Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the primary use of the Feichun PROTOLON SMRT cable in the port and construction industry?
  It is primarily used in cranes and material handling equipment, providing power for applications with medium mechanical stresses, such as moderate travel speeds, dynamic tensile loads, and multiple changes of direction. This makes it ideal for port cranes and shipbuilding operations where equipment movement is frequent.

• What makes this cable suitable for port environments?
  The cable's sea water resistance, UV resistance, and flame-retardant outer sheath (complying with EN/IEC 60332-1-2) make it suitable for the harsh conditions of ports, including salt water exposure, sunlight, and potential fire hazards. This is crucial for coastal operations where corrosion and environmental wear are concerns.

• Can it be used in shipbuilding operations?
  Yes, its sea water resistance and ability to handle dynamic tensile loads make it suitable for shipbuilding, especially in environments with frequent movement and exposure to marine conditions, such as during the construction of vessels in dry docks or near water.

• Is it suitable for use on floating platforms or ships?
  Yes, but additional considerations for movement and flexibility are necessary. The cable's design for dynamic tensile loads and multiple direction changes suggests it can handle the motion of floating platforms, but installation must account for potential wave-induced stresses.

• How does it perform in windy or stormy conditions?
  The UV and sea water-resistant outer sheath helps, but proper installation to prevent physical damage from wind or debris is crucial. In stormy conditions, securing the cable and ensuring it is not exposed to excessive mechanical stress is recommended.

Technical Specifications

• What is the rated voltage of this cable?
  The rated voltage is 6/10 kV (Um 12 kV), with a test voltage of 17 kV, ensuring it meets medium voltage requirements for port and shipbuilding applications.

• What is the maximum conductor temperature during normal operation and during a short circuit?
  Normal operation: 90°C; Short circuit: 250°C. This high-temperature tolerance is essential for operations where equipment may generate heat or experience electrical faults.

• What is its conductor resistance at 20°C?
  Varies with product number, from 0.784 Ohm/km to 0.0801 Ohm/km, ensuring efficient power transmission with minimal loss, which is critical for long runs in port operations.

• How does it handle short circuits?
  Conductor temperature can reach 250°C during short circuits, with insulation designed to withstand this, ensuring safety and reliability in electrical fault conditions.

• What is the travel speed capability for reeling operations?
  Up to 160 m/min for center-feed and 200 m/min for end-feed, aligning with the fast-paced requirements of port crane operations.

Environmental Resilience

• How does it handle exposure to salt water?
  The cable is sea water-resistant, with a polychloroprene rubber (PCP) outer sheath, making it suitable for coastal or marine-adjacent operations where salt spray is common.

• Is it UV-resistant?
  Yes, it is resistant to UV, ensuring durability in sunlight-exposed areas, which is vital for outdoor port operations.

• Can it withstand high temperatures?
  Yes, with a maximum conductor temperature of 90°C normally and 250°C during short circuits, it can handle the heat generated by equipment in high-temperature environments.

• What are the ambient temperature ranges for installation?
  Fixed: -40°C to 80°C; Flexible: -25°C to 80°C. This wide range ensures performance in both cold winters and hot summers, common in port regions.

• How does the cable's insulation perform in high-temperature environments?
  The EPR rubber insulation (PROTOLON HS) is designed to withstand high temperatures up to 90°C normally, ensuring reliability in heat-intensive operations.

• Can it handle high humidity or frequent water exposure?
  Yes, with sea water resistance and oil resistance, it's suitable for high humidity and water exposure, such as in rainy port conditions or near water bodies.

Mechanical Properties

• What kind of mechanical stresses can it handle?
  Moderate travel speeds, dynamic tensile loads, multiple changes of direction, and torsional stresses, making it ideal for the dynamic movements of cranes and material handling systems.

• What is the permanent tensile strength?
  20 N/mm² for static conditions and 25 N/mm² for dynamic conditions, ensuring it can withstand the pulling forces in reeling operations.

• Can this cable handle the torsional stress in crane operations?
  Yes, it can handle ±25°/m torsional stress, beneficial for applications with twisting movements, such as in robotic arms or crane arms, expanding its utility in port automation.

• What is the minimum bending radius when the cable is in motion?
  Varies by product number, but generally follows 10 times the cable diameter for flexible operations as per VDE 0298-3, ensuring it can bend without damage during movement.

• How does the cable's design handle multiple changes of direction?
  Designed to handle multiple changes of direction into different planes, ideal for complex crane movements or equipment navigating varied paths in ports.

Installation and Maintenance

• How should it be installed in a port environment?
  Follow manufacturer's guidelines for reeling and unreeling, ensuring not to exceed specified bending radii, especially in areas with high mechanical stress or exposure to water.

• What maintenance is required?
  Regular inspections for physical damage, checking for signs of corrosion or degradation of the outer sheath, and ensuring that the cable is not exposed to unnecessary stress or abrasion are crucial.

• What are the storage conditions before installation?
  Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and chemicals that could damage its sheath, ensuring it remains in optimal condition before use.

• Can the cable be buried or submerged in water?
  Sea water-resistant, but not necessarily designed for continuous submersion; check with the manufacturer for specific applications involving submersion.

• How to test the cable's integrity after installation?
  Test for continuity, insulation resistance, and possibly a withstand voltage test to ensure there are no defects or damage during handling, with regular inspections scheduled based on usage and environmental conditions.

Safety and Compliance

• Does it meet any specific industry standards?
  Yes, it complies with DIN VDE 0250-813, DIN EN 60228/IEC 60228/VDE 0295, DIN VDE 0298-4, and DIN EN 60811-404, ensuring quality and safety for industrial use.

• What are its fire safety features?
  Flame-retardant in accordance with EN/IEC 60332-1-2, crucial for fire safety in port environments where fire hazards may be present.

• How does the cable's design prevent electrical interference or noise?
  The three-core design with a split earth conductor helps maintain balanced electrical performance, reducing electromagnetic interference, which is important for sensitive electronic systems in ports.

Specific Challenges in Port Operations

• How does it handle oily or greasy environments common in ports?
  Oil-resistant, with the outer sheath designed to withstand exposure to oils and greases, but keeping it clean prevents excessive contamination that could affect performance.

• What is the expected lifespan in typical port operations?
  Depends on usage frequency, environmental conditions, and maintenance practices, but with proper care, it can last for many years, reducing replacement costs.

• Can it be repaired if damaged, or does it need to be replaced entirely?
  Depending on the nature and extent of damage, it might be repairable by qualified personnel following proper procedures, or replacement might be more practical for safety.

• How does it handle high vibration environments common in port operations?
  Resilient due to its ability to handle dynamic tensile loads and multiple changes of direction, suggesting some vibration resistance, but consult the manufacturer for specific high-vibration applications.