PFT Solutions

What is PFT?

PFT stands for perfluorocarbon tracers. These specialist compounds with excellent insulation properties are added to the cable fluid in minute quantities. Where the cable system is damaged, the PFT compound will permeate through the ground and can be picked up using highly sophisticated detection equipment.

We have developed specialised methods of mixing PFTs with cable oil to facilitate injection into the cable system with no detriment to the oils’ flow or its insulation properties. Through our unique position in continuing to manufacture accessories for fluid filled cable systems we have developed bespoke tagging equipment which is modular and easily deployable to site.

Injection

Circuit tagging can be carried out with or without the need for a circuit outage. We have developed technical solutions to overcome all variables in cable design and hydraulic installation parameters. PFT technology has the following advantages:

Vulnerable cable systems that have high environmental impacts if they leak can be pre-tagged so that should a leak occur it can be located and repaired promptly.

Cable systems that have on-going small leaks can be tagged during an outage period and leak detection can take place whilst the system is energised.

Many fluid filled cables have poor quality cable fluid. Replacing the loose oil with modern alkylbenzene oils offers greater biodegradability should these fluids leak into the environment. Furthermore, modern alkylbenzene oil has superior electrical qualities and greatly improved gas absorption properties.

Detection

We have developed an advanced mobile laboratory which can detect background levels of perfluorocarbons in the atmosphere. Our mobile laboratory will sample the air over the cable route and detect any PFT which has permeated through the subsoil from the leaking cable fluid. The level of PFT above a cable leak is incredibly small, typically 40 to 100 parts per million however, by using our specialist equipment it is readily detectable above background levels of perfluorocarbon.

The main advantage of our PFT Solutions mobile laboratory is that the analysis time between taking the air sample and gaining the result is 90 seconds, meaning that detection results are achieved in real time. This compares very favourably with other technologies which require air sample tubes to be taken, sent by courier to specialist laboratories and then results received one/two weeks later.

Contact Us

Leeds

Prysmian Group, Astley Industrial Estate, Swillington, Leeds, LS26 8XT

0845 400 2 132
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