EoW January 2009

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EuroWire – January 2009 29
english technology news
Meltech furnace for
Webster & Horsfall
The Meltech MT1100 furnace to be installed at Webster & Horsfall ▲ ▲
Kabel-XTM USA has developed a
technology that quickly and seamlessly
removes and replaces copper coax
cable from digital networks. The process
significantly cuts maintenance costs
and procedures, while also providing
operators a conduit through which they
can easily deploy upgraded fibre optic
cabling without costly excavation and
replacement of existing lines.
The Kabel-X process provides a fibre
pathway that quickly converts hundreds
of feet per pull. The process is suited
for fibre-deep network build-outs,
challenging crossings or pathways in
vertical high rises and other MDUs.
Kabel-X’s approach uses a proprietary
lubricant under pressure to separate the
dielectric within the coax cable from the
outer aluminium shield. The dielectric
and centre conductor are quickly pulled
out, leaving an empty conduit for easy
replacement, repair or fibre upgrade.
For the first time, cable TV providers
can quickly deploy state-of-the-art,
high bandwidth fibre optic facilities
within their existing plant. Outdated
copper conductors that are buried,
aerial or underground are re-cored with
new cable using this patented process,
providing a faster, more convenient,
less destructive, and less labour
intensive alternative to traditional fibre
cable placement techniques.
“Cable service providers have been
looking for cost-effective and less
intrusive construction alternatives to
line excavation and replacement for a
long time,” said Darin Clause, executive
vice president for Kabel-X USA. “Whether
to the node, pole or beyond, Kabel-X
technology removes line access costs
and hassles by leveraging the most
efficient and minimally disruptive cable
conversion process on the market.”
Kabel-X – USA
Website:
Quick copper removal and replacement with Kabel-X technology
The UK’s oldest manufacturer of speciality
wires, Webster & Horsfall, has replaced
a second gas furnace with another
electrically heated furnace from Meltech
Engineering.
It is believed that the Meltech
MT1100 furnace will allow Webster &
Horsfall to drive down energy costs
and reduce the company’s carbon
footprint. The furnace will be used
for in-line patenting of Webster &
Horsfall’s range of carbon steel wires.
The MT1100 has been designed on the
Meltech ‘low thermal mass’ principle
and features multi-zone temperature
control.
Customisation of element design allows
optimisation of the MT1100’s perfor-
mance to fine tune temperature zoning
and increased element operational life.
In addition, the MT1100 uses advanced
ceramic and insulation materials to give
90% thermal efficiency, leading to more
consistent and manageable heating
across the length of the furnace and
reduced furnace heating running cost.
Meltech Engineering Ltd – UK
Fax: +44 1254 680175
Email:
Website: