Cable Conductor Seal Using Absorbent Material and Liquid Settable Compound
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming seals in electrical power cables, particularly in flameproof applications, face challenges such as susceptibility to deformation, difficulty in ensuring proper adhesion, and expertise-dependent quality, especially in addressing gaps between conductors and compatibility with polymeric insulation materials.
Innovation Solution
A method involving passing conductors through a body to define a cavity, filling the cavity with an absorbent material, and then pouring a liquid settable material that absorbs and sets to form a seal between and around the conductors, using materials like ethylcyanoacrylate and absorbents like crushed perlite or silica powder to ensure effective adhesion and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an elastomeric sealing element is used in a cable gland seal, then the seal can be installed and provides initial sealing, but the cable material is susceptible to plastic deformation and creep over time requiring periodic inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two functional parts: an elastomeric sealing element for initial sealing and installation ease, and a settable compound for long-term structural stability and gap filling. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite sealing system combining elastomeric material and settable compound materials with different properties. The elastomer provides flexibility and initial seal, while the settable compound provides rigid structural support and maintains gap sealing over time, creating a composite sealing solution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a settable compound is introduced between cable gland and cable sheath, then radial forces are not applied to the cable, but gaps between adjacent insulated conductors are not addressed and adhesion may be poor
Solution Approach 1:
The settable compound is selectively applied to specific locations: between the cable gland body and cable sheath for structural support, and additionally into the cavity surrounding conductors for gap sealing. This local quality approach ensures each area receives the appropriate sealing treatment for its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric sealing element acts as an intermediary that works in conjunction with the settable compound. It provides initial sealing and maintains contact pressure while the settable compound cures, ensuring proper adhesion and sealing effectiveness between the compound and conductor surfaces.
3Reliability
If conductors are cut back to expose individual insulated conductors and settable compound is pressed into cavity, then gaps between conductors are addressed, but the sealing process is difficult and quality depends on operator expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The settable compound is changed from a putty-type consistency requiring kneading to a liquid state that flows easily. This parameter change in viscosity transforms the application process from a skill-intensive manual operation to a simple pouring operation, significantly improving ease of application while maintaining reliable gap sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of pressing and kneading putty is replaced with a gravity-driven liquid pouring process. This substitution eliminates the need for operator expertise in manual manipulation while ensuring consistent and complete filling of the cavity around conductors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method simplifies the sealing process, ensures a reliable seal around conductors, and effectively adheres to polymeric insulation materials, addressing deformation and expertise-related issues while maintaining flameproof integrity.
Implementation Method 1
pouring a liquid settable material into the absorbent material within the cavity; and allowing the settable material to be absorbed by the absorbent material and to set
Implementation Method 2
the absorbent material is in the form of a powder, granules or fibres; subsequently pouring a liquid settable material into the absorbent material within the cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention provides a method of forming a seal (62) between and around conductors (12A, 12B and 12C) of an electrical power cable (10), and has particular application as a safety measure in potentially explosive applications. The method includes passing the conductors (12A, 12B and 12C) through an opening in a body (26) so as to define a cavity within the body (26) between and around the conductors (12A, 12B and 12C); introducing an absorbent material (64) into the cavity; introducing a liquid settable material (66) into the cavity; and allowing the settable material (66) to be absorbed by the absorbent material (64) and to set thereby to seal the cavity between and around the conductors (12A, 12B and 12C).