Effect of Pre-heating on AC breakdown strength of oil barrier tube

Abstract

The dependence on cable technology especially in urban areas is growing rapidly for power transmission and distribution. Various dielectric materials laid foundation for recent advancements in the field of power cables. The medium voltage distribution network with underground power cables consists of different links and joints. This paper discusses the insulation properties of PILC and XLPE cable joint known as transition joint. Prefabricated insulating material like oil barrier tube is been used for better insulating properties and preventing oil leakage from a transition joint. This barrier tube has resulted in initiation of various cable joint damages through electric breakdown. AC breakdown analysis was performed on the oil barrier tube material while interesting results have been achieved due to pre-heating of the samples. Further investigation of the material through SEM-EDS, FTIR, XRD and DSC paved way for better analysis of the material properties through its chemical composition.