Maintenance and Operation of 132kV Transmission Line in Challenging Baluchistan Terrain
¨ The intricacies of my role encompassed the intricate maintenance and operation of the 132kV transmission line, spread across the demanding and remote hilly areas of Baluchistan In this challenging environment, devoid of accessible roads, the patrolling and upkeep of these transmission lines posed unique difficulties that required resourceful solutions and steadfast dedication.
Scope of Work:
¨ Managed maintenance and operation of three sets of 132kV transmission lines, each supported by towers varying in numbers—152, 344, and 284 towers respectively. These towers, reaching heights of 100 feet, added to the complexity of our tasks.
¨ Conducted rigorous patrolling on foot, adhering to a predetermined schedule, to ensure preventive maintenance and promptly address potential issues before they escalated into major breakdowns.
Addressing Unique Challenges:
¨ The towering structures, susceptible to the forces of heavy winds and twisters, often experienced braces becoming loose or even dislodging entirely. The meticulous patrolling routine enabled the swift identification and immediate rectification of such defects.
¨ Pioneered efforts to combat challenges such as the loosening of braces, the integrity of earthing wires, and protection against lightning surges. Additionally, the safeguarding of transmission lines from environmental effects was an inherent part of my responsibilities.
Unique Challenges and Helicopter Operations in Sibi, Baluchistan
Navigating the intricate landscape of Sibi, Baluchistan, posed exceptional challenges that required innovative solutions and meticulous planning. Certain areas were characterized by extreme difficulty in accessibility, compelling us to harness the power of helicopters for material transport and tower installation. The relentless impact of heavy windstorms necessitated prompt action, particularly in repairing and erecting damaged towers, to ensure uninterrupted power transmission.
Terrain Complexity:
· Sibi, Balochistan's terrain, brought to the forefront intricate challenges in terms of accessibility, demanding creative strategies for tower installation and maintenance.
· Remote regions, inaccessible through conventional means, posed exceptional hurdles in maintaining the structural integrity of the transmission infrastructure.
Helicopter Operations:
· To overcome these formidable challenges, we devised an ingenious solution—leveraging helicopters for the strategic transportation of materials. This innovative approach streamlined otherwise arduous logistics and optimized efficiency.
· Helicopters played a pivotal role in the precise installation of braces and the erection of damaged towers. The ability to access these areas swiftly via helicopters significantly reduced downtime and enhanced the reliability of the transmission network.
Urgent Responses to Windstorms:
· The ever-present threat of heavy windstorms demanded a proactive stance. Swift response teams were primed to spring into action immediately after such events to assess the impact on transmission towers.
· The expedited repair and re installation of damaged towers were imperative to restore stability to the transmission network swiftly and minimize service disruptions.
Collaboration and Resourcefulness:
· These operations demanded seamless collaboration between various departments and agencies, including aviation services and maintenance teams.
· Resourcefulness was at the core of our approach, adapting to the unique challenges Sibi's landscape posed and harnessing available resources effectively.
Results and Impact:
· The adoption of helicopter operations for material transport and tower installation marked a watershed moment in our ability to navigate and address the challenges presented by Sibi's complex terrain.
· Rapid responses to windstorms, facilitated by helicopter support, translated to enhanced operational resilience and minimized service interruptions for consumers.
The innovative utilization of helicopters for material transport and tower installation underscored our commitment to maintaining an uninterrupted power supply to the people of Sibi, Baluchistan This adaptive approach showcased our dedication to conquering challenges head-on and delivering efficient solutions in even the most demanding environments.
· Key Accomplishments:
· Orchestrated patrolling of the 132kV transmission lines in adherence to a meticulously devised schedule, guaranteeing the robustness of the preventive maintenance regime.
· Undertook extensive maintenance of transmission towers through strategic shutdowns, replacing damaged components such as punctured or broken discs.
· Displayed adeptness in restoring stability by meticulously tightening loose tower braces, an imperative aspect of ensuring the structural integrity of the transmission lines.
· Spearheaded tree trimming initiatives, instrumental in maintaining a clear and secure corridor for the transmission lines.
· Safety and Coordination:
· Prioritized safety through meticulously orchestrated actions, notably when working on transmission lines, circuit breakers, and power transformers. The issuance of Permit to Work (P.T.W) was a testament to this commitment.
· Ensured secure work environments through the strategic utilization of temporary and permanent Earth switches, effectively safeguarding personnel during critical operations.
· My tenure encapsulated an exceptional amalgamation of technical proficiency, unwavering commitment, and innovative problem-solving, all of which were vital in upholding the integrity and reliability of the 132kV transmission lines in the challenging terrains of Baluchistan
· Professional Experience:
· Successfully undertook the patrolling and maintenance of 132kV transmission lines in the formidable and remote terrain of Bhag Naree, where traditional road infrastructure was non-existent.
· Expertly navigated the challenges posed by the absence of roads by employing innovative approaches, including using tractors to traverse challenging terrains and cross rivers, showcasing resourcefulness and adaptability.
· Played a pivotal role in ensuring uninterrupted power transmission in Bhag Naree, despite the absence of conventional access routes, highlighting commitment to service delivery in even the most challenging environments.
· Overcame logistical difficulties by planning and coordinating patrolling operations meticulously, resulting in efficient inspections and maintenance of transmission lines in the region.
· Demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills by addressing technical issues and conducting necessary repairs, all while operating in a terrain known for its extreme conditions and lack of infrastructure.
· Bhag Naree, a challenging area with unique access constraints.
· Successfully ensured reliable power transmission in a region where infrastructure limitations required unconventional approaches to operations.
· Resourceful Navigation:
· Proficient in devising creative solutions for traversing difficult terrains and navigating through inaccessible areas, ensuring effective patrolling and maintenance.
· Problem Solving: Proven ability to troubleshoot technical challenges and conduct repairs under challenging conditions, contributing to enhanced operational reliability.
· Troubleshooting and Problem Solving:
· Troubleshoot and diagnose issues that arise in the transmission lines and grid stations, such as faults, breakdowns, or abnormalities.
· Collaborate with maintenance teams to determine appropriate solutions and implement repairs.
· Emergency Response:
· Respond promptly to emergencies, such as equipment failures or power outages, and work to restore the system to normal operation.
· Fault Detection and Troubleshooting: Identifying and rectifying faults or abnormalities in the distribution