Photos: Borealis

LS4201S optimizes the production cycle – Degassing is a vital process for HV cable designs. In this process cable cores are held at elevated temperatures to speed up desorption of by-products fromthe crosslinking process. The degassing burden is directly related to the size of the cable core and to the level of by-products left in the cable after it exits the CV tube.

LS4201 has a much broader processing window – Longer running time (same scorch risk)Higher melt temperature (same scorch risk)Same running time (reduced scorch risk)

New innovation for HV cables

PDF

Zurück

Borealis has designed LS4201S to be the XLPE insulation of choice for high voltage applications. The SupercureTM technology is based on a polyethylene that has been modified by incorporating reactive side groups at the polymerization stage. This more reactive polyethylene forms the base for an XLPE compound with enhanced properties that are not obtainable with the conventional materials.

Supercure LS4201S delivers a lower degassing burden and improved scorch performance while maintaining the high level of cleanliness associated with our former industry benchmark grade, LE4201S. For the Wire and Cable industry, these properties translate into critical benefits, including faster cable processing, longer production run times, improved cable quality, and greater cable reliability in installation and service life.
Due to potential fire hazards and mechanical damage during installation or in service arising from out-gassing of residual decomposition products formed during crosslinking, High Voltage cables need to be degassed at the cable manufacturer before shipment to the customer. Furthermore, these residual by-products can also mask defects that would normally be detected during routine cable testing, thus potentially seriously compromising the reliability of the installed cables.
The lower degassing burden of Supercure LS4201S aids optimisation of the production cycle. Borealis HV materials are made in a dedicated process designed to assure the absolute highest levels of purity. This combination of purity and Supercure technology provides cablemakers and utilities with a reliable, quality solution for HV cable insulation that is in the technology frontline.
In addition to the crosslinking process, the formation of scorch (prematurely crosslinked material) within the extruders, the extruder head and its impact on cable quality and productivity must be considered. Scorch particles in the insulation can form defects that have the potential to reduce the reliability of the cable. These types of defects are not always easily detected by established quality control tests. In order to minimize such problems the cable maker will periodically stop production and thoroughly clean the extrusion equipment to remove any scorch build up. It is therefore essential to master the extrusion process and use materials that have a high level of scorch retarding performance.
The much improved scorch performance of LS4201S can be used to permit longer runs. Some cable manufacturers have reported that they can, compared to a standard XLPE compound, run up to 20% longer with LS4201S before they have to stop for cleaning. Alternatively, cable production rates can be boosted by using higher melt temperatures with no added risk of scorch..

Satisfying the evolving market for High Voltage XLPE cables will continue to be a key focus for Borealis. These demands include a faster pace for replacement of overhead with underground cables, increased cable length, emerging DC HV cables, and more demanding requirements for offshore HV cables. Borealis will continue to lead the way by meeting these challenges with innovative materials and processes that improve efficiency, quality, and reliability for the Wire and Cable industry.