Avistar Introduces AP-10 Phase Identification System; Technology Innovator's Latest Product Identifies Phase, Phase Angle on Energized Conductors within Seconds.

Business Editors

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 2, 2004

The August 2003 blackouts underscored the importance of transmission and distribution (T&D) system reliability. Avistar Inc., a subsidiary of PNM Resources (NYSE:PNM), has released a tool that can speed up many of the tasks associated with T&D maintenance: the AP-10, a fast, simple phase identification system for field use.

Utility engineers and contractors need phase information for a wide variety of projects, ranging from system improvement to expansion for new housing developments. By quickly identifying the phase at a specific point of interest, for example an overhead power line, the AP-10 offers tremendous speed and convenience compared with traditional phase-determination methods, which have required either de-energizing the lines or visually following the three lines (phases A, B, and C) from a substation while driving a crew truck to the point in question. Replacing this error-prone, costly practice translates to productivity gains and significant cost savings, and even puts many previously infeasible assessment and improvement projects within reach.

The AP-10 identifies phase and phase angle on all overhead conductors, such as power lines, and on vault and pad-mounted switchgear. The system handles 120 volts to at least 345 kilovolts and features a rugged, field-worthy design that allows easy one-person operation.

Beta and pre-commercial versions of the AP-10 have been in use since early 2003 at several utilities around the United States. Completed and anticipated uses include system mapping and verification, electromagnetic field modeling, phase verification on automated distribution switches, underground system expansion, and phase identification where underwater line extensions resurface.

The AP-10 has just three components: a reference unit, kept at a substation; and a field unit and hotstick unit, which go to the job site. When touched to a live conductor, the hotstick unit transmits a reading to the field unit, which then calls the reference unit using a built-in cell modem to perform the phase calculation and provides successive phase readings in seconds each. When out of cell range, the field unit stores a reading to let the user drive to cell range, then automatically dials the reference unit and completes the phase calculation. The field unit's high-visibility LEDs, LCD text display, and distinct 80-decibel beep patterns make the phase declaration easy to discern in the field.

The AP-10 is based on Avistar's patented About~Phase technology. More information about this technology and the AP-10 system, including a live-action video that demonstrates the system's real-time operation, is available at the company's website: www.AvistarInc.com/AP10Now/. The company can be contacted at 800-687-4196 or [e-mail].

About Avistar Inc.

Avistar Inc. develops innovative technologies for the energy industry, focusing on proprietary hardware and software solutions that address critical utility operational and reliability issues. Avistar's technologies include the Mutual Inductance Bridge (MIB) NDT system; the About~Phase AP-10, a phase-detection tool; and Reliadigm, an advanced reliability analysis software package. Avistar is a wholly owned subsidiary of PNM Resources.