SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT
SMS connectors are resistant to UV exposure
BETTER CONNECTED
Marshall Girtman discusses overcoming materials degradation of cable couplers due to prolonged ultraviolet exposure
of time. Although this isn’t an issue for below-ground mining operations, above- ground applications are particularly susceptible to these harmful rays and their damaging eff ects. UV radiation is a form of
U
electromagnetic radiation that is emitted through sunlight. Excessive exposure to UV radiation can lead to materials degradation of a variety of polymers, including various types of rubber and plastics. Early eff ects of UV exposure may result in colour fading and discolouration. However, prolonged exposure to UV radiation may result in further material degradation, to include cracking and breaking, and eventual disintegration. T e actual eff ects of UV exposure vary depending on the type of polymer, as well as the time and intensity of exposure. Above-ground mining operations are
particularly susceptible to this material degradation due to UV, particularly at high altitudes. For instance, several mining operations located in South America are open-pit mines, which operate at an elevation of over 4,700m
32
www.engineerlive.com
ltraviolet (UV) exposure often causes material deterioration for cable couplers that are exposed to sunlight for prolonged periods
(15,420ft). T ese mining operations are frequently exposed to harmful UV radiation, and at a higher intensity due to the increased elevation than other mining operations. As a result, many of the cable couplers used in these operations experience signifi cant material degradation due to UV exposure for prolonged periods of time. T is materials degradation due to UV
exposure poses a serious safety issue for cable couplers. Since these materials are often used to insulate electrical current, there are several possible issues when they degrade. As the polymers break down due to UV exposure, the chemical composition degrades, which often causes the insulation resistance to drop below sustainable levels. T is increases the chance for current drops throughout critical equipment applications. Additionally, if the materials in the couplers crack and break, this can lead to the exposure of electrical wires and increase the chance of electrical shock. Even fading colours can pose a safety risk as many cable couplers are colour-coded to specifi c currents and voltages.
WHAT IS THE SOLUTION? To overcome the dangers associated with UV materials degradation, SMS
Connectors has developed specially formulated rubber compounds for use in all of the company’s products. T ese compounds have recently been independently tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), specifi cally in regards to degradation caused by ultraviolet radiation. Upon a thorough analysis of all of the proprietary rubber compounds used to manufacture the connectors, it has been determined that they exhibit no negative eff ects due to prolonged exposure by UV radiation. T ese fi ndings by UL are critically
important in several applications of the connectors. T ese products have successfully been used for many years in underground mining applications and have recently gained in popularity for above-ground mining applications. Accordingly, the proven UV resistance of the connectors makes them an essential component for above-ground mining applications as a reliable source to provide safe and effi cient energy to power a variety of equipment.
Marshall Girtman is with Special Mine Services
www.specialmineservices.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
