LoviQuick®: Single-Piece, Prefab Cable Joint
20 June 2007 12:13
In developing the LoviQuick cable joint, particular attention was paid to the critical success factors relevant in the assembly and quality of medium-voltage joints for polymeric cables. On the basis of this study, it emerged on the one hand that any new cable joint concept would have to limit as far as possible the influence of human intervention. On the other hand, moisture penetration emerged as a key cause of failure.
The result is a single-piece ‘prefab’ cable joint whereby the jointer has to carry out a minimum of actions. Traditional jointing steps, such as the application of insulation and stress control, and the fitting of a connector are now all unnecessary, since all functions of these materials have been integrated in the joint itself. Effectively, quality control of the joint is carried out in the factory.
When it comes to assembly, all the jointer has to do is strip the cable, and insert it in the joint, using a special tool.
Moisture Penetration
The solution for moisture penetration comes in the form of a smart construction that produces an optimum shield. Thanks to specially-shaped silicone parts on the outside of the cable joint, the seal in fact becomes even tighter, as the water pressure increases. On the inside of the joint is a silicone foam, specially developed for Lovink Enertech. The foam applies constant pressure, and ‘breathes’ with the expansion and shrinkage of the cable as a result of changed loads. Even if the load falls, the same pressure is still guaranteed. The seal has been successfully tested up to a waterproofness of 2bar.
The LoviQuick cable joint is suitable for XLPE cables with diameters of between 95mm² and 300mm², up to a voltage level (Umax) of 24kV. The first production series is soon to be installed with a number of selected customers.
For more information on this company:
Lovink Enertech - Power Cable Joints, Terminations And Accessories
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