As critical infrastructure for power transmission, the structural safety of transmission line towers directly impacts the stable operation of the power grid. During maintenance, quickly locating and addressing structural hazards is a core task for ensuring line reliability. This process requires a multi-dimensional and highly efficient system for hazard identification and management, combining visual inspection, instrument testing, intelligent inspection technology, and data analysis.
Initial visual inspection is the foundation for quickly locating hazards. Maintenance personnel must conduct a comprehensive inspection of the transmission line towers, focusing on whether there is significant tilting, bending, or localized deformation in the tower body. They should check the steel surface for rust, peeling, or cracks, and confirm whether connectors such as bolts and welds are loose or cracked. For example, tower tilting may be caused by foundation settlement or strong winds, while loose bolts may be due to long-term vibration or installation defects. Visual inspection can quickly identify areas requiring further inspection, providing direction for subsequent precise handling.
Instrument-assisted testing is a key means of locating hidden defects. For hidden dangers that are difficult to identify through visual inspection, in-depth testing using equipment such as ultrasonic thickness gauges, infrared thermal imagers, and magnetic particle detectors is necessary. Ultrasonic thickness gauges can measure thickness reduction in steel due to corrosion, infrared thermal imagers can identify poor contact or localized overheating through temperature anomalies, and magnetic particle detectors can detect minute cracks in welds or bolted connections. For example, if ultrasonic testing shows that the thickness of a section of tower material is lower than the design value, it must be immediately marked and its load-bearing capacity assessed to provide a basis for subsequent repair or replacement.
Intelligent inspection technology significantly improves the efficiency and coverage of hidden danger location. Drones equipped with high-definition cameras and infrared sensors can comprehensively photograph tower sections at high altitudes or inaccessible locations, automatically analyzing potential hazards such as tower material deformation and loose connectors using AI image recognition technology. Simultaneously, online monitoring devices such as stress sensors and vibration sensors can collect tower data in real time, predicting structural fatigue or abnormal vibrations through data analysis models. For example, if sensor data shows that the vibration frequency of a certain tower exceeds the normal range, it may indicate a decline in its structural stability, requiring immediate manual re-inspection.
Electrical system inspection is a crucial supplement to ensuring the safe operation of transmission line towers. Besides structural defects, faults in lightning protection devices, grounding systems, and signaling equipment can also lead to safety accidents. During maintenance, it is necessary to check the integrity of lightning rods and the breakage of down conductors, verify the grounding resistance using a grounding resistance tester, and test the insulation performance of signaling equipment using an insulation resistance tester. For example, if the grounding resistance is too high, it may not be able to effectively discharge current during a lightning strike, leading to accelerated electrolytic corrosion of the tower material, requiring timely reinforcement of the grounding system.
Hazard handling requires tailored solutions based on the nature of the defect. For minor rust or loose bolts, measures such as grinding to remove rust, applying anti-corrosion paint, or tightening bolts can be used; for severe corrosion or cracks, damaged tower material must be replaced or welding reinforcement must be performed; if the tower tilts excessively, the foundation must be adjusted or guy wires added. Strict adherence to safety regulations is essential during handling, such as wearing safety belts and using fall arresters when working at heights, maintaining a safe distance and wearing insulated equipment when performing live maintenance.
Maintenance records and data analysis are crucial for optimizing hazard handling procedures. After each maintenance check, the location, type, handling measures, and results of any potential hazards must be recorded in detail and uploaded to the digital maintenance record system. By analyzing historical data, high-risk areas or components can be identified, allowing for the development of preventative maintenance plans in advance. For example, if the corrosion rate of tower materials in a certain area is significantly higher than in other areas, it may be necessary to strengthen anti-corrosion treatment in that area or improve environmental drainage conditions.
The location and handling of structural hazards in transmission line towers requires the integration of traditional detection methods with intelligent technologies. A comprehensive inspection system should be formed through visual initial inspection, instrument testing, intelligent patrol inspection, and electrical system testing. Combined with targeted handling measures and data analysis optimization, this will enable rapid location, accurate handling, and long-term prevention of hazards, providing a solid guarantee for the safe and stable operation of the power grid.
