XLPE and EPR Cable Rejuvenation

XLPE and EPR cables suffer from insulation failure with time due to the formation of water trees. Water trees form in microscopic voids in the insulation. Over time and with electrical stresses, these voids grow in a tree-like form. Eventually, these larger and larger voids cause cable insulation failure. Because of the nature of the insulation materials, water trees are almost inevitable in polymeric cables.

However, these can be repaired in situ using the proven CableCURE process.

CableCURE Polymeric
Dielectric Repair

Many years of colaboration with Dow Corning has allowed the Cable Cure repair fluids to be developed. The XLPE Power cable is repaired by injecting the cable with Dow Corning XL fluid which repairs water trees. The XL fluid is a water reactive compound which is injected directly into the conductor strands. The fluid diffuses from the conductor strands into the insulation material, reacting with water. The process rejuvenates cable insualtion resulting in improved dielectric strength. After injection, AC breakdown voltage returns to new cable levels within weeks of injection.

The Cable Cure system has been used sucessfully in the USA for many years to rejuvenate XLPE cables. In recent years, a number of injection projects have been conducted in Australia with remarkable sucess. Cables that were prone to regular insulation failure are now performing like new.

CableCURE also has applications for use with submarine cables.

Intertech is the Australasian licensee for the CableCURE process. Intertech will provide the necessary chemicals and injection equipment, and our fully trained staff will carry out the injection work.

Visit the CableCure Web Site for further information