Protecting Critical energy Infrastructure: Qualitrol launches new data analysis for electrical grid monitoring sector

The headlines are filled with blockchain, cryptocurrencies, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing and more. However, none of these is impossible without electricity. Homes and companies depend on electric power that is carried through electrical grid, the interconnected network for delivering electricity from producers to our homes and offices. We thrive and survive on a lifeline of electrical wires. Now with Internet and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), there is a growing concern of cyber security attack on our nation’s power grid. So, it’s vital that we have adequate monitoring tools in place to measure the health of our critical energy infrastructure.

That is where Qualitrol comes in. You probably never heard of this 73-year old company. Qualitrol monitors the health of electrical assets to keep them up and running. Headquartered in Fairport, New York, Qualitrol is the leader in condition-based electrical grind monitoring. Condition Based Monitoring (CBM) is a type of predictive maintenance that involves using sensors to measure the status of an asset over time while it is in operation. The data collected is used to establish trends, predict failure, and calculate remaining life of an asset. With CBM, maintenance is only performed when the data shows that performance is decreasing or a failure is likely. Rather than at specified intervals like with preventive maintenance.

The company manufacturers and distributes partial discharge monitoring, asset protection equipment and information products for the electrical generation, transmission and distribution industries. Its condition based maintenance solutions use sensors, monitors and software to diagnose and trend the health of electrical assets. To further improve the quality and effectiveness of its electrical grid monitoring, Qualitrol announced the introduction of a new service program called Xpert Services program. The programs provides in-depth data analysis within the electrical grid. The program expands on the existing field service offering from Qualitrol and provides data analysis and training, as well as specialty testing and failure investigation.

Insight into the health of the grid or individual assets can be determined by continuous on-line monitoring or condition-based maintenance. However, failures can still occur. Benefits of Xpert Services include providing insight into the appropriate monitoring solution, aiding in data diagnosis, health assessments and providing training leading to a deeper understanding of the underlying technical issues and operational alternatives.

“Qualitrol technical support goes beyond its product and service offering for all your condition-monitoring needs. Our team of subject-matter experts can assist in evaluating the specific problems with your assets, provide training on best practices and latest international standards in monitoring and assessment, and support your technical decision-making process to enhance reliability,” said Joseph Mbuyi, general manager Qualitrol Services.

Data is useless without the skills to analyze it properly. As the demand grows on the grid, it’s even more important to make sound business decisions that are data-driven. Qualitrol’s Xpert Services are there for users now and as they expand their CBM program to help provide clear cost savings, asset reliability and optimized maintenance schedules.

Established in 1945, Qualitrol provides condition-based monitoring solutions across the globe for high-value electrical assets. We are the largest and most trusted global leader for partial discharge monitoring, asset protection equipment and power grid applications across generation, transmission and distribution systems.