Separation, Size Reduction, and Processing of XLPE From Electrical Transmission and Distribution Cable.
Separation, Size Reduction, and Processing of XLPE From
Electrical Transmission and Distribution Cable.
(455 K)
White, C. C.; Wagenblast, J.; Shaw, M. T.
Polymer Engienering and Science, Vol. 40, No. 4,
863-879, April 2000.
Keywords:
cables; separation; reprocessing
Abstract:
The recycling of power transmission cable insulated with
crosslinked PE (XLPE) was investigated by using
different methods of separation and reprocessing.
Separation was attempted by thermo-chemical,
thermo-mechanical and microwave-mechanical means, the
latter being the most successful. A mechanism
encompassing all of these was formulated. Compression
molding, extrusion, and injection molding with and
without preheating of the material were also
investigated. It was found that by preheating the XLPE
and injection molding under high injection pressure, the
neat XLPE could be formed into shapes with tensile
strengths equal to that of the original insulation. In
view of available observations, possible mechanisms for
the flow and reconsolidation of XLPE crumb are proposed
and discussed.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899