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SpanFLASH

Flashing Aircraft Powerline Markers and Tower Lighting

P & R Technologies, having offered the best daytime line markers for 40 years, introduces the SpanFLASH, the first Flashing Marker that pilots of helicopters and small planes can see 24 hours a day, saving lives and preventing power and communication interruptions.

THE WORLDS ONLY BRILLIANT POWER LINE

AND TOWER MARKER

SpanFLASH builds on technology initially researched by Dulmison Ltd., to brightly flash new, exclusive C-Tubes every 2 - 6 seconds (depending on line amperage and model). Pilots can better see, and be warned of impending power lines, even in fog, clouds and inclement weather when marked with the SpanFLASH illuminated power line marker.

FLASH TUBES

SpanFLASH utilizes four exclusive C-Tubes in the flash model, each rated 50 million flashes. Long life is assured by flashing the C-Tubes in sequence. If one fails, the others still flash in sequence every 2 - 6 seconds.

SpanFLASH Power Line Markers

Self illuminated off the magnetic field surrounding a 50Amp power line Recognizable at 4,000 feet Visible night and day Available in 24" and 36" sizes Long Life Simple Operation Avail. In Orange, White & Yellow

APPLICATION

A SpanFLASH marker is a quick attaching, long life beacon suited to a large range of conductor sizes and power supplies. Models are available from a voltage range of 12KV to 500KV phase to phase and current range of 50-1500 amperes.

With a brilliant white C-Tube flash of up to to 2,000 candela, the use of SpanFLASH in and around aerial flight paths of special significance provides greater air safety in bad weather, day and night.

SpanFLASH markers are made in two sections - the bottom contains the power supply and circuitry for the flashing C-Tubes. Each marker is constructed of orange Centrex plastic, so pilots can see the orange in the daytime. The top section is a partially orange with clear acrylic plastic protective top shield, so that the bright flashes are highly visible at night, allowing full hemispherical distribution of light.

SOLVES THE PROBLEM

For decades, aviation safety groups worldwide have recognized a tremendous danger of delineating power lines that all low flying aircraft and helicopters face. High-voltage power lines have always posed an obstruction hazard, which has taken the lives of many pilots and their passengers. These catastrophes can only escalate with the increase of all low-altitude operations, such as: standard airport operations, flying medical missions, law enforcement, search and rescue, drug and traffic surveillance, aerial crop applications, wildlife management, fire fighting, pipeline control, powerline inspections, geodetic surveys, industrial missions, float plane operations and many others.

OPERATION

Power is obtained from the current flowing in the main energized conductor, using a new patented specially designed transformer generating a voltage for the circuit to fire the exclusive C-Tube flash. If the line current exceeds 50 Amperes the transformer will saturate and a constant voltage will be maintained so that internal circuits will not be damaged.

NO ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

SpanFLASH has no physical electrical connection to the conductor for the power supply. The current transformer picks up the power. The power line must be carrying at least 50 amperes. A conductive coating inside of the marker creates a Faraday Cage effect, insuring that the SpanFLASH and it's internal components are at line potential, eliminating all problems of corona and radio interference.

MECHANICAL

The markers are attached to the energized lines by means of HeliForm armor rods, that are engineered for the specified size and type of line. The armor rod assures long trouble free life, a firm grip against slip or turning of the marker.

Color retention is excellent, because of the use of Centrex ABS plastic with special UV stabilizer. Centrex ABS plastic offers a more brilliant color and retains it's color 1015 times better than fiberglass. White and yellow halves are available as well as orange.

TOWER LIGHTING

Due to costly maintenance and initial cost of solar powered tower obstruction lighting systems, many utilities have considered using two SpanFLASH flashing markers located on each side of towers to illuminate the towers at substantial savings.

SPECIFICATIONS