Polux

Polux is a measuring device for checking the condition of wooden electricity and telephone poles. This is a specific non-destructive testing tool for wooden poles.

Description
Polux technology is used for safety and maintenance diagnostics. The measurements enable operators to climb poles safely and check the condition of the wood to estimate its remaining lifespan.

History
The Polux technology was developed in the early 90s by Professor Jean-Luc Sandoz, following on from the Sylvatest, at the initial request of EDF, which had the dual problem of the safety and lifespan of their poles. In 2003, the technology was presented at the 17th International Congress on Electrical Distribution Networks in Barcelona. In 2017, a report by Orange's CGT insisted on the danger of unmaintained poles and demonstrated, through several large-scale comparative tests, the scientific contribution of Polux technology to increasing the safety of personnel climbing poles, drawing on the experience of Enedis. It works with Picus software, which uses data consisting of local densitometry measurements at the ground line and hygroscopic measurements. The Polux technology continues to be developed at the CBS-Lifteam Research and Development Centre in Switzerland. The 5th version enables faster data collection and processing, with a miniaturised tool and the Picus application downloadable to smartphones. Polux technology is used in a number of countries, including the United States, Canada, European Union, Africa and Asia.



Awards

 * In 2003, The Wall Street Journal awarded the first prize for innovation to Polux technology.
 * In 2006, the 14th international symposium on non-destructive testing equipment presented advances in the technology.
 * In 2011, the International Seminar of Electrical Energy Distributors presented the use of Polux technology in Germany, using Deutsche Telekom as an example.