Tin-Alloy Cable Joint Water Barrier Without Lead Toxicity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power cables use lead as a radial water barrier due to its malleability, but it poses environmental concerns, necessitating an alternative material for cable joints that maintains mechanical and electrical properties while avoiding a larger diameter.
Innovation Solution
Using tin or tin alloys as the water barrier material in cable joints, which can be welded, soldered, or adhered to existing barriers, and reinforced with polyethylene-based adhesives to ensure a seamless joint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lead is used as water barrier material in cable joints, then malleability and ease of installation are improved, but environmental harm and toxicity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from lead to tin or tin alloy, maintaining the desired malleability and water barrier properties while eliminating the environmental toxicity and harmful effects associated with lead
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses tin or tin alloy as a substitute material that is environmentally friendly and can be disposed of without harmful effects, replacing lead which has long-term environmental persistence and toxicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If cable sections are joined by a joint, then cable continuity is achieved, but the joint may become a weak link with reduced mechanical and electrical properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the same water barrier material (tin or tin alloy) for both the cable sections and the joint, ensuring homogeneous material properties throughout the entire cable assembly and eliminating the weak link effect that would occur with material transitions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the water barrier layers of the cable sections with the joint water barrier by using the same material, creating a continuous and uniform water barrier system that maintains reliability across the joint
3Adaptability or versatility
If the joint uses a different water barrier material than the cable sections, then material optimization is possible, but material compatibility and joint integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using the same water barrier material (tin or tin alloy) for both the cable sections and the joint, ensuring complete material compatibility and eliminating any potential issues with material transitions or galvanic corrosion
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
Tin and tin alloys provide a reliable, environmentally friendly water barrier that maintains joint integrity and electrical performance, reducing environmental impact and joint diameter.
Implementation Method 1
a joint water barrier for joining the first water barrier and the second water barrier; wherein the joint water barrier is made of tin or a tin alloy
Implementation Method 2
The joint water barrier may be joined to the first water barrier and/or the second water barrier by welding, soldering or by an adhesive
Implementation Method 3
The joint water barrier may be joined to the first water barrier and/or the second water barrier by welding, soldering or by an adhesive
Implementation Method 4
The joint water barrier may be joined to the first water barrier and/or the second water barrier by welding, soldering or by an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
Power cables are provided having a joint with a metallic water barrier and, in particular, metallic water barrier materials for cable joints for use in high voltage cables for both land and submarine applications.