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Wind Farm Maintenance | SWALEK for High Voltage Cable Jointing

Solar & Wind Farm Maintenance

• Special thanks to Tristan Jones Business Development Manager at Swalek High Voltage Services 

  for kind permission to share

Wind Farm Fault Emergency Call-Out

11kV | 33kV | 132kV

Swalek provide a comprehensive range of Solar & Wind Farm Maintenance Services including high voltage power cable installation, jointing, termination and testing.

Swalek cover design, consultancy, installation, testing and commissioning, energisation, operation and maintenance for electrical networks and cables up to 132kV.

Having built over 30 wind farms and operating and maintaining renewable energy assets across the UK, Swalek is well placed to provide high voltage electric power consultancy, operation and maintenance services including:

• Wind Farm Maintenance Services 
• GWO Certified
• High Voltage Turnkey Solutions
• Installation
• SAP Service
• Fault Analysis & Management
• Consultancy & HV Safety
• Operation & Maintenance
• Commissioning

A Recent Wind Farm Maintenance Project Application

Swalek’s wind farm maintenance division supported a customer yesterday with their off-supply issue at a wind farm in Scotland, near Falkirk. An engineer attended site to assess the problem and found that the site had lost communications. The engineer checked the Scottish Power Network and didn’t find any problems. It was assumed that there was a loss of supply.

An investigation was then carried out and it was found that there was no supply to site or to the transformer to Scottish Power. The engineer contacted Scottish Power Energy Networks and discovered their switch had tripped on fault which was feeding the wind farm transformer.

A visual inspection was carried out on the transformer which didn’t indicate any stress or irregularities. The decision was made by Scottish Power to attempt a re-energization. The network tripped again immediately on fault and the decision was made to carry out an intrusive investigation.

The engineer then carried out a detailed investigation and it was discovered that Transformer 1 had a failure. An 11kV insulation resistance test was carried out which proved a fault on the HV winding. Swalek High Voltage Services are now in the process of sourcing and installing a new 800kVA transformer to replace the faulty transformer and ensure the wind farm continues to generate.

Swalek carry out wind farm high voltage design, build, operation & maintenance services throughout the UK and across Europe. Swalek deliver operation, maintenance and turnkey HV Design & Build (Civil & Electrical) balance of plant solutions for wind farm projects.

Wind Farm High Voltage Services

• Site Management / SAP Duties up to 132kV
• Control & Operation /HV Safety HV Consultancy
• Switchgear & Transformer Installation & Testing
• Design and Network Analysis, Discrimination Studies
• Earthing Design
• HV Electrical System Design
• HV Electrical Installation Primary Substation: Construction & Commissioning
• Switchgear, Transformers, Plant & Apparatus: Installation & Refurbishment
• Cable Containment: HV/LV, Cable Ladders Trays & Trunking Earthing Systems
• Panel Wiring: Relay Panels, Remote Terminal Unit (RTUs) and LVAC boards
• Lighting, Heating, Power & Security Systems: Substations & Control Rooms Retrofit
• Upgrade & Decommissioning: Equipment Protection, Design, Testing & Commissioning
• VLF & Partial Discharge Testing
• Cable Connections: HV/LV, Multi-Core & Power, Cable Laying, Pulling, Jointing
• Maintenance of HV & LV Switchgear
• HV Inspection & Testing Services up to 68kV (Peak)
• HV Switching
• Fault Finding Analysis & Management
• Transformer Repairs Oil Sampling – Laboratory Analysis Dissolved Gas Analysis
• Cable Installation & Jointing Services – 11kV, 33kV & 66kV
• Contestable Grid Connections
• Operation & Maintenance
• Asset Management, Condition Inspection & Monitoring

Wind Farm Maintenance – Swalek Project Photos

Swalek High Voltage Services design, installation, construction, commissioning, energising, maintaining and operating high voltage electrical infrastructures on 11kV, 33kV and 132kV private networks.

• High Voltage Cable Spiking – provide specialist engineering teams to carry out cable spiking on underground cables
• Switchgear & Transformer Maintenance – support you with Switchgear and transformer maintenance throughout your network
• Design & Earthing Studies – professional and competent specialists ensure your earthing system is appropriate for the installation
• Transformer & Switchgear Installation – installations are carried out to the highest safety standards and by fully trained engineers

Find out more about the operation & maintenance options Swalek High Voltage Services can provide to support you with maintaining the security of your electricity supply to your wind farm’s high voltage private network.

Alternatively call +44(0)1792 923199, or email: [email protected]

Jointing Gallery

Specialist Distributors of High Voltage Jointing & Electrical Safety Equipment

Thorne & Derrick International are Specialist Suppliers to the UK and international Wind Industry of products to provide safe and reliable LV HV Electrical Cable Termination, Jointing, Installation & Power Systems up to 66kV.

We are based in North-East England, recognised as a key strategic location to service the offshore renewables energy market in the UK, from the North Sea to the Nordics – our Exports Division support international offshore wind power projects from USA to China.

Key Product Categories: Connectors, Joints & Terminations MV HV | Cable Preparation & Jointing Tools | Duct Seals | Cable Transits | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Clothing & Protection | Cable Pulling | Earthing & Lightning Protection | Feeder Pillars

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 & SEANEX.

NEW | Cable Semi-Con Scoring Tools for SCS Series | Ripley Tools

Semi-con Scoring Tools

SCS Series By Ripley Tools

Ripley Tools has launched three new tools for safe and efficient cable semi-con scoring, part of its SCS Series. Ripley SCS is a general purpose semi-con scoring tool for most medium voltage cable constructions and is equipped with a standard cable guide. The adjustable semi-con scoring tool removes easy strip type semi-con screens from HV power cables, this includes 11kV and 33kV power cables.

Between them, the new cable jointing tools are capable of precisely scoring medium-voltage cables from 0.31′′ to 2.96′′ (8 to 75mm), eliminating the need for traditional, higher-risk blades making them perfect for high voltage power cable preparation prior to jointing and terminating and easily mounts on the cable.

 See the full range of Cable Jointing Tools distributed by T&D, including Cable Tools For Underground Primary Distribution Cables and High Voltage Cable Jointing Tools  

The first Jointing Tool in the series is the compact and adjustable SCS semi-con scoring tool, which precisely scores the semi-con to ease its removal while protecting the underlying insulation. The SCS works on medium voltage 5kV to 35kV cables with semi-con diameters of 0.31′′ – 2.00′′ (8 to 51mm) and is able to perform longitudinal, spiral and calibrated square cuts.

Ripley SCS Adjustable Cable Semi-Con Scoring Tool (Compact & User Friendly)

It’s the SCS tool’s micro-adjustable blade depth that ensures accuracy so cable insulation is not damaged and the innovative slide tray keeps the cable square to the cutting head for precision.

The UtilityTool SCS’s design eases operation for cable engineers. It opens and snaps on the cable quickly and simply. Plus, it can work in a small envelope of space, especially on large cable sizes and covers the range of both the BP1A and BP2A.

For highly bowed or curved cables, the SCS V2 has been created to give engineers enhanced control. Its narrow cable guide is suitable for sheathed and jacketed 3 phase assemblies.

Completing the trio is the SCS Max, an extended version of the SCS to make precision cuts on large diameter power cables with strippable semi-con. The tool is designed for cables with a diameter of 1.77′′ to 2.96′′ (45 to 75mm) and it can operate within a 4′′ (101.6 mm) envelope on larger cables.

“All three tools in the SCS Series overcome the mechanical limitations of their counterparts in the market and replace the need for the use of basic, high-risk knives, thanks to the design and engineering capabilities of the Ripley team,” said Brian Bourgoin, Director of Engineering at Ripley Tools.

RIPLEY SCS CABLE INSULATION END STRIPPER

Specifications

Ripley SCS Operation Instructions

Ripley Cable Tools | Jointing, Splicing & Cable Preparation Tools for Underground Cables & Overhead Line Conductors | LV MV HV

LV, MV & HV JOINTING, EARTHING, SUBSTATION & ELECTRICAL EQPT

Thorne & Derrick International are specialist distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – servicing UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.

THORNE & DERRICK Product Categories: Duct Seals | Cable Cleats | Cable Glands | Electrical Safety | Arc Flash Protection | Cable Jointing Tools | Cable Pulling | Earthing | Feeder Pillars | Cable Joints LV | Joints & Terminations MV HV 

Work Smarter, Not Harder | Using The Most Efficient Ridgid Tools

Versatile tools save you time and money on the job. For example, RP 342-XL press tool, shown here with the StrutSlayr Strut Shear Head, works with all of the RIDGID press tool accessories.

Cut Down Time On Your Jobsite

In today’s high-tech world, when people talk about tool timesavers they tend to focus on the latest Bluetooth technology or the newest gadget. Yet, technology is not the only way to cut down time on a jobsite: tools that allow you to work smarter, not harder, can help any professional get to the next jobsite more effectively and efficiently.

Here are a few questions to consider when evaluating the timesaving merits of a tool.

Can the tool do more than one job? 

Anytime you can rely on a tool to perform more than one task, that is a win – you will reach in your toolbox less and have less to haul onto a jobsite. The best tools seem to help you do more with less: less gear, less time, less looking around. For example, some wrenches provide multiple surface wrench sizes on one side and have an open box-end for line nuts. This type of wrench has you covered for straight stops, appliance legs, shower heads, faucet nuts, stool bolts, and more. 

Are you maximizing the tool’s versatility?

A key factor when saving time and limiting redundancy in your toolbox is to have knowledge of a tool’s full ability. Pressing tools are a good example: Plumbers appreciate press tools because they save time on connections and eliminate the need for soldering. Some press tools can do more than just press pipe connections. For example, RIDGID tools have designed their press tools to be multipurpose. Understanding that no two jobs are created equal, RIDGID tools built the RP 342-XL for them all: its versatile design packs major power and boasts the widest range of applications of any press tool. It can press 1/2” to 4” copper, stainless steel, and carbon steel pipe and 1/2” to 2” PEX—in less than 10 seconds. It is also compatible with the full line of RIDGID Standard 32kN press tool accessories, including the StrutSlayr™ Strut Shear Head, Press Snap™ Soil Pipe Cutter, and all MegaPress jaws. 

➡ STRUTSLAYR tool is designed to mechanically shear steel strut channels up to a maximum size of 41 x 41mm, thickness 2.5mm. Compatible with RIDGID 32kN press tools*, the STRUTSLAYR strut cutter offers reduced risk sparking when compared to grinders and chop saws and still manages to produce a clean, consistent cut just by pulling the trigger – a cutting-edge innovation.

How reliable are the tools you buy? 

Any tool is a timesaver if it is reliable. Think about the tools you have owned the longest. Which tools push through a hard job without breaking? What brand is a one- or two-year tool versus a lifetime of performance? When you are constantly having tools break down and you are investing time and money to replace or repair them, that is a waste.

Buying reliable, proven tools is the best timesaver (and moneymaker). A strong warranty program is nice, but if the tool is always breaking—even if the repairs are free—that downtime will cost you money every time. 

Are you buying tools for today or tomorrow? 

This question builds on the issue of reliability. Sometimes cost is a hard line that you cannot cross; but when you can, always consider your long-term plans. You might buy a smaller drain cleaner because it costs less. Yet, you know that the larger commercial drain cleaner will allow you to do 10 times as many jobs and build your business in the future.

Which is a better investment? Tool redundancy has its place, but for higher-cost items, it can be a drain on expenses and a sore spot if your small drain cleaner is collecting dust in a warehouse a year from now. 

Will I have to start from scratch when I need to upgrade?

When you buy equipment to meet your immediate needs, consider whether there are products designed to complement the equipment as you upgrade. For example, RIDGID reels, imaging cameras, monitors, locators, recorders, and drain cleaning equipment are designed to work together, so setup time is fast and compatibility is a given. Along with faster setup time, purchasing tools that integrate with each other can save you money and minimise downtime for training. 

Saving time equals more jobs, and that means more income. There are many ways to adjust your tool inventory so you can work smarter, not harder. 

CABLE TOOLS

Should you require technical assistance to select the correct cable crimping or cable cutting tools please contact us.

Thorne & Derrick are Specialist Distributors of cable tools to enable the preparation of all LV MV HV cables prior to the installation of Joints, Terminations & Connectors – this includes Klauke, Cembre, Alroc and Boddingtons cable jointing tools for removal of cable sheath, screen and insulation on 11/33kV (MV) and 66kV/132kV (HV) power cables.

View the complete range of Cable Crimping & Cable Cutting Tools

MTag High Voltage Detectors from PBwel (P&B Weir Electrical Ltd)

MTag High Voltage Detectors

High Voltage Detectors

The MTag series of high voltage detectors from PBwel (P&B Weir Electrical Ltd) are available from Thorne & Derrick International based in the UK, the leading Specialist Distributor of Electrical Safety Equipment.

Detectors Approved to BS EN 61243-1

Designed for «proving dead» on high voltage distribution system between 1kV and69 kV (voltage ranges calibrated according to IEC recommendations).

The MTag detects any nominal voltage present on a overhead line or in a substation

The MTag detector meets all the expectations and wishes expressed by users and experts in recent years.

Reliable Indication
• Detects nominal voltages of its range
• Eliminates related induced voltages
• Enhanced audible and visual signals perceptible in most conditions

Heavy Duty & Reliable Design
• Direct access to the battery
• Sealed, watertight electronic compartment
• Pole end fittings interchangeable by the user, no tools required

Available with separate proving unit.

Pbwel Mtag Voltage Detector

Electrical Safety Providers

We protect substation engineers, asset managers, SAPS, cable jointers, overhead linesmen and utility workers with PPE and safety equipment: this includes insulating gloves, arc flash clothing, voltage detectors, insulating matting and portable earthing to ensure worker safety when carrying out repair and maintenance on LV-HV switchgear, transformers, substations and turbines.

All of our Cable Connection & Energisation Accessories including Medium & High Voltage joints, terminations, connectors and cleats are tested to the latest international standards and supporting ranges of professional installation tools are stocked to reduce incident, accident and downtime to plant and people.

High Voltage Energisation of Solar Farms by HEIGHWAY Ltd

uploaded by Chris Dodds | Sales & Marketing Manager at Thorne & Derrick

HEIGHWAY Energy

for High Voltage Services

HEIGHWAY Ltd have successfully completed the Civils, Jointing, Connection & Commissioning package of works associated with the 33kV High Voltage Power Supply to a new build 5MW solar farm in the UK.

HEIGHWAY are a leading provider of HV Power Services to the renewable, rail, substation and energy sectors with an impressive track-record and future project pipeline following recent audit and Accreditation under the National Electricity Registration Scheme (NERS).

SOLAR FARM PROJECT NOTES

HEIGHWAY provided the following scope of works for the solar farm construction, commissioning and energisation:

• HV Cable Diversion Works
• HV Cable Installation to New Customer Substation
• HV Park Feeder & VT Connections
• Installation of 3 New Sets of CT’s
• Excavation Works to DNO Compound Including Installation of New Concrete Bases
• Installation of COP3 Metering Panels
• Full Commissioning of all Cabling, VT’s and CT’s & HV Switchgear

By George Heighway | Director at HEIGHWAY Ltd

The HV switchgear and transformers providing electrical power distribution at 33kV were connected using the Euromold brand of separable connector manufactured by Nexans – the Interface C Connectors were installed to the T Boot Station and the 33kV single core power cables were prepared, terminated and tested by our Jointers. Euromold bolted terminations are OEM approved and trusted by leading manufacturers of medium and high voltage electrical equipment including Lucy Electric, Siemens and ABB.

Reliance & Compliance

Our team of Jointers are Competent and Qualified in the installation of all types of cable joint and termination technology up to 33kV, including heat shrink and cold shrink, but the engineering preference of our HV Jointers for separable connector technology is the EPDM type manufactured by Nexans. Euromold kits are cost-competitive in the marketplace and readily available from stockists such as Thorne & Derrick, that said our focus as a business is not “lowest-cost” option. Our reputation rides on the reliability of the products we install and the expertise levels of our site teams that install them – also as a contractor we understand the criticality of accurate cable preparation using precision engineered cable tooling to achieve consistently high-quality results, for this reason our Jointing Team have standardised on tools manufactured by Alroc.

The Difference is Material

The Euromold separable connectors are manufactured from high quality EPDM which provides high mechanical strength which can be easily connected and disconnected from the equipment bushing for routine maintenance – competing silicone cable connectors have a tendency to attach and “stick” to the bushings and cannot be easily removed sometimes without damaging the actual connector. Euromold pioneered and innovated the separable connector – their products provide excellent resistance to compression, cutting, impact, tearing and abrasion over a wide temperature range.

HEIGHWAY are Hiring

HEIGHWAY Ltd are recruiting professional and experienced operatives:

– HV SAP/Project Engineer/s (33kV)
– HV Cable Jointer / Jointing Team (33kV)
– HV / LV Fitter/ Fitting Team (LV up to 33kV)

To Apply Submit CV [email protected] 

33kV

INSTALLATION PHOTO’S FROM SOLAR FARM PROJECT

Photographs uploaded by Thorne & Derrick with the kind permission of George Heighway.

Configuration | the Interface C type connectors provide versatile and optional system design configurations. Here, our team of Jointers were deployed to “Piggy-back” the Euromolds into the medium voltage switchgear compartment. This dual-cable installation is enabled by the use of a connecting plug to mate the front-end connector to the back-end.

Service | Should you require technical support to enable the design or specification of 33kV power cable accessories or systems please do not hesitate to contact Thorne & Derrick, the Contracted & Approved UK Distributor for Nexans Power Cable Accessories.

Sealed & Supported | The 33kV single core power cables manufactured to BS7870 Standard were sealed at the transformer point of entry using heat shrink cable sealing glands to prevent water ingress and protect against cable damage. The cables are cleated to provide mechanical retention to the cable in position and electrical short circuit protection in the event of a fault situation.

11kV Services | Here HEIGHWAY Ltd completed the HV Isolation, Installation, Test, Termination & Commissioning of new 11kV transformer tails including preparatory de-vegetation works surrounding the site location which was heavily weeded and overgrown.

MV HV High Voltage Cable Joints | Cable Terminations | Cable Connectors | Distributed from Stock | UK & Export Sales