Synthesis Reactions Involving XLPE Subjected to aartial Discharges

It is shown that the degradation of XLPE, resulting from its exposure to partial discharges, leads to the formation of solid, liquid and gaseous products that result directly from the discharge synthesis reactions taking place within the intervening electrode gap space. The prime reagents in the discharge synthesis process are found to be CO2, CO, H20 and acetophenone. In order that these synthesis reactions occur without any impediment, a non-vented test cell is required; this condition is complied within most physically real cavities occluded within the insulation systems of XLPE cables.