Why reliable infrastructure at airports is crucial
Large parts of Western and Central Europe are currently affected by severe winter weather. Snowfall, ice formation and persistent frost cause nuisance on roads, railways and aviation. The impact is also great at Schiphol Airport: planes have been continuously de-iced 24 hours a day for days. What often remains out of the picture is the influence of these conditions on the underground infrastructure of airports. It is precisely there, under runways, that reliable protection of cable connections is essential — a role in which Lovink makes the difference with its cable joints.
De-icing: essential for safe flights
Ice on an aircraft can have a major impact on the safety of a flight. Especially on crucial parts such as the wings and the tailplane, ice formation must be prevented. When it freezes the ground, it is considerably colder at an altitude of ten kilometers. Mechanical parts and valves can then freeze, with all the risks that entails.
De-icing is therefore a standard process in winter. Aircraft are sprayed with special liquids before departure that remove existing ice and at the same time apply a protective layer. This layer prevents ice from forming again during taxiing and take-off and thus contributes directly to a safe flight.
Invisible risks under the runway
What is often less visible are the effects of de-icing on airport infrastructure. The chemical additives in the de-icing liquids end up in the soil via the run-off water. At many airports, the medium-voltage grid runs under parking lots, taxiways and runways. These chemicals pose a serious risk of corrosion and chemical attack on electrical components, including cable connections.
The added value of Lovink cable joints
Lovink’s medium-voltage cable joints have been developed for environments where reliability under extreme conditions is essential. The cable connections are completely enclosed in a durable synthetic resin, which protects them against moisture, chemical influences and corrosion for a long time. This robust seal ensures that the electrical connection remains intact even when the soil is exposed to aggressive substances such as de-icing liquids for a long time. As a result, Lovink cable joints offer a safe and future-proof solution for airports and other critical infrastructures.
