How can we insulate the sub stations completly without any failures from animal and vegetation?

 

Why an insulation sleeve/overhead line cover alone will not completely solve the insulation issue and outages?

As you see there is a tremendous increase in the number of silicone sleeve manufacturers over the past 3 years, Centroid being a pioneer in the field have developed a complete solution and a number of different models for the purpose of overhead line cover/insulation sleeve based on their intend to use.

A sleeve alone will not solve the insulation issue as proper installation of the sleeve under expert guidance is a key. Any air gaps, improper locking, non-availability of locking accessories can cause the insulation breakdown of the conductor and can cause severe damage to the sleeve, conductor and to the total system. A thorough process to be maintained in the manufacture of silicone sleeves right from the material selection to installation which we have been providing through the continuous improvements from testing, manufacturing to installation. We have a well-maintained internal LAB where all instruments are calibrated from NABL accredited 3rd party agencies periodically consisting of instruments and equipment to conduct thermal, electric, physical and mechanical tests over the raw material and finished products.

The Detailed procedure of manufacturing the sleeve has been shared in another article to make the user or the utility aware of the importance of the manufacturing process. The test facilities used in each stage and the final products are also shared in separate articles.

We discuss the key points in the selection and installation of the silicone overhead/insulation sleeves, accessories based on the voltage level, installation method and type of material to be used. We have 4 different models of silicone insulation sleeves like SECLIS BLT, PLT, SLT, DLT for different voltage levels of 1.1kv to 50kV+, each have a fire retardant and non fire retardant grade available with different thickness from 1 mm to 5mm based on their voltage levels. The accessories like a special sealant which has the properties of silicone has been developed internally which helps the sleeves to be air proof thus insulating completely. We have a set of specially developed silicone self-fusing tapes CENFUSE which can be used along with SLT model for a higher breakdown capacity but should be installed with proper instruction. A special model where no accessories or little expertise is needed like a DLT type which can be installed with less skilled people and the instruction sheet alone is only model exclusively available at our end. This model is developed after multiple trials in various types of field testing and lab tastings from Labs like CPRI, IRMRI etc.  Special installation tools have been developed for the installation of the conductor cover which will reduce the installation procedures simpler and fast.

We have even developed an internal tool which can correctly suggest the size of the conductor cover, thickness, material to be used based on the inputs from the customer. As we said only the sleeve will not solve the problem , for unit and pooled substations we have custom forming guards/ covers which can be used along with the sleeve and tape to achieve a permanent solution for outages and insulation breakdown causing through wildlife or leakage.

You are welcome to share your insulation outages or solutions you are looking for, into this email or WhatsApp phone numbers along with details and we are ready to offer free consultation and can plan for prototyping of a single unit or station.

Think before making a decision on the insulation sleeves and make maximum use of the tools and expert consultation for a proven result. 

Written by: Team Centroid Polymer, R & D