Method for selecting formulations to treat electrical cables

A method for making a mixture to be injected into an interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of an electrical cable segment having the central conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket to enhance the dielectric properties of the cable segment, comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting components for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment to at least fill the interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of the cable segment;
• selecting first, second and third components for the mixture in first, second and third quantities, respectively, to produce at least the desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment, with:
• the first component for the mixture and the first quantity of the first component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile,
• the second component for the mixture and the second quantity of the second component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profile, and
• the third component for the mixture and the third quantity of the third component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a third time period at least in part extending beyond the second time period and beyond the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• and
• mixing the first, second and third quantities of the first, second and third components together, wherein said central stranded conductor is larger than:
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises round strands;
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises concentric strands;
• 250 kcm (225 mm2), when said conductor comprises compressed strands;
• or
• 1000 kcm (500 mm2), when said conductor comprises compact strands.

A method for making a mixture to be injected into an interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of an electrical cable segment having the central conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket to enhance the dielectric properties of the cable segment, comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting components for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment to at least fill the interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of the cable segment;
• selecting a first component for the mixture and a first quantity of the first component to be included in the mixture to produce a desired first concentration of the first component in the mixture so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• selecting a second component for the mixture and a second quantity of the second component to be included in the mixture to produce a desired second concentration of the second component in the mixture so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• selecting a third component for the mixture and a third quantity of the third component to be included in the mixture to produce a desired third concentration of the third component in the mixture so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a third time period at least in part extending beyond the second time period and beyond the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• and mixing the first, second and third quantities of the first, second and third components together, wherein said central stranded conductor is larger than:
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises round strands;
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises concentric strands;
• 250 kcm (225 mm2), when said conductor comprises compressed strands;
• or
• 1000 kcm (500 mm2), when said conductor comprises compact strands.

A method for making a mixture to be injected into an interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of an electrical cable segment having the central conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket to enhance the dielectric properties of the cable segment, comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting components for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment to at least fill the interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of the cable segment;
• selecting a desired maximum price for the desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting first, second and third components for the mixture in first, second and third quantities, respectively, and having first, second and third prices, respectively, to produce at least the desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment with the first, second and third prices of the first, second and third components used to produce the desired quantity of the mixture having a combined price no greater than the desired maximum price, with:
• the first component for the mixture and the first quantity of the first component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile,
• the second component for the mixture and the second quantity of the second component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profile, and
• the third component for the mixture and the third quantity of the third component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a third time period at least in part extending beyond the second time period and beyond the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• and
• mixing the first, second and third quantities of the first, second and third components together, wherein said central stranded conductor is larger than:
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises round strands;
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises concentric strands;
• 250 kcm (225 mm2), when said conductor comprises compressed strands;
• or
• 1000 kcm (500 mm2), when said conductor comprises compact strands.

A method for enhancing the dielectric properties of an electrical cable segment having a central stranded conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the method comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting the components for a mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting the compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a first component for the mixture to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• selecting a second component for the mixture to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• selecting a third component for the mixture to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a third time period at least in part extending beyond the second time period and beyond the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• injecting the mixture into the interstitial void volume with the mixture at a pressure below the elastic limit of the polymeric insulation jacket;
• and
• confining the mixture within the interstitial void volume at a residual pressure greater than about 50 psig, the pressure being imposed along the entire length of the cable segment and being below the elastic limit, whereby the residual pressure within the void volume promotes the transport of the mixture into the polymeric insulation jacket.

A method for enhancing the dielectric properties of an electrical cable segment having a central stranded conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the cable segment having a first closable high-pressure connector attached at one terminus thereof and a second closable high-pressure connector attached at another terminus thereof, each of the first and second connectors providing fluid communication to the interstitial void volume, the method comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting the components for a mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting the compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a first component for the mixture to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• selecting a second component for the mixture to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• selecting a third component for the mixture to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a third time period at least in part extending beyond the second time period and beyond the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• opening both the first and second connectors and introducing the mixture via the first connector so as to fill the interstitial void volume;
• closing the second connector and introducing an additional quantity of the mixture via the first connector at a pressure greater than about 50 psig, but less than the elastic limit of the polymeric insulation jacket;
• and
• closing the first connector so as to contain the mixture within the interstitial void volume at a residual pressure greater than about 50 psig, but below the elastic limit, whereby the pressure within the interstitial void volume promotes the transport of the mixture into the polymeric insulation jacket.

A method for enhancing the dielectric properties of an electrical cable segment between first and second connectors, the cable segment having a central stranded conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the method comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting the components for a mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting the compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a first component for the mixture to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• selecting a second component for the mixture to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• selecting a third component for the mixture to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a third time period at least in part extending beyond the second time period and beyond the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• filling through at least one of the first and second connectors the interstitial void volume along the entire length of the cable segment with the mixture at a pressure below the elastic limit of the polymeric insulation jacket;
• and
• confining with the first and second connectors the mixture within the interstitial void volume at a residual pressure selected to promote the transport of the mixture into the polymeric insulation jacket, with the residual pressure being imposed along the entire length of the cable segment and being below the elastic limit.

A method for selecting a mixture to be injected into an interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of an electrical cable segment having the central conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket to enhance the dielectric properties of the cable segment, comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting components for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment to at least fill the interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of the cable segment;
• and
• selecting first, second and third components for the mixture in first, second and third quantities, respectively, to produce at least the desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment, with:
• the first component for the mixture and the first quantity of the first component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile,
• the second component for the mixture and the second quantity of the second component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profile, and
• the third component for the mixture and the third quantity of the third component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a third time period at least in part extending beyond the second time period and beyond the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile, wherein said central stranded conductor is larger than:
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises round strands;
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises concentric strands;
• 250 kcm (225 mm2), when said conductor comprises compressed strands;
• or
• 1000 kcm (500 mm2), when said conductor comprises compact strands.

A method for selecting a mixture to be injected into an interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of an electrical cable segment having the central conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket to enhance the dielectric properties of the cable segment, comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting components for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment to at least fill the interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of the cable segment;
• selecting a first component for the mixture and a first quantity of the first component to be included in the mixture to produce a desired first concentration of the first component in the mixture so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• selecting a second component for the mixture and a second quantity of the second component to be included in the mixture to produce a desired second concentration of the second component in the mixture so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• and
• selecting a third component for the mixture and a third quantity of the third component to be included in the mixture to produce a desired third concentration of the third component in the mixture so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a third time period at least in part extending beyond the second time period and beyond the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile, wherein said central stranded conductor is larger than:
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises round strands;
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises concentric strands;
• 250 kcm (225 mm2), when said conductor comprises compressed strands;
• or
• 1000 kcm (500 mm2), when said conductor comprises compact strands.

A method for selecting a mixture to be injected into an interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of an electrical cable segment having the central conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket to enhance the dielectric properties of the cable segment, comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting components for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment to at least fill the interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of the cable segment;
• selecting a desired maximum price for the desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• and
• selecting first, second and third components for the mixture in first, second and third quantities, respectively, and having first, second and third prices, respectively, to produce at least the desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment with the first, second and third prices of the first, second and third components used to produce the desired quantity of the mixture having a combined price no greater than the desired maximum price, with:
• the first component for the mixture and the first quantity of the first component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile,
• the second component for the mixture and the second quantity of the second component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profile, and
• the third component for the mixture and the third quantity of the third component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a third time period at least in part extending beyond the second time period and beyond the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile, wherein said central stranded conductor is larger than:
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises round strands;
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises concentric strands;
• 250 kcm (225 mm2), when said conductor comprises compressed strands;
• or
• 1000 kcm (500 mm2), when said conductor comprises compact strands.

A method for selecting at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid to be injected into an interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of an electrical cable segment having the central conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket to enhance the dielectric properties of the cable segment, comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid;
• selecting at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning at least the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile, wherein said central stranded conductor is larger than:
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises round strands;
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises concentric strands;
• 250 kcm (225 mm2), when said conductor comprises compressed strands;
• or
• 1000 kcm (500 mm2), when said conductor comprises compact strands.

A method for selecting a mixture to be injected into an interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of an electrical cable segment having the central conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket to enhance the dielectric properties of the cable segment, comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting components for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• and
• selecting at least first and second components for the mixture in first and second quantities, respectively, to produce at least the desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment, with:
• the first component for the mixture and the first quantity of the first component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile, and
• the second component for the mixture and the second quantity of the second component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profiles wherein said central stranded conductor is larger than:
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises round strands;
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises concentric strands;
• 250 kcm (225 mm2), when said conductor comprises compressed strands;
• or
• 1000 kcm (500 mm2), when said conductor comprises compact strands.

A method for selecting a mixture to be injected into an interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of an electrical cable segment having the central conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket to enhance the dielectric properties of the cable segment, comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting components for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a first component for the mixture and a first quantity of the first component to be included in the mixture to produce a desired first concentration of the first component in the mixture so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• and
• selecting a second component for the mixture and a second quantity of the second component to be included in the mixture to produce a desired second concentration of the second component in the mixture so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profile, wherein said central stranded conductor is larger than:
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises round strands;
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises concentric strands;
• 250 kcm (225 mm2), when said conductor comprises compressed strands;
• or
• 1000 kcm (500 mm2), when said conductor comprises compact strands.

A method for selecting a mixture to be injected into an interstitial void volume adjacent to a central stranded conductor of an electrical cable segment having the central conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket to enhance the dielectric properties of the cable segment, comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting components for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting compounds for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting a desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a desired maximum price for the desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• and
• selecting at least first and second components for the mixture in first and second quantities, respectively, and having first and second prices, respectively, to produce at least the desired quantity of the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment with the first and second prices of the first and second components used to produce the desired quantity of the mixture having a combined price no greater than the desired maximum price, with:
• the first component for the mixture and the first quantity of the first component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a first time period for the selected operating temperature profile, and
• the second component for the mixture and the second quantity of the second component to be included in the mixture being further selected so as to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning a second time period at least in part extending beyond the first time period for the selected operating temperature profile, wherein said central stranded conductor is larger than:
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises round strands;
• 4/0 (120 mm2), when said conductor comprises concentric strands;
• 250 kcm (225 mm2), when said conductor comprises compressed strands;
• or
• 1000 kcm (500 mm2), when said conductor comprises compact strands.

A method for enhancing the dielectric properties of an electrical cable segment having a central stranded conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the method comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning at least the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• injecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid into the interstitial void volume with the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid at a pressure below the elastic limit of the polymeric insulation jacket;
• and
• confining the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid within the interstitial void volume at a residual pressure greater than about 50 psig, the pressure being imposed along the entire length of the cable segment and being below the elastic limit, whereby the residual pressure within the interstitial void volume promotes the transport of the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid into the polymeric insulation jacket.

A method for enhancing the dielectric properties of an electrical cable segment between first and second connectors, the cable segment having a central stranded conductor encased in a polymeric insulation jacket and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the method comprising:

• selecting an anticipated operating temperature profile for the cable segment to be used in selecting at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment;
• selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture;
• selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning at least the minimum desired time period for the selected operating temperature profile;
• filling through at least one of the first and second connectors the interstitial void volume along the entire length of the cable segment with the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid at a pressure below the elastic limit of the polymeric insulation jacket;
• and
• confining with the first and second connectors the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid within the interstitial void volume at a residual pressure selected to promote the transport of the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid into the polymeric insulation jacket, with the residual pressure being imposed along the entire length of the cable segment and being below the elastic limit.