Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Analysis of the XLPE Insulation of Distribution Covered Conductors in Brazil

  • Published:
Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) has been the most common insulation applied to medium voltage covered conductors (MVCCs) in Brazil. The results of accelerated aging tests carried out at high voltage laboratory of UNIFEI (LAT-EFEI), combining the stresses of heat and voltage to ground aiming at enhancing surface corona activity assays, have identified the early failures in XLPE insulations of the Brazilian MVCCs. The observed failures indicate that complementary studies should be performed to better understand the degradation mechanisms of the MVCCs insulations manufactured in Brazil. In this paper, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), contact angle analysis (CA), photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements on samples of five Brazilian national/regional MVCCs are reported. XPS, CA, and PAS analysis indicated that a large variety of oxygen-containing groups associated to the oxidation of the XLPE insulations appear to be related to the manufacturing conditions. AFM analysis indicated that the average surface roughness and topography of the XLPE insulation changed significantly and depend on the selected manufacturer. XRD analysis indicates a strong heterogeneity of crystals nucleation that results into different degrees of crystallinity of the Brazilian MVCCs cables. The results of this work indicate strong evidences of manufacturing defects in the XLPE insulation of Brazilian’s MVCCs. The origin of these defects seems to be inherent to the technology used by manufacturers to the production of the MVCCs. The production-related defects are not detectable by the standard tests as partial discharges or even the standard routine—acceptance power frequency assays routinely used in dielectric compatibility tests at high voltage laboratories.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. D.M. Martinez and B.W. Ebenhack, Understanding the Role of Energy Consumption in Human Development Through the Use of Saturation Phenomena, Energy Policy, 2008, 36, p 1430–1435

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Sistema de Informações Georreferenciadas do Setor Elétrico (SIGEL), http://sigel.aneel.gov.br/brasil/viewer.htm, last accessed 05 Feb 2013

  3. Sistema de Informações Geográficas Cadastrais do SIN (SINDAT), http://www.ons.org.br, last accessed 05 Feb 2013

  4. V. Vahedy, Polymer Insulated High Voltage Cables, IEEE Electr. Insul. Mag., 2006, 22, p 13–18

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. N. Yoshifuji, T. Niwa, T. Takahasi, and H.H. Miyata, Development of the New Polymer Insulating Materials for HVDC Cable, IEEE Trans. Power Deliv., 1992, 7, p 1053–1059

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. T.L. Hanley, R.P. Burford, R.J. Fleming, and K.W. Barber, A General Review of Polymeric Insulation for Use in HVDC Cables, IEEE Electr. Insul. Mag., 2003, 19, p 13–24

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. H. Tamura, H. Ono, M. Ikeda, Y. Yamamoto, and Y. Ohki, Properties of Polyethylene Bled as a Non-Crosslinked Insulating Material for Power Cable, Electr. Eng. Jpn., 2005, 153, p 1–8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Y. Lin, W. Du, D. Tu, W. Zhong, and Q. Du, Space Charge Distribution and Crystalline Structure in Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) Blended with High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polym. Int., 2005, 54, p 465–470

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. G. Teyssedre, C. Laurent, G.C. Montanari, A. Campus, and D.H. Nilsson, From LDPE to XLPE: Investigating the Change of Electrical Properties. Part II: Luminescence, IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., 2005, 12, p 447–454

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. G.C. Montanari, C. Laurent, G. Teyssedre, A. Campus, and U.H. Nilsson, From LDPE to XLPE: Investigating the Change of Electrical Properties. Part I: Space Charge, Conduction and Lifetime, IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., 2005, 12, p 438–446

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. G.C. Montanari, G. Mazzanti, F. Palmieri, A. Motori, G. Perego, and S. Serra, Space Charge Trapping and Conduction in LDPE, HDPE and XLPE, J. Phys. D Appl. Phys., 2001, 34, p 2902–2911

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. F. Precopio, The Invention of Chemically Cross Linked Polyethylene, IEEE Electr. Insul. Mag., 1999, 15, p 23–25

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. S. Nakamura, S. Morooka, and K. Kawasaki, Conductor Temperature Monitoring System in Underground Power Transmission XLPE Cable Joints, IEEE Trans. Power Deliv., 1992, 7, p 1688–1697

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. T. Andrews, R.N. Hampton, A. Smedberg, D. Wald, V. Waschk, and W. Weissenberg, The Role of Degassing in XLPE Power Cable Manufacture, IEEE Electr. Insul. Mag., 2006, 22, p 5–16

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. S. Hvidsten, E. Ildstad, B. Holmgren, and P. Werelius, Correlation Between AC Breakdown Strength and Low Frequency Dielectric Loss of Water Tree Aged XLPE Cables, IEEE Trans. Power Deliv., 1998, 13, p 40–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. G. Mugala, R. Eriksson, and P. Pettersson, High Frequency Characteristics of Water-Tree Degraded XLPE Insulation in Power Cables, IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., 2007, 14, p 1271–1277

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. E.F. Stennis and F.H. Kreuger, Water Treeing in Polyethylene Cables, IEEE Trans. Electr. Insul., 1990, 25, p 989–1028

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. A.T. Bulinski, J.P. Crine, B. Noirhomme, R.J. Densley, and S. Bamji, Polymer Oxidation and Water Treeing, IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., 1998, 5, p 558–570

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. N. Shimizu, K. Uchida, and S. Rasikawan, Electrical Tree and Deteriorated Region in Polyethylene, IEEE Trans. Electr. Insul., 1992, 27, p 513–518

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. T. Kubota, Y. Takahashi, S. Sakuma, M. Watanabe, M. Kanaoka, and H. Yamanouchi, Development of 500-kV XLPE Cables and Accessories for Long Distance Underground Transmission Line—Part I: Insulation Design of Cables, IEEE Trans. Power Deliv., 1994, 9, p 1741–1749

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. M. Fukawa, T. Kawai, Y. Okano, S. Sakuma, S. Asai, M. Kanaoka, and H. Yamanouchi, Accessories for Long Distance Underground Transmission Line. Part III: Electrical Properties of 500-kV Cables, IEEE Trans. Power Deliv., 1996, 11, p 627–634

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. T. Kumazawa, W. Nakagawa, and H. Tsurumaru, A study on Behavior of Inorganic Impurities in Water Tree, Electr. Eng. Jpn., 2005, 53, p 1–13

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. N. Amyot, E. David, S.Y. Lee, and I.H. Lee, Influence of Post-Manufacturing Residual Mechanical Stress and Crosslinking By-Products on Dielectric Strength of HV Extruded Cables, IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., 2002, 9, p 458–466

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. A.M. Nóbrega, M.L.B. Martinez, and A.A.A. De Queiroz, Investigation and Analysis of Electrical Aging of XLPE Insulation for Medium Voltage Covered Conductors Manufactured in Brazil, IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., 2013, 20, p 628–643

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. J. Densley, R. Bartnikas, and B.S. Bernstein, Multi-Stress Ageing of Extruded Insulation System for Transmission Cables, IEEE Electr. Insul. Mag., 1993, 9, p 15–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. B.A. Sultan, Crosslinking of Polyolefins, Polymeric Materials Encyclopedia, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1996

  27. M. Lazár, R. Rado, and J. Rychly, Cross-linking of Polyolefins, Advances in Polymer Science Series, Polymer Physics, Vol. 95. Springer, Berlin, 1990, p 177

  28. S. Akutsu, T. Isaka, and M. Ishioka, Process for Producing Electric Conductors Coated with Crosslinked Polyethylene Resin, U.S. Patent 4,297,310, 27 Oct 1981

  29. K.J. Weller, Process for the Production of Crosslinked Polymer Employing Low VOC-Producing Silane Crosslinker and Resulting Crosslinked Polymer, U.S. Patent 2008/0090971 A1, 17 Apr 2008

  30. R. Rado and P. Zelenak, Crosslinking of Polyethylene, Int. Polym. Sci. Technol., 1992, 19, p 33–47

    Google Scholar 

  31. J.O. Bostrom, B. Gustafsson, L. Lindbom, and A.B. Borealis, XLPE Compound for Fast Cable Line Speed, IEEE Electr. Insul. Mag., 1997, 13, p 33–36

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. P. Huotari and M. Sistola, Production of XLPE Insulated High and Extra High Voltage Cable Cores on Catenary CV Lines, Wire Ind., 1997, 64, p 366–368

    Google Scholar 

  33. F. Ciuprina, G. Teissèdre, J.C. Filippini, A. Smedberg, A. Campus, and N. Hampton, Chemical Crosslinking of Polyethylene and Its Effect on Water Tree Initiation and Propagation, IEEE Trans. Dielect. Electr. Insul., 2010, 17, p 709–715

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Y.L. Chong, G. Chen, I.L. Hosier, A.S. Vaughan, and H. Yff, Heat Treatment of Cross-Linked Polyethylene and Its Effect on Morphology and Space Charge Evolution, IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., 2005, 12, p 1209–1221

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. E.M. Hoàng, N.S. Allen, C.M. Liauw, E. Fontán, and P. Lafuente, The Thermo-Oxidative Degradation of Metallocene Polyethylenes: Part 2: Thermal Oxidation in the Melt State, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 2006, 91, p 1363–1372

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. A. Harlim, Thermal-Mechanical Degradation of Linear Polyethylene Copolymer Polymerised with Two Supported Catalyst Systems, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 1993, 42, p 89–94

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. S. Moss and H. Zweifel, Degradation and Stabilization of High-Density Polyethylene During Multiple Extrusions, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 1989, 25, p 217–245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. E. Epacher, E. Fekete, M. Gahleitner, and B. Pukánszky, Chemical Reactions During the Processing of Stabilized PE: 2. Structure/Property Correlations, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 1999, 63, p 499–507

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. R.T. Johnston and E.J. Morrison, Thermal Scission and Cross-Linking During Polyethylene Melt Processing, Adv. Chem. Ser., 1996, 249, p 651–682

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. E. Epacher, J. Tolvéth, C. Kröhnke, and B. Pukánszky, Processing Stability of High Density Polyethylene: Effect of Adsorbed and Dissolved Oxygen, Polymer, 2000, 41, p 8401–8408

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. E. Epacher, J. Tolvéth, K. Stoll, and B. Pukánszky, Two-Step Degradation of Highdensity Polyethylene During Multiple Extrusion, J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 1999, 74, p 1596–1605

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. F. Gugumus, Re-Examination of the Thermal Oxidation Reactions of Polymers 2. Thermal Oxidation of Polyethylene, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 2002, 76, p 329–340

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. A.J. Chirinos-Padrón, P.H. Hernández, E. Chávez, N.S. Allen, C. Vasiliou, and M. DePoortere, Influences of Unsaturation and Metal Impurities on the Oxidative Degradation of High Density Polyethylene, Eur. Polym. J., 1987, 23, p 935–940

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. G. Johansson, J. Hedman, A. Berndtsson, M. Klasson, and R. Nilsson, Calibration of Electron Spectra, J. Electron Spectrosc. Relat. Phenom., 1973, 2, p 295–317

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. G. Beamson and D. Briggs, High Resolution XPS of Organic Polymers: The Scienta ESCA300 Database, Wiley, Chichester, 1992

    Google Scholar 

  46. M. Amin, S. Amin, and M. Ali, Monitoring of Leakage Current for Composite Insulators and Electrical Devices, Rev. Adv. Mater. Sci., 2009, 21, p 75–89

    Google Scholar 

  47. M. Amin and M. Salman, Aging of Polymeric Insulators (An Overview), Rev. Adv. Mater. Sci., 2006, 13, p 93–116

    Google Scholar 

  48. S.R. Holmes-Farley, R.H. Reamey, R. Nuzzo, T.J. McCarthy, and G.M. Whitesides, Reconstruction of the Interface of Oxidatively Functionalized Polyethylene (PE-CO2H) and Derivatives on Heating, Langmuir, 1987, 3, p 799–815

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. S.R. Holmes-Farley, R.H. Reamey, T.J. McCarthy, J. Deutch, and G.M. Whitesides, Acid-Base Behavior of Carboxylic Acid Groups Covalently Attached at the Surface of Polyethylene: The Usefulness of Contact Angle in Following the Ionization of Surface Functionality, Langmuir, 1985, 1, p 725–740

    Article  Google Scholar 

  50. H. Homma, C.L. Mirley, J. Ronzello, and S.A. Bogg, Field and Laboratory Aging of RTV Silicone Insulator Coatings, IEEE Trans. Power Deliv., 2000, 15, p 1298–1303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. A. Singh and M. Agrawal, Acid Rain and Its Ecological Consequences, J. Environ. Biol., 2008, 29, p 15–24

    Google Scholar 

  52. C.T. Meyer, Water Absorption During Water Treeing in Polyethylene. IEEE Trans. Electr. Insul., 1983, EI-18, p 28–31

    Google Scholar 

  53. W.O. Drake, J.R. Pauquet, R.V. Todesco, and H. Zweifel, Processing Stabilization of Polyolefins, Angew. Makromol. Chem., 1990, 176(177), p 215–230

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. J. Malík, K.H. Stoll, D. Cabaton, and A. Thürmer, Processing Stabilization of HDPE: A Complex Study of an Additive Package, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 1995, 50, p 329–336

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. E.G. El’darov, F.V. Mamedov, V.M. Gol’dberg, and G.E. Zaikov, A Kinetic Model of Polymer Degradation During Extrusion, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 1996, 51, p 271–279

    Article  Google Scholar 

  56. C. Neri, S. Costanzi, R.M. Riva, R. Farris, and R. Colombo, Mechanism of Action of Phosphites in Polyolefin Stabilization, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 1995, 49, p 65–69

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. M.C. Forti, L.M. Moreira-Nordemann, M.F. Andrade, and C.Q. Orsini, Elements in the Precipitation of S. Paulo City (Brazil), Atmos. Environ., 1990, 24B, p 355–360

    Article  Google Scholar 

  58. M.R. Williams, T.R. Fisher, and J.M. Melack, Chemical Composition and Deposition of Rain in the Central Amazon, Brazil, Atmos. Environ., 1997, 31, p 207–217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  59. W.Z. de Mello, Precipitation Chemistry in the Coast of the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Environ. Pollut., 2001, 114, p 235–242

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. D.V. Figueiredo, Influence of Calcareous Soil Particulates on Acid Rain: Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region, Brazil, AMBIO, 1999, 28, p 514–518

    Google Scholar 

  61. M. Flues, P. Hama, and A. Fornaro, Avaliação do nível da vulnerabilidade do solo devido à presença de termelétrica a carvão (Figueira, PR – Brasil), in Quím, Nova, 2003, 26, p 479–483

    Google Scholar 

  62. M. Flues, P. Hama, M.J.L. Lemes, E.S.K. Dantas, and A. Fornaro, Evaluation of the Rainwater Acidity of a Rural Region Due to a Coal Fired Power Plant in Brazil, Atmos. Environ., 2002, 36, p 2397–2404

    Article  Google Scholar 

  63. H. Deng and R. Hackam, Hydrophobic Property of XLPE Filled with Calcium Carbonate, IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., 1996, 3, p 577–586

    Article  Google Scholar 

  64. H. Gao, Z. Jia, Y. Mao, Z. Guan, and L. Wang, Effect of Hydrophobicity on Electric Field Distribution and Discharges Along Various Wetted Hydrophobic Surfaces, IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., 2008, 15, p 435–443

    Article  Google Scholar 

  65. J.C. Fothergill, G.C. Montanari, G.C. Stevens, C. Laurent, G. Teyssedre, L.A. Dissado, U.H. Nilsson, and G. Platbrood, Electrical, Microstructural, Physical and Chemical Characterization of HV XLPE Cable Peeling for an Electrical Aging Diagnostic Data Base, IEEE Trans. Dielectr. Electr. Insul., 2003, 10, p 514–527

    Article  Google Scholar 

  66. S.M. Hasheminezhad, E. Ildstad, and A. Nysveen, Breakdown Strength of Solid-Solid Interface, IEEE International Conference on Solid Dielectrics (ICSD), 4–9 July 2010, p 1–4

  67. C. Jiao, Z. Wang, X. Liang, and Y. Hu, Non-Isothermal Crystallization Kinetics of Silane Crosslinked Polyethylene, Polym. Test., 2005, 24, p 71–80

    Article  Google Scholar 

  68. M. Celina and G.A. George, Characterisation and Degradation Studies of Peroxide and Silane Crosslinked Polyethylene, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 1995, 48, p 297–312

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. K. Sirisinha and S. Chimdist, Comparison of Techniques for Determining Crosslinking in Silane Water Crosslinked Materials, Polym. Test., 2006, 25, p 518–526

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. H.A. Khonakdar, J. Morshedian, U. Wagenknecht, and S.H. Jafari, An Investigation of Chemical Crosslinking Effect on Properties of High Density Polyethylene, Polymer, 2003, 44, p 4301–4309

    Article  Google Scholar 

  71. F. Ciuprina, G. Teissedre, and J.C. Filippini, Polyethylene Crosslinking and Water Treeing, Polymer, 2001, 42, p 7841–7846

    Article  Google Scholar 

  72. S.O. Han, D.W. Lee, and O.H. Han, Thermal Degradation of Crosslinked High Density Polyethylene, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 1999, 63, p 237–243

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. S.S. Bamji and A.T. Bulinski, Thermoluminescence—An Optical Technique for In-Situ measurement of Cross-Linking By-Products During Degassing of Power Cables, IEEE Electr. Insul. Mag., 2007, 23, p 16–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  74. J. Lacoste, R. Arnaud, R.P. Singh, and J. Lemaire, Modelization of the Photocatalyzed Oxidation of Polyolefins, 3. Oxidation of Model Hydrocarbons with ZnO, Makromol. Chem., 1988, 189, p 651–661

    Article  Google Scholar 

  75. F. Gugumus, Photo-Oxidation of Polymers and Its Inhibition, Oxidation Inhibition in Organic Materials, Vol 2, J. Pospisil and P.P. Klemchuck, Ed., CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1990,

    Google Scholar 

  76. F. Gugumus, Re-Evaluation of the Stabilization Mechanisms of Various Light Stabilizer Classes, Polym. Degrad. Stab., 1993, 39, p 117–135

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the FINEP and CNPq for the support of this research study.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. High Voltage Laboratory, Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá, Minas Gerais, Brazil

    A. M. Nóbrega & M. L. B. Martinez

  2. Physics and Chemistry Institute (IFQ), Federal University of Itajubá, Itajubá, Minas Gerais, Brazil

    Alvaro Antonio Alencar de Queiroz

Authors
  1. A. M. Nóbrega
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. L. B. Martinez
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Alvaro Antonio Alencar de Queiroz
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alvaro Antonio Alencar de Queiroz.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Nóbrega, A.M., Martinez, M.L.B. & de Queiroz, A.A.A. Analysis of the XLPE Insulation of Distribution Covered Conductors in Brazil. J. of Materi Eng and Perform 23, 723–735 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-013-0846-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-013-0846-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation