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PESTOCHEM is cable materials supplier of cable compounfs, tapes and raw materials. We are dedicated to producing outstanding quality cable compounds under ISO9001, 14001, and 18001. We are going through a strict quality control protocol (GB/T19001 GB/T28001). Our products are exported to 23 countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America and South America, and many of our customers are well-known cable manufacturers in this field.

Cable Compounds

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Our Featured Compounds Product lines

1.Compounding: Silane XLPE- Production Equipment

2.Compounding: Peroxide XLPE – Production Equipment

3.Compounding: Semicon- Production Equipment

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Production, packaging and transportation

  • Our factory is located in Shandong, China, with complete production equipment, complete production lines, skilled workers, continuous research and development by experts, and sophisticated scientific research equipment, and is committed to providing customers with high-quality products.
  • Different packaging is provided according to different products. For example, aluminum hydroxide powder (ATH), customers can choose different specifications of packaging according to needs:
  1. 25kg small bag, 70 bags in one pallet, pallet. 
    Dimension of a pallet: 1100*1300*1800mm(L*W*H)
  2. 700kg big bag, 1 bag with one pallet
    Dimension of a pallet: 1100*1100*1200mm(L*W*H)
  • During the transportation process, PESTOCHEM will choose appropriate reinforcement methods to ensure that long-term sea voyages will not affect the quality of the goods.

Structure of High Voltage Power Cables——A Typical Design Example

High voltage power cables are essential components in modern power transmission systems, widely used in power plants, substations, industrial facilities, and urban distribution networks. To ensure long-term, stable, and safe operation under high voltages, these cables are designed with precise and robust multi-layer structures.

We wil take the high-voltage cable structure as an example, focusing on four key layers: conductor, insulation, screen and sheath. Each sectior explains the function and material selection of the corresponding layer, and provides technical data and standard support.

Conductor

Chapter 1

Insulation

Chapter 2

Screen

Chapter 3

Sheath

Chapter 4

Here’s a common configuration for a 110kV high voltage cable:

*Outer Jacket/Sheath (HDPE) → Steel Armoring Tape→Non-woven Tape→Cooper Armoring Tape→Water Blocking Tape→Insulation Screen→Insulation(XLPE, ~20mm)→Conductor Screen→Conductor

Chapter 1

Conductor: The Core Pathway for Electric Power

Function

The conductor is the main pathway for electric current within the cable. Its primary function is to transmit electricity from the power source to the load with minimal resistance and power loss. High-quality conductors improve energy efficiency and reduce thermal stress, thereby extending the cable’s operational life.

Types of Conductors

According to IEC 60228, high-voltage conductors fall into these main categories:

  • Solid Conductors (Class 1)
    • Single-strand copper or aluminum.
    • Used in static installations.
  • Stranded Conductors (Class 2)
    • Made of multiple twisted strands.
    • Offer better flexibility and mechanical reliability.
  • Flexible Conductors (Class 5/6)
    • Used in cables requiring high flexibility (rare in HV cables).

Common Conductor Materials

MaterialElectrical Conductivity (S/m)Key Features
Copper (Cu)≈5.96×10⁷Excellent conductivity, high strength, costlier
Aluminum (Al)≈3.5×10⁷Lightweight, lower cost, lower conductivity
Copper AlloysVariesBalanced conductivity and strength

Copper conductors are most common in HV applications (≥110kV) due to their superior conductivity and stability. Aluminum is chosen in cost-sensitive or weight-critical projects such as long-distance overhead lines.

Chapter 2

Insulation: The Dielectric Barrier Against Leakage

Function

The insulation layer isolates the conductor from other conductive parts and ground, preventing leakage currents and short circuits. It also withstands the high electric fields generated by high voltage operations, making it a critical component for safety and performance.

Common Insulation Materials

MaterialRelative PermittivityDielectric Strength (kV/mm)Thermal StabilityFeatures
XLPE2.3–2.520–30HighExcellent dielectric and thermal properties; widely used
EPR2.5–3.015–25ModerateFlexible, weather-resistant, higher cost
PVC3.0–5.010–15LowEconomical but lower dielectric strength

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is the industry standard for high voltage insulation due to its high breakdown voltage, chemical resistance, and ability to withstand continuous operating temperatures up to 90°C.

Insulation Thickness (Based on Voltage Level)

  • 110kV: ~18–20mm
  • 220kV: ~25mm
  • 500kV: ~35mm or more

The insulation must be thick enough to prevent electrical treeing, a major degradation mechanism in HV systems.

Chapter 3

Screen: Controlling Electric Fields and Interference

Function

The screen system in HV cables has two primary roles:

  1. Electric Field Control: Ensures uniform field distribution, preventing field concentrations that could damage insulation.
  2. Electromagnetic Interference Protection: Limits the emission of electromagnetic radiation that could affect nearby systems.

Typical Screen Layers

A complete screen system typically includes:

  1. Conductor Screen
    • Semi-conductive material applied directly over the conductor.
    • Smooths the transition of the electric field into the insulation.
  2. Insulation Screen
    • Semi-conductive layer applied over the insulation.
    • Further smooths and contains the electric field.
  3. Metallic Sheath / Armor
    • Made from copper tapes, wires, or aluminum foil.
    • Provides a low-impedance path to ground and blocks EMI.

Screen Materials

Screen LayerMaterial TypePurpose
Semiconductor LayerCarbon black-filled PESmooths field transition, prevents discharges
Metallic Shield/ ArmorCopper tapes/wires, Al foilGrounding and EMI containment

The metallic screen should have resistance no greater than one-tenth that of the conductor to effectively channel leakage currents and EMI to ground.

Chapter 4

Sheath: Environmental and Mechanical Protection

Function

The sheath is the outermost layer of the cable, serving three vital functions:

  • Mechanical protection
  • Environmental resistance (moisture, chemicals, UV, etc.)
  • Additional insulation barrier in some cases

It ensures the inner structure remains intact even in challenging conditions such as burial, moisture, or physical stress.

Common Sheath Materials

MaterialCharacteristicsTypical Applications
PVCLow cost, flame retardant, but heat-sensitiveIndoor cabling, distribution networks
PEDurable, chemical-resistant, flammableUnderground cables, wet environments
HDPEHigh density, excellent pressure and weather resistanceLong-term outdoor or buried installation
LSZHLow Smoke Zero Halogen, safe in firesTunnels, hospitals, transportation sectors
LeadExcellent sealing, corrosion-resistantUltra-HV cables, chemical zones

Additional Layers for Harsh Environments

  • Inner Sheath: Protects and bonds the shielding layer.
  • Armor Layer: Steel wires/tapes for added mechanical strength.
 
For more technical details, consider consulting the following industry standards:
  • IEC 60502 – Power Cables with Extruded Insulation
  • GB/T 12706 – Power Cables Rated 1kV to 35kV
  • IEEE 404 – High Voltage Cable Joints

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