LumaSense's Newest Online DGA Monitor Provides Early Warning Diagnostics to Prevent Transformer Failures

SANTA CLARA, Calif., April 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- LumaSense Technologies, Inc. released SmartDGA™ Guard, the latest offering in the company's new line of dissolved-gas analysis (DGA) monitors designed to help electric utilities improve grid reliability by diagnosing transformer faults before they lead to serious incidents. Featuring the line's signature modular shape that enables faster installation and the industry's least-expensive online DGA monitor, SmartDGA Guard allows utilities to cost-effectively, reliably and continuously protect their transformer fleets.

Using industry-proven non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) gas sensing technology to detect faults, the LumaSense SmartDGA™ platform can help utilities achieve fleet-wide condition monitoring across generation, transmission and distribution assets. SmartDGA Guard is the second element of the portfolio, which also includes SmartDGA Gauge, an instrument that can help utilities more-effectively monitor transformer load tap changers (LTCs) for faults. By contrast, SmartDGA Guard is designed specifically to monitor the transformer itself and interface with LumaSense's winding hot spot temperature monitors to provide complete failure diagnostics.

"DGA has been an effective tool for many years, but the technology historically has had many shortcomings," said Vivek Joshi, LumaSense Technologies, Inc. CEO. "Measurements weren't always reliable, problems weren't identified early enough, and the cost was too prohibitive. SmartDGA overcomes those issues using proven technology to create a practical solution that is easier to maintain and saves money for utilities."

SmartDGA Guard can be installed in a matter of a few hours as opposed to days with present systems and can cost 50-percent less than other monitors. The multi-gas instrument measures hydrogen, acetylene and carbon monoxide, as well as moisture. SmartDGA Guard requires no scheduled calibration, can be mounted single valve or to two valves, and is available with fully integrated communications for Smart Grid deployment.

For more information, please visit: www.smartdga.com, or www.lumasenseinc.com

About LumaSense Technologies™
For over 50 years, LumaSense Technologies, Inc. (LumaSense), has provided innovative temperature and gas sensing instruments for the energy, industrial, clean technology and commercial markets.

Our unrivaled passion for excellence is why we have become one of the world's most trusted sensing solution provider. Through our precision engineered systems, our customers have gained control over their most difficult temperature and gas sensing challenges. Beyond providing the highest quality products, our customers turn to us, knowing our commitment to their success comes first. With expert application understanding and a growing portfolio of products, LumaSense can combine several technologies together into novel solutions even for the most complex environments.

With offices in Asia, Europe and the Americas, LumaSense is ideally positioned to serve the needs of the energy, industrial and clean technology markets worldwide. For more information about LumaSense Technologies, visit our website at www.lumasenseinc.com

SOURCE LumaSense Technologies