Silicone v Porcelain Insulators 1

[Derm]

Hi!

Interested to hear of anybody’s experience with silicone insulators. Traditionally our substations have used porcelain insulators (for historic reasons). Recent breakage’s of porcelain has highlighted the fragile nature of the material and the possibility of a serious failure occurring is frightening. Silicone would not be prone to breaking or fracture during transport and installation.
What is anybody’s experience with silicone? Pollution is not a problem, although I would prefer to stay away from silicone insulators with GRP cores.

Thanks

Regards

 

[scottf]

MY only experience is from using polymer insulators on some units that we manufacture, based on customer specifications. We have not had any reported problems with them in the field. In the US, we have seen the number of utilities specifying/accepting polymer insulators on the rise. They are used a lot in California, due to pollution, the reduction in need to live-line wash, and seismic concerns.

 

[ipb]

Silicon insulators are extremely lightweight (approximately one-third porcelain weight) and easy to handle. Silicon insulators are self-cleaning, fire and UV resistant and will not fracture or break if dropped.

 

[Derm]

Thanks for the info!, but as the rubber is flexible (manufacturer quotes full recovery after 90 deg. bend) is there a danger under short circuit conditions of the conductors pulling apart and causing havoc? has this occured anywhere and prompted a rethink on the use of polymer insulators ?

 

[kyruby]

In the early 80's we began using polymer insulators on 69kv transmission due to breakage of porcelain post insulators occuring during seasonal temperature changes. Today we use polymer insulators for most applications relating to transmission and distribution lines. Additionaly we use polymer as bus supports in substations and for line take offs. We have had very good experience with the Ohio Brass polymer insulators. We also use their polymer MOV arrestors.

 

[SidiropoulosM]

A survey of 16 utilities on their experience with silicon insulators was reported in T&D magazine in 1996.

Visit:

http://tdworld.com/ar/power_insulators_silicone_insulator/

 

[jbartos]

Suggestion: The insulators are evolving in materials they are made of and geometrical configurations. Visit

http://www.lappinsulator.com/aboutlapp.asp

http://www.nia.org/timeline/text/1156163.htm

http://www.hubbellpowersystems.com/powertest/tips_news/pdfs_best/19-2009_world.pdf

etc. for more info

 

[Andiri]

In the mist belt of the west African Coast we have changed to "Rodurflex" silicon rubber insulators on 33kV network and witnessed a remarkable improvement. Heavy sand and dust storms followed by heavy sea mists and no more flashovers. They are well worth the money. Interesting find: one glass disc = $150, (min 3 in a string = $450), rubber strainer = $180.