28.09.2023

Flexco Europe to present conveyor belt cleaners together with a digital monitoring system on STUVA Expo 2023

STUVA Expo, the international trade fair for tunnel construction and infrastructure (November 8 and 9 in Munich), is one of the world’s most important forums for underground construction. At its booth A119, Flexco Europe will be presenting a model comprising various belt cleaners for heavy-duty applications.  

28.09.2023

Metso to deliver next 16 cone crushers for Rio Tinto´s australian iron ore mines

Rio Tinto has awarded Metso an order for ten HP Series cone crushers to be installed at the Tom Price iron ore mine in Western Australia.  

26.09.2023

Pfisterer develops the world’s first universal pluggable repair solution for submarine cables up to 170 kV for TenneT

Pfistere develops the world’s first universal pluggable repair solution for submarine cables up to 170 kV for TenneT (Credits: Pfisterer)

TenneT, a transmission network operator, tasked Pfisterer with developing a universal repair joint for submarine cables. The one-size-fits-all solution is designed to fix cable faults quickly and efficiently with minimal inventory costs – whatever the cable type or manufacturer. This is the first time in the world that a solution of this scope will be realised. For the transmission network operator, it creates completely new opportunities for inventory management and submarine cable repairs.

TenneT operates more than thirty 155 kV and 220 kV AC submarine cable platform grid connections in the North Sea off the German and Dutch coasts which transport renewable energy from offshore wind farms to the mainland. Over the past 15 years, numerous different cable types with different conductor cross-sections and from various cable manufacturers have been used for the submarine cable connections. To enable repairs for any cable faults that may occur, spare cables, repair joints and spare parts specific to the cable used must be kept in stock for each specific connection. This requires a lot of storage space, and material handling is extremely complex and time-consuming.

Safety when damage occurs, with simplified inventory management

To minimise storage and material handling complexity, and at the same time be optimally equipped to execute a repair, TenneT approached Pfisterer to develop a universal repair joint. It allows different cables to be connected, regardless of the cable manufacturer, materials used and conductor cross-section. As a result, submarine cable faults can be repaired quickly and efficiently. “The universal design means we can use a single repair joint for all submarine cables with a minimal need for spare parts. This means that we can significantly improve our inventory management and are well prepared to deal with any damage that occurs,” says Dirk Hansen, project manager for cable repairs at TenneT.

The universal submarine cable repair solution up to 170 kV from Pfisterer

The solution is based on the pluggable epoxy resin joint up to 170 kV from Pfisterer’s Connex product family. This technology is already in use on many offshore wind and oil platforms as a connection between the platform cables and the export cable. It is also widely used onshore by energy suppliers as a universal cable repair system. Aside from its compact and robust design, it is particularly attractive because it is quick and easy to install. To date, Pfisterer is the only manufacturer of pluggable epoxy resin joints up to 170 kV. “We are a pioneer in developing the world’s first repair concept for offshore AC submarine cable connections as a pluggable solution. Our epoxy resin joints are the key component. Thanks to their plug-in technology, they enable fast and efficient repairs to all different kinds of cables,” explains Vukašin Basara, Senior Product Manager and project manager for this project. In addition to the development and production of the repair joints, the contract scope includes type tests for mechanical and electrical product qualification. “As a pioneer in the offshore market, with the Connex product portfolio we have demonstrated how quick and simple it is to connect offshore platforms using pluggable high voltage cable accessories. Our aim now is to use this concept specifically for subsea applications,” says Vukašin Basara about the project.

Universal submarine cable repair joint up to 245 kV

In addition to the solution up to 170 kV, Pfisterer is also developing a universal repair joint up to 245 kV for TenneT. The concept envisages using the same components as for the 170 kV solution as far as possible. Here too, the focus is on a central joint body for all cable types that can connect different conductor cross-sections and geometries. This project for the development and prototype construction is scheduled for completion by the end of 2024.

Source: Pfisterer

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26.09.2023

Costain’s Batsetswe Motsumi to lead Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

Costain engineer and CICES’ first black president to champion ‘adding value through collaboration’. As President, Mr Motsumi will lead CICES, which is recognised as the foremost UK-based professional institution for specialists employed in geospatial engineering and commercial management in the civil engineering industry. Founded in 1969, this is the first time that a person of colour has been elected to lead the organisation.  

22.09.2023

$200k-plus in Mine Rehab Scholarships up for Grabs

“Mine rehabilitation is a key part of a company’s life of mine planning cycle to ensure better environmental outcomes and help create more jobs for Queenslanders after a mine is no longer in use,” Minister Stewart said.