Photo: State Grid Bortala Power Supply Company

Recently, the State Grid Bortala Power Supply Company successfully completed the region's first live-line insulator replacement on the 220 kV Mo-Huang line, which runs from Alashankou Railway Station to Huanggong village in Jinghe county. This line is a crucial part of the ring network connecting Alashankou to Jinghe.

During routine inspections, power supply personnel identified a broken insulator on pole tower No. 105 of the 220 kV Mo-Huang line. Given the recent heavy rainfall in Bortala, any delay in repairs could result in line faults and potential outages. To maintain the stability of the power grid, the company assembled a professional team to assess the risks and consider various factors before proceeding with the live replacement of the defective insulator.

To ensure a smooth operation, the team conducted a preliminary site survey to verify safety distances and perform stress analyses, ultimately preparing a detailed implementation plan for the live-line operation. The most significant challenge of this maintenance task was the precise disconnection of the defective insulator from the conductor side, which required seamless coordination among seven personnel both on and off the tower.

On-site, the team carefully maneuvered the insulated rope into position, swiftly disconnected the old insulator, and installed the new one. On the morning of the operation, real-time monitoring of temperature, humidity, and wind speed confirmed that conditions were suitable for work, prompting the team to commence their tasks immediately. During the replacement, ground personnel collaborated to support the approximately 900-kilogram conductor and insulator, successfully completing the entire process in just three minutes.

To ensure safety and efficiency, the power supply employees donned protective clothing, ascended the tower using insulated ropes, and employed various insulated tools for the insulator replacement. All operations were executed with precision, resulting in a successful replacement.

"Our successful live-line insulator replacement marks a significant breakthrough in the operation and maintenance of the Bortala power grid. Moving forward, we will continue to explore and promote live-line operation technology, enhancing our professional standards and service quality. This will make the Bortala grid more stable and reliable, providing greater support for the region's economic development," said Deng Yuncheng, team leader of the live-line operation at the Transmission Operation and Maintenance Center of the State Grid Bortala Power Supply Company.

The State Grid Bortala Power Supply Company is responsible for the operation and maintenance of 2,678 kilometers of transmission lines. Through live-line operations, the Transmission Operation and Maintenance Center effectively reduces power outage durations and ensures the reliable operation of major grid lines. This operation further strengthens the safety defenses of the power grid, laying a solid foundation for meeting winter peak demands.