Improved cable condition monitoring with recovery time using advanced portable polymer tester (indenter)

SNC-Lavalin Nuclear has developed a next-generation portable cable indenter for measurement of indenter modulus in accordance with international standard IEC/IEEE 62582-2 and for measurement of recovery time. The tool is based on a prototype initially developed by Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. with enhancements to the usability and ergonomics of the instrument. Recovery Time shows more sensitivity to cable degradation than Indenter Modulus for several cable jacket and insulation materials, including irradiated PVC, thermally aged CSPE, and irradiated/thermally aged XLPE. SNC-Lavalin collaborated with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories to qualify the tool and develop a cable database. Operating experience(OPEX) from field trial at a Nuclear Generating Station was incorporated into the design. The Advanced Portable Polymer Tester (APPT) features single user operation, touch-screen control, consistent automated cable clamping and temperature control, measurement of Indenter Modulus and Recovery Time, improved human factors and immediate preliminary results information post-test. (author)