Rebosio 400kV Insulators see first UK Installation
The 4YB route underwent a renewal of the conductors and insulator strings during 2023, which saw Rebosio 300kN insulators installed on the 400kV tension and suspension towers. The HTV silicone insulators, produced in Madone, Italy, feature a weight-saving of more than 95%, shallow shed profiles and Rebosio’s Isoflon-E technology, developed in the 1980s.
Feedback from the installer included comments about tweaking methodologies and how quickly the team adapted to the new insulators. Manual handling was flagged as a major benefit, simplifying the process of delivery, moving and raising the insulators, making the entire process safer and more efficient.
The whole process from shipment, site delivery, site movements and stringing enjoys efficiency benefits that further strengthen the already strong commercial case for Polymerics. For example, assembling the strings at the site saw a c. 2-hour time saving per tower. The compact, lightweight nature of the insulators also reduces the carbon impact of the project, with fewer trucks required and on-site fuel savings for the plant. Another health and safety benefit is the robust nature of the insulators, simplifying handling and eliminating the risk of glass discs, as one linesman mentioned, “popping in your face” during handling.
As the industry shapes up for what promises to be a period of significant work and network adaption, Rebosio and PACE hope to see the benefits of the widespread adoption of these insulators.
