Techlube | Cable Pulling Lubricants for Power & Telecom Cables

Published 28 Oct 2021

Cable Pulling Lubricants | Techlube

Cable Pulling Lubricants

Techlube by Socomore

Techlube is a range of water-based underground Power & Communication cable pulling lubricants designed to provide superior friction reduction and reduce the risk of cable damage during cable installation, which is the primary cause of 90% of cable damage.

All Techlube cable lubricants share similar chemistries and characteristics:

• ‘Cling & String’ consistency of Techlube ensures strong adhesion to the duct wall/ cable
• Perfect adhesion to cable in wet weather
• Resistance to wash off, allowing lubrication even in flooded ducts
• Slow drying, leaving a thin film which keeps its lubricating potential assisting with cable pulls to the same duct, preventing ‘cementing’ of the cable
• Substantially biodegradable* & non-flammable
• Water polymer lubricants with low conductivity

Cable Lubricants By Socomore

Cable Pulling Lubricant Product Benefits

• Reduced friction & risk of damage
• Compatible with cable jackets & jointing accessories
• Regular pulling tension
• Temperature stability
• Retains lubricating potential
• Improved efficiency
• Environmentally responsible
• Several formulations available

Friction Reduction

The ability to reduce friction between the cable jacket and the conduit provides the means to evaluate performance of cable lubricants.

Friction Theory:

The coefficient of friction, µ is a dimensionless value that is a proportionality constant between the frictional force, F, and the normal force, N.
µ=F/N
µ_s : the static coefficient of friction, is defined as the minimal force required to start an object in motion divided by the normal force.
µ_k :the kinetic coefficient of friction, is defined as the minimal force required to keep an object in motion divided by the normal force.

Note: laboratory measured coefficients may not be accurate when used to predict actual cable pulling tensions.

Compatibility 

Techlube does not contain any salt, detergent, paraffin or grease which can degrade cable jackets or cause hot spots, and has passed compatibility testing with materials commonly used in power cable accessories, joints & cable jackets including HDPE, LLDPE, Natural Rubber, CPE, CSPE, EPR, XLPE, PVC and Neoprene.

Cable Pulling Lubricants Techlube Range

*Excluding microspheres in Techlube M

Directions For Use

Techlube products are easy to apply through a variety of methods:

• Hand
• Manual Pouring
• Pumping
• Cone Feeder Systems

Recommended Cable Pulling Lubricant Quantity

These quantities are given for reference and guidance only. Every installation is different depending on complexity, route, cable and duct variables.

• For plastic conduit (PVC, Polyethylene) use the following equation:
  Q = 0.0064 x L x D (HD, PHD, MULTI)
  Q = 0.0080 x L x D (FO)
  Q = 0.0004 x L x D (M)
• For multiple concrete, clay tile, fibre cement, fibre filled & wooden conduit use the following equation:
  Q = 0.0098 x L x D (HD, PHD, MULTI)
  Q = 0.0120 x L x D (FO)
  Q= 0.0006 x L x D (M)

Q = Quantity of Techlube
L = The total length of the pull in meters
D = The inside diameter of the conduit in centimeters

Physical Properties

Appearance: Viscous liquid
VOC: 0% or O g/1
PH: >=5.0 – <8.0

Health & Safety

• Substantially biodegradable*, non-toxic & water-based
• Non-flammable
• Not irritating to the skin under normal use
• No unpleasant odour
• Protective clothing not required under normal use
• No threat to the environment

Temperature Stability

Standard grade Techlube will not lose performance qualities in hot weather or after undergoing freeze/thaw cycles.

Clean Up

Good working practice in accordance with local & EU regulations.

Standard Packaging

• 20 litre buckets / 24 buckets per pallet
• 1 litre bottles (PHD only)/ 12 bottles per case/ 36 cases per pallet
• 2 litre pre-lube bags (HD only) / 10 bags per bucket

Storage & Shelf-Life

Store tightly sealed in adequately ventilated premises. Shelf life is one year from the manufacturing date.

General Requirements for Cable Lubricants

• Cable & Duct Compatibility: prolonged exposure to the lubricant should not adversely affect the cable or duct performance for the life of the cable
• Friction Reduction: the initial installation should not expose the cable to excessive pulling forces or generate damaging heating effects and when completely dried, the lubricant should not ‘cement’ the cable in place
• Environmental Safety: the chemical consistency of the lubricant should not adversely affect the users or environment into which it is placed
• Fire Resistance: the lubricant deposits should not continually burn or spread a flame along the length of the duct/ cable
• Electrical Considerations: the lubricant should not affect the volume resistivity of the semi-conducting cable jacket when used in conjunction with power cables

The below video shows the Socomore Techlube HD heavy duty water-based cable pulling lubricant in use. Suitable for underground cable installations and is designed for heavy power and difficult cable routes and pulls (LV HV).

Cable lubricants manufactured by Socomore are recommended when installing LV-HV power, fibre optic and telecoms cables into cable duct.

CABLE PULLING & CLEANING PRODUCTS

Thorne & Derrick International are the UK’s leading stockist and supplier of Cable Pulling & Cable Laying Equipment for the installation of underground land and subsea power cables and overhead lines up to 400kV – the products support cable pulling teams to install LV MV HV cables into trench, cable duct, risers and all forms of cable containment.

T&D distribute the complete range of LV-HV Cable Pulling and Laying Equipment including cable rollers, cable socks, cable jacks, cable drum trailers, cable lubricant, underground cable protection and conduit duct rod.