Non-destructive testing technology for assessing the residual load-bearing capacity of wood poles in overhead power line networks
Polux Technology
Saint Sulpice, VD, Switzerland · Choisy-le-Roi (Paris), FranceNew on Amplifa
About Polux Technology
Polux Technology, based in Saint Sulpice (VD), Switzerland, is a company of the CBS-CBT Group (Groupe CBS-Lifteam) and provider of the Polux non-destructive testing technology for wood poles in overhead power line networks. The technology has been in use for around 30 years and is deployed in some thirty countries, including the USA, Canada and Mauritius. The Polux measurement captures residual strength, density profile and internal moisture respectively moisture at the critical ground-line zone of the poles. The results are recorded via smartphone and analysed with the PICUS software, from which preservation recommendations and prioritised replacement plans can be derived. The current POLUX 5 device generation also complements the Sylvatest testing method, which detects internal rot acoustically. In this way, Polux Technology supports energy suppliers and grid operators in the safety and life-cycle-optimised maintenance of overhead power line networks.
- Site
- Saint Sulpice
- Processes
- Non-destructive testing (NDT) of wood poles in the field – assessment of the residual load-bearing, Acoustic examination of wood (Sylvatest) – detection of internal bio-decay, Inspection of overhead power lines with drones (CBT SA), Development of a combined NDT testing protocol for large-diameter poles (Polux +, Non-destructive testing (NDT) of wood poles in the field, Assessment of the residual load-bearing capacity of wood poles, Measurement of residual strength, density profile and moisture at the ground line, Software-based analysis and replacement recommendations (PICUS)
- Materials
- Wood (wood poles for overhead lines), Polux measuring technology, Sylvatest 4, PICUS software
- Founded
- 1998
- Industries
- Energy supply / power grids (overhead lines), Infrastructure operators, Network maintenance / asset management, Energy suppliers / power grids (overhead lines)
- 01
Measurement on the wood pole in the field (residual strength, density profile,
- 02
Acoustic testing (Sylvatest) to detect internal rot
- 03
Data transmission via smartphone
- 04
Software-based analysis with PICUS
- 05
Prioritisation and replacement recommendation for the pole network
Technology and Testing Methods
Polux measuring technology
Non-destructive testing of wood poles in the field, capturing residual strength, density profile and moisture at the ground line
Sylvatest 4
Acoustic testing method for detecting internal rot in wood
PICUS software
Software-based analysis of the measurement data with preservation recommendations for each pole
Locations
Saint Sulpice
CHHeadquarters, development and sales of the Polux technology
- Materials
- Wood poles
- POLUX 5
- Sylvatest 4 (ST4)
Choisy-le-Roi (Paris)
FRLocation
Industries
Processes & technical limits
| Processes | Tolerance | Max. part | Weight | Lot size | Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-destructive testing (NDT) of wood poles in the field – assessment of the residual load-bearingTesting | – | – | – | – | Wood (poles from heritage utilisation, various species) |
| Acoustic examination of wood (Sylvatest) – detection of internal bio-decayTesting | – | – | – | – | Wood |
| Inspection of overhead power lines with drones (CBT SA)Testing | – | – | – | – | – |
| Development of a combined NDT testing protocol for large-diameter poles (Polux +Engineering | – | – | – | – | Wood |
2 Anlagen & Maschinen
| Machine | Manufacturer / model | Quantity | Working area | Year built | Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measuring device for non-destructive wood pole testing | Polux Technology (CBS-CBT Group) POLUX 5 | – | – | – | Saint Sulpice, VD, Switzerland |
| Acoustic testing device for wood | CBS-CBT Sylvatest 4 (ST4) | – | – | – | – |
Additional services
History
- 1998
Foundation of the company (according to LinkedIn information)
Introduction of the new POLUX 5 device generation; the Polux technology has existed for around 30 years