Analyze the characteristics of cross-linked polyethylene cables

Cross-linked polyethylene cables stand out in the field of power transmission due to their excellent electrical properties and excellent heat resistance. This cable not only has large-capacity transmission capacity, is lightweight and portable in structure, but also has good flexibility; its accessory connector design is simple and efficient, and the laying and installation process is easy and convenient, with no strict restrictions on the laying height. What is particularly critical is that it completely avoids oil leakage hazards and fire risks. Because of this, it is favored by the market. In recent years, it has continued to expand into high-voltage and ultra-high-voltage fields, and has shown a strong trend of gradually replacing oil-paper insulated cables. Next, we will deeply analyze the core value of this environmentally friendly cable.

The core of the large-scale popularization and application of cross-linked polyethylene cables comes from the series of excellent properties of the cross-linked polyethylene material itself. The specific performance is as follows:

1. Excellent heat resistance

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) with a three-dimensional network structure has excellent heat resistance. In an environment within 200°C, this material will not decompose or carbonize. Its long-term stable operating temperature can reach 90°C, and its thermal service life is as long as 40 years, laying a solid foundation for the stable operation of cables.

2. Excellent insulation performance

Cross-linked polyethylene perfectly inherits the original excellent insulation properties of polyethylene (PE) and achieves a significant improvement in insulation resistance on this basis. Its dielectric loss tangent value is extremely small and is minimally affected by temperature fluctuations, providing a reliable guarantee for the safety and reliability of power transmission.

3. Outstanding mechanical properties

Cross-linked polyethylene builds new chemical bonds between macromolecules, which significantly enhances its hardness, stiffness, wear resistance and impact resistance, effectively overcoming the shortcomings of polyethylene that are susceptible to cracks due to environmental stress.

4. Outstanding chemical resistance

Cross-linked polyethylene has strong acid, alkali and oil resistance. The combustion products are mainly water and carbon dioxide, which has minimal harm to the environment and fully meets the stringent requirements of modern fire protection.

Looking back at the development of the industry, the insulation materials of traditional wires and cables are mostly polyvinyl chloride, but PVC contains halogen. Once wires and cables burn in an accident, toxic smoke will be released, which will not only seriously pollute the environment, but also greatly hinder the firefighting rescue and evacuation work of firefighters. In stark contrast, cross-linked polyethylene, as an environmentally friendly wire and cable material, does not produce harmful substances when burned. The flame retardants used do not contain halogens and will not release toxic gases during daily operation.

The heat resistance of cables made of cross-linked polyethylene as insulating material far exceeds that of PVC cables. It can operate stably for a long time in an environment of 90°C, and the heat resistance temperature can reach up to 250°C during short circuit. It has high insulation resistance, small dielectric loss tangent value, and is basically not affected by temperature changes. At the same time, it also has good wear resistance and environmental stress cracking resistance. When cross-linked polyethylene cables burn, the products are only carbon dioxide and water, while when PVC cables burn, harmful gases such as hydrogen chloride are released. In addition, the density of cross-linked polyethylene is about 40% lower than that of PVC, which can effectively reduce the load weight of overhead lines.