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Spring 2012 - Presentations

Check this page periodically to learn about the Presentations scheduled for the Spring meeting.

• Opening Session
• Mini-Expo Vendors
• Subcommittee A
• Subcommittee B
• Subcommittee C
• Subcommittee D
• Subcommittee F
• Transnational Luncheon
• Networking Luncheon
• Educational Program

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

• Opening Session
  • Opening Session Slides 1
  • Alan C. Rotz, IEEE PES Immediate Past President
  • Opening Session Slides 2
• Mini-Expo Vendors
  • AP Sensing - AP Sensing will be showing their Linear Power Series which offers: • Real Time Distributed Temperature Monitoring of High Voltage Transmission & Distribution Lines • Asset Visualization • Hot Spot Detection • Dynamic Cable Rating / Real Time Thermal Rating • Emergency Rating • Reporting & Analysis
    Distributed temperature monitoring provides continuous monitoring of high power cable temperatures, detecting hot spots, delivering operational status, condition assessment and power circuit rating data. This helps operators optimize their transmission facilities and distribution networks, reducing operating costs and improving asset utilization. http://www.apsensing.com
  • Baker Hughes Process and Pipeline Services is one of the leading pipeline inspection and cleaning service companies.  Increased interest in our ability to assess the condition of carbon steel pipe used to house underground insulated cable conductors has prompted us to attend the 2012 forum.  We will also be presenting a technical paper on Magnetic Flux Leakage and how this technology is used to assess the integrity of pipe.  We look forward to discussing with you how our services can be very beneficial in confirming your confidence in the integrity of these types of circuits.  For information please visit us at http://www.bakerhughes.com/
  • EJ-USA (formerly East Jordan Iron Works, Inc.) has been a manufacturer of cast iron infrastructure products for over a century.  EJ is a leading manufacturer of iron, steel and aluminum infrastructure access solutions globally. EJ recently acquired Syracuse Castings which is a leading manufacturer of steel and aluminum hatch covers and related products.  The product that we want to highlight at PES-ICC is our new ductile iron manhole that has been designed to mitigate manhole explosions.  
  • G&W Electric Company G&W Electric has been a global leader in providing innovative solutions to the electric power industry since 1905. Our product offerings include cable terminations, cable joints, load and fault interrupting switchgear, automatic circuit reclosers, SCADA and distribution automation products and high current limiting system protection devices. Stop by the mini expo to see our new line of PYTHON™ cable accessories featuring the mechanical shrink installation method. For more information visit www.gwelec.com.
  • HV TECHNOLOGIES, Inc.  HV TECHNOLOGIES, Inc. (HVT), has over a century of experience and dedication in serving the testing equipment needs for the power utility, power apparatus, and electronic equipment industries. Come by our booth to see how our range of VLF, AC or DAC sources for PD Cable Fault Diagnostic Testing or our VLF and AC systems for TD testing can serve you. Other Hi-pot sources are available as well a range of oil test equipment for Dielectric, Dissipation factor and moisture analysis. HVT, located in Manassas, Virginia, is a leading supplier of High Voltage and EMC Test Equipment and solutions.  Come visit us at the ICC Mini-Expo or on the web @ www.hvtechnologies.com.
  • HVPD High Voltage Partial Discharge Ltd (HVPD) are industry leaders in the field of Partial Discharge (PD) test and monitoring technology for in-service medium and high voltage plant.   Our PD test and monitoring technologies are used by our clients for insulation condition assessment of both MV and HV plant with applications including both On-line and Off-line testing. HVPD provide a complete range of PD test services, products and asset management advice to our global customer base.
    Please Visit us at the ICC Mini-Expo where we look forward to discussing your requirements and our applications. Further information can be found at our website: www.hvpd.co.uk”
  • KEMA, since 29 February 2012 ”DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability” - DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability, with more than 2,300 experts in over 30 countries around the world, is committed to driving the global transition toward a safe, reliable, efficient, and clean energy future. With a heritage of nearly 150 years, we specialize in providing world-class, innovative solutions in the fields of business & technical consultancy, testing, inspections & certification, risk management, and verification. One of the company's expertises is underground cables, already an important element of KEMA's activities since 1927. As an objective and impartial knowledge-based company, we advise and support organizations along the energy value chain: producers, suppliers & end-users of energy, equipment manufacturers, as well as government bodies, corporations and non-governmental organizations. DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability is part of DNV, a global provider of services for managing risk with more than 10,000 employees in over 100 countries. For more information on DNV KEMA Energy & Sustainability, visit www.dnvkema.com.
  • Kinectrics "Kinectrics’ established industry experts provide clients worldwide with comprehensive engineering and testing services for Transmission and Distribution Technologies (TDT). Our proven expertise includes qualification and maintenance testing (AC Hi-Pot and Partial Discharge) for underground cables. Kinectrics’ has two high-power Mobile Resonant Test Systems for HV transmission cable withstand AC Hi-Pot Testing. Kinectrics also offers leading-edge capabilities for underground cable leak location and “one-stop” High Voltage / High Current lab facilities. Kinectrics’ specialists in generation, transmission, distribution, and environmental technologies use innovative science and engineering to help clients improve business performance. We offer life cycle management solutions in a broad range of technical disciplines across the energy sector. www.kinectrics.com"
  • The Mears Group  Specializing in Horizontal Directional Drilling Services: One of the largest horizontal directional drilling contractors in the world with a fleet of 28 small, mid-size & large drilling rigs with up to 1,100,000 lbs. of pullback that can install pipe up to 60 inches in diameter and more than 8,000 feet in length. For more information on our services, please call: U.S. (800) 632-7727, Canada (780) 955-7155 or visit www.mears.net.
  • OMICRON Electronics Corp USA is an international company serving the electrical power industry with innovative testing and diagnostic solutions. With customers in more than 130 countries, OMICRON products provide users with the highest level of confidence in the condition assessment of primary and secondary equipment on their systems. Products include: Test Instruments for Protective Relays, CT's, Power Transformers, & all Substation Apparatus. Specialized tests include Sweep Frequency Response Analysis (SFRA), Dielectric Frequency Response (DFR) & Partial Discharge (PD). Visit www.omicronusa.com
  • Sumitomo Electric USA Inc.
  • UtilX®  Corporation provides proprietary CableCURE® cable life-extension technology and CableWISE®  system-wide condition assessment.  Both encompass a proactive approach to achieve total system reliability-Maximum Reliability at Minimum Cost. UtilX has 20 years of experience in the field and has restored more than 100 million feet of unreliable power cable.  Please visit us at www.utilx.com.
  • W.A. Chester, L.L.C. is the industry-leading electrical contractor for the installation, maintenance and repair of underground high voltage pipe-type and solid dielectric cable transmission and distribution systems. Founded in the 1930’s, our clients include electric utility companies and independent power producers in the United States and Canada and we are one of three specialty contractors performing this type of work on a national basis. In addition to underground systems, W.A. Chester, L.L.C. has expanded its services to include installation, maintenance and repair of overhead electric distribution cable systems. For more information, please visit our website at www.wachester.com.
  • Wasson-ECE - Wasson-ECE provides a Tracer Analyzer for the location of dielectric oil leaks in underground high voltage cables. The Tracer Analyzer detects perfluorocarbon tracers (PFTs) in air from  tagged feeder oil leaks and greatly improves leak detection efficiency, eliminating the need  for freeze and pressure testing techniques and cable de-energization.  The analyzer is designed for a mobile environment with fully automated sampling and global positioning system (GPS) tracking. Our system has been successfully used domestically and internationally and has drastically reduced the time and cost involved in locating leaks. For more information please contact us: marketing@wasson-ece.com.
• Subcommittee A - Cable Construction and Design. Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • 8:00 - 8:15 AM - Subcommittee Business/Announcements
  • 8:15 - 8:50 AM - 500 Hz Medium Voltage Cable Qualification, Michael  K. Lauxman, Marshall Technology Center
    Initial test results of the CENELEC HD 605 accelerated wet-aging method for commercially-available TRXLPE insulated medium voltage cables were presented at the fall 2010 ICC meeting. This presentation compares results of wet accelerated water treeing tests for TRXLPE and EPR insulations following the CENELEC and the ICEA S-94-649-2004 method for qualification of new cable insulation designs with the focus on reduction of qualification test time, the role of frequency in the growth of trees and the assessment of cable breakdown strength.   
  • 8:50 - 9:25 AM - The Effect of Contaminants on Aging of TR-XLPE Insulated Cables: An Evaluation on Commercially Produced 15 kV Cables Part 3: Effect of Preconditioning Method on Initial AC Breakdown Strengh of Cables with Uniformly Distributed Contaminants, George Valdes, Bill Temple, John Smith, Paul Cinquemani, Pat Coplen, Paul Caronia, Al Mendelsohn
    In 2001, Florida Power & Light (FP&L) initiated a project to quantify the levels of contamination in the cables they purchase by means of a pellet sorter pilot study on commercial extrusion lines. The pellet sorter pilot studies highlighted the presence of unexpected numbers of rejects in the pellet stream of the TR-XLPE insulation used to manufacture cables. The vast majority of particles were loose dark flakes of various sizes, determined to be degraded compound.
    In order to understand the effect these types of rejects or “contaminants” might have on the cable aging performance, General Cable Corporation (GCC), Prysmian Power Cables, and The Dow Chemical Company agreed to participate in a joint project with FP&L. A plan was developed to select some typical “contaminants” based on the findings of the pellet sorter pilot studies and to make commercial cables with laboratory prepared contaminant particles representative of those found in the pilot program. An accelerated cable aging protocol for testing the effect of these particles was also proposed, which after discussions with the ICEA and AEIC groups evolved to using both the ACLT time-to-failure test in tanks as well as the standard ICEA AWTT 1-year cable qualification test. The first presentation in this series (Part 1) discussed the history and objective of the project and described very briefly the cable manufacturing and accelerated cable aging tests utilized in the project. The second presentation (Part 2) summarized the technology developed to produce commercial cables with uniformly distributed contaminants and the tests conducted to validate the suitability of the method.
    This presentation will focus on the unexpected effect that the preconditioning methods used prior to initiating wet cable aging have on the initial ac breakdown strength (ACBDS) of the cables evaluated in this project. Future presentations will discuss: (a) the key data and findings from the various cable aging tests completed in 2010, as well as recommendations for future studies, (b) key data from the additional cable aging tests started in 2011 and (c) overall conclusions.
  • 9:25 - 10:00 AM - Water Treeing in Low Voltage Cables,  Essay (Wen) Shu, UtilX Corp., Kent, WA, US, ewshu@utilx.com
    Abstract: Low voltage (LV) cable, in the present context, refers to shielded primary distribution cables below 5 kV.  Compared to the average peak field of ~2.8 kV/mm over insulation wall in a typical 15 kV cable, the field in the LV cable is low (~0.7 kV/mm) and is below 1 kV/mm, the often cited critical value for water tree initiation and propagation, which is one of the reasons that water trees in LV cable have not been discussed in the literature.  Recently, an XLPE insulated cable rated at 3 kV was removed from field after more than 25 years in service.  During analysis of this cable, water trees penetrating through the insulation wall were located, none of which caused failure in service, although one such water tree caused failure during a HVDC resistance measurement. The present analysis indicates that water trees can propagate at the low electrical fields (<1 kV/mm) once it is started.  Under relatively moderate electric fields compared to that in MV cables, the maximum length of the vented water trees can reach the thickness of the insulation and lower the insulation dielectric strength significantly without a failure.
  • 10:00 - 10:15 AM - Break
  • 10:15 - 10:50 AM - Advancement in TR-XPLE Insulation Technology,  Authors : P. Brigandi, P. Caronia*, T. Person, S. Sengupta, Dow Electrical and Telecommunications R&D, The Dow Chemical Company *presenter
    Abstract : Approximately 30 years ago, water tree retardant crosslinked polyethylene (TR-XLPE) was introduced for insulating medium voltage URD cables.  With its excellent insulating properties in dry and wet environments, water tree retardant crosslinked polyethylene has become the insulation material of choice for achieving long life power cables.  An advancement in water tree retardant crosslinked polyethylene has been developed that will further improve the longevity and reliability of insulated cables. This new compound technology builds upon the field proven technology of TR-XLPE and incorporates additional functional elements to provide a balance of performance in terms of resistance to water treeing and improved performance in accelerated wet electrical testing.
  • 10:50 - 11:25 AM - Case Study in Assessing Below Grade Plant Low Voltage Cables in Power Plant Operation, Rick Easterling, Kinectrics  
    Analysis of a failed, 600V power cable was conducted, assessing both electrical and material properties.  This particular cable was below grade and intermittently exposed to a wet environment for over 20 years.   Electrical testing consisted of insulation resistance and withstand testing in air and water.  Material evaluation included assessment of mechanical properties (indenter and elongation at break) and TGA evaluation of the specimen.  The postulated failure mechanism will be discussed.
• Subcommittee B - Accessories, Monday, March 26, 2012, 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
  • 10:00AM – 10:30 AM, "Limitations of the Lubricant Test Method Defined in IEEE 386", Thomas Champion III
    The 2006 edition of IEEE standard 386 for separable connectors included for the first time trial use test methods for the evaluation of lubricants to be used on the mating interface of the connectors.  The method was placed in the document appendix to allow some experience to be gained with its use before attempting to move the method into the body of the standard.  NEETRAC implemented the test method as part of an effort to develop enhanced interface lubricants, which required extending the test duration to simulate much longer field exposures.  During this process, a number of shortcomings were identified in the test procedures that limit their usefulness.  Changes in the properties of the lubricant under test are obscured by changes in the properties of the polymer materials on which the lubricants are applied.  In addition, some aspects of the test configuration should be specified to limit variability in the test results.  These issues will be discussed along with some suggestions for improvements in the test method.
    Tom Champion is a Research Engineer at the Georgia Institute of Technology, working at NEETRAC, a consortium of utilities and manufacturers working together to solve industry issues.  Tom received a BEE degree from Georgia Tech in 1977 and has worked in the electric utility industry for over forty years.  His areas of expertise include failure analysis of electric industry products and components along with design and operation of cables and accessories.  He is the current Vice Chair of the IEEE Insulated Conductors Committee and has been involved in various capacities within the ICC over the past 30 years.
  • 10:30AM – 11:00 AM,  "Preparation of Corroded Conductor Strands", Corey Torgerson and Chris Campion, Novinium
    This paper addresses the behavior and potential failure mechanisms of corroded aluminum conductor medium voltage power cables under emergency load conditions. Specifically, methods of conductor preparation required to maintain acceptable connector temperatures when installed on such cables, and the generation of hydrogen gas, and water vapor during load cycling in conjunction with loss of mechanical strength in polyethylene insulation at elevated temperatures.  Cable samples utilized exhibited severe surface corrosion of the aluminum conductor strands. Conductor and connector temperatures, as well as internal pressures in the cable strands were monitored. Cables which support air-flow at 10 psi and are properly reinforced at the terminations will survive emergency loading conditions up to 110°C if the conductor strands are individually cleaned.
    Corey Torgerson has been with Novinium for 3 years. He spent his first 18 months with the company doing on-site field support and tooling design, and then moved on to documentation, standards development, research and development efforts, and creation of training materials for injection personnel.  Corey is a current member of the IEEE, with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Seattle University.
  • 11:00AM – 11:30 AM, "High Voltage Fluidic Interface To Mitigate The Risk Of Voltage Transfer“, Norman Keitges and Glen Bertini, Novinium
    In high voltage dielectric fluid injection using sustained injection over extended distances, there is a theoretical risk of equipment becoming potentially energized. This could result in injuries due to high voltage exposure. To mitigate this risk, the High Voltage Fluidic Interface (HVFI) was developed. The HVFI is a fluidic isolator that can be energized up to 35 kV. The HVFI provides a safe and reliable fluidic interface for fluid injection into energized live-front terminators.
    Norman Keitges is the Manager of Engineering at Novinium, Inc. He has spent the last six years on the research, design and manufacture of new cable rejuvenation hardware. He has 31 years experience in mechanical, fluid mechanics, hydraulics, & power generation applications. Mr. Keitges is a Senior Member of the IEEE and has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University.
  • 11:30AM – 12:00 PM,  "Update on status of revisions to  IEEE-48 and 1637", Bill Taylor, 3M
    Bill Taylor graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1975 with a BSEE degree.  He spent 14 years as a plant electrical engineer for several petrochemical plants on the Houston ship channel.  Went to work for 3M in 1989 as a product development engineer in the cable accessories area, and continues in that capacity at the present time. He is a member of IEEE/IAS and PCIC, IEEE/PES and active in the ICC.  Vice chairman of the ICC in 2002 & 2003 and chairman in 2004 and 2005.  He has written and presented numerous papers for IEEE and other conferences.
  • 12:00PM – 12:30PM – Title: "Adaptation and transition joints for XLPE high voltage cables", Pierre Mirebeau, Nexans
• Subcommittee C - Cable Systems, Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • 8:00 -8:20 AM - Chairman’s Opening Remarks and Announcements
  • 8:20 – 8:45 AM   ”Addressing Underground Challenges in an Urban Environment”, by Todd Goyette, NGRID and Dennis E. Johnson, POWER Engineers, Inc.
    Many years ago, National Grid realized the need to connect two of its radial substations in Worcester, Massachusetts, to improve the reliability of each substation. In 2001, National Grid installed a 1.8-mile portion of the needed conduit in conjunction with a distribution duct bank. This project consists of adding to this existing conduit an additional two miles of conduit to complete the connection between the two substations. This presentation will discuss the project challenges associated with the certification of the existing duct bank, encountering significant rock outcroppings, and the crossing of a busy railroad track.
  • 8:45 – 9:10 AM – “Capital Asset Prioritization Program”, by Maggie Chow, ConEdison of New York
    The Capital Asset Prioritization Tool (CAPT) is designed to help Distribution Engineering and Regional Engineering plan and manage the Company’s electric system load relief, reliability and improvement programs.  It provides a common metric, mean time between failure, to compare various improvement options and allow the engineer to choose the one that is most cost effective for improving the health of the overall system.  Using machine learning algorithms, the CAPT allows engineers to create a portfolio of planned work that considers the specific attributes and characteristics of the system they are working on.
  • 9:10 - 9:35 AM - "Technical issues on the integration of long distance AC cables in HV and EHV networks", by Luigi Colla, Prysmian (Italy)
    Extruded AC cables have proven to be a reliable means to transmit power over considerably long lengths at HV and EHV level. Several projects worldwide including long AC cables are already in operation or under construction. The presentation describes the need of an ad hoc system design for projects including long cables. The longer is the cable length the higher is the expected interaction with the network and therefore the design horizon has to be extended to the network (f.i. risk of resonances) To ensure the feasibility of a project including a long cable is therefore necessary to focus also on the network and on the expected system operating conditions. The presentation gives an overview of the system issues on the integration of long distance AC cables in HV and EHV networks, providing examples of real projects.
  • 9:35 - 10:00 AM - "Seattle’s Alaskan Way Tunnel & Viaduct Project", by Wes Spencer, POWER Engineers, Inc. and  Rachel Mosier, Power Delivery Consultants, Inc.
    Seattle City & Light’s Alaskan Way project is part of a $4 billion project that will replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct (a double decker highway along the waterfront) with a bored tunnel directly under the city.  We will discuss work on the two 115-kV circuits.  A 3500-ft section of SCFF cable now suspended under the Viaduct is being replaced with XLPE cable.  In addition, an 1800-ft section of existing 1000 kcmil XLPE cable will be relocated to clear the area required for the tunnel boring machine.  A major part of this work includes relocating 1800 ft of existing XLPE from an underground duct bank and directly into new ducts suspended underneath the Viaduct.  All new cable will be 2500 kcmil XLPE.  The end result will be a system that transitions from 1000 kcmil to 2500 kcmil, back to 1000 kcmil, then back to 2500 kcmil.  The suspended cable will be in place for about 3 years while the tunnel is bored, then replaced by a duct bank.  A GIS switchgear in the substation is also being modified to change from SCFF terminations to XLPE terminations.
  • 10:00 – 10:15 AM - Break
  • 10:15 – 10:40 AM - “Progress Report on DVP’s 230kV York River VA Transmission Line Project”, by  Ron Halderman, Mears Group, Inc.
    Dominion Virginia Power contracted the Mears Group to design and install a new transmission line from the Yorktown Power Station in Yorktown, Virginia to Gaines Point Terminal Station in Gloucester Virginia.  When fully completed this new transmission line will be approximately 21,300 feet in length, of which approximately 17,100 feet will have been directionally drilled under the York River.  On the south end of this line there will be approximately 2,000 feet of trenched installation within the confines of the Yorktown Power Station.  On the north side of this line, approximately 2,200 feet of the line will be trenched or drilled on shore into Gaines Point Terminal Station.  The underground line shall consist of a 230 kV high-pressure fluid-filled pipe-type cable system utilizing two separate 8-inch steel pipelines.  The project began on September of 2011 and was scheduled for completion in approximately one year.
    The Horizontal Directional Drilling portion of the project has now been completed.  This presentation will provide general information of progress to-date as well as some lessons learned.
  • 10:40 – 11:05 AM - “Isolated Portable Safety Grounding Device”, by  Chris Morton,  Powertech Labs Inc.
    When work is required on distribution cables, the core of the  cable section is generally grounded to protect the worker from accidental energization.  However, this procedure could allow a hazardous voltages to occur if a ground fault occurs, for example, at the substation.  The rise in potential of the station ground will cause significant current to flow through the grounded cable sheath which, due to mutual coupling, induces voltage in the cable core.  The induced voltage in the core will force current to flow which is proportional to the closed circuit impedance formed by the cable core, terminal effective grounding impedances and the sheath conductor which is in parallel with the earth ground return.  Therefore, any  significant reduction of the terminal impedance by grounding an isolated cable core may result in dangerous current to flow through the worker.   The isolated safety ground device addresses these problems by isolating the cable core from ground at lower voltages to prevent current from flowing during a ground fault event.  If the voltage on the cable core rises above a preset safety limit, the device flashes over and provides a low impedance path to ground.  This prevents the worker from being exposed to dangerous voltages in both ground fault and accidental energization situations.
  • 11:05 – 11:30 AM - “Integrity Inspection of Electrical Conduits”, by  Terry Smith and Richard Desaulniers, Baker Hughes
    Aging infrastructure of electrical systems has caused some Electrical Power Companies to replace electrical cables. When these electrical cables are encased in carbon steel (pipe) conduit concerns arise on the condition of the conduit. Can they be reused or will replacement be required? How does one qualify the condition of the conduit? The purpose of this paper is to educate and familiarize the readers of technology that can inspect conduit. Current methods utilizing Magnetic Flux Leakage (MFL) is proven technology to accurately determine the location, quality and quantity of flaws in the steel. If a flaw conduit is allowed to continue to develop it will lead to failure of the conduit system which in time will compromise the life of the electrical cables. In addition to the type of technology being described the logistics of performing such a task will also be discussed.
  • 11:30 – 11:45 AM - Vice Chair’s Closing Remarks
• Subcommittee D - Generating Station Cables, Monday, March 26, 2012, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
  • 2:15 - 2:50 PM  - Title: "Preliminary Evaluation of Nuclear Plant EPR Cable Tan δ Test Results", Drew Mantey, EPRI
    Abstract: The Electric Power Research Institute has been gathering tan δ test results from the nuclear plant cables subjected to wet-energized conditions. Two years of results exist and have been evaluated against the criterion established in EPRI report 1020805, "Aging Management Program Guidance for Medium Voltage Cable Systems for Nuclear Power Plants". A summary of the test data that has been received to date will be presented, along with some case histories that provide insight into the effectiveness of tan delta testing in identifying degradation of EPR insulated cable.
    Andrew Mantey has 29 years experience in the Nuclear Power Industry, 22 years utility experience and the last 7 years working for EPRI. He is a class of 1982 Drexel University Graduate with a degree in electrical engineering. Mr. Mantey received a Senior Reactor Operating certification in 1991, he has held a Thermography Level II certification since 2003. Andrew has extensive experience in large electrical components, systems, and predictive maintenance. He is currently a member of the Plant Engineering group at EPRI with a focus on cable aging management, system monitoring, and plant thermal performance. His experiences in Japan includes working with several Japanese utilities in development of condition based maintenance programs. He has made 35 trips to Japan over that time period including numerous visits to TEPCO Daichi, Daini, and Kashiwazki-Kariwa sites.
  • 2:50 - 3:25 PM  - Title: "Update on UL Standard Revisions and Proposals", Tom H. Cybula & Susan L. Stene (Presenter), UL
    Abstract: UL LLC is an independent, not-for-profit organization that has been evaluating products in the interest of public safety  for over 100 years.  UL staff are involved in many aspects of the wire and cable industry and have worked with code  authorities, manufacturers and various technical committees to develop Standards for Safety for the wire and cable industry.
    This talk covers the following topics:   1. New proposals to UL's wire and cable standards. Knowing about new proposals will give you the opportunity to participate in the UL standards development process. 2. Published revisions to the standards UL uses as part of its certification services.  Becoming aware of recent changes to UL's standards is the first step in determining their effect on production.
    Keywords: wire; cable; standards; UL; Underwriters Laboratories.
    Thomas Cybula graduated from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.  Thomas joined UL in 1974 and has held various titles in the plastics and wire and cable areas.  He currently holds the position of Principal Engineer, Wire and Cable.   Susan Stene graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. She joined Sigmaform Corporation where she was involved in the research and development of adhesives used in heat-shrinkable tubing.  For the past 23 years, Ms. Stene has worked at Underwriters Laboratories and now holds the position of Principal Engineer, Wire and Cable.
  • 3:40 - 4:15 PM  - Title:  "Global Product Environmental Regulations in Wire and Cable", Eric Wall, Anixter
    Abstract: Environmental regulations have gained increasing attention in recent years.  Starting with RoHS in 2006, REACH in 2007, and now an increasing number of national and even state level bans on various chemicals, it is clear that the industry faces continued expansion of environmental legislation .  Understanding and complying with all of these regulations places an increasing burden on global cable suppliers.  This presentation will discuss the details of various environmental regulations and present some of the options for compliance as well as discuss the impact to both the user community and manufacturers.
    Eric Wall works for  Anixter as an Application Engineer in the US Wire and Cable Marketing Group. He has an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Eric has several years experience as an Application Engineer, with prior experience in uninterruptible power supplies and digital television broadcasting. Eric provides engineering support to Anixter's customers and sales offices through resolution of problems, technical questions, engineering calculations, standards interpretation and customer education.
  • 4:15 - 4:50 - Title: "Overview of Flame Retardants in Wire and Cable". Vijay Kotian, Albemarle
    Abstract: Fire safety in wire and cable is garnering more and more attention in recent years due to its widespread use in buildings, mass transport and even in personal items such as cell phone. In addition to the flammability concerns, the actual smoke generation during a fire scenerio is also drawing more attention as evidenced by the introduction of more stringent codes and standards. Emerging regulations on a broad range of chemicals including flame retardants in terms of their environmental, health and sustainability profiles have added more challenges to the design of eco-friendly cable.  This presentation will provide an overview of the types of flame retardants used primarily in cables and focus on the pros and cons of each system as well as review new flame retardant systems in the market place.
    Vijay Kotian holds a Master's degree in Polymer Science from the University of Akron and an MBA degree in Strategic planning from Kent State University in Ohio. He has over 35 years experience in wire and cable and had held materials engineering, product development, technical support, and management positions during his tenure at Dupont Dow, Furon and Samuel Moore.   Vijay is currently a Senior R&D advisor for the Polymer Solutions division at Albemarle Corporation. His primary focus is providing technical support to wire and cable and polyurethane foam customers and participating in codes and standards.
  • 4:50 - 5:30 PM - Title: "Wiring requirements for NFPA 130 (Subway Tunnels and Stations) and NFPA 502 (Road Tunnels)". James Conrad, Marmon Innovation and Technology Group.
    Abstract: This paper is an overview of the wire and cables installed in road tunnels and subway stations and tunnels. Due to the harsh environment and confined spaces associated with tunnels and underground stations, NFPA 130 and NFPA 502 have additional performance requirements to ensure the wires and cables will survive these conditions.
    James Conrad  Is the Technical Manager for the Marmon Innovation & Technology Group.  With over 20 years in the wire and cable industry, James has been a leader and innovator in the world of Circuit Integrity Cables.  He is the Chairman of the Electrical Task Groups for NFPA 130 (Standard for Fixed Guideway and Passenger Rail Systems) and NFPA 502 (Standard for Road Tunnels, Bridges, and other Limited Access Highways). In addition James serves on the CMP 13 of NFPA 70 (National Electric Code).
• Subcommittee F - Field Testing and Diagnostics, Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
  • Effectiveness of On-line Testing for MV Cables Assess, Luca Fornasari, Marco Tozzi, Alfred Mendelsohn Techimp
    Achieving better grid reliability, while dealing with an aging infrastructure, is one of the main targets for the asset management of the electrical network. In particular, Medium Voltage distribution systems, considerably old in several countries, are prone to frequent failures. Partial Discharge measurement represents an effective tool to assess the condition of such MV systems. A common procedure to screen out localized defects consists of performing PD measurement off-line using external voltage sources, either 60 Hz or VLF, and locating the PD sources using reflectometry techniques. This procedure is accurate, but quite time consuming and costly, which suggests that off-line PD location procedures should not be done extensively, but only at locations where PD activities have been previously observed and diagnosed as harmful. Running permanent PD monitoring represents, of course, the optimal technical solution, but is not economically affordable for the distribution grid. Thus, periodic on-line PD tests with reliable and effective instruments and sensors, can be the best alternative in order to conduct a screening of the network and develop a maintenance plan. Methodologies and advantages of on-line PD tests are shown in the paper, focusing on MV cables. Several case studies showing the effectiveness of on-line testing are presented. Among these, is an interesting case study for one PILC splice with PD detected on-line during screening, then cut and re-tested in the laboratory with good results.
  • Withstand Testing using Tan Delta (TD) or Partial Discharge (PD) as the Monitoring Technology, Craig Goodwin HV Diagnostics
    The presentation includes a selection of several cable diagnostic tests that were performed in the field. In part, the results highlight the importance of performing a monitored withstand test whereby a conventional withstand / hipot test in combined with a real-time cable diagnostic technique – in this case Partial Discharge (PD) or Tan Delta (TD). This combination of techniques provides the cable owner with a better assessment and understanding of the actual condition of the cable installation, that would otherwise, not have been possible if only one of the techniques had been used. In addition, some of the practical issues associated with performing a monitored withstand test in the field - from the initial setup, testing, pre-location of the suspected defect site, to the final excavation and identification of the defective section of cable are presented.
  • Phase Resolved Spectrum in Frequency Domain Partial Discharge Diagnosis for Power Cables, Jun (Jim) Guo Utilx Corp
    Partial discharge (PD) detection in frequency domain has the inherent advantage of removing the stationary noise and gain the optimum detection signal-to-noise ratio, which in particular benefits online PD diagnosis for power cables and accessories.  Partial Discharge Phase Resolved Spectrum (PDPRS) is introduced in the frequency domain PD diagnosis. The PDPRS merges the conventional phase resolved PD pattern in time domain and the PD frequency spectrum in frequency domain into a single three-dimensional graph, which illustrates the discharge patterns as well as the bandwidth for each type of discharges.  As the measured PD bandwidth is determined mainly by the propagating distance in a shielded power cable, the PD mapping which indicates the location of each discharge source could be derived from the PDPRS.
  • Submarine Cable Metallic Sheath Diagnostic, Harry Orton, Avaral Rao, David Hicks, Dave Kung OCEI, Newfoundland Hydro, Powertech Labs
    After many years of reliable service, a decision whether to replace a submarine cable or to extend its service life must be based upon sound and non-destructive diagnostic technologies. This would require assessing the condition of all cable components including the metallic sheaths without jeopardizing the integrity of the cable.  This paper presents the application of an eddy current diagnostic to evaluate the condition of copper tapes in an in-service submarine cable. Laboratory development and the in-situ application of the eddy current diagnostic are discussed along with a case study that highlights the location and extent of cracking in the copper tape sheathing.
  • Monitored Withstand, Partial Discharge and Tan Delta Tests at Snohomish PUD, Josh Perkel, Steve Stanvik NEETRAC, SNOPUD
    The Snohomish PUD (Snopud) operates an XLPE cable system just north of Seattle, WA. Early In 2011 the first failures were reported in unjacketed 15 kV XLPE installed in the mid-1970’s. Thus it was determined that it would be interesting to conduct a range of diagnostic tests on two areas: Glenwood Mobile Estates (1970’s vintage) and Evergreen Shopping Center (mid 1980’s vintage). Both of these areas used conduits and, the systems did not have splices. In total, 12,400 ft of cable system was tested using a variety of diagnostic techniques, including: VLF Tan δ, VLF Monitored Withstand & VLF PD. The presentation will talk about the sequencing of tests and how it was decided to augment the Tan δ with Withstand and PD tests. The discussion will briefly touch upon the overall condition and how it is possible to estimate a Health Index for the individual segments.
  • Remarks on the Relation between Quality Testing & Diagnostic Testing of HV / EHV Cables, Cable Accessories & Cable Systems, Wolfgang Hauschild and Steffen Fuchs HIGHVOLT
    HV and EHV extruded cable systems are assembled on site. The quality of their components, - cable lengths, joints and terminations -, is carefully verified by acceptance tests in the factory (pre-qualification tests, type tests and routine tests). These tests are completed by an acceptance test in the field, which verifies the sufficient quality of the cable system under service conditions. As all quality tests before, the field test for commissioning should be an AC voltage withstand test (preferably monitored by PD measurement). After the successful commissioning the joints and terminations of the cable system might be monitored under operational AC voltage, e.g. by PD sensors in the accessories. When PD’s are indicated, their trend delivers more information about the condition of the insulation than the absolute value. If a magnitude for warning is reached, an off-line diagnostic test might be useful for the identification, location and the danger of the defect. The diagnostic test should repeat some principles of the quality test, but this is not absolutely necessary. It might be a measurement at any HV test voltage which delivers information about the danger of the defect for further operation.
    For clarification, the differences between withstand testing and diagnostic testing are considered. Withstand tests are direct tests, this means the result, - breakdown or not -, requires no further interpretation. It is wrong to slander a withstand test on a cable as “destructive”. If there is a defect which is dangerous for operation than the test object should break down. A failure of a cable system with an internal defect during a withstand test is welcome and much better than one during service. A withstand test may take potential life time, especially when service-aged cables are tested. To indicate that a withstand test has not harmed the insulation it should be combined with the measurement of a suited measurand, e.g. PD’s or tan δ. The principle of such a procedure is described.
    Withstand test voltages and procedures for quality control/acceptance realize the insulation co-ordination and follow principles which have been well-introduced for many years:
    -       They shall represent stresses in service, in our case the alternating voltage.
    -       They shall be reproducible within defined limits of the parameters.
     -       All withstand tests for acceptance shall follow uninterrupted common principles.
    -       The test procedure of all quality tests shall be comparable.
    Diagnostic tests are indirect tests, this means in addition to the selection of a test voltage the definition of an acceptance criteria is necessary. Usually a single value, e.g. a certain PD charge (q = 5 pC !!), is not sufficient. There are e.g. different PD parameters which may be combined for the indication, location and valuation of PD defect. The complexity of diagnostic methods demand not so stringent requirements to a test voltage as they are necessary for withstand tests.
    Finally the suitability of the test voltages, which are usually applied in the field, for withstand acceptance tests is investigated. The comparison takes into account the differences of the design field strength of medium-voltage cables on the one and high- and extra-high cables on the other side.
  • Why the “apparent charge” according to IEC 60270 is in reality the “true charge” of PD events in power cables, Eberhard Lemke Doble Lemke GmbH, Germany lemke@doble-lemke.eu
    The measurement of partial discharges (PD) in compliance with the relevant standards IEC 60270, IEC 60885-3, and ICEA T-24-380 is based on the main PD quantity “apparent charge” As noted in IEC 60270, the apparent charge is not equal to the amount of charge locally involved at the site of the discharge, which cannot be measured directly. This statement is based on a capacitive equivalent circuit, which has been rejected by Pedersen and his co-workers from the Lyngby University in Denmark already in the 1980´s. Developing a field theoretical approach based on a dipole model, they argued that the “apparent charge” is a misleading term because this quantity is in reality the “true charge” flowing through the PD defect. In this context it seems noticeable that the field theoretical approach, which is deduced from the physics of gas discharges, has been ignored more or less in the past, whereas the concept of “apparent charge” measurement, resulting from an incorrect capacitive network, is widely promoted also nowadays.
    Analyzing the charge transfer due to cavity discharges based on both the classical capacitive PD model and the alternative dipole model, the arguments of Pedersen and his co-workers are confirmed in this presentation. So a gas-filled cavity embedded in in the bulk dielectric of a power cable can physically not be simulated by a capacitance. Moreover, an insulation imperfection is never bridged by a virtual spark gap. Consequently, the commonly used capacitive PD model should be replaced by the dipole model, and the use of the term “apparent charge” should be avoided in future standards.
    Adopting the dipole model and introducing some simplifications, a novel concept for the estimation of the “true charge” detectable in the connection leads of power cables is presented. Based on chosen practical examples the capability of this approach is proven not only for a qualitative but also for a quantitative evaluation of the PD charge transfer. The gained results are in satisfying agreement with practical experience and meet also the recommendations for PD tests of extruded power cables, as specified in the relevant standards IEC 60502, IEC 60840, and IEC 62067.
• Subcommitee G - Transnational Luncheon, Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM
  • Opening by Wim Boone
  • Calendar of international events, Wim Boone
  • World longest 300 kV HVDC extruded cable link with route length 400 km Fahrudin Mekic, ABB, Sweden
  • 500 kV AC Project Russia, KS Kil, VP Taihan Electric Wire Co Ltd., USA
  • Qualification Tests of HVDC XLPE cable system, Hideo TANAKA, VISCAS Corporation, Japan
  • Cable developments in Mexico,  Juan M. Maximo Leon, Viacon Conductores Monterre, Mexico 
  • Explosion resistant terminations: new devices for safer energy supply, Ruben Vogelsang, Brugg Cable, Switzerland
  • Title not specified yet, Henk Geene, Prysmian, NL
  • The longest 230kV cable in France, Pierre Argaut, Silec Cable/General Cable, France
  • CIGRE-conference  2012 in Paris, Wim Boone, Kema , NL
• Networking Luncheon
  • The Networking luncheon will be featuring a number of short presentations on North American projects, much like the Transnational Luncheon is to projects outside of North America.
  • Presentation on design and installation of XLPE cable systems into existing steel pipes on Long Island, with special emphasis on maximizing the cable size and power rating within the constraints of the existing pipe.  Randy Denmon, Southwire
  • Presentation on Horizontal Directional Drilling by Mr. Ron Halderman, PE, Mears Group.
    Mr. Halderman has been a principal in Horizontal Directional Drilling for 30 years, from the very beginning of the industry.  He will discuss How it Started, How it Works and Where it’s Going.  The presentation will include lots of photos of past projects.  You should come away with a basic working knowledge of HDD and how it might apply to your projects.
  • 138kV LIPA superconductive cable operation and update, Pierre Mirebeau, Mark Stemmele, Nexans
  • "Seattle’s Alaskan Way Tunnel & Viaduct Project", by Wes Spencer, POWER Engineers, Inc. and  Rachel Mosier, Power Delivery Consultants, Inc.
    Seattle City & Light’s Alaskan Way project is part of a $4 billion project that will replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct (a double decker highway along the waterfront) with a bored tunnel directly under the city.  We will discuss work on the two 115-kV circuits.  A 3500-ft section of SCFF cable now suspended under the Viaduct is being replaced with XLPE cable.  In addition, an 1800-ft section of existing 1000 kcmil XLPE cable will be relocated to clear the area required for the tunnel boring machine.  A major part of this work includes relocating 1800 ft of existing XLPE from an underground duct bank and directly into new ducts suspended underneath the Viaduct.  All new cable will be 2500 kcmil XLPE.  The end result will be a system that transitions from 1000 kcmil to 2500 kcmil, back to 1000 kcmil, then back to 2500 kcmil.  The suspended cable will be in place for about 3 years while the tunnel is bored, then replaced by a duct bank.  A GIS switchgear in the substation is also being modified to change from SCFF terminations to XLPE terminations.
• Educational Program - Accelerated Cable Aging Tests for Distribution and Transmission Cables - Part 2, Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Test Methods for HV DC Paper and Extruded Cables, Ernesto Zaccone (40 min)
    • Type tests
    • Qualification tests
  • Field Aged Cable Performance Data and Correlation to Accelerated Aging Data
    • MV Distribution cables, Carlos Katz (30 min), Ram Ramachandran(30 min)
    • HV Paper Cables, Nirmal Singh (30 min)
    • HV AC Extruded Cables, Axel Schlumberger (30 min)
  • Panel session - Discussion on Predictive ability of Accelerated Aging Tests
    Presenters plus Nigel Hampton and John Smith (40 min)

   0.4 CEUs will be offered for this session.  You must register in order to receive CEUs.  (Please note, in order to receive these credits towards a Florida PE License, you MUST provide Thomas Arnold with your FL PE License number prior to the session.

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