Fall 1999 - Technical Presentations

Check this page periodically to learn about the Technical Presentations scheduled for SC meetings.

Please Note: This is a only a listing of the presentations and DOES NOT IMPLY THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY WILL BE PRESENTED.

• Subcommittee A - Cable Construction and Design
  Monday, November 1st, 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm
  • Is 500 Ohm-m Low Enough for a Ground Shield?
    Steven Boggs, University of Connecticut
    Abstract: Recent investigations calculated the distance over which the semicon has to be separated from the neutral wires to leave the semicon effectively floating, which will result in breakdown between the neutral wires and semicon. Under power frequency, this is not too much of an issue unless the semicons are way out of spec. However for lightning impulse, this is very much an issue, and for a ground shield resistivity of 500 Ohm-m, the semicon need be separated from the neutral wires over an axial distance of only a few cm to have floating semicon and discharge during a lightning event. Under worst case conditions, such discharges can (and have in the field) punctured the semicon and even caused cable failures. This suggests that 500 ohm-m is too high a maximum for ground shield resistivity, especially given that the typical value for modern semicons is of order 1 ohm-m.
    
  • An Analysis of the Interfacial Region of HV Cables Using Electrostatic Force Microscopy
    S Betteridge, BICCGeneral UK Cables Ltd, Technology, Wrexham, UK, T J Lewis and J P Llewellyn, SEECS, University of Wales, Bangor, UK and R N Hampton, BICCGeneral UK Cables Ltd, Supertension and Subsea Cables, UK
    Abstract: A novel application of Electric Force Microscopy (EFM) has been used to study the microstructure of cable materials. This technique, which is an adaptation of the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), measures the electrical forces in the neighbourhood of microscopic surface charges. The technique was used to record clear images of the electrical interface in HV cables. The EFM, electrical, images are much clearer and well defined than the associated topographical AFM images. The EFM images show conducting features extending 2 *m into the insulation. EFM images of different cable constructions (XLPE and EPR) show different degrees of interface smoothness. A measurement of the average carbon particle size within the conductor screen was also made using the EFM technique.
    
  • Improved Conventional Semiconductive Conductor Shield Compounds
    C.G. Reid and A. Mendelsohn, Union Carbide
    Abstract: A new level of performance for conventional semiconductive conductor shields compounds has been reached. These new materials utilizes cleaner furnace process carbon black to achieve yet lower levels of ionic residue and sulfur content within the composition. The surface smoothness of the product has also been incrementally improved relative to the current commercial conventional products. These improvements have been shown with model cable testing to improve the wet aging characteristics of XLPE. In addition, the new material exhibits improved processing characteristics with respect to viscosity and scorch behavior, which will lead in turn to fewer episodic defects during cable manufacture.
    
  • Novel Compounds for Flexible Cable Jackets
    Eric Marsden, Nova-Borealis Compounds (USA)
    Abstract: A proprietary reactor process has allowed the development of materials that can be used to produce Cable Jackets, both semiconducting and insulating, which are significantly more flexible than their conventional counterparts. Properties such as Hardness, Abrasion Resistance and Water Vapor Transmission Rates have not been sacrificed to achieve flexibility.
    
  • The IRC and the RVM, Two Diagnostic Methods to Assess the Condition of XLPE Power Cables
    H. Oetjen, HDW Electronics
    Isothermal Relaxation Current (IRC) analysis and Return Voltage Method (RVM) are two new techniques to assess the condition of XLPE power cables. A brief description of the principles of both methods is given, how they differ from each other and how they compare to the other diagnostic methods for XLPE cables. The concepts of how to correlate the test results with meaningful real-world parameters are reviewed in order to determine the potential benefit of these methods for the cable operator.
    
  • Analysis of Reliability as Assessed by Utility Fault Data
    RN Hampton, Supertension & Subsea Systems, BICCGeneral UK Cables Ltd
    Abstract: A number of utilities collect statistics on the service failures experienced by their cable systems. These data represent a considerable investment in resource and contain valuable information on the reliability of the cable network. However there have not been any clear methodologies reported in the technical literature. The paper will discuss:- · the type of data regularly collected by utilities · the useful methods to analyse failure date typically collected by utilities · the major reliability trends that can be identified using utility data and standard analysis tools · the prediction of the future reliability · some recommend formats for data collection The data discussed within this paper have been extracted from a variety of utility sources throughout the world. Particular emphasis will be placed on datasets where the data are available in time series and have been segregated into types of failures.
    
  • Technical Advancements on the Underground Medium Voltage Cable Specifications of the USA Largest Investor-Owned Utilities,
    Joe Dudas, Consultant, and Bill Cochran, Cinergy
    Abstract: The paper discusses the technical advancements in medium voltage (15 – 35 kV) underground-insulated power cable specifications for the largest investor-owned utilities (IOU’s). The data was obtained by analyzing current and past technical specifications of 45 of the largest IOU’s. The utilities were selected on the basis of the numbers of customers served. Special consideration was given to specification preferences for solid or filled conductors, insulation and conductor shield, extrusion and curing methods, metallic shield type and jacket type and material. The analysis provides meaningful information that will enable electrical utilities to evaluate their medium voltage underground cable specifications and practices in comparison with those of the largest utilities in the USA.
    
  • Implications of High Frequency Cable Loss for Distribution System Reliabilitiy,
    Steven Boggs, University of Connecticut.
    Abstract: We are looking at the statistical distribution of overvoltages and dV/dt in a utility distribution system as a function of high frequency cable loss and relating this to the stress on transformers and other power system components.
    
  • Influence of Frequency on Water Treeing
    Jean-Pierre Crine (Consultant) and Jinder Jow (Union Carbide)
    Abstract: We have shown in a previous presentation that various electrical aging processes of XLPE are highly dependent on the applied voltage frequency. In this presentation, concentrated on water treeing, we report a literature survey on the influence of frequency on the length of vented water grown in the laboratory. When results obtained with a given ionic solution but under various conditions of voltages and frequencies are plotted as a function of the number of field cycles, a simple empirical relation is clearly evident. This empirical relation suggests that frequency is the major accelerating factor in water treeing. Other practical implications associated with this observation are also discussed.

  Tuesday, November 2nd, 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm

  • Report on IEEE Power Cable Standards
    Dan Ward, Virginia Power
    
  • Proposal for a North American Cable Performance Data Base
    H. Orton, OCEI, Canada
    
  • Modification of XLPE Base Polymer for Enhanced Cable Productivity.
    Annika Smedberg, Jan-Ove Boström Borealis AB, S-44496 Stenungsund, Sweden
    Abstract: The base LDPE polymer for XLPE has been established for decades. Minor modification with regard to e.g. molecular weight distribution was made in an early stage of the XLPE technology evolution. The polymer producer has during the succeeding years put most attention to cleanliness issues and compound development and less attention to polymer modifications. However, new opportunities to improve the cable manufacturing process by modification of the base polymer with functional groups, has recently been identified. This presentation will cover the basis of a new base polymer technology, experience in cable manufacturing and performance of cables produced with compound based on this technology.
    
  • High Temperature Performance of TR-XLPE
    S. Szaniszlo, Union Carbide
    Abstract: 130°C was established as the emergency overload temperature for XLPE in the mid-sixties. Previous EPRI sponsored project concluded the emergency overload temperature of XLPE and EPR cables can be extended to 145°C. During the 1990's a 105°/140°C rating was adopted for EPR insulated cables. Thermomechanical, dry cable aging and wet cable aging in the temperature range 105 to 140°C is presented to demonstrate a 105/140°C rating is justified for TR-XLPE.
    
  • Performance of Aged TR-XLPE at Elevated Temperatures
    Evangeline Cometa, Paul Lorigan, Haridoss Sarma, AT Plastics Inc.
    Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of laboratory aged TR-XLPE cable under steady state elevated conductor temperatures of up to 130°C. The cable was first aged under ACLT tank test protocol at ‘43’ conditions (4 times rated voltage, 75*C). HVTT was then performed on the aged cable samples under different conductor temperatures.
    
  • Effect of Moisture on Impulse Strength of Wet Aged TR-XLPE Cables
    J. Jow, Union Carbide
    Abstract: It has been reported that TR-XLPE cables showed a significant reduction in impulse strength after wet electrical aging in the laboratory test and field tests, in contrast to little or no deterioration in AC breakdown strength. This paper proposes the possible causes and presents experimental results on the effect of moisture and aging on impulse strength reduction of wet aged TR-XLPE cables.
    
  • Effect of Conductor Temperature on Life Performance of TR-XLPE
    Evangeline Cometa, Paul Lorigan, Haridoss Sarma, AT Plastics Inc.
    Abstract: It has been established that conductor temperature is the critical factor that affects the GMTF (geometric-mean-time-to-failure) of XLPE insulated cables. However, a parallel study has never been carried out for TR-XLPE cables. This project is based on a systematic study of the effect of conductor temperature on the GMTF of a TR-XLPE cable. Cable samples from the same cable run were aged at three different temperatures up to 90°C under accelerated life test conditions. The data shows that at the lower aging temperatures, the corresponding GMTF of the TR-XLPE cable are proportionately much higher.
    
  • A New Water Tree Retardant Insulation For URD Cables
    Eric Marsden, Nova-Borealis Compounds (USA)
    Abstract: Wet aging data from small-scale tests and from cable testing will be presented for a new Water Tree Retardant Insulation

   

• Subcommittee B - Accessories
  Wednesday, November 3rd, 8:00 am - Noon
  • Revisions to IEEE 404-1993 Cable Joint Standards
    Glen Luzzi, Working Group Chairman.
    Abstract: The Working Group will present the changes and new additions to the IEEE 404-1993 Cable Joint Standard. The presentation will be followed by an Accessories Subcommittee vote to approve the revisions.
    
  • Revisions to IEEE 592-1990R Exposed Semi-Con Test Standard
    John Makal, Working Group Chairman.
    Abstract: The Working Group presentation will be followed by vote of Accessories Subcommittee to approve revisions.
    
  • Effective Use of Fault Detector Devices to Pinpont Faults in Distribution Cable Circuits
    Bill Niebuhr
    Abstract: The presentation will address FCI products that are employed on only 20-30% of distribution circuits, due to a lack of confidence in their performance and/or knowledge relating to their application.
    
  • An Economical System For Feeder Fault Monitoring and Control Using Two-Way Cellular 'Cellemetry' Based Communications
    Dave Donovan, Fisher Pierce.
    Abstract: The new system provides alarm, control, monitor, and maintenance reporting by exception - targeted for overhead and underground distribution circuits beyond the sub-station fence. This is achieved without typical high infrastructure and maintenance costs by utilizing the vast cellular telephone network now in place. The two way communication field device includes a cellular modem with circuitry to communicate circuit/equipment voltages, fault and load currents, and to control their associated switches from the utility's designated dispatch center - through the cellular network".
    
  • 60 Hz PD Testing of Terminations and Splices at TXU
    Richie Harp, TXU Electric and Gas
    Abstract:Testing of terminations and splices at TXU using 60 hz PD methods.
    
  • P1593 - Guide for the Evaluation of Solvents Used for Cleaning Electrical Cables and Accessories
    Gene Weitz, Rainbow Technology
    Abstract: Working Group presentation on the new Guide for the Evaluation of Solvents Used for Cleaning Electrical Cables and Accessories. A vote on the new Guide by the Accessories Subcommittee will follow.
    
  • A Cost Effective and Environmental Friendly Pumping Plant
    George Balog, Alcatel Norway
    Abstract: As a major supplier of large turnkey submarine fluid-filled cables the necessity of a modern, cost effective, low energy, low noise, small footprint, pumping plant became obvious. A new PLC controlled high redundancy pumping plant was developed tested and supplied. The features of these pumping plants and the operational experience with them will be presented
    

   

• Subcommittee C - Cable Systems
  Tuesday, November 2nd, 8:00 am - Noon
  • Taku Inlet 138 kV Submarine Cable Reinforcement Project - Part II, Cable System Installation Phase.
    Corry Hildenbrand, Alaska Electric Light and Power, Allen MacPhail, British Columbia Hydro, George Balog, Alcatel Cables Norway
    Abstract: A description of the overall project was given at the Spring 1999 ICC meeting, up to completion of preparations for cable installation. This Part II presentation will describe experience with submarine cable laying, installation of the insulating fluid pressurizing systems, cathodic protection systems and other auxiliary cable condition monitoring systems, through to final commissioning.
    
  • Field Testing of 115 kV XLPE Cable Terminations At Public Service Of Colorado
    Torben Aabo, Power Cable Consultants and Darrell Sabatka, New Century Energies
    Abstract: A 115 kV XLPE cable circuit was installed in 1972 on the Public Service of Colorado’s transmission system.  Several termination failures had occurred and when one failed in 1996, an evaluation of the cable and remaining original terminations was performed.  This presentation will detail the evaluation and the recommendations to retrofit the circuit for continuing operation.
    
  • Advances in Fiber Optic Distributed Temperature Sensing for Underground Transmission Cables
    Gary Schmidt and L. Fredin - Systems & Processes Engineering Corporation, Shan Nandi - ComEd, Ken Crowe - NK Cables
    Abstract: Power transmission decision models will become more complex as the unpredictability of deregulation takes hold and transmission assets are increasingly used in ways not envisioned when originally designed. One of the major variables in the equation is the temperature of underground cables and how and where hot spots may be developing under constantly changing climatic and loading conditions. Historically, this variable was derived analytically and subject to estimation errors. With timely knowledge of actual temperatures over the length of a cable, however, a system operator is better equipped to make ampacity and transactional decisions appropriate to both the thermal health of the system and the economic opportunity at hand. New advances in integrated fiber optic distributed temperature sensing are bringing real-time thermal information into the decision process. This presentation addresses the technical and operational issues associated with implementing fiber optic distributed temperature sensors in underground transmission cable systems.
    
  • Modern Temperature Monitoring and Load Prediction System
    Georg Balog, ALCATEL Cables, Norway
    Abstract: To be able to confidently use power cables under all circumstances up to their maximum transmission capacity, distributed temperature monitoring systems, DTS, were installed to find the thermal bottle-necks. Based on the DTS, a dynamic rating system, DRS, was developed and installed, to be able to transfer short time loads above the rated, by predicting the time to maximal conductor temperature by calculations. The design, installation and service experience with these systems on two submarine cable installations will be presented. Based on the above a view on the advantages and disadvantages of such systems will be given.
    
  • Discussion of Current PD Testing Topics in the Light of Recent Field Experience
    Matt Mashikian, IMCORP
    Abstract: This presentation will provide highlights and technical field data related to the following three current topics:
    • Discussion of PD testing at service voltage. This topic was discussed as one of the targeted topics at the recent CIRED Conference in Nice, France.
    • Effect of PD detection sensitivity on the practical implications of tests performed on extruded cables.
    • Experience with PD testing of PILC cables.
  • On-line and In-Service Partial Discharge Measurement and Location for Distribution and Transmission Type Cables Systems
    Zalya Berler, Cutler-Hammer
    Abstract: A test method was designed for the Partial Discharge source detection and location in cables while in-service. It is based on the measurement of PD pulse time-of-arrival for two or more PD sensors located in different points. PD provides a electromagnetic wave propagating along the cable in two directions from the site of origination. This wave produces electric and magnetic field pulses and current pulses. PD current measurement is used for on-line detection. A current induced into cable shield by the propagating electromagnetic wave can be measured by Radio Frequency current transformers (RFCT). A charge transferred by the wave can also be estimated from the pulse waveform. PD-Site-Locator is the instrumental and software tool specially designed for location of PD sources in medium voltage bus ducts, transmission and distribution cables. It can be used on-line as well as off-line utilizing different PD sensors such as RFCT, coupling capacitors, frame, etc. It uses a controlled universal 4-channel oscilloscope with a unique log-amplifier of 80 dB. PD-Site-Locator acquires a few hundreds of single pulses, processes data, detects pulses related to the discharge process and calculates a distance of the pulse source from one of the sensors. The accuracy of detecting the location of the PD source is about one foot. The minimal detected PD signal depends upon residual background noise and depends on the location of PD being over 5 pC. The technology applies for testing cables with T-connections.
    
  • A New Class Of Biodegradable Dielectric Fluids
    Joel Kerstein, Shrieve Chemical Products and John Engelhardt, USi
    Abstract: A Synthetic Hydrocarbon Blend has been engineered to possess excellent dielectric properties and superior biodegradation. This new product will be described as will the relevant environmental characteristics and test methods used to quantify its biodegradability. The results of preliminary cable application tests and long-term full scale aging tests that arc underway will be presented.
    
  • Operating Results from a Real Time Dynamic Rating System on 69 kV Pipe Cable System
    Tony Ernst, Usi
    Abstract: Load, ambient earth temperature and pipe surface temperatures were measured continuously. These were used to compute earth thermal resistivity and dynamic current ratings in real time. Normal and emergency ratings are higher than pre-calculated rating and this enabled postponement of system upgrades.
    
  • New Competeive Transmission System Based on HVDC Light with Extruded Cables
    F. Ruter, TransEnergie US Ltd, T. Leander, ABB High Voltage Cables and P. Carstensen, ABB Corporate Research
    Abstract: later
    
  • Development of Materials for Extruded DC Power Cables
    Ulf Nilsson, Alfred Campus and Jan-Ove Boström, Borealis, Stenungsund, Sweden
    Abstract: Lapped insulation system is today the established technology for HVDC cables. A technology shift to a polymeric system would give several advantages as e.g. reduced costs. However, tests with polymeric cables have until now not been successful due to the build up of space charges in the insulation. This presentation will deal with results from an extensive compound development program, which has resulted in an XLPE insulation system with very low space charge accumulation.
    
  • Extruded DC Power Cables and Accessories for Use in HVDC Transmission
    K. Johannesson, ABB High Voltage Cables, P. Carstensen, ABB Corporate Research and A. Gustafsson, ABB Kabledon.
    Abstract: later
    

   

• Subcommittee D - Station, Control and Utilization Cables
  Monday, November 1st, 9:30 am - Noon
  • Aging Transport System
    Stewart Miller, FAA
    Abstract: The presentation gives some background on the activities of the FAA’s Aging Systems Plan. The intent of the presentation is to give some perspectives on the health of the transport fleet and to suggest the work which must be done to make an already extremely safe mode of transportation even better and to assure that safety problems are not developing as our transport airplane fleet ages. The presentation concludes with some challenges to the wire and cable industry.
    
  • What should the new standards be for aircraft wiring?
    Richard Healing, US Navy
    Abstract: A discussion on the influence and actions of the Aviation Wire and Inert Gas Group (AWIGG). Concerns about Kapton which for years has been the preferred type of insulation. What is the next insulation which will resist urine, coffee and coke, seeping through the floor on to critical wiring.
    
  • Aircraft Wiring Failure: A Developing Science
    Bruce Bernstein, EPRI, Armin Bruning, Lectromec, Brian Choquette, Factory Mutual, James Hunt, Consultant, Aime DeReggi, NIST
    Abstract: Life prediction --"End-of-Life"-- prediction of wiring of commercial aircraft has an obvious personal element of interest to all of us. We all travel extensively by commercial aircraft. Clear proof by actual experience on maritime aircraft show examples of electrical insulation deterioration to the point of current leakage leading to equipment malfunctions and destructive arcs. Although interpretable evidence is hard to recover from aircraft losses most agree there are aircraft losses resulting from wire arc event initiations. It has not been proven this phenomenon has been happening on commercial aircraft. The two extremes of viewpoints:
    • Some responsible aircraft company employees say they "are not concerned with bare 120 volt conductors on aircraft". They do not believe this leads to significant flight problems.
    • Others have targeted specific types of insulation, independent of design practices, they consider so dangerous that one material should be banned, and removed from all commercial and military aircraft.

    The relation between the break (proximate failure) in the insulation and the resulting ultimate failure of malfunction of connected equipment and/or arcing fires appears to be at the heart of the two viewpoints that there is or is not a problem. This relation has not been quantitatively defined: What is "END-OF-LIFE" of wiring? Does it even exist? This is presently highly controversial.

    Option one is to assume that any fault is due to an "unusual" stress. One need take corrective action only when one sees an event. Optimally, one can predict that time which under "normal" conditions the rate at which penetrations will spontaneously start to form. One can then take remedial action such as replace sections of wire in those zones. What is a PERTINENT STATISTICAL DEFINITION of "End-of-Life".

    This is a "Work in Progress Report" of SubCommittee SC32-5, Thermal Life & Fire Hazard, of the IEEE Dielectric and Electrical Insulation Society related to some of the technical fundamentals of this issue.

  • Fiber Optic Cable Design
    Chris Pegge, BICC General
    Abstract: A presentation on the latest industry developments in fiber optic cable design. A summary of the design criteria considered by the cable design engineer including; selection of materials, construction options (tight buffer vs. loose tube vs. blown fiber), mechanical strength and reliability considerations and environmental performance modelling. The implications of the latest transmission perfomance standards on the fiber type selection process. In particular the rapid rise in Gigabit Ethernet appliations in Local Area Networks. An overview of installation techniques inculding blown fiber applications.
    
  • Low Acid Gas Compounds
    John Grant, Geon Canada Inc.
    Abstract: This presentation is intended as a brief overview of the development and introduction of Low Acid Gas Compounds into the Canadian Wire and Cable industry and includes a description of the how the test is performed and finally one of the major cable applications in which this product is used.

• Transnational Luncheon
  Tuesday, November 2nd, 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Calendar of International Events, Willem Boone, KEMA, Holland
  • Jicable 99 – A Summary, Alain Pinet, EdF
  • Long Length XLPE Subsea Cable Project, Nigel Hampton, Supertension & Subsea Systems, BICCGeneral UK Cables Ltd
  • 48 km *500 kV DC Submarine Cable without Factory Joint, Bill Torok, Fujikura America
  • Mexican Standards Activities, Candelario de Salvidar, Conductores Monterrey, Mexico
  • NZ Geothermal Data, Deepak Parmar, Geotherm
  • New Equipment Termination System and Transition Joint for 170 kV Cable with Extruded Insulation, Eddy De Ridder and Shotu Chatterjee, Euromold; Lauri Hiivala and Cam Dowlat, Alcatel
  • Prequalification Test 400 kV XLPE Cable, Rinus Broekmans, NK
  • Qatar Project - Phase IV, Daniel Paulin, Alcatel Cable, France
    Abstract: This is a turnkey project awarded to Alcatel in 1997, to supply over 300 km. of cables and accessories for the Qatar Electricity Commission, involving 220kV, 132kV and 66kV cables and accessories. Alcatel's scope of work included the engineering studies, design, manufacture, testing, civil works, installation and commissioning.

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