Contaminated soil: Protection of medium-voltage cable joints from chemical deterioration
The challenge: chemically contaminated soils
In sectors such as aviation, petrochemicals, and ports, soil contamination poses a major risk to underground medium-voltage networks. Chemicals and microorganisms can affect the cable jacket and cable joints, leading to accelerated aging, material degradation and ultimately failure.
How contaminated soil affects cables
- Chemical corrosion: Acids, alkalis, sulfates and chlorides attack metal jackets and plastic sheaths.
- Solvents and hydrocarbons: Cause swelling and weakening of PVC or PE jackets.
- Biological corrosion: Sulfate-reducing bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide, extremely aggressive to copper jackets.
- Thermal Hot Spots: Poor heat conduction increases cable temperature and accelerates degradation.
Why cable joints are extra vulnerable
Cable joints consist of multiple materials (plastic, metal, rubber) and complex seals. In contaminated soil:
- Differential attack: Different materials degrade at different rates, causing moisture infiltration.
- Chemical penetration: Harmful substances can affect the materials of the cables and cable joints.
- PD Risk: Compromised insulation materials can lower dielectric strength and moisture penetration can lead to microcavities that can cause partial discharges.
The solution: polyurethane resins as external protection
Lovink Enertech uses high-quality polyurethane (PUR) resin to fully encapsulate cable joints. This offers:
- Chemical resistance: Protection against acids, alkalis and hydrocarbons.
- Waterproofing: Hermetic sealing prevents moisture infiltration and water tree formation.
- Mechanical robustness: Resistant to pressure, shocks and sharp objects in the soil.
In combination with LoviSil® liquid silicone technology on the inside, this guarantees double protection: internal against PD and external against contaminated soil. With PUR resin and LoviSil®:
- Extend the life of cable connections
- Minimizes the risk of failure in contaminated soil
- You create a stable, safe electrical environment
Want to know more about reliable cable connections?
Would you like to discover how LoviSil® cable joints protect your medium-voltage network against interference and save costs? Feel free to contact our specialists for advice.
