Submarine cable : Advantages of EPR over XLPE insulation 1

[sramesh]

Good day to you

We are in theprocess of replacing the existing damaged submarine 15kV cable (EPR insulation) with new cable. Some of the vendors are offering XLPE insulated cable instead of EPR insulation.This cable is used for off shore gas platform where the reliability is main consideration against cost.

I would appreciate if i get details on the technical advantage of EPR cable over XLPE.

Quick answers is appreciated.

Have a nice day

 

[davidbeach]

EPR manufacturers can give many reasons why EPR is better than XLPE while XLPE manufacturers can give many reasons why XLPE is better than EPR. At times it borders on the religious. Maybe the more economical is better. Pick one.

 

[VTer]

I assume you are talking about TR-XLPE rather than older XLPE cable. Take a look at the attached article for some comparison.

Both offer 100% and 133% insulation thickness. If you are concerned with the longer life, the 133% insulation thickness will help.

EPR cables are generally more flexible and easier to work with, assuming all else is the same.

EPR insulation compounds have a higher dielectric loss.

As davidbeach pointed out, both cables are likely to give you similar performance, so the issue really becomes economical at nature.

We have been specifying EPR insulated cable for all of our industrial clients with no bad experience so far. Okonite and Prysmian seem to be the two favorite manufactures around here (Midwest, US). Good luck!


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