Kris-Tech HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable Description

Cathodic Protection Cable (CP Cable or CPC) is usually a stranded conductor insulated with HMWPE.

For added protection against corrosive gases and brackish water, a Halar (ECTFE) or Kynar (PVDF) insulation covered by an HMWPE jacket can be used.

Kris-Tech HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable Application

CP Cable is used as direct earth burial DC feeder cable in cathodic protection systems to protect against galvanic and electrolytic corrosion of metallic objects – such as storage tanks, pipelines, wells and ocean vessels – that are buried or submerged in water.

Kris-Tech HMWPE Cathodic Protection Cable Features

It has excellent abrasion, crush, chemical, oil, sunlight and moisture resistance. Both the Halar and Kynar insulations offer additional resistance to corrosive gases and brackish water, and can be used for deep anode ground-bed installations.

Kris-Tech HMWPE conforms to all applicable industry standards

• UL
• ASTM
• NEMA
• ICEA

Kris-Tech HMWPE Standard Stock Products

• Sizes #14 through 1/0 AWG
• Up to 12 color options
• Standard insulation is HMWPE
• Dual-extrusion ECTFE (Halar) or PVDF (Kynar) with HMWPE jacket

Kris-Tech HMWPE Custom Options

• Tinned conductor available
• Special stranding
• Metric lengths and small runs
• Irradiation cross-linking available
• XLP/PVC Dual insulations can be made to European specs
• Various insulation thicknesses can be used for special requirements

Kris-Tech Cable Construction

The cathodic protection industry is a rugged one, and cables used in CP applications need to be able to withstand extreme soil, water and gaseous environments: brackish water, corrosive liquids, harsh underground conditions. CP Cables can have several layers of coating on them. In addition to the HMWPE layer (which can be used alone for CPC), one of the most important layers is fluoropolymer insulation, which is often then covered with an HMWPE jacket. At Kris Tech, we use two different types of fluoropolymers: ECTFE and PVDF.

ECTFE

Stands for: polyethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene aka: Halar (Solvay Solexis brand)

Description: Semi-crystalline melt-processable copolymer of ethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene.

Attributes:

• Excellent abrasion resistance
• Mechanical properties over a wide range of temperatures
• Chemical resistance to a variety of acids, bases and organic solvents
• Rated for continuous use from cryogenic temperatures up to 150?C and higher
• Good electrical properties
• Fire and Smoke performance
• Excellent weatherability
• Thermal stress-cracking resistance

PVDF

Stands for: polyvinylidene fluoride aka: Kynar (Arkema brand), Hylar and Solef (both Solvay Solexis brands)

Description: Semi-crystalline melt-processable vinylidene fluoride based homopolymers and copolymers.

pAttributes:

• Excellent fatigue, creep and cut-through resistance
• Readily cross-linkable with ionizing radiation after compounding with co-agents
• Chemical resistance to a variety of acids, bases and organic solvents
• Low melting point of 177?C (easier melt process)
• Fire and Smoke performance
• Good electrical properties
• Excellent weatherability
• Low density
• Low cost

Kris-Tech covers both products with HMWPE, and suggests Halar as the fluoropolymer of choice. Both of these insulation types significantly increase the level of durability of the CPC, making them much more reliable once installed in a cathodic protection system.