Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

General Usage and Suitability

1. What is the primary use of the SMRT-LWL cable in the port and shipbuilding industry?
   It is primarily used in cranes and material handling equipment to provide both power and data transmission in applications with medium mechanical stresses, such as moderate travel speeds, dynamic tensile loads, and multiple changes of direction.

2. How does the integrated optical fiber benefit these industries?
   The integrated optical fibers allow for high-speed data transmission, which is crucial for real-time monitoring, control, and automation in port and shipbuilding operations, reducing the need for separate data cables and simplifying system integration.

3. Is this cable suitable for use in both fixed and mobile applications?
   Yes, it is designed for both fixed and flexible installations, with ambient temperature ranges of -40°C to 80°C for fixed and -25°C to 80°C for flexible, accommodating various operational needs.

4. Can it be used in areas with high electromagnetic interference?
   The cable’s design includes a split earth conductor, which helps reduce electromagnetic interference, but for specific high-EMI environments, additional shielding may be necessary. Consult the manufacturer for detailed guidance.

5. What makes it different from standard medium voltage cables?
   The primary difference is the integration of optical fibers for data transmission, which is not typically found in standard medium voltage cables, along with its specific design for handling medium mechanical stresses and environmental resistance.

6. Is the cable suitable for use on floating platforms or ships?
   Yes, but additional considerations for movement and flexibility are necessary due to its design for dynamic tensile loads and multiple direction changes, especially in marine environments.

7. 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, particularly in stormy conditions.

Technical Specifications

8. What is the rated voltage of this cable?
   The rated voltage is 8.7/15 kV (Um 17.5 kV), with a test voltage of 24 kV, ensuring it meets medium voltage requirements for port and shipbuilding applications.

9. What is the maximum conductor temperature during normal operation and during a short circuit?
   Normal operation: 90°C; Short circuit: 250°C, ensuring reliability in high-temperature scenarios.

10. What are the specifications of the optical fibers included?
    The cable includes G62.5/125 μm Multi-mode graded index, G50/125 μm Multi-mode graded index, and E9/125 μm Single-mode graded index fibers, with specific attenuation and bandwidth details as provided.

11. How does the cable 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.

12. 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.

13. What is the conductor resistance at 20°C?
    Specific resistance values are not provided, but the finely stranded copper ensures low resistance, typically aligning with class 5 conductor standards for efficient power transmission.

14. Does it support any specific data transmission protocols?
    The optical fibers support standard protocols for multi-mode and single-mode fiber optic communication, such as Ethernet over fiber, but specific protocols depend on the system integration.

Environmental Resilience

15. How does the cable 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.

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

17. 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.

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

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. Is the cable's outer sheath resistant to abrasion?
    The polychloroprene rubber outer sheath is designed for durability, offering resistance to abrasion, which is crucial in port environments with mechanical wear.

22. Can it be exposed to chemicals commonly found in port operations?
    It is oil-resistant and can handle some chemical exposure, but for specific chemicals, consult the manufacturer to ensure compatibility.

Mechanical Properties

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. What is the minimum bending radius when the cable is in motion?
    Generally, for flexible operations, it's 10 times the cable diameter as per VDE 0298-3, ensuring it can bend without damage during movement.

27. 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.

28. What is the maximum allowable bending angle?
    The cable can handle bending as per VDE 0298-3 guidelines, with specific angles determined by the bending radius rules, typically up to the torsional stress limit of ±25°/m.

29. How does the cable perform under repeated flexing?
    Its flexible design with finely stranded copper and EPR insulation ensures it can handle repeated flexing, suitable for continuous reeling and unreeling cycles.

Installation and Maintenance

30. 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.

31. What maintenance is required for the cable?
    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. Electrical tests for continuity and insulation resistance should also be performed periodically.

32. 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.

33. 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.

34. 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.

35. Are there any special tools required for installation or maintenance?
    Standard cable installation tools are sufficient, but for optical fiber connections, fiber optic splicing or termination tools may be required, depending on the system.

36. What is the recommended way to handle the optical fibers during installation?
    Handle with care to avoid bending beyond the minimum radius, use protective sleeves, and ensure clean connections to maintain data transmission quality.

37. How often should the cable be inspected for damage?
    Inspections should be conducted at least quarterly or after significant operational changes, with more frequent checks in high-stress environments.

Safety and Compliance

38. 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/IEC 60811-404, ensuring quality and safety for industrial use.

39. 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.

40. 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.

41. Is it certified for use in hazardous areas?
    While it is flame-retardant, specific certification for hazardous areas (like ATEX zones) should be confirmed with the manufacturer, depending on the application.

42. What are the cable's fire propagation properties?
    It has low fire propagation properties due to its flame-retardant design, complying with EN/IEC 60332-1-2, minimizing fire spread in case of ignition.

43. Does it meet any specific maritime or port authority regulations?
    It complies with international standards, but specific port authority regulations may require additional certifications; check local requirements.

Specific Challenges in Port Operations

44. 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.

45. 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.

46. 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.

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

48. Can it be used in conjunction with existing systems without major modifications?
    The integrated optical fibers might require specific interfaces or connectors to integrate with existing data systems; it's important to check compatibility before installation.

49. How does the cable's design prevent water ingress?
    The sea water-resistant outer sheath and EPR rubber inner sheath help prevent water ingress, but ensure proper sealing during installation, especially in wet environments.

50. Can it be used in areas with explosive atmospheres?
    While flame-retardant, specific certification for explosive atmospheres (like ATEX) should be confirmed; consult the manufacturer for hazardous area applications.

51. What is the cable's resistance to corrosion?
    The polychloroprene rubber outer sheath and sea water resistance provide good corrosion resistance, crucial for long-term use in salty port environments.

52. How does it handle the presence of heavy metals or other contaminants?
    It is designed to resist oil and chemicals, but for specific contaminants like heavy metals, consult the manufacturer to ensure compatibility and longevity.