XLPE Versus PVC Technical Write-Up

TECHNICAL WRITE-UP ON THE ADVANTAGES OF XLPE CABLES COMPARED TO PVC CABLES XLPE cables are found to give far better performance compared to PVC both in function and economy. This is due to the fact that the XLPE is a thermosetting plastic while PVC is a thermoplastic material. XLPE is Cross-linked Polyethylene. Polythene is a thermoplastic material consisting of long chain of hydrocarbon molecules. By a process similar to vulcanisation of rubber, the polyethylene molecules are cross-linked. The process of cross-linking or vulcanisation consists of producing chemical bonds at intervals between the long molecular chains to give a “ladder” effect which prevents slippage between molecules. As a result of cross- linking, the material becomes heat resistant and does not soften at high temperatures. It develops resistance to stress cracking and ageing . With the change in structure, the XLPE derives superior electrical properties. XLPE Cables have higher current rating and longer service life compared to PVC Cables. Under short circuit condition, this cable can withstand up to 250ºC temperature compared to 160ºC for PVC cables. It also has higher overloading capacity under emergency conditions. XLPE Cables are ideal for transmission and distribution of power because it has high corrosion resistance under polluted atmosphere along with better resistance power against chemicals and corrosive alkalis. Not only this it can withstand vibration and hot impacts. It also has 100 times more moisture resistance capacity compared to PVC. The low dielectric losses in XLPE Cables are a significant advantage. XLPE cables has low installation cost because of light weight, dimension and flexibility. The joining is far more easier and quicker. The flexibility can be retained even in sub zero temperatures ( -40 ºC) XLPE cables has insulation resistance of 1000 times compared to PVC cables. The properties comparison chart “XLPE versus PVC” given below highlights the salient advantages.

Upload
reuben74
Category

Documents
view
2.242
download
6

Embed Size (px):

Transcript of XLPE Versus PVC Technical Write-Up

Page 1: XLPE Versus PVC Technical Write-Up

TECHNICAL WRITE-UP ON THE ADVANTAGES OF XLPE CABLES

COMPARED TO PVC CABLES

XLPE cables are found to give far better performance compared to PVC both in function and economy. This is due to the fact that the XLPE is a thermosetting plastic while PVC is a thermoplastic material.

XLPE is Cross-linked Polyethylene. Polythene is a thermoplastic material consisting of long chain of hydrocarbon molecules. By a process similar to vulcanisation of rubber, the polyethylene molecules are cross-linked. The process of cross-linking or vulcanisation consists of producing chemical bonds at intervals between the long molecular chains to give a “ladder” effect which prevents slippage between molecules. As a result of cross-linking, the material becomes heat resistant and does not soften at high temperatures. It develops resistance to stress cracking and ageing . With the change in structure, the XLPE derives superior electrical properties. XLPE Cables have higher current rating and longer service life compared to PVC Cables. Under short circuit condition, this cable can withstand up to 250ºC temperature compared to 160ºC for PVC cables. It also has higher overloading capacity under emergency conditions.

XLPE Cables are ideal for transmission and distribution of power because it has high corrosion resistance under polluted atmosphere along with better resistance power against chemicals and corrosive alkalis.

Not only this it can withstand vibration and hot impacts. It also has 100 times more moisture resistance capacity compared to PVC.

The low dielectric losses in XLPE Cables are a significant advantage.

XLPE cables has low installation cost because of light weight, dimension and flexibility. The joining is far more easier and quicker. The flexibility can be retained even in sub zero temperatures ( -40 ºC)

XLPE cables has insulation resistance of 1000 times compared to PVC cables.

The properties comparison chart “XLPE versus PVC” given below highlights the salient advantages.