# US 7,611,748 B2 · Method for selecting formulations to treat electrical cables

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- Number: US 7,611,748 B2
- Document ID: US7611748B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 11/070,390
- Filed: 2005-03-01
- Published: 2005-09-01
- Granted: 2009-11-03
- Earliest claimed: 2004-03-01
- Assignees: Novinium, Inc.
- Inventors: Glen John Bertini
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7611748B2

## CPC

- H01B 7/285: by completely or partially filling interstices in the cable
- Y02A 30/14: Extreme weather resilient electric power supply systems, e.g. strengthening power lines or underground power cables
- H01B: CABLES; CONDUCTORS; INSULATORS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR CONDUCTIVE, INSULATING OR DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES (selection for magnetic properties H01F1/00; waveguides H01P {; printed circuits H05K})
- Y02A: TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE

## Abstract

A method for selecting components for 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. The method includes selecting an anticipated operating temperature for the cable segment to be used in selecting the components for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment and selecting a minimum desired time period to be used in selecting the compounds for the mixture to be injected during which the dielectric properties of the cable segment are to be enhanced by the mixture. Next, first, second and third components for the mixture are selected to provide the cable segment with a reliable life at the selected operating temperature spanning first, second and third time periods, respectively.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for selecting components for 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 the 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 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; and
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, 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.

### Claim 2

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.

### Claim 3

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.

### Claim 4

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.

### Claim 5

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.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The method according to claim 5 for use with a cable segment where the central stranded conductor is surrounded by a conductor shield, wherein the mixture injected into the interstitial void volume saturates the conductor shield and the polymeric insulation jacket with the mixture, and wherein the mixture contained within the interstitial void volume has a weight less than the weight of the mixture required to saturate the conductor shield and the polymeric insulation jacket.

### Claim 7 (depends on 5)

The method according to claim 5, wherein the mixture is supplied at a pressure greater than about 50 psig for more than about 2 hours before being confined within in the interstitial void volume.

### Claim 8 (depends on 5)

The method according to claim 5, wherein the pressure used in injecting the interstitial void volume is greater than the residual pressure.

### Claim 9 (depends on 5)

The method according to claim 5, wherein the residual pressure is about 100 psig to about 1000 psig.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The method according to claim 9, wherein the residual pressure is about 300 psig to about 600 psig.

### Claim 11

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.

### Claim 12

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.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The method according to claim 12, wherein the residual pressure at which the mixture is confined within the interstitial void volume is sufficient to expand the interstitial void volume along the entire length of the cable segment by at least 5%, but below an elastic limit of the polymeric insulation jacket.

### Claim 14 (depends on 12)

The method according to claim 12, wherein the filling and confining of the mixture within the interstitial void volume includes:
attaching the first connector to a first terminus of the cable segment;
attaching the second connector to a second terminus of the cable segment, each of the first and second connectors providing fluid communication to the interstitial void volume;
opening both of 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 an 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.

### Claim 15

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.

### Claim 16

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.

### Claim 17

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.

### Claim 18

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.

### Claim 19 (depends on 18)

The method according to claim 18, wherein selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid includes selecting at least first and second components for a mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment, with the 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, and the 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.

### Claim 20 (depends on 19)

The method according to claim 19, wherein selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid further includes selecting a third component for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment, with the 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 and with the third component being a combination of at least two constituent components, each to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning at least a portion of the third time period for the selected operating temperature profile.

### Claim 21 (depends on 18)

The method according to claim 18, wherein the selected operating temperature profile is selected at least in part based on the anticipated fluctuations over time of the difference between the anticipated operating temperature of the central conductor and the anticipated temperature of an outer portion of the polymeric insulation jacket during operation of the central conductor during at least a portion of the minimum desired time period.

### Claim 22

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.

### Claim 23

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.

### Claim 24

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.

### Claim 25

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.

### Claim 26 (depends on 25)

The method according to claim 25, wherein selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid includes selecting at least first and second components for a mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment, with the 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, and the 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.

### Claim 27 (depends on 26)

The method according to claim 26, wherein selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid further includes selecting a third component for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment, with the 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 and with the third component being a combination of at least two constituent components, each to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning at least a portion of the third time period for the selected operating temperature profile.

### Claim 28 (depends on 25)

The method according to claim 25, wherein the selected operating temperature profile is selected at least in part based on the anticipated fluctuations over time of the difference between the anticipated operating temperature of the central conductor and the anticipated temperature of an outer portion of the polymeric insulation jacket during operation of the central conductor during at least a portion of the minimum desired time period.

### Claim 29 (depends on 25)

The method according to claim 25 for use with a cable segment where the central stranded conductor is surrounded by a conductor shield, wherein the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid injected into the interstitial void volume saturates the conductor shield and the polymeric insulation jacket with the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid, and wherein the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid contained within the interstitial void volume has a weight less than the weight of the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid required to saturate the conductor shield and the polymeric insulation jacket.

### Claim 30 (depends on 25)

The method according to claim 25, wherein the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid is supplied at a pressure greater than about 50 psig for more than about 2 hours before being confined within in the interstitial void volume.

### Claim 31 (depends on 25)

The method according to claim 25, wherein the pressure used in injecting the interstitial void volume is greater than the residual pressure.

### Claim 32 (depends on 25)

The method according to claim 25, wherein the residual pressure is about 100 psig to about 1000 psig.

### Claim 33 (depends on 32)

The method according to claim 32, wherein the residual pressure is about 300 psig to about 600 psig.

### Claim 34

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.

### Claim 35 (depends on 34)

The method according to claim 34, wherein the residual pressure at which the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid is confined within the interstitial void volume is sufficient to expand the interstitial void volume along the entire length of the cable segment by at least 5%, but below an elastic limit of the polymeric insulation jacket.

### Claim 36 (depends on 34)

The method according to claim 34, wherein the filling and confining of the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid within the interstitial void volume includes:
attaching the first connector to a first terminus of the cable segment;
attaching the second connector to a second terminus of the cable segment, each of the first and second connectors providing fluid communication to the interstitial void volume;
opening both of the first and second connectors and introducing the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid via the first connector so as to fill the interstitial void volume;
closing the second connector and introducing an additional quantity of the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid via the first connector at a pressure greater than about 50 psig, but less than an elastic limit of the polymeric insulation jacket; and closing the first connector so as to contain the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid within the interstitial void volume at a residual pressure greater than about 50 psig, but below the elastic limit.

### Claim 37 (depends on 34)

The method according to claim 34, wherein selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid includes selecting at least first and second components for a mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment, with the 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, and the 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.

### Claim 38 (depends on 34)

The method according to claim 34, wherein selecting the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid further includes selecting a third component for the mixture to be injected into the interstitial void volume of the cable segment, with the 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 and with the third component being a combination of at least two constituent components, each to provide the cable segment with a reliable life spanning at least a portion of the third time period for the selected operating temperature profile.

### Claim 39 (depends on 34)

The method according to claim 34, wherein the selected operating temperature profile is selected at least in part based on the anticipated fluctuations over time of the difference between the anticipated operating temperature of the central conductor and the anticipated temperature of an outer portion of the polymeric insulation jacket during operation of the central conductor during at least a portion of the minimum desired time period.

### Claim 40 (depends on 34)

The method according to claim 34 for use with a cable segment where the central stranded conductor is surrounded by a conductor shield, wherein the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid filling the interstitial void volume saturates the conductor shield and the polymeric insulation jacket with the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid, and wherein the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid contained within the interstitial void volume has a weight less than the weight of the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid required to saturate the conductor shield and the polymeric insulation jacket.

### Claim 41 (depends on 34)

The method according to claim 34, wherein the at least one dielectric property-enhancing fluid is supplied at a pressure greater than about 50 psig for more than about 2 hours before being confined within in the interstitial void volume.

### Claim 42 (depends on 34)

The method according to claim 34, wherein the pressure used in filling the interstitial void volume is greater than the residual pressure.

### Claim 43 (depends on 34)

The method according to claim 34, wherein the residual pressure is about 100 psig to about 1000 psig.

### Claim 44 (depends on 43)

The method according to claim 43, wherein the residual pressure is about 300 psig to about 600 psig.