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Cable vital for communication systems

TOP APPLICATION

The Helukabel Topflex cables can be used in any industrial applications, such as measurement and control

TOP APPLICATION The Helukabel Topflex cables can be used in any industrial applications, such as measurement and control

14th March 2014

By: Mia Breytenbach

Creamer Media Deputy Editor: Features

  

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Germany-based cable manufacturing specia-list Helukabel has introduced a new variable-frequency drive (VFD) power cable to its range of Topflex cables that can be used in the industrial sector, as well as in motor and control applications.

The Topflex 620 VFD cable was launched in Chicago, the US, at the end of 2013 and is cur- rently supplied worldwide.

“The flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), cross-linked polyethylene-insulated power cable is ideal for applications with high-voltage spikes and long cable runs – such as those in the petrochemicals or automotive industry – owing to its low capacitance,” states Helukabel South Africa MD Doug Gunnewegh.

“This cable is built for the industrial sector that requires the deceleration or acceleration functions of VFD motor applications,” he says, noting that the cable’s PVC jacket is extremely resistant to oils, coolants and solvents, which makes it suitable for exposed runs, installation in pipes or direct burial.

While the VFD cable’s low capacity reduces cable size and thus material costs, it can be used in any industrial application, such as for service and controlling motors, fan control, flow measurement and control, or cooling control, he notes.

Owing to its robustness, and self-extinguishing and flame- retardant features, it can be used in industrial environments, such as petroleum refineries, and at gasoline-dispensing and storage areas.

Other features include the availability of the cable in a four-conductor configuration ranging in size from 16 to 20 American Wire Gauge, its rating for 600 V and 1 000 V applications and its ability to operate in environments with temperatures ranging from –25 °C to 105 °C.

The Topflex 620 VFD cable’s double shield is another key feature, as it provides protection against electrical disturbances or interference, eliminating resultant failures. Cable failures are a key cause of stoppages at plants and of data being corrupted, owing to electromagnetic current (EMC) interference that can restrict and delay plant operations and manufacturing processes, notes Gunnewegh.

Helukabel manufactures and supplies cables and accessories – amounting to a range of over 33 000 products – to various instrumentation and control systems, different applications and diverse operating environments.

These cables can be used in applications ranging from corrosive and high-vibration applications to extreme-temperature applications and are equipped with advanced EMC shielding to ensure the high performance of equipment at all times, Gunnewegh notes.

“Helukabel also supplies cables that connect various equipment of various standards to control units and programmable logic controllers, depending on the clients requirements, which ensures effective communication.

If the environment in which instrumentation and control systems function comprise large amounts of interference – and the controllers function on milliampere – the levels of distortion, or noise, which filter into the systems increases, he explains.

This negatively affects the integrity and quality of information conveyed to the controllers or integrators, he adds.

“If equipment, worth multimillion rands, is connected with cheap, low-quality cable, the purpose of effective control or processing is defeated,” Gunnewegh notes, stressing that cable integrity is important to ensure quality transmission of information.

The Digital Way Forward

Helukabel services include the design of cables, custom-made cables to “dress packs” for the robotics industry, suited to specific applications that function on digital, analogue or bus systems. The bus cabling systems enable installers to customise systems, reduce cabling costs and provide system integration into digital applications, says Gunnewegh.

However, he notes that, for certain control or instrumentation applications, analogue systems are still required, adding that the type of system depends on the type of application.

“Nevertheless, digital systems are cer- tainly becoming a trend in the instrumentation and control industry,” he says.

Cable Strong

Gunnewegh notes that, although the local industry relies on labour for manufacturing, the sector is focusing on robotics and automation for instrumentation and control, owing to the current strikes in the local mining sector and high salary costs.

In addition, automation maintains quality and increases production rates, he points out.

Although the industry is focusing on new wireless technology for automation, motoring, instrumentation and control, Gunnewegh notes that using cables is still necessary in certain industry environments and in certain applications.

“Cable will most certainly always have its place. Helukabel also offers wireless solutions, but each item has a specific place, and a cable connection from a wireless device to the controllers is still required for communication,” he says.

Growth

Gunnewegh comments that company sales in the local industry increased by 300% last year. This growth prompted the company to quadruple its stock levels by acquiring a new premise in Randburg, Gauteng, and opening a new branch in KwaZulu-Natal last month, he adds.

The company’s additional plans for the year include expansion into Africa and focus on the local markets.

“As cabling solutions form a large part of full installation, it is vital that cables, comprising the necessary integrity and quality, are installed the first time,” Gunnewegh says, noting that Helukabel had to assist a company in the past when the initial product supplied by another supplier was of an inferior standard.

“Therefore, Helukabel has increased its stockholding to supply clients at a moment’s notice or those whose projects or installations have short lead times,” he concludes.

Edited by Megan van Wyngaardt
Creamer Media Contributing Editor Online

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