In a recent project at a major refinery in Germany, Lovink Enertech’s innovative LoviSil® oil refill joints proved instrumental in extending the operational life of aging paper-insulated lead-covered (PILC) cables. This solution ensures that critical Medium Voltage infrastructure remains reliable, safe and future-ready. Without the need for costly cable replacement.
The challenge: aging PILC cables at risk of failure
Many industrial facilities across Europe still rely on legacy 10–30 kV PILC cable networks. These networks, though robust, are vulnerable to drying out once disconnected from their original oil supply. An issue that commonly arises during network upgrades or the integration of modern XLPE cables and switchgear.
At this German refinery, the challenge was to connect a 10 kV PILC cable (1 x 3 150 mm² ) to a newer XLPE cable (3 x 1 240 mm² ). Without an oil supply, the risk of insulation degradation and failure loomed.
The solution: a smart, sustainable approach
The answer came in the form of LoviSil® oil refill joints, a proven solution designed to prevent drying out of PILC cables. These joints reintroduce oil into the cable via a cleverly engineered manifold and refill reservoir system. This innovative solution ensures the paper insulation remains in optimal condition.
The installation was expertly executed by Alessandri GmbH, whose team achieved seamless integration of the new connection.
Satisfied partners
The outcome? A revitalized section of the power network that maintains full operational integrity. All parties involved – the refinery (the end customer), Alessandri GmbH and Lovink Enertech – were highly satisfied with the result. In fact, discussions for future projects are already underway.
Why this matters
This project highlights the growing importance of sustainable solutions in the energy and chemicals industry. By extending the life of existing infrastructure rather than replacing it, LoviSil® joints contribute to reduced waste, lower costs and improved network reliability.
For operators of aging networks, the message is clear: revitalization with LoviSil® is a practical, effective and future-proof choice.
Interesting facts
- The LoviSil® oil refill joint extends the service life of cables without the need for replacement or extensive excavation – cost-effective and efficient.
- The LoviSil® oil refill joint performs reliably in demanding environments such as refineries