Oil soaked cable tray

[vanskat]

I am between a rock and a hard place!!

I have a cable tray located below a few oil filters to a couple of boilers that has been doused with oil over the years that an insurance risk assessment just uncovered.

As the plant EE I am faced with the task of correcting within 6 months. Step 1 is to relocate the source of contamination. Step 2 is to correct the contaminated 35yr old tray that is full, without affecting the operations and without shutting down any of the units!

Costly cable replacement has not been accepted as an option and would require unit shutdowns anyway... Physical inspection does not show any obvious insulation damage but all that is required is a spark.....

Any suggestions as to alternatives!!

 

[MikeHalloran]

I keep thinking that repeated applications of firefighting foam, e.g., pumping it through the duct, will eventually emulsify the oil and carry it to low points/ drains as the foam breaks up. I also keep thinking that there's water in the foam, so there is a risk there, too.

I'd strongly suggest getting your insurance carrier involved in the cleanup project. I'll bet that they employ or have access to people who would love to help you, and who, even if they don't know for sure what will work, can cite tactics that didn't work for others in similar predicaments.




Mike Halloran
NOT speaking for
DeAngelo Marine Exhaust Inc.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA

 

[jraef]

Mike Halloran's point about getting help from your insurance carrier is good. By eliciting their help it (somewhat) legitimizes whatever solution you come up with if there is a claim later. As you are likely aware, insurance adjusters are always looking for "wiggle room".

I also think the possibility of insulation breakdown from any solvent effect of the oil over time should be seriously considered. You may have reduced the dielectric capability. The original cable manufacturer should be able to help with that, or any other one using the same insulation material if they no longer exist.

If you have reduced the dielectric, and the affected area is not too long, you could consider using a wrap-around cable insulation heat shrink repair sleave from someone like Raychem.

http://energy.tycoelectronics.com/newproducts/ssrk.pdf

They are used by utilities to restore the insulation of damaged cables, so I don't see why they could not be used to just add to the dielectric of cables that have not yet failed. They are expensive, but probably less than a shutdown. Even if they don't make one long enough to cover the length of your affected area, they (or one of their competitors like Canusa (

http://www.dsgcanusa.com/electrical.html)

would probably be willing to custom make some for you (they have done that for me in the past). Make sure you tell them about the oil so they can advize you about the adhesive properties. Also make sure you can shrink it without a flame gun! (The Raychem one says that is required, so maybe a hot-air gun doesn't get hot enough) Either way, have the fire fighters standing next to your electricians when they do it!

Aside from that, you might consider a product called FSC Firestop cable coating, made by Nelson / ESG.

http://www.nelsonfirestop.com/FSC Technical Data 09-04.pdf

Assuming it is an open tray with access, you would spray it on the cables in situ. It helps in that if a fire does break out on the cables, it intumesces and will immediately smother it and keep the fire localized. Again, talk to them about any effect the oil residue would have on their product.

"Venditori de oleum-vipera non vigere excordis populi"

 

[BobPE]

I would think that you can get your hands on some absorbents suited for oil service and you should be able to get them into small enough pieces to introduce them into the tray to soak the oil up. Do a web search for them.

I would say that you should find your companies SPCC plan (spill prevention control and counter measure) and follow the instructions in it to notify those involved. I would not be so quick to involve the insurance company...just my opinion but rather seek professional help. All too often I have been on projects that started out small like this and lead to much further reaching messes.

The oil filters should not leak in the first place, so finding out who is making them leak or if there is a maintenance issue is a valid task.

jraef is correct is questioning the integrety of the cable insulation. Typically, it is not rated for solvent/oil service, even the ones that are should not be immersed for extended periods.

BobPE

 

[vanskat]

BobPE,
Was thinking the same thing. Some sort of coagulant or absorbent that can mop up the oil and maybe we can find a way to get it out (vacuum or sweep)?

Whatever the solution it's going to be difficult and time consuming!

 

[busbar]

 
Consider contacting some environmental-remediation contractors for formal proposals—shifting cable replacement/repair effort out of focus.