| Summary: | Since 2014, Hydro-Québec is using LineCore technology for the early detection of corrosion in ACSRs. This paper features, for the first time, an extensive validation based on measures on in-lab prepared samples and metallographic analysis on field collected samples. The experimental validation protocol is presented which resulted in 21 cuts and thousands of zinc layer thickness measurements. Key finding is the very high variability of zinc layer thicknesses observed on all samples. Correlation between LineCore data and metallographic cuts is established. More specifically, LineCore measurement features a bias toward local minimum values of zinc thickness on the strands, which can be indicative of localized corrosion initiation. By sharing these results, the authors wish to initiate discussion that could help standardize the usage of this novel NDT technology for the assessment of transmission line conductors.
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