In 2016, on the N167 intermediate mast of 500 EGK “Kavkasion” (Russian territory), the wire holding garland broke and the wire fell to the ground. The reason for the fall of the wire was damage to the insulator rod, which broke into the socket. Upon inspection of the insulator, it was found that the rod was rusted and there were traces of arcing on the cap. Inspections revealed that insulators with similar defects were present in the garlands of other intermediate masts of the so-called “Caucasion”.
Because of this, the staff of JSC GES “Sakrusenergo” operation and repair areas were instructed to inspect all the power transmission lines owned by the company in order to find such defective insulators. Insulators with similar defects were found in the garlands of 169 intermediate masts of “Imereti” except for the 500 kV “Kavkasion” power plant.Accordingly, a deed was made and the number of insulators to be replaced was determined. It was considered advisable to replace the corroded insulators on the masts in all the defective garlands found.
The performance of the mentioned works was especially important in order to prevent emergency shutdowns of the “Imereti” power station, because as it is known, the “Imereti” power station is the only, alternative 500 kV power transmission line through which the electricity generated and collected there is transferred in Eastern Georgia.
In 2018, the corroded insulators on the 500 kV power plant “Imeret” were replaced, totaling 5521 insulators.
