skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Final report on preliminary dielectric studies. Spir-o-line cable for application at power frequencies

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6271685· OSTI ID:6271685

Preliminary studies were made on a unique dielectric system for both flexible and rigid power cable applications. Known as Spir-O-Line, it was developed and is manufactured by Prodelin, Inc. as a high power radio frequency transmisson system, with a service record of several decades. The cable consists of a central conductor continuously supported by six high density polyethylene tubes inside a metal sheath, which operates as a GITL with either nitrogen or SF/sub 6/ as the filling medium. A rough analysis of the dielectric geometry concluded that its breakdown strength might be improved over that of the open coaxial conductor configuration. A series of breakdown tests was performed on the smaller range of commercially available sizes. The results confirmed the expected behavior patterns, but did not fully explore the upper units of performance due to occasional tube separations in the samples tested. The potential voltage ratings of the larger available sizes were estimated and found to be from 69 kV to 138 kV for a 3-inch O.D. size, and from 138 kV to 230 kV for a 6-inch O.D. size. There is considerable flexibility in the design of the conductor due to the continuous support of the dielectric tubes. In addition, the system enjoys efficient utilization of material and a low cost, low energy manufacturing process. The system economics appear competitive with conventional systems at conventional power ratings. For these reasons, a full-scale development and demonstration project is strongly recommended.

Research Organization:
Engelhardt (John S.) Underground Systems, Inc., Armonk, NY (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
EG-77-C-01-5054
OSTI ID:
6271685
Report Number(s):
HCP/T5054-01
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English