VOLTS is our first monthly round-up of industry news, projects, videos, technical tips, training information, promotions, webinars and career opportunities from Thorne & Derrick. Take a moment to Follow Us on LinkedIn to receive future VOLTS.
pROJECTS & NEWS
Port Of Felixstowe
Credit: https://www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk/
This month, we have been working with our client Hutchison Port Holdings and their High Voltage Engineering Team to supply a specification solution to repair and joint flexible reeling type EPR cables – the 11kV medium voltage power cables operating the quay and rail mounted gantry cranes at Port of Felixstowe required a permanent, compact, smooth profile and flexible cable sheath repair product.
1m of outer sheath tape delaminating where the cable was previously jointed under warranty by the manufacturer. The cable was removed and on a drum ready for repair.
2.72m of outer sheath damage. The cable was still working on the cranes with a temporary repair in place. The cables needed to be repaired in situ with a shelter and work area erected around the damage to allow for dry and convenient cable jointing.
This specification has been adopted as the engineering standard for future repairs to site damaged cables at Hutchison Ports operating facilities.
➡ Listen to Rachel Salisbury (Application Engineer 3M UK plc) explain the benefits;
Thorne & Derrick have been Distributors for 3M Electrical since 1985 and can provide customised repair solutions using Scotchcast resins, Cold Shrink or high performance tape repairs across all industry sectors. More Reading:
Best For The Environment – Investing In A Low Carbon Future
The Port of Felixstowe is Britain’s biggest and busiest container port, and one of the largest in Europe – dealing with 48% of Britain’s containerised trade. Thorne & Derrick are also delighted to be working with a site that is committed to reducing their carbon footprint. While the Port of Felixstowe itself actually contributes less than 1% of the total carbon embedded in goods through the supply chain, they are committed to making significant progress in reducing this, as well as the impact of the overall supply chain.
HVDC | France to Italy Link
A New Power Highway Through The Alps To Build Europe’s Energy Grid
GE Grid are currently working on a high-voltage, direct current (HVDC) electric power transmission system to support the interconnection of the European Grid. Transitioning towards better integration of renewable power and reducing carbon footprint, transmission operators RTE (France) and TERNA (Italy) have decided to build the world’s longest (HVDC) cable interconnection. This link – at 190 km – will join the French and Italian electricity networks under the Alps.
Credit: https://www.gegridsolutions.com/
As Approved Vendors to GE Grid, Thorne & Derrick were invited to submit technical and commercial recommendations for portable and temporary earthing equipment to converter stations to ensure workers’ safety against hazards such as electric shocks while working within medium and high voltage substations.
Previously, Thorne & Derrick delivered similar bespoke portable earthing solutions to GE Grid for the safe electrical isolation works to the onshore and offshore substations at DolWin3 – this was the third offshore grid connection in the so-called DolWin cluster. The offshore grid connection connects the wind farms Merkur Offshore and Borkum Riffgrund 2 in the south-western part of the German North Sea with the onshore transmission grid.
Thorne & Derrick are a leading Specialist Distributor of Electrical Safety Equipmentup to 400kVto both UK and international projects.
Talk to us aboutLV HV Voltage Detection | Cable Spiking | Portable Earthing Leads & Short Circuit Solutions (UK DNO, Network Rail PADs & National Grid Type Approved) | Cable Preparation Tools | Electrical Safety Products.
Pre-Wired Power
HMP Wandsworth Prison Square Substation
Working with Vinci Facilities, Thorne & Derrick have secured technical qualification and commercial acceptance of our specification for the design and supply of a pre-wired feeder pillar for an 800kVA mains transformer connection on the UKPN network. The customised feeder pillar from the Fortress range will be manufactured by Lucy Zodion with IP65 rating, enclosed busbar chamber and internal electrical wiring to client specification.
Working with Lucy Zodion and their highly skilled and experienced in-house electrical design and engineering teams we can provide high-quality power distribution solutions – contact us to discuss your requirements.
Other January projects included: South Thamesmead Development, Temple Green Park & Ride, Galileo 6 plus several housing developments and electric-vehicle (EV) charging stations throughout the UK.
The Lucy Zodion range of feeder pillar enclosures and cabinets are robust, durable and secure providing weatherproof and padlockable vandal resistant protection for external power distribution applications.
T&D supply Feeder Pillars from stocks overnight at the most competitive prices.
Powering the Future
This month, Thorne & Derrick achieved Approved Vendor status with Ventient Energy, the largest independent generator of onshore wind energy in Europe – we are now working with their Asset Managers & SAP’s to improve electrical site safety and outage response capabilities throughout their asset portfolio.
Let’s Meet
Throughout January, Thorne & Derrick continued to welcome their supply chain to our offices and we also conducted online meetings to ensure staff are up-to-date with product developments, discuss sales-marketing campaigns and strategy plan for 2022 with our team.
Pictured left-to-rightSarah Henderson, Carl Cox, Jonathan Hewitt, Phil Day, Jeff Jhanke, Natalie Lundie and Chris Dodds
Thorne & Derrick welcomed Phil Day from Slingco Limited, the world-leading manufacturer of cable pulling and support socks, swivels, cable protectors, wire rope assemblies and accessories. Phil provided an Offshore Wind focussed presentation to our Sales Team. We thank Phil for visiting and updating us on the safety critical role of cable support grips and the need for independent break load testing to safeguard project, people and reputations.
OFFSHORE NETWORKING & THE RENEWABLE REVOLUTION
Thorne & Derrick have joined NOF, a business networking organisation committed to achieving valuable connections between companies in the global energy sector. With an office in North-East England, recognised as a key strategic location to service the offshore renewables energy market in the UK, Thorne & Derrick are currently supplying many international projects from the North Sea to the Nordics, to the USA to China.
Working with Paul Livingstone (Head of Business Development & Membership at NOF) we look forward to maximising the benefits our membership which will include facilitating business introductions, event attendance and utilising their Offshore Wind Projects Database to gain a deep and clear understanding of the offshore wind market through advanced intelligence.
Thorne & Derrick supply LV HV Cable Accessories, Installation & Electrical Equipment to service providers working on hyper-scale data centres including Equinix, Virtus, K2, Microsoft, CyrusOne and Interxion. We have recently supplied Warsaw RDCC (Rapid Deployment Data Centres) with sealing systems for the protection of cable ducts against water ingress/gas migration and cable termination products for the connection of 33kV power cables switchgear and transformers – the project is part of a $1 billiondigital transformation plan for Poland announced by Microsoft.
We can assist with the Competitive Supply & Technical Specification of joints, terminations and connectors for the energisation of all types of air or gas insulated electrical equipment from stock up to 33kV.
Energy Network Events exists to safely promote and further the interests of everyone working in and supplying the electricity industry. The management team have years of experience working in industry, organising and promoting events and use their experience and contacts to win the support of Legislators, Regulators, Senior Managers, World Class Suppliers and Inspirational Figures.
Electricity North West (ENW) is the power network operator (DNO) for the North West of England – they look after the overhead lines, underground cables and substations within their electricity network region.
VOLTS! By,
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of Low & High Voltage Cable Installation & Electrical Distribution Equipment to the Power Transmission & Distribution industry in the onshore and offshore wind, solar, rail, oil/gas, data centre, battery storage and utility sectors – this includes Joints, Terminations & Connectors to enable the installation of low, medium and high voltage power cables into underground trench or duct.
Main UK Stockists for: 3M Electrical, PFISTERER Connex, Nexans Power Cable Accessories (Euromold), Alroc, Ellis Patents, ABB, Roxtec, Cembre & CATU Electrical.
Cold Shrink Cable Joints By 3M
MV HV Cold Shrink Joints
Stocked & Supplied by Thorne & Derrick | Technical Support | Competitive Prices | UK & International Projects
Thorne & Derrick distribute 3M Cold Shrink Cable Joints suitable for jointing, connecting and splicing medium and high voltage (MV-HV) cables including 11kV, 33kV, 66kV and 132kV – we provide competitive prices for cold shrink cable joints from extensive stocks to UK and international destinations.
3M Cold Shrink Cable Joints include built in components to ensure sound insulation, stress control and adequate earth potential over the screens of medium voltage cables. The 3M Cold Shrink Technology ensures constant radial pressure is exerted over the cable for the duration of the cable joint’s life.
The Simple Application Of A 3M Cold Shrink Cable Joint
1. Place the 3M Cold Shrink splice body onto the prepared cable, connect the cores and clean cables thoroughly.
2. Thoroughly grease the connected cable in preparation for the cable splice body.
3. Once in position, begin to remove the inner coil from the cable joint body.
4. For extra peace of mind, take advantage of the fact that cable splice body position is easily checked.
7. Position the pre-parked 3M Cold Shrink Outer Protection Tube over the stocking and beginning to remove the inner supporting core.
8. Continue to remove the inner core until the outer tube is fully shrink, completing the cable joint.
3M Cold Shrink cable joints are available in a Standard cost-effective range or Premium options for medium/high voltage (MV HV) power systems.
The Standard range covers many of the most common cable configurations and size ranges unique to the UK market but requires the electrode to be built up by the cable jointer using Scotch 13 electrical semi-conductive tape.
3M Standard Cold Shrink Cable Joints
The Standard 3M Cold Shrink Cable Joints are available for both single core and 3 core cable connections for medium/high voltage cables including 11kV 33kV 66kV and 132kV.
3M premium Cold Shrink Cable Joints
The Premium 3M Cold Shrink Cable Joints are available for both single and 3 core cable connection for medium/high voltage cables including 11kV 33kV 66kV and 132kV.
3M Super Premium Cold Shrink Cable Joints
The Super Premium 3M Cold Shrink Cable Joints are available for both single and 3 core cable connections or medium/high voltage cables including 11kV 33kV 66kV and 132kV.
Cold Shrink Joints Features
Prefabricated one-piece Cold Shrink splice body with integrated semi‑conductive electrode forms a faraday cage over the connector and eliminates the use of tapes or additional moulded or metallic electrodes
Fast and easy installation at temperatures ranging from -20°C to +50°C
Suitable for a broad range of cable type and sizes
Permanent radial contact pressure
Simple assembly by pulling out the spiral core
Meets exceeds the requirements of European Standard CENELEC HD 629.1 and IEC 60502-4
Supplying Cable Termination, Jointing, Pull-in & Electrical Equipment up to 66kV
Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of MV HV Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from manufacturers including 3M, Prysmian, Nexans Euromold, Elastimold, Pfisterer CONNEX and Shrink Polymer Systems.
Heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories enable the jointing, terminating and connection of 11kV-33kV and 66kV-132kV cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines distributing electricity at MV HV.
MV HV High Voltage Cable Joints | Cable Terminations | Cable Connectors | Distributed from Stock | UK & Export Sales
Equinor (former Statoil) awarded Nexans the contract to supply static and dynamic cabling and associated accessories for the world’s first floating wind farm, following a successful demo facilitated by Nexans’ cables which have been in operation since 2009.
Following the initial Norway demo, Equinor awarded Nexans a new contract worth approximately 10.2 million Euro to service the Hywind Scotland Pilot Park wind farm. Nexans delivered offshore export cables to the site, located 30 km off the coast of Aberdeenshire.
The offshore cable systems was tested, sealed off, prepared for pull-in and delivered in individual lengths ready for installation. The cables were tested and manufactured at Nexans’ specialized facility in Halden, Norway.
The pilot 30MW floating farm is made up of five wind turbine generators connected through an inter-array cable network before feeding into a single offshore export cables carrying energy back to land in Peterhead, Scotland. Following the successful Norway demo, the project, assisted by Nexans, will demonstrate technological improvements, installation and operation of multiple floating wind turbines, as well as examine the cost efficiency of the park configuration.
The Hywind project will generate energy to power roughly 20,000 homes, and will lead the way to developing larger floating wind farms in other areas after an initial two-year testing period.
Vincent Desale, Nexans SEVP for the Subsea and Land System Business Groupcommented “ This project is a great example of Nexans pioneering alternative offshore wind design, extending the options for renewable energy generation. The contract establishes Nexans as leaders in offshore wind innovation by designing specialist cables for both the initial pilot project and the Hywind Pilot Park. ”
Specialist Distributors to the UK and international Offshore Wind & Renewable industry to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable & Power Distribution Systems up to 66kV – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service. Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.
Nexans is SSE’s preferred supplier for the design, manufacture and installation of the onshore and offshore export cables for the 1,075MW Seagreen wind farm project. Nexans will supply and install three 65 km offshore export cables and three 20 km onshore export cables.
About the project
Phase 1 development, comprising the Seagreen Alpha and Bravo wind farms. It will have combined capacity of 1,075MW. When complete it will form the largest windfarm project in Scotland when they come online in 2024. To promote contract opportunities for local companies, SSE Renewables organises ‘Meet the Buyer’ events, where they can discuss their service offerings with members of the supply chain.
Vincent Desale, Nexans SEVP for the Subsea and Land System Business Group commented “ We are delighted to receive this agreement from SSE and we are excited to be helping to bring the biggest windfarm in Scotland to life. ”
Seagreen Project Director John Hill said: “We are pleased to announce Nexans as our preferred supplier to design, supply and install the onshore and offshore export cable. Nexans is one world leaders in this field and this agreement is a major step forward for the Seagreen project.”
Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm project
The Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm project is located 27km off the coast of Angus in the North Sea.
A joint venture between TotalEnergies (51%) and SSE Renewables (49%), Seagreen will be Scotland’s largest and the world’s deepest offshore wind farm when complete.
The Seagreen offshore wind farm was consented with permission granted to install 150 offshore wind turbines.
114 offshore wind turbines are currently under construction with an installed capacity of 1,075MW and will be fully operational by early 2023. The power generated will be exported to the grid via a new substation at Tealing near Dundee.
The 114 Seagreen wind turbines will provide enough green energy to power more than 1.6 million homes, equivalent to two-thirds of all Scottish homes. They will also displace over 2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from electricity generated by fossil fuels every year – similar to removing more than a third of all of Scotland’s annual car emissions and making a significant contribution to Scotland’s net-zero ambition by 2045*.
The remaining 36 offshore wind turbines are consented but not yet constructed. The power will be exported to the grid via Cockenzie, East Lothian.
In January 2022 Seagreen submitted a Screening Report to Marine Scotland to increase the size of the 36 consented turbines.
Specialist Distributors to the UK and international Offshore Wind & Renewable industry to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable & Power Distribution Systems up to 66kV – we are highly customer responsive and absolutely committed to providing a world-class service. Contact our UK Power Team for competitive quotations, fast delivery from stock and technical support or training on all LV-HV products.
Special thanks to Engineering Power Solutions for the kind permission to republish
Arc flashes pose a significant hazard to electrical systems operatives. They can cause damage to equipment as well as severe injury or even death to personnel. However, with proper arc flash safety procedures in place it is possible to reduce the risk significantly.
What Is An Arc Flash?
An arc flash is a sudden discharge of energy, connecting a component through the air to the ground or to another voltage phase in the same system. This can be the result of loose connections, exposed live parts or other short circuits in faulty equipment. Careless work practices can also cause arc flashes when working on live electrical systems.
The resulting explosions produce highly dangerous intensities of heat and light.
As well as damage to electrical equipment, arc flashes can cause internal and external burns, eye injuries from intense UV light emissions, and lung damage from hot gasses or vaporised metals.
How To Avoid An Arc Flash
Given these hazards, it would seem vital to know how to prevent arc flashes. Yet aside from simply powering down a system, it is virtually impossible to eliminate the hazards entirely. However, it is possible to mitigate the risks, and what’s more, it is an employer’s legal duty to carry out appropriate assessments to do so.
Here are five ways to minimise the dangers posed by arc flashes.
1) Power Down Electrical Equipment Where Possible
An arc flash can only occur with live voltage, so the simplest hazard mitigation strategy is to power down the system when not in use. It should always be assumed that a system is live until it has been verified as de-energised. However, it is not always possible to carry out work on de-energised electrical equipment, and in these cases, other safety measures must be taken.
2) Ensure Safe Working Systems
A full arc flash risk assessment should be carried out on all electrical systems. It need only be conducted once in full but should be reviewed at least every five years. Reviews should also be carried out if any components are changed or other system updates are made. A professional risk assessment identifies the potential hazards in an electrical system, so that they may be properly labelled, and the risks mitigated.
3) Wear PPE
When engaging with electrical systems, workers should wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Insulated rubberised gloves give protection against electrical arcs, as well as heat and flame resistance. Head and face gear is also important to protect against high heat and light intensities, as well as impact damage from an arc flash explosion.
4) Keep a Safe Distance
Arc flashes can cause injuries at distances of up to six metres. Operators should maintain a safe distance from points of severe hazard, using remote tools or robots, as well as wearing appropriate PPE when within the calculated arc flash boundary.
5) Ensure Proper Training
Anybody working with electrical systems needs the appropriate training to understand the hazards and the requirements for safe working. This is even more important if engagement with live systems is unavoidable. Operatives need to know how to conduct a risk assessment before starting work, identifying hazardous points in the system and the appropriate working practices to mitigate them.
What Next?
Speak to us today to find out more about arc flash risk mitigation, and how you can improve electrical health and safety in your workplace.
Engineering Power Solutions is a trustworthy engineering team offering personal, friendly and transparent technical services whilst continually improving engineering design efficiency. We also provide product procurement solutions, combined with our engineers technical expertise we will help you with product selection, advice and ongoing technical support throughout your project.
Arc Flash Clothing Stockists & Suppliers
This is the question arc flash specialist protective clothing manufacturer, ProGARM, is asking the UK industry. The question has been posed as part of a national campaign to raise awareness around the often-fatal risk of arc flash injury.
The campaign sees ProGARM calling on workers at all levels within the rail, construction, petrochemical, utilities, powergeneration and industrial electrical industry to share their experiences in a bid to capture a true picture of the real risk of arc flash across the UK.
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