EoW July 2010

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EuroWire – July 2010 30
technology news
Short interruptions of the inner
semiconductor (strand shield) during
production of medium voltage cables
are abnormal occurrences that can
occur periodically in very thin insulation
layers. In the best-case scenario they are
detected at a discharge test.
However, if such faults are detected
by the end-user the costs can be
tremendous.
With the Strandshield 2000 Sikora
has developed a system to detect
and report any short interruptions of
the semiconductor during the cable
production process. With this method,
the measuring system is installed in
a separate short cooling trough after
the CV-line. It detects the shortest
interruptions with a length of 100mm.
The Strandshield 2000 is a useful tool for
active quality control of the production
line.
Sikora AG – Germany
Fax: +49 421 48900 90
Email:
Website:
Uninterrupted cable
production lines
Strandshield 2000 ▲ ▲
Nexans has developed its new Hypron®
range to provide an environment
friendly alternative to lead-sheathed
cables for onshore power, control and
instrumentation applications in the oil
and gas industry. The Hypron design
offers exactly the same protection against
aggressive petrochemicals as traditional
lead-sheathed cables, with the added
advantage of improved ease of handling
and installation thanks to its lower weight
and smaller cross-section.
All types of cables used in the onshore
oil and gas industry require protection
against chemicals – acids, bases, aliphatic
and aromatic hydrocarbons – that can
penetrate towards the conductors.
Traditionally, a lead sheath has provided
this protection. However, in response to
the growing market demand for more
environmentally friendly cables, Nexans
undertook a five-year programme to
develop a new lead-free chemical barrier
in the form of Hypron.
In general, Hypron complies with
IEC 60228 and also meets other
international standards such as IEC
60502-1 for low voltage and BS EN
50288-7 for instrumentation cables.
Hypron comprises three co-extruded
construction elements: AluPE, an HDPE
(high density polyethylene) sheath and
a PA (polyamide) sheath. The AluPE layer
is an aluminium-coated tape, applied
longitudinally, that provides a watertight
seal. The HDPE sheath provides the
resistance to inorganic chemicals such
as chlorine, and the PA sheath provides
resistance to organic materials such as
benzene.
Hypron has been fully tested to prove
its suitability for a wide variety of
applications – including MV (medium
voltage) and LV (low voltage) power as
well as control and instrumentation –
when exposed to aggressive chemicals as
well as temperatures ranging from –20°C
to +60°C.
Hypron cable is significantly lighter than
lead-sheathed cables – over 40% lighter
in the case of an LV cable with 12 copper
cores – so is easier to transport, handle
and pull into cable ducts.
A further advantage is the cost savings of
up to 25% due to the continually rising
costs of lead.
Nexans – France
Fax: +33 15669 8484
Email:
Website:
Sheathed cables without the lead