Cable Joints & Terminations HV

We’re Exhibiting! Offshore Wind North East 2023

OWNE Conference & Exhibition

The team at Thorne & Derrick are looking forward to exhibiting at Offshore Wind North East in November! Hosted by NOF, this industry leading event explores opportunities in the offshore wind sector; bringing together an impressive line-up of speakers and supply chain opportunities.

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

📍Location: Beacon of Light Sunderland
🕑Date: 8th & 9th November

We will be showcasing and demonstrating a range of our innovative products and solutions at the Event including LV-HV Cable Joints, Terminations, Connectors, Tools & Accessories, Arc Flash Safety and Voltage Detection. Thorne & Derrick will also be delivering a LIVE Demo of the Picoup 400 Spiking Tool from PENTA P&B (formerly P&B Weir).

See the full range of products below:

• NEW MV HV Cable Jointing Stand from Vicera
• Nexans Expert Tool Kit
• A range of No-Touch Push-Pull Tools from The Hand Safety Tool Company
• Innovative Cable Safety Hooks from CableSafe
• Nexans Euromold Separable Connectors
• 3M Cold Shrink
• Pfisterer Connex
• Seanex High Voltage Connector for Offshore Inter-Array Cabling Termination
• Ellis Vulcan Cable Cleats
• Pfisterer Voltage Detectors
• Arc Flash Clothing | Electrical PPE Kits
• Cembre HT131-C | Crimping Tool (up to 400sqmm cables)
• Klauke ESG105 | Battery Powered Cable Cutting Tool 105mm Dia.

Come and visit us at Stand D02 and let’s explore how we can work together to make your offshore wind projects a success✨

About The Event

Offshore Wind North East (OWNE) is a national event in a pioneering offshore wind region of the UK. Since 2000 the North East of England has been involved in offshore wind, using its experience and expertise in other industries to diversify and create a new and vibrant offshore wind supply chain. It now leads the way in the green energy revolution, playing a key role in energy security and the UK journey to net zero 2050. The industry here has now contributed significantly to the creation of new jobs, economic growth and the regeneration of coastal communities.

With first-class infrastructure, including six highly-active ports, its prime location on the east coast of England with world class offshore wind farms on its doorstep, including Dogger Bank Wind Farms and the Sofia Offshore Wind Farm, the region maintains its enviable track-record with its supply chain cluster contributing a lion’s share to the UK and the Global offshore wind farms.

“RWE’s Sofia has been a strategic partner for Offshore Wind North East every year since 2018, which means this year’s event will be the sixth time we have had a major presence there. As one of the major offshore wind developers projects in the region, RWE and the Sofia project team sees it as an excellent opportunity to meet colleagues and suppliers and find out what is happening in the sector locally. Companies from the North East have been integral to the success of the UK’s offshore wind evolution and having access to the wealth and depth of experience in one place makes it a really worthwhile two days in November. This applies not just for Sofia but for the wider RWE portfolio including those upcoming projects such as Dogger Bank South and its numerous operational projects in the North Sea and around the UK.”

Matthew Swanwick
Project Director, Sofia Offshore Wind Farm

NOF

NOF is a UK wide, business development membership organisation, helping to make valuable connections between businesses in the global energy sector. They work on behalf of members and their network of partners to put companies of all sizes in touch with the best and most innovative supply chain businesses in the UK.

The organisation offers an annual membership with four core services: Business Development, Industry Introductions, Events and Supply Chain Engagement. Your NOF membership can be enhanced with access to the Offshore Wind Projects Database.

Thorne & Derrick

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

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.

MV Jointing & Cable Stripping Using Ripley US02-7000 Tool

Here the MV Jointer, Steffan Evans from HVSM, is shown expertly stripping bonded semi-conductor screen from medium voltage power cables (20/22kV) prior to terminating the cable into Siemens NXAIR type Vacuum Circuit Breaker – the Ripley US02-7000 comfortably caters for the precision stripping of the bonded screen from the 400sqmm cable for preparation of the Raychem (Tyco) heat shrink termination to be installed.

The US02 Tool manufactured by Ripley Tools features a revolving ergonomic handle and accessible adjustment knobs for comfort and ease-of-use, reducing effort and potential strain for cable jointers performing repetitive shaving functions in the field.

“Investing in innovation and introducing cable jointing tools to HVSM improves safety and reliability for our clients. The Ripley US02 is very Jointer-friendly with a spectacular finish to the XLPE insulation – the automatic cut-off and incremental blade adjustments ensure a professional perfection of cable preparation at medium voltages,” comments Steffan.

Stripping in the Switch | the US02 Tool is compact but robust allowing confined space working in Medium Voltage Electrical Equipment.

The US02 Tool provides an exceptionally smooth finish and does not require lubricating grease as the integral wheels provide a sustained motion during the cable preparation process – the US02 has four settings on it that adjust the pitch as it winds down the cable and a stop that enables the jointer to provide a square cut to finish off. The settings are 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm and 2mm.

No Grease & No Clamps | Precision Accuracy & Effortless Repeatability for MV Jointing

MV Jointing Tools

HVSM are one of Ireland’s most long-standing High Voltage Engineering companies, which has been operating since 1991. Headquartered in Ireland but present and operating globally, they provide best in class specialist service for High Voltage Power Industries such as Commercial, Utilities, Manufacturing, Life Science, Data Centres as well as the Renewable Energy Sector.

Thorne & Derrick are now Official Distributors for the Vicera range of Cable Jointing Stands – the introduction of this new product range is an excellent extension to our core ranges of Cable Jointing, Pulling Equipment & Preparation Tooling and we look forward to further supporting efficient, easier and more reliable power cable installations.

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. 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 medium/high voltages.

T&D hold large stocks of 11kV 33kV 66kV Joints & Terminations suitable for XLPE, PILC and EPR cables, in both heat shrink and Cold Shrink technologies, to service the medium/high voltage power cable accessory requirements of UK and international customers.

Tools & Consumables | FO & HV Cable Installation, Termination & Test Products up to 66kV

Tools & Consumables

Pictured | A consolidated customer order prepared for despatch from Thorne & Derrick to a leading High Voltage Power & Jointing Contractor in the renewable energy sector – we can assist with an extensive range of Cable Accessories & Tooling to enable the installation, termination and test of both FO and IAC HV cables up to 66kV.

This order includes:

FO Tooling | Fibre Optic Strippers, Kevlar Cutting Tools, FO Cable Sheath Jacket Strippers, Spirit Level, Tweezers, Bent Nose Forceps, Angled Long Nose Pliers, Flare Nut Spanner, Jointers Knives, Flat Terminal Screwdrivers, Junior Hacksaw, Power Cutters, Worklights. Brands including Miller, Bahco & Knipex.

HV Tooling | Sheath Strippers, Semicon Screen Strippers, Insulation Removal Tools, Ratchet Spanners, Soldering Iron, Heat Shrink Gas Torch, Diameter Tape, Vernier Calipers, Nylon Hammer, Jointers Knife, Wire Brush. Brands including Alroc, Boddingtons & Sievert.

Cable Splice, Joint & Termination Consumables | Chinagraph Pencils, Cable Cleaning Wipes, Greases, Heat Shrink, Cold Shrink End Caps, Cable Lugs. Brands including Peli, 3M Electrical, Cembre & Pfisterer.

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.

Thorne & Derrick International are Specialist Suppliers to the UK and international Offshore 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

Main UK Stockists for:  3M Electrical, PFISTERER Connex, Nexans Power Cable Accessories (Euromold), Alroc, Ellis Patents, ABB, Roxtec, Cembre & CATU Electrical.

Cable Innovation Tools & Accessories for Low & High Voltage Power Systems

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

3M QECC | First Extended 3M Medium Voltage 20 Year Warranties | Advanced Power Services

Advanced Power Services

3M QECC | Medium Voltage 20 Year Warranties for Joints & Terminations

Advanced Power Services are very excited to announce that the first extended 3M Medium Voltage 20 Year Warranties are released into the United Kingdom within the UK Rail Infrastructure as part of the drive for modernisation and efficiencies.

Advanced Power Services is the first company in the UK to be awarded the Qualified Electrical Construction Contractor Accreditation (QECC) from 3M.

BAM Nuttall appointed Advanced Power Services for the Jointing & Commissioning elements of twelve 33kV feeder replacements within Sussex and Kent. The partnership introduced the first 20-year Medium Voltage product warranties into the rail infrastructure that Advanced Power Services had been working on with 3M for the last couple of years.

This is a program that runs within the United States but hasn’t hit the UK or Europe until now. The warranties are issued directly by 3M to the client Network Rail.

As part of the modernisation, between the two companies we are both collaborating on driving this forward by having the opportunity to deliver this work and introducing new technology into the infrastructure being more efficient and working smarter.

As part of the 3M QECC programme, contractors receive in-depth 3M product and technology training, including theoretical training on 11kV, 22kV, 33kV and 52kV joints, terminations and Separable Connectors.

3M QECC

Advanced Power Services installation personnel go through various technical and theoretical training programs as well as practical observation in order to become an authorised QECC Installer.

This has led us to be the first company authorised to provide the warranties in the UK and to introduce this into the rail infrastructure.

Since 1985, Thorne & Derrick have been Approved Distributors for 3M Electrical Products (LV HV) and whilst the competitive supply of product from stock on short lead times is essential to the distributor it is equally vital that 3M product reputation is preserved through the correct installation of products in accordance with 3M recommendations.

What are Advanced Power System doing as a collaboration?

Commissioning Using Very Low Frequency Withstand Testing

The Story

When commissioning feeders in the past we were using DC direct current testing this testing was causing problems on cable assets that were becoming life expired. Advanced Power Services and the Sussex Regional Asset manager took on some trial testing on the network using VLF and Partial Discharge testing.

This was implemented on the Tunbridge lines where cables that were introduced on the network in the early 90s were becoming life expired and were showing signs of treeing in the insulation and prone to insulation failures.

Following technology being introduced, new feeders being replaced on the network are using VLF Testing as part of the form B commissioning practices.

Advanced Power Services and BAM Nuttall are the first to commission feeders using this method on the network and this has been very successful to date.

Recycling, Cost Saving & Efficiency

As part of the two company’s relationship and Advanced Power Services fault response partnership with Maintenance in Sussex the three departments including the RAM team are recovering assets on the renewals and recycling this equipment back into the network saving network rail thousands of pounds.

The type of equipment being recycled are fluid filled oil tanks which are double skinned and can’t be purchased new anymore.

LOPI panels and Oil Stop Joints that will be refurbished tested and re-commissioned as part of a maintenance program saving maintenance departments large funds in repair works. Although Sussex is leading this, the equipment will be available to all areas of the network as part of the drive for efficiencies and cost saving measures.

What is this technology doing for infrastructure?

Testing

On occasions poor quality cable supplied to the network could escape detection through the current testing procedures.

Now with new technology being introduced onto the network as part of the modernisation drive this is identifying exactly what condition the cable is in before it’s commissioned into service and passed across to the maintainer as an asset. Saving thousands of pounds in cable repair costs and replacement before life expiry.

Advanced Power Services

Advanced Power Services was established as a specialist electrical contractor in July 2010. Our ambition was to create a team of committed cable jointing and testing professionals that fully understands their clients’ needs and are dedicated to delivering exceptional service, safely and within budget.

Advanced Power Services offer Cable Jointing, Terminations, Commissioning and Fault Rectification Services for EHV, 132kV ,275kV, 400kV, HV 66kV and MV, 11kV, 22kV, 25kV, 33kV, 52kV throughout the UK and overseas.

Our Jointing and Testing Teams are experienced in working within the Railway Networks, Infrastructure Networks, Renewable Energy, Private Networks, Datacentres and Shipping Industries.

For further details please contact Business Development Manager, Heather Andrews at [email protected] or 07754 855938.

3M Electrical | Scotchlok | ColdShrink | Scotchcast Resin | Scotch Electrical Tapes

The Leading Specialist Distributor to the Rail Electrification Industry

Thorne & Derrick supply an extensive range of 400V-66kV Rail Cable Accessories & Electrical Equipment to contractors undertaking Low Voltage Power Distribution, HV Electrification & Substations, DC Traction & Networks, OLE and Track Feeder Cable Renewals – a complete range of Network Rail PADS approved medium voltage cable terminations, joints, cable repair and connection products up to 66kV.

Heat shrink, cold shrink, push-on and slip-over cable accessories enable the jointing, terminating and connection of medium/high voltage power cables to oil, air or gas insulated switchgear, transformers, motors and overhead lines.

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

Oil Filled Transformers | Driving Uptime Through Asset Winterisation

Oil Filled Transformers

in the Wind Power Industry

Are Low Oil Level Trips Causing Asset Downtime?

This Case Study covers the problems caused by low oil level trips on aging transformers, the impact it has on downtime, availability and power generation. It goes on to discuss how Thorne & Derrick assisted Ventient Energy in custom designing and supplying a fit for purpose electrical heating solution to overcome the problem and effectively Winterise assets preventing downtime.

Who should read this? – Asset Managers in the onshore wind industry with responsibility for managing and maintaining oil filled transformers.

Causeymire – Ventient Energy

Thorne & Derrick have recently worked in partnership with Ventient Energy to provide a bespoke electrical heating solution for an onshore wind application. After a number of site meetings and application surveys with the client to understand the problem, T&D proposed a bespoke heating jacket solution to prevent downtime due to low temperatures.

Jon Priddy of Ventient Energy describes the problem

“For those of you managing assets with ageing oil filled transformers you may find this useful. If you do you’ll know that the tank expands and contracts with heat and cold. As they age the tank loses that capacity to contract and so now you have a bigger volume but the same amount of oil and usually a very finely tuned oil level sensor which as we know is a primary safety and protection feature.

Come the winter and those high pressure low wind speed days and bang, we have a trip. I have spent many a late night with the site team topping up, getting the contacts to close and getting everything back on. The result is downtime, a hit on availability and a hit on generation.

What’s the answer? A hugely costly campaign to change out all the transformers, a nearly as expensive retrofit of conservators (if you have the room and a good design), heating the transformer compartment in a large drafty steel tower fighting the physics of heat loss.

Obviously it doesn’t affect every site but typically anything over 15 years where the tank has lost that capacity to contract back to normal shape after the summer or high generation is a candidate.”

The nature of the problem included a number a variables and it was agreed that T&D would provide 5 trail heating jackets which would be put into use throughout the winter of 2022/23. The jackets were installed to the “top 5 offenders” during previous winters.  The trials have proven successful and the client experienced no outages as a result of low oil trips during one of the harshest UK winters on recent record.

Pictured – fabricated model of the bottom of the transformer was made using the measurements taken from site survey. This meant the electrical heating jackets could be manufactured and test fitted prior to delivery.

The Solution for Oil Filled Transformers

Ventient approached Thorne and Derrick with a request for feasibility on applying a thermostatically controlled electric heating blanket to the base of the transformer with a view to stopping the oil from contracting to the point of a trip. This typically applies on high pressure (clear skies) low wind speed days and nights when there’s little in the way of current going through the transformer and temperatures drop to or minus zero.

Consideration had to be given to:-

Jacket Design – the client needed a solution which was simple and could be easily fitted, ideally as a single piece. The jacket also had to provide a very good fit as any additional heat losses may have negatively affected the overall performance. Representatives from T&D made the journey to Causeymire wind farm to carry out a site survey.

Power Supply  – the power available was restricted due to only a single socket outlet being available.

Energy Efficiency – the design needed to be fit for purpose but using excessive power to solve the problem wasn’t an option.

Heat Loss – T&D have many years trace heating design experience and have carried out thousands of heat loss calculations for pipes, tanks and vessels. This was particularly challenging as we didn’t know the optimum oil temperature that would prevent it contracting enough to cause a trip. A safety factor had to be built into the design without using unnecessary power/energy.

Maintenance – any solution needed to be low/zero maintenance due to the remote location. The solution offered a fit and forget heating jacket. Once commissioned the jackets will operate using built in digital control thermostat. Any maintenance/inspections can be carried out alongside other routine maintenance.

Before & After Jacket Was Fitted to the Oil Filled Transformers

Heating Blanket For Oil Filled Transformer

Custom Heating Solution

Bespoke Heating Jacket

Client feedback

“The blankets were installed last year and wired up in November. A winter with some spectacularly low temperatures and some nights with low wind speeds has followed. And until 2 weeks ago, no low oil trips. This is the first winter in the last 6 where we haven’t had the problem.

Almost by way of verification the low oil trip 2 weeks ago occurred on one of the transformers without the blankets. The blankets are currently set to come on at 5°C ambient air temperature.

As usual with these things team work makes for the dream work. A huge shout out to Terry McDonald of Thorne & Derrick for crunching the numbers, doing the physics and coming up with a design, that was easy to fit and forget.

The great support and encouragement from the Ventient team, Alexa Belsham, Rui Meneses, who were willing to spend the cash and give it a try. For the support as ever from Tony Crombie who helped make the case and for Colin McIver of DWT for coming up with a power supply solution. A true “can do” team and collaboration.

So in short, it looks like we have a fix for this expensive (in every sense) issue with ageing oil filled transformers in colder climes.”

T&D have over 30 years process heating experience and are your pro-active problem solvers. If you are reading this and experiencing similar issues, please reach out to T&D and we will be happy to arrange an initial meeting to discuss your requirements.

Who are Ventient Energy?

Ventient Energy is a dynamic, pan-European renewable energy business and is one of the leading generators of renewable energy in Europe. They are Europe’s leading independent onshore wind group, with over 140 generating sites.

Thorne & Derrick distribute the most extensive range of MV HV Medium & High Voltage Cable Joints, Terminations & Connectors from manufacturers including 3M, Prysmian, Nexans Euromold, Pfisterer CONNEX & SEANEX 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 medium/high voltages. Thorne & Derrick hold large stocks of 11kV 33kV 66kV Joints & Terminations suitable for XLPE, PILC and EPR cables, in both heat shrink and Cold Shrink technologies, to service the medium/high voltage power cable accessory requirements of UK and international customers.