Borealis demonstrates proven track record in HV cable solutions at Wire 2010

Wire 2010 visitors can experience first-hand why manufacturers across the globe are choosing advanced insulation, semi-conductive and jacketing materials from Borealis, a leading provider of innovative plastics solutions for the wire and cable industry, to ensure long-term reliability for their high voltage (HV) cables systems.

Borealis unveils a number of customer projects from as far afield as Chile and Russia that demonstrate the benefits of its Supercure™, SupercleanTM, and SupersmoothTM crosslinkable polyethylene (XLPE) compounds, and Borstar™ high density PE (HDPE). In combination the materials offer superior cleanliness, consistent electrical performance and protection from environmental factors to assure continuous, high level cable performance and longevity of the power supply network.

Superclean insulation is produced using advanced clean-manufacturing techniques to assure it is free from contaminants and therefore minimise the stresses of HV and extra high voltage (EHV) operation. This is complemented by the use of Supersmooth for the semiconductive layers of XPLE cable. The Supersmooth interface reduces the potential transfer of electrical stresses from the conductor cable, lowering the risk of a circuit-break and thereby increasing the reliability of consistent, uninterrupted power flow.

Finally, Borealis' Borstar bimodal HDPE for cable jacketing provides protection from abrasions and significantly reduces the risk of cable failure by stress cracking.

Projects highlighted at Wire 2010 include:

South America's first 500 kV XLPE cable project at Columbia's latest hydroelectric power plant, Porce III, due to come on-stream in January 2011.
High performance, reliability and longevity with minimal environmental impact were key requirements for the double cable system made and installed by Südkabel Germany to conduct power from the transformers to the pothead yard at the site. Südkabel chose Superclean LE4224EHV insulation, Supersmooth LE0500 semiconductive compound and Borstar HE6062 sheathing to create a fast installation 5.4km XLPE EHV cable line offering consistent extra high voltage performance and long-term reliability.

Upgrading of a Moscow substation power cable to meet the growth in demand for power in the eastern district of Russia's capital city. The project involved replacement of an oil-filled cable with higher performance 110 kV XLPE insulated cable capable of carrying double capacity. Cable manufacturer ABB Moskabel selected Supercure LS4201S insulation compound, Supersmooth LE0592S and a Borstar HE6062 jacket for the 20km HV cable. Its installation, from 2007-2009, has ensured a highly reliable and durable power transmission solution delivering two times greater capacity and requiring only modest maintenance over a 30-year+ service life.

A power delivery system for Chile's first liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. The 110 kV power cable solution for the Quintero Bay LNG project was produced by Tele-Fonika Kable using Supersmooth LE0592S semicon shielding and Superclean LE4244S insulation compound to ensure reliable, long-term performance. The connection over a distance of 5.2 km involved four cable lines laid at a depth of 1.5 m, predominantly in sandy soil and within 20 m of the Pacific coastline. To provide the necessary protection against environmental factors such as abrasive subsoil and seawater, the cable was jacketed with Borealis' Borstar HE6062 HDPE. Temperature-monitoring optical fibres were also placed within the cable because of the volatility of the LNG. The power link-up of the Quintero Bay terminal was completed in February 2009. The first delivery of LNG was received in July 2009.

"Cable longevity is especially important for those customers serving the high voltage cable market where the need for cables that deliver consistent, high performance under extreme electrical stresses is crucial," comments Marc Hubert, Borealis' Vice President for Wire and Cable. "Borealis is proud of the added value our long-term performance-focused solutions are bringing to projects around the world, including the ground-breaking Chilean LNG terminal which gives Chile independence in its gas supply, and the extension of Colombia's dependence on renewable energy resources through its latest hydroelectric dam."

For further information please contact:

Kerstin Meckler
Borealis Head of Communications
+43 122 400 389
kerstin.meckler@borealisgroup.com