Sequential versus Simultaneous Aging of XLPE Nuclear Cable Insulation Subjected to Elevated Temperature and Gamma Radiation
Electrical cables constitute a critical component of nuclear power generation. The aging behavior of electrical cable insulation under combined exposure to thermal and radiation stress is not additive, complicating lifetime prediction of cable performance based on sequential accelerated aging. In this work we explore the relative effects of simultaneous and sequential thermal and gamma radiation aging on cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), which is commonly found in commercial nuclear power plants in the United States. Samples of XLPE were subjected to up to 320 kGy of gamma irradiation at a dose rate of 300 Gy/hr in two heating scenarios. In the first, simultaneously-aged samples were heated at 150°C during irradiation. In the second, sequentially aged samples were heated at 150°C for designated durations followed by corresponding periods of irradiation without heating. The mass, total color difference, and density were characterized to quantify aging of the insulation polymer. Sequential aging is hypothesized to be more damaging to XLPE insulation due to an increased trend in mass gain, total color difference, and density.
- Research Organization:
- Pacific Northwest National Lab. (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 1650569
- Report Number(s):
- PNNL-SA-150824
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: IEEE Electrical Insulation Conference (EIC 2020), June 22-July 3, 2020, Knoxville, TN
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Sequential versus Simultaneous Aging of EPDM Nuclear Cable Insulation Subjected to Elevated Temperature and Gamma Radiation
Monitoring Degradation of Nuclear Cable Insulation Subjected To Sequential and Simultaneous Thermal and Radiation Aging