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Sister Unit of Failed Bushing

These crystals of ammonium nitrate were recrystallized from a water extraction taken from a portion of a taplift.

Transmitted Crossed Circular Polarized Light

Definition/Function:

The particles on the surface of this bushing showed high concentration of weld debris along with nitrates and gypsum. The nitrates deliquesced at 48% relative humidity. This is consistent with ammonium nitrate, a fertilizer and an areosol common near heavily traveled roads. The flashover occured in the morning and was the result of the combination of the weld residue and the electrolyte. Bushings away from the welding activity were not failing.

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