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Spring 2001 - Presentations

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

• Special Activities
• Opening Session
• Subcommittee A
  • Session 1
  • Session 2
• Subcommittee B
• Subcommittee C
• Subcommittee D
• Transnational 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.

• Special Activities
  • Subcommittee D - Immediately following the ICC Opening Session on Monday morning, Subcommittee D will feature a special presentation by Charles Huettner, Senior Policy Advisor for Aviation, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President. Mr Huettner will address the group regarding the recently published report, Review of Federal Programs for Wire Systems Safety. The scope of their study was very broad: defense, space, nuclear power, transportation and more. You can view the report at http://www.ostp.gov/html/wire_rpt.pdf Sub D officers Brown and Merando have scheduled this as the first presentation of their session, please plan to attend.

  • WG A13W - Water Tank Testing Procedures, 3:30 to 5:30 pm Tuesday Afternoon, April 24th - The objective of WG is to revise IEEE P1407 - Guide for Accelerated Aging Tests for Medium-Voltage Extrude Dielectric Power Cables Using Water Filled Tanks. The guide had sections on test specimens, prior tests and preconditioning of specimens, test structure, temperature, water, voltage, failures, abnormalities, diagnostics, data analysis, and final report. It did not specify test values but gave details of the facilities and test methods that were available in different laboratories. The guide has now been available for more than two years and, to start the revision process, input is requested from anyone with experience in using the present guide. We need information on all aspects of tank testing, for example:

    • Reproducibility of tests, either in the same or different laboratories
    • Efforts to standardize preconditioning tests
    • Efforts to standardize methods of measurements of T, etc.
    • Readiness to specify test conditions
    • Experience with abnormalities
    • Experience with diagnostic tests

    We need to analyze new data to make improvements in the guide and to decide if the format of the guide should be changed. Please contact John Densley at j.densley@ieee.org if you want to make a contribution on any of these issues.

  • The meeting of WG D7, Evaluation of Installed Cable Systems, has been cancelled. It had been hoped that ballot comments would be available but the document is caught up in editing at the IEEE. WG Chairman Hancock expects to be contacting members as comments are received and hopes to have news of approval by the next meeting.
  • WG C18 - Chairmen Hans R. Gnerlich and John Densley have posted the latest draft of IEEE 400.2 Guide for Field Testing of Shielded Power Cable Systems Using Very Low Frequency (VLF) on the ICC Web (choose "Downloads" from the menu at left) and have put out a call for their members to review the document prior to the meeting. That meeting will be held on the 24th from 8 until noon. The meeting agenda is:
    • Status Report
    • Resolving Negatives
    • Miscellaneous
  • WG C19 - Chairman Matt Mashikian has announced a special meeting of the C19 WG. Based on comments received from several WG members, he has re-drafted the Guide. Draft No.4 is now available on the ICC Download page. The C19 meeting (which will occur on Monday) will have the following agenda  
    • Review Section 2: Standard or Guide References
    • Review Section 3: Definitions
    • Review Section 4: Partial Discharge
      • Section 4.1
      • Section 4.2.1

      • Section 4.2.3

    • Review Section 5: PD Testing

    If there is time, review Section 6: Excitation Voltage and Sections 7.4.1 (Interpretation of Test Results) and Section 7.4.2 (PD Test Documentation).

• Opening Session, Monday 8:00 am - 9:00 am
  • Ron May, Vice President, Energy Delivery and Service, DTE Energy, will be the Keynote speaker during the Opening Session. See Ron's biographical sketch on the Spring 2001 page.
• Subcommittee A - Cable Construction and Design - Session 1 - Monday April 23rd, 2:00 pm – 5:30 pm
  • 2:00 - 2:10 Introductions and general business announcements, A. MacPhail and Serge Pelissou
  • 2:10 - 2:20 Dielectric and Electric Insulation Society Update, John Tanaka, Univ. of Connecticut
    Abstract: John will make a presentation on the Electrical Insulation Conference and Exposition to be held at the Cincinnati Convention Center, October 16-18. This is two weeks before the IEEE T&D meeting in Atlanta. There is a session on Power Cables to be held at this conference, which he will describe.
    
  • A3D PERFORMANCE OF EXTRUDED INSULATIONS - John Densley, ArborLec Solutions and Neal Parker, Puget Sound Energy
    This part of the session is the formal meeting of Discussion Group A3D.
  • 2:20 - 2:40 Diagnostic Testing & Deferral Economics, Glen J. Bertini, UTILX Corporation
    U.S. domestic power utilities are faced with over 2 billion feet of solid-dielectric underground cables, which were installed before 1980. Many of these cables may not meet the reliability standards required of a 21st century economy. The cost to replace all of these cables with more modern and reliable designs is over $30 billion dollars, a cost that electrical end-users would be reluctant to pay and therefore the utility regulators are unlikely to allow for rate recovery. Diagnostic testing methods are being developed and commercialized which are intended to prioritize the 2 billion foot effort. An economic model is presented which allows an objective comparison of any testing technique and the alternatives, which include replacing the suspect circuits or using commercially available life extension technologies.
  • 2:40 – 3:15 Cable Testing Experience at PPL Utilities, John Hinkle, PPL Utilities
    Abstract: PPL has approximately 9 million feet of ageing, directly buried, bare concentric neutral 15KV cable in service. Cable failures have been increasing and up until recently, the fix was to replace all cable sections in a system where multiple failures have occurred. In 1999, we developed a cable testing and repair initiative where we test the cable sections in troublesome systems using time domain reflectometry tests to assess the condition of the bare concentric neutral, and both partial discharge and power factor tests to determine insulation condition. Test results determine whether a cable is suitable for continued service, whether it can be silicone injected to extend its life, or whether it needs to be replaced. Thus, the initiative is improving reliability of our system at a much lower cost compared to replacement of all cables.
  • 3:15 – 3:35 Refreshment Break
  • 3:35 – 3:55 Condition Assessment of Distribution Cables, Vern Buchholz, Powertech Labs
    Abstract: Powertech Labs has been performing condition assessment of distribution cables in the field for over 15 years. This work has been performed primarily on XLPE insulated cables, jacketed and in ducts. Cables have been tested in both utility and industrial environments. The presentation will describe the five steps used in the assessment. These are: evaluation of the accessories, jacket testing, metallic neutral/shield testing, operating/environment analysis, and insulation tests using the LIpATEST.
  • 3:55 – 4:15 Optimum Polymer Properties for Solid Dielectric DC Cable, Steve Boggs, Electrical Insulation Research Center, Univ. of Connecticut
    Abstract: The electrical conductivity of polymers is generally a strong function of both temperature and electric field which is not important for capacitively graded systems but becomes very important in resistively graded cables which sustain both a substantial temperature difference across the dielectric and operate at relatively high fields. For such cables, the maximum field under normal operation is a strong function of both the thermal activation energy of the conductivity and the field-dependence of the conductivity. Fortunately these two characteristics tend to counteract each other which can be used to good advantage. A good analytic approximation for the electric field distribution in a cable with a temperature drop across the dielectric and temperature and field-dependent conductivity has been developed; however, the formula is too long to print. Enhancement of conductivity at the semicon-dielectric interfaces is another issue which has been examined and which is important to DC cable dielectric design. Examples will be provided which demonstrate the tradeoffs among polymer parameters as they relate to performance in a DC solid dielectric cable. This work was carried out while the author was a visiting professor at the Technical University of Denmark.
  • 4:15 – 4:25 Update on Testing of a New TRXLPE, Eric Marsden, Nova-Borealis
    Data for Completed AEIC testing and ACLT will be presented for a new TRXLPE.
  • 4:25 – 4:45 AC Breakdown Strength – Does it Truly Predict Cable Failure at Constant Stress? E. Cometa and H. Sarma, AT Plastics
    Abstract: TR-XLPE cables manufactured in a true triple commercial CV line were subjected to accelerated aging under fixed time test protocol. The study showed that certain cable specimens failed under test despite exhibiting high ac breakdown strength demonstrating that ac breakdown does not truly predict the test cable failure at constant aging stress. These results are in agreement with those presented in ICC recently thus supporting the conclusions. 
  • 4:45 – 5:05 The Failure Mechanism For Accelerated Cable Life Testing (ACLT) of XLPE-insulated Cables in a Wet Environment – Is it Different from the Failure Mechanism for Field Aging in a Wet Environment? Mark Walton, General Cable
    Abstract: The goal of any accelerated test is to duplicate the same failure mechanism as that observed under normal (non-accelerated) aging conditions. Times to failure were obtained on cables from 2 separate production runs of XLPE-insulated cables that were tested under several different accelerated aging conditions in a wet environment . Both production runs utilized different lots of the same conventional conductor shield material, the same insulation material, and the same insulation shield material. The different accelerated aging conditions consisted of various combinations of elevated voltage stress (4Uo, 3Uo, and 2Uo) and elevated conductor temperature (90°C, 75°C, 60°C, and 45°C). Examination of the Weibull characteristic life values for the failures generated under the different accelerated aging conditions revealed that one production run of cable always outperformed the other in the ACLT (larger characteristic life values). However, examination of the Weibull shape parameter revealed the failure mechanism was relatively constant as a function of voltage and temperature for both production runs, as evidenced by overlap of the 90% confidence intervals of the values of the shape parameter. Since the failure mechanism for both production runs of cable (one of higher quality than the other) in the ACLT is independent of voltage over the range of 4Uo to 2Uo, and temperature over the range of 90°C to 45°C, a statistically sound rationale is presented for stating that a similar failure mechanism exists for many of today's XLPE-insulated cables operating in the field under lightly loaded conditions (1Uo, 25°C) in a wet environment.
  • 5:05 – 5:10 Adjourn
• Subcommittee A - Cable Construction and Design - Session 2 - Tuesday April 24th, 8:00 am – 12:00
  • 8:00 – 8:10 Welcome, Allen MacPhail, Serge Pelissou
    
  • A2D CHARACTERISTICS OF SEMICONDUCTIVE SHIELDS, Harry Orton and Cindy Flenniken, BICC General
    This part of the session is the formal meeting of Discussion Group A2D.
  • 8:10 – 8:20 Strategic Reliability Analysis - Distribution Cable Performance Survey, Glen Bertini, UTILX Corp.
    Abstract: A cost effective tool, referred to as "SRA" (Strategic Reliability Analysis), is described. It allows mining of the utility’s own data to definitively answer the critical strategic questions:
    • What are the required capital expenditures and where do those expenditures need to be targeted to drive reliability to an acceptable value?
    • What are the costs associated with reliability enhancement options per unit of reliability?
    • How do these values compare to my peers?

    SRA demonstrates the trade-offs between cost and reliability. It provides a tactical plan to prioritize the circuits where problems are most likely to occur and where the impact of the expenditure is maximized, based on a rigorous economic model. The authors intend to periodically publish consolidated results that will provide the industry the benefits of a distribution reliability survey.

  • 8:20 – 8:40 Modeling Stress Enhancement of Semicon Protrusions, W. K. Lee, Y. Gau, Union Carbide Corporation, A Subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company
    Abstract: Protrusions at the semicon/insulation interface have been known to cause stress enhancement leading to poor performance of cables in the field. Since theoretically derived equations for stress enhancement assume a shape factor, the magnitude of stress enhancement at the semicon/insulation interface can only be estimated if such a shape factor is known. This is possible with modern detection technologies, which are capable of defining shape factors through the measurement of height and widths at various heights of protrusions. The paper provides an overview on shape factors of "Conventional" and "Supersmooth" semiconductive compounds, and the associated stress enhancement factors. The results confirm that for a given height of protrusions, "Supersmooth" compounds have flatter protrusions than "Conventional" ones, and that higher stress enhancement occurs with lower aspect ratio or sharper protrusions. Thus from a stress enhancement standpoint, "Supersmooth" will yield lower stress enhancement than "Conventional" compounds by a factor of about two. A review of stress enhancement theories is also made and the most applicable ones to the "Supersmooth" and "Conventional" compounds are discussed. Moreover, latest advancements in detection technology with improved capabilities of monitoring very small protrusions are covered. They offer a valuable tool to guide the process to produce consistently smooth products and improve the quality of the semiconductive compounds and thus the cables.
    
  • A1D CHARACTERISTICS OF INSULATING MATERIALS
    This part of the session is sponsored by Discussion Group A1D
  • 8:40 – 9:00 Japanese Practice for EHV XLPE Cable Insulation Design, Shinya Asai, Sumitomo Electric USA
    Abstract: The Japanese power cable industry has now placed into service, two 40 km long, 500 kV cable circuits with XLPE insulation. These are the highest voltage, longest distance XLPE cable interconnections in the world. Mr. Asai will present an introduction to Japanese practices regarding EHV XLPE cable insulation design. He will also describe actual experience with older lower voltage XLPE cables, including failure rate statistics.
  • 9:00 – 9:20 New Jacket Material for High Voltage Power Cable, Yakov Motlis, Fujikura America
    Abstract: As global environmental issues have been more actively discussed, ecological "Eco Electric Wires" have been increasingly in use lately. However, non-ecological material like vinyl chloride has still been dominant as an oversheath material for 66kV or higher voltage power cables. This is because ecological materials generally have inferior mechanical strength to vinyl chloride, so that the materials are considered unsuitable for high-voltage cables, which are heavy in weight and require mechanical strength against sidewall pressure. In this situation, Fujikura has developed an ecological material having more mechanical strength than conventional materials, and has succeeded in adapting the material to high-voltage cables. We have recently introduced 132kV cross-linked polyethylene insulated ecological cables, for the first time in the world, to a bridge construction project by Hong Kong's power company, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited.
  • 9:20 – 9:40 Metallic Sheaths for HV XLPE Insulated Cables, Axel Schlumberger, Forte Power Systems
    Abstract: Typically, high voltage solid dielectric cables are made with non-filled, extra-clean XLPE insulation material that has to be protected from moisture and mechanical stresses. Additionally, the thermal-mechanical characteristics such as radial and longitudinal thermal expansion have to be considered. This presentation identifies the properties required in a metallic high voltage cable sheath and compares the ability of the most common types of metallic sheaths to meet these requirements. The presentation compares the performance of copper, aluminum and lead sheaths to contend with the challenges posed by short circuits, moisture and mechanical and thermo-mechanical forces. For the purpose of definition, high voltage cables are cables with a nominal service voltage above 60kV.
  • 9:40 – 10:00 Future Directions for Subcommittee A, Allen MacPhail, Serge Pelissou
    Abstract: Ideas will be presented for possible new areas of discussion, technology transfer and working group activity for the Cable Construction and Design Subcommittee. This will be done initially as an ice-breaker, in a more important effort to stimulate suggestions from meeting attendees. The ultimate objective will be to try to establish guidance on future directions and topics of interest for SC A, based on ICC member participation. Please bring your thoughts and don’t be afraid to speak up!
  • 10:00 – 10:20 Refreshment Break
  • More presentations, to be announced
• Subcommittee B - Accessories 
  • Partial Discharge in Field Installed Joint, Carlos Katz, Cable Technologies Laboratories
    Abstract: In recent years, diagnostic equipment has been developed to pinpoint the location of partial discharge (PD) in extruded cable systems. In many occasions, these PD take place at the location of joints or terminations. As part of a project sponsored by EPRI, joints and other accessories found to exhibit PD are being removed from the field for detailed examination in the laboratory. The presentation will review the most common locations for PD in joints, providing also the reason as to why they take place at these locations. This will be followed with results of laboratory measurements on the joints from the field and illustration of the conditions leading to the presence of PD including the present condition of these joints.
  • Panel Session: Utility Experience Using the New Loadbreak Separable Connectors Designed to Address Partial Vacuum Induced Interface Flashovers, Panelists: Doug Morrison; Hydro Mississauga; Mississauga, Ontario, Canada Greg Stano; Wisconsin Public Service Corporation; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA Jack Cherry; South Carolina Electric and Gas; West Columbia, South Carolina, USA, John Holmes; GPU Energy; Reading, Pennsylvania

    Objective: New separable connector products have been available for approximately two years that are intended to address the issue of partial vacuum induced interface flashover failures during switching of loadbreak separable connectors. Representatives of several electric utilities from different parts of the country will discuss their experience with these devices and what effect the devices have had on field operating procedures.

    Each panelist has been asked to make approximately a ten minute presentation. After the completion of all presentations, the floor will be opened for questions.

  • Grounding Options for 600 Amp Underground Systems, Roy Jazowski; Hubbell Power Systems; Aiken, SC
    Abstract: Three methods for testing, grounding and isolating 600 Amp separable connector systems will be reviewed. The first method is 1) the standard loadbreak reducing tap plug (LRTP) that has been the standard for many years. The second method is 2) the new SafeOp system that incorporates the same features as the LRTP but allows the 600 Amp system to stay fully grounded during the isolation phase. The last method involves 3) new 600 Amp/200 Amp junctions that allow interconnection between 600 and 200 Amp systems. With this method, 600 Amp elbows can be placed on junctions containing 600 Amp bushing interfaces with 200 Amp wells. 200 Amp rated devices can then be used to test/ground 600 amp systems.

• Subcommittee C - Cable Systems

  • Diagnostic Aspects of CBM of Distribution Power Cables, Dr. Ed Gulski, Delft University of Technology, Frank J. Wester, Nuon NV, Alkmaar, The Netherlands, Edwin Groot, Infracore BV, Alkmaar, The Netherlands, Peter Schikarski, Haefely Test AG, Zurich Switzerland
    Abstract: Liberalisation of electricity markets has two effects on the business environment of power utilities. First, the maintenance and investment costs have to be maximally reduced using the maximum service life of the existing distribution cable networks. Secondly, due to increasing cost of non-availability a higher reliability in power supply is requested. It is known that condition based maintenance CBM can offer a support in meeting these both requirements. As a result, based on the information about the actual insulation condition of a particular cable link the operation, the maintenance and the replacement can optimally be planned.

    In this contribution based on experiences of Nuon utility in the Netherlands, for implementation of CBM important aspects will be discussed:

    1. Economic of using advanced PD diagnostic for preventive maintenance;

    2. Prioritising on-line versus off-line PD diagnostics to determine sensitively the insulation condition of cables in service;

    3. Importance of knowledge about ageing processes and failure modes;

    4. Determination of interpretation and knowledge rules to support CBM;

    It is known that databases can be used to store, to correlate with relevant knowledge rules and to extract the complicated information needed to substantiate conclusions about interpretation of measured information and related recommendations about maintenance.

    In particular, this contribution discusses on the based on advanced PD diagnostic at oscillating voltages different evaluation ways to assess the insulation condition of cable systems.

    1. Comparing results of tests performed at different voltage stresses/levels;

    2. Comparing actual values to those obtained for this particular component in the past and analyzing/trending the differences in the terms of critical changes (increases/decreases) for the same component during service time, e.g. trend analyze;

    3. Comparing actual values to those obtained once for a similar component in the network or a particular element and evaluating the similarities/differences in insulation conditions, e.g. statistical deviation.

  • Application of Portable Partial Measuring System for Power Cable Joints, Min Chen, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Abstract: Partial discharge (PD) measurement has become an effective means for evaluating the insulating properties of power cables, especially for the joints being assembled on-site. A new developed portable PD measuring system is introduced, in which a multiple PD recognition method is applied. The system has been practically used in some PD measurements for the cable lines on-site and measurement results show that the system can provide sufficient accuracy and high performance of PD measurement.
    
  • Galveston Island Submarine Cable Project, Richard Raymond, Reliant Energy HL&P and John Cooper, Power Delivery Consultants, Inc.
    Abstract: This presentation describes the background, preliminary design, cable manufacturing, and factory acceptance tests for a 138 kV XLPE submarine cable to Galveston Island. Installation of this 2.5 mile long submarine cable is currently in progress, and will be described by a subsequent ICC presentation.
    
  • Condition Assessment of Distribution and Transmission Class Voltage Cable System, Dr. Nezar H. Ahmed, DTE-Engineering Technologies
    Abstract: Over the last five years, DTE- Engineering Technologies (DTEET), a subsidiary of DTE Energy is involved in conducting on-line PD testing on cable system operating at voltages from 5 to 138 kV. The DTEET on-line PD detection system is capable of measuring partial discharge (PD) event in power cable system as low as 1 pC. Coupling to the system is made through special sensors that compromise both inductive and capacitive coupling. These sensors have a detection bandwidth of 100 kHz-300 MHz. The on-line PD system can indicate location of the insulation anomaly both longitudinally and radially of the cable. Furthermore, the system is applicable to both laminar (PILC) and extruded (PE, XLPE, EPR) cables.
    
  • High Temperature Superconducting Cable Demonstration at Detroit Edison – a Utility Perspective, Jim Brown, DTE Energy
    Abstract: The forthcoming HTS cable demonstration at Detroit Edison’s Frisbie Station offers Detroit Edison the opportunity to experience both the engineering and operational aspects of HTS cables. This presentation reviews the key characteristics of the project and take-aways for Detroit Edison as a key partner in this demonstration.
    
  • Manufacturing a High Temperature Superconducting Warm Dielectric Cable, Nathan Kelley, Pirelli Cables
    Abstract: The cable, accessories, and refrigeration systems have been manufactured and are being shipped to the demonstration site at Detroit Edison’s Frisbie Station. This presentation will review the basic construction details of superconducting cables, including both warm and cold dielectric. As a case example, the manufacturing steps for the cable system will be reviewed, emphasizing the novel aspects of the system.
    
  • Mitigation of the Effects of Explosions in Underground Vaults, William Z. Black, Georgia Institute of Technology
    Abstract: Over the past four years a program has been developed at Georgia Tech to analyze the effects of explosions in underground vaults. The program is currently being used to assess mitigation schemes that will safely de-fuse the over-pressurization caused by explosions. The program has the capability of calculating the pressure and temperature rise in an underground vault when either a short circuit event or a gas explosion occurs within the structure. The program results have been verified by comparing them with experimental data. The resulting design tool can be used to evaluate schemes that are capable of either withstanding the generated pressures or ones that are able to vent explosive gases sufficiently fast to maintain the vault pressure within safe limits. Several examples of explosions will be discussed and the program results will be used to evaluate the relative safety of containment and venting schemes.
    
• Subcommittee D - Station, Control and Utilization Cables, Monday 9:15 - Noon
  • 9:15 - 9:30 - Subcommittee Business
  • 9:30 - 10:10 - Review of Federal Programs for Wire Systems Safety - Charles Huettner, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President
    Abstract: As a logical follow-on to a 1997 recommendation by the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security, the White House called for the formation of a team of wiring safety experts from 17 different federal agencies to analyze government science and technology initiatives concerning wiring safety. The report proposes conclusions and recommendations to improve wire system safety in the areas of transportation, national security, health, energy and consumer affairs.

    This report by representatives of 17 different federal agencies is the first comprehensive look at common issues and technology needs to prevent wire deterioration from causing health and safety problems in America. Most important, it recommends that the deterioration of wiring be viewed as a national issue and provides a blueprint for what the federal government must do to assure today’s high level of safety in the future. The report recommends a change in mindset about electrical wiring: "Such systems no longer can be regarded as a commodity to install and then forget." The report notes that this revolution in the way we look at wiring will require federal agencies to forge new partnerships among themselves, and with industry and academia. It also cites the need for more research on what happens to wiring throughout its lifetime, from design through maintenance in its maturity to its old age. As existing wiring systems age and new systems come online, government and industry need to better understand aging processes and take a more proactive approach to managing these systems.

    The report notes specific areas that require additional attention, such as tools to collect reliable data on wiring in the field, improved processes for repair and replacement and training aids for those who design and maintain wiring systems. The group also found a need for new computer models that can predict when wiring should be replaced, and innovative design approaches and materials to meet the ever-increasing demand for all types of electrical power.

    A copy of the report can be seen at: http://ostp.gov/NSTC/html/nstc_pubs.html

  • 10:10 - 10:30 - Requalification of Compounds for Heat-Shrink Cable Splices and Terminations for the Nuclear Industry: An Update - Frank Fitzgerald, Raychem/Tyco
    Abstract: For over 20 years Raychem has been supplying products to the Nuclear Power industry made from the compound that was formulated, qualified and type tested to IEEE 383 and IEEE 323 requirements. The products were certified to be similar to the specimens that were type tested to LOCA conditions in the very early 1980's so no substantial modifications of the compound could be made without Requalification. The requalification process would take several years (due to accelerated aging testing, radiation dose exposure time requirements and specimen preparation and LOCA type testing) and cost over $500,000. This is a very large investment of money, resources and lab time for a market that, until recently, was considered by all to be in decline.

    Raychem decided to stay in this market and requalify a new, but very similar compound, in 1998. The factors that influenced this decision were several, including the contemporary solvent effluent limits that were approached and sometimes exceeded by compound component preparation (such limits didn't exist in 1980), base resin and other component availability and the opportunity to modernize some of the other components with lessons learned over the past 20 years. Requalification also gave the opportunity to test different applications and configurations and investigate if the design parameters engineering window could be expanded.

    This presentation will discuss these issues as well as the results of the accelerated aging tests and the recently completed LOCA test. The cooperation of industry with supplier is also discussed as there were several mutual benefits of sharing what may be considered proprietary knowledge with each other during and after the testing. The benefits of requalification for the supplier and the industry in general will be discussed in the summary.

  • 10:30 - 10:50 - IEEE 1242 - Guide for Specifying and Selecting Power, Control and Special Purpose Cable for Petrochemical Plants - What's in It and How It Will Help You - Joe Snow, Anixter and Don Voltz, Mustang Engineering
    Abstract - This presentation provides an overview of the recently published IEEE 1242-1999 "Guide for Specifying and Selecting Power, Control, and Special Purpose Cable for Petroleum and Chemical Plants". The subject Guide addresses cable design, materials, testing and installation as they apply to applications in the petrochemical industry. Illustrations of typical constructions and details on cable application in this industry are included. As a helpful tool to the user, an appendix has been provided that includes a comprehensive cross-referenced list of industry standards and technical papers on wire and cable.
  • 10:50 - 11:30 - NEMA - ICEA Cable Standards Versus IEC Cable Standards, Frank O'Neill, Pirelli
    Abstract: The presentation will describe the application differences and similarities between the European International Electromechanical Commission (IEC) from the North American (ICEA & AEIC) standards. Details of Qualification (Type) Testing, Production Testing, and National Standards (Norms) will be offered. Definitions of cable fundamentals (thermoset, thermoplastic, treeing) will be developed for use as building blocks of other technologies.

    Further analysis of operating systems (100%, 133%, & 173% Insulation Level) and a comparison of flame testing under the two standards will be discussed. Some IEC installation practices are also defined.

  • 11:30 - 11:50 - Fire Hazard Assessment - Charlie Glew, Cable Components Inc.
    Abstract: Although the issues of flame propagation, smoke generation, rate of heat release, etc., are of concern for all cables located in places occupied by people and sensitive electronic equipment, cable designs are primarily evolving only in the communications industry here in the United States. Both communications and energy cables will be subject to new fire standards, which are much more stringent, within the next 12 months in Europe. Cable characteristics relative to when/how a cable burns in a fire, including products of cable combustion, are part of the new European hierarchy of flame retardancy. Subsequent to a brief review of the US fire hazard assessment standards evolution an overview of the new standards for fire performance evaluation European regulators have accepted will be provided.

• Transnational Luncheon
  • Completion of the World's First 500kV XLPE Cable Transmission Line, Shinya Asai, Sumitomo Electric USA
    Abstract: The world's first 500kV XLPE transmission cable line, Sinkeiyo-Toyosu line of route length 40km, 2 circuits, was commissioned and started operation in November 2000. The outline of the project and the commissioning test will be reviewed. 
  • Application of 220kV Premold One Piece Type Joint for Shanghai Project in China. Shinya Asai, Sumitomo Electric USA 
    Abstract: Introduction of compact dimensions and electrical test performance of 220-275kV class, premolded, one piece type joint and its actual application for 220kV XLPE cable line.
  • Calendar of International Cable Related Events, Willem Boone, KEMA
• Educational Program, - An Overview of Diagnostic Testing of Medium Voltage Power Cables

  Last fall the ICC Educational Program entitled, "Fundamentals of Partial Discharge in the Context of Field Cable Testing" focused on PD diagnostic tests to assess the condition of medium voltage cables. We are planning to complement this successful session by featuring, "An Overview of Diagnostic Testing of Medium Voltage Power Cables," for our spring 2001 Educational Program that will review the state-of-the art alternative (non-PD) cable diagnostic techniques. The following presentations are planned:

  • "An Overview of Diagnostic Testing of Medium Voltage Power Cables," John Densley, ArborLec Solutions Inc.
  • "Assessment of Some Diagnostic Techniques for PILC Cables," Jean-Pierre Crine, consultant.
  • "Detection of Water Trees in XLPE Distribution Cables Using the IRC Method," Henning Oetjen, HDW Electronics, Inc.
  • "Assessment of the Aging Condition of PILC Cables Using the Voltage Return Method," Henning Oetjen, HDW Electronics, Inc.
  • "Medium Voltage Power Cable Diagnostics by Frequency Domain Spectroscopy," Peter Werelius, Programma Electric AB.
  • "Tan Delta (Dissipation Factor) Measurements as an Effective Tool in Determining the Insulation Condition of Power Cables," Craig Goodwin, HV Diagnostics.

• "An Overview of Diagnostic Testing of Medium Voltage Power Cables," John Densley, ArborLec Solutions Inc.
  Abstract: Distribution cable systems represent a large capital investment for electrical utilities. In today’s competitive environment, electrical utilities are being faced with decisions to maintain, repair, refurbish, or replace their cable systems. This requires an assessment of the condition of the cable system by understanding the aging mechanisms and also the development of diagnostic tests. According to a 1994 report of CIGRRE WG 21:04, the purpose of a diagnostic test is ‘to evaluate and locate degradation phenomena that will cause cable or accessory failure’. The presentation will describe the main aging and failure mechanisms of distribution cables and the advantages and limitations of diagnostic tests. Diagnostic tests usually measure or monitor one or more properties of the insulation system that are related to aging and/or failure. Some tests measure localised properties; for example, partial discharges at contaminants, voids or protrusions, while others measure an overall property, for example tan delta (loss, dissipation or power factor). These topics will be discussed in the presentation.
  
  John Densley was graduated from Queen Mary College, University of London, with a B.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in 1964 and 1967. In 1968, he joined the Power Engineering section of the National Research Council of Canada, where he became leader of the electrical insulation research group. In 1991, Dr. Densley joined the Research Division of Ontario Hydro, now Ontario Power Technologies, where he continued his research in the area of electrical insulation until his recent retirement. Dr. Densley is now a consultant with ArborLec Solutions Inc. He is a Fellow of the IEEE, active in the PES Insulated Conductors Committee, the Dielectrics and Electrical Insulation Society, and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario.
  
• "Assessment of Some Diagnostic Techniques for PILC Cables," Jean-Pierre Crine, Consultant.
  Abstract: Based on a paper by: Vern Buchholz, M. Colwell and J.P. Crine, Powertech Labs Inc., Vancouver, Canada, S. Cherukupalli, B.C. Hydro, Vancouver Canada, B. S. Bernstein, EPRI, Washington, USA (now retired). Condition assessment of Paper Insulated Lead Covered (PILC) cables is a crucial factor for many utilities that have considerable lengths of these older design cables still in service. This paper is devoted to the evaluation of various electrical and chemical tests designed to investigate failure mechanisms such as thermal aging, water ingress and discharges. The non-destructive electrical tests performed on field-aged PILC cables were: the isothermal relaxation current (IRC), the LIpATEST leakage current test, the return voltage method (RVM) and the ac breakdown strength. In addition, partial discharges were measured in the field on an energized, in-service PILC feeder. Dielectric thermal analysis (DETA), Fourier transform infra red (FTIR) spectroscopy and moisture content analysis were also performed on small samples of paper tapes and oil taken in the same samples. It is shown that a combination of these analytical techniques give a better understanding of the aging condtion of the tested PILC cables. While studies employing IRC and RV have been reported for XLPE, little information is available for PILC, and this effort is apparently one of the first in this direction. The methods do show promise for providing meaningful information, but additional work is required for a full assessment of PILC cables condition. Some practical suggestions for future work are also made.

  Jean-Pierre Crine was graduated with a B.Sc. and a M.Sc. (Energy) from University of Quebec in Montreal and obtained a Ph.D. (Engineering Physics) from Ecole Polytechnique (Montreal) in 1978. For the following twenty years, he was with the Research Institute (IREQ) of Hydro-Québec as a research scientist and then as a manager of the Cables and Insulation department. During these years, he was active in the study of the electrical and aging properties of the insulating materials (especially solids and liquids) used in high voltage equipment: transformers, cables, capacitors, etc. He has managed several contracts for outside clients, such as Dow Corning, Union Carbide, Imperial Oil, EPRI, Canadian Electrical Association, Schneider, etc. He has been active in several international committees of the IEC. He is now a consultant for the electrical industry and the material suppliers. His recent clients include EPRI, Union Carbide, Saudi Cables, Fujikura Cables (Japan), Furukawa (Hungary), BC Hydro, Ultra Power Technology, etc. He is also Associate professor at the Ecole Polytechnique where he gives courses on R&D management and technology project management. He is a Fellow of the IEEE.

• "Detection of Water Trees in XLPE Distribution Cables Using the IRC Method," Henning Oetjen, HDW Electronics, Inc.
  Abstract: The IRC (Isothermal Relaxation Current) method detects the presence of water trees and the extent of their damaging effect on XLPE cables. It allows assessing the condition of the cable before making the decision to repair, replace or rejuvenate it. The method is based on the measurement of the relaxation current with regard to 3 distinct time constants, which can be used to describe the behavior of water trees with different degrees of progression under the influence of a polarizing electrical field. The session will provide a technical description of the method, aspects of its practical use in the field and field data.
  
  "Assessment of the Aging Condition of PILC Cables Using the Voltage Return Method", Henning Oetjen, HDW Electronics, Inc.
  Abstract: The Voltage Return Method assesses the condition of PILC cables by determining the effect of water, which is adsorbed by the insulation. The water changes the characteristic return voltage trace, which consists of 2 components. One component represents the change in the insulation resistance R_G and the cable capacitance C_G (parallel elements); the second component is influenced by the time constant of the polarization effect R_p1C_p1. Both components change the return voltage curve in a characteristic way. The session will provide a technical description of the method, aspects of its practical field use and some field data.

  Henning Oetjen received both his master and PHD degrees in organometallic chemistry from the University of Tuebingen, Germany. He spent 6 years with Reliance Electric Company in Cleveland, Ohio as a research engineer for high voltage insulation systems for rotating machinery, followed by a 10 year tenure with a manufacturer for gas detection and respiratory protection equipment. Since 1998 he is President of HDW Electronics, Inc., Bethlehem, PA, the American subsidiary of the German based SebaKMT Group, which manufactures cable test and fault locating equipment.

• "Medium Voltage Power Cable Diagnostics by Frequency Domain Spectroscopy," Peter Werelius, Programma Electric AB.
  Abstract: Frequency Domain dielectric Spectroscopy (FDS), or measurement of capacitance and loss in a frequency range, is a non-destructive method for material characterization and now available for practical diagnostic measurements under field conditions. The method shows significant advantages in the interpretation of the results since more data allow for accurate temperature corrections, separation between different materials and minimization of the influence of accessories such as cable terminations. Two main application areas of the method are diagnostics of extruded medium voltage cables suffering from water tree deterioration and determination of moisture content in PILC cables. For diagnostics of extruded cables, the high voltage FDS is used and it is found that depending on aging stage and type, water tree deteriorated insulation exhibits a characteristic response, which allows for reliable assessment of the insulation condition. For determination of the average moisture content in PILC cables, the method is used at low voltage. Higher moisture content gives a characteristic increase of losses and the loss minimum correlate well to moisture content.

  Peter Werelius started early 1992 his Ph.D. research using Frequency Domain dielectric Spectroscopy (FDS) method for non-destructive diagnostics of medium voltage XLPE cables suffering water tree aging. In 1997 he founded the company WaBtech manufacturing FDS instruments. WaBtech was in the end of 1999 bought by Programma Electric and he is currently working there as product manager with responsibility for products in the area insulation diagnostics.

• "Tan Delta (Dissipation Factor) Measurements as an Effective Tool in Determining the Insulation Condition of Power Cables," Craig Goodwin, HV Diagnostics.
  Abstract: The presentation will cover one of the most widely used and proven on-site diagnostic techniques available to determine the insulation condition of power cables. This technique provides insight into the overall condition of the cable insulation. The Tan Delta diagnostic integrated system from BAUR utilizes a high voltage Very Low Frequency (VLF) generator to apply both variable voltage and/or variable frequency onto the cable under test. Measurements can be made in both the frequency and time domain. A brief description of theory behind this diagnostic technique, the equipment used, a comparison with other methods and practical examples from field will be presented.

  Craig Goodwin has a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering and Diploma in Project Management. Worked for ABB for several years in the projects division. Craig has worked with BAUR for 8 years and has extensive experience in electrical cable testing. He is presently manager of HV Diagnostics Inc. based in Atlanta, GA, USA. He is a member of the IEEE, SAIEE and ICC.

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