reference material will be found in [16].
Prior to the installation of the new wedges semi-conducting side packing is inserted where possible and resistance measurements are made between the air gap edge of the coil and the core using a 150 mm contact board.
All 12 units at Kettle have been rewedged.
The main wedge is typically NEMA G-11 (glass fabric with heat-resistant epoxy resin binder). A tapered tightener is used