Title :
Observation of water tree growth in polyethylene in real time
Author :
Alexeff, I. ; Blalock, T.V. ; Pace, M.O. ; Williams, B.E.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. Eng., Tennessee Univ., Knoxville, TN, USA
Abstract :
The growth of water trees that lead to breakdown in polyethylene insulation of underground power cables is studied in real time, using a special observation cell for polyethylene that can be placed on the stage of a conventional microscope. The growth of the water tree was followed by time-lapse photography. Sample results are given. The water tree is shown to grow from a single streamer to a bushlike structure. This structure acts as an electrode, and the cycle repeats, with another streamer being sent out.<>
Keywords :
cable insulation; electric breakdown of solids; optical microscopy; organic insulating materials; polymers; power cables; underground cables; breakdown; bushlike structure; polyethylene insulation; real time microscopic observation; single streamer; time-lapse photography; underground power cables; water tree growth; Electric breakdown; Electrodes; Glass; Lead compounds; Microscopy; Needles; Photography; Polyethylene; Semiconductor device breakdown; Trees - insulation;
Journal_Title :
Electrical Insulation Magazine, IEEE
