Medium-voltage (MV) power cables operating up to 35 kV demand insulation materials that deliver exceptional electrical integrity, thermal stability, and long-term mechanical reliability. The XLPE Insulation Compound (crosslinkable polyethylene) from RLB is a premium-grade material engineered specifically for these critical applications.
Manufactured from high-purity low-density polyethylene, dicumyl peroxide (DCP) crosslinking agent, and advanced antioxidant packages through a precision closed-system process, this compound provides cable manufacturers with consistent, high-performance insulation that meets the stringent requirements of modern underground, overhead, and industrial distribution networks.
High-purity XLPE insulation compound pellets — precision-engineered for MV cable extrusion and crosslinking.
What is XLPE Insulation Compound?
XLPE (Cross-Linked Polyethylene) insulation compound is a thermosetting material created by chemically crosslinking polyethylene molecules. This transformation dramatically improves the polymer’s thermal and mechanical behavior while preserving its outstanding dielectric properties.
Unlike thermoplastic polyethylene, crosslinked XLPE maintains structural integrity at elevated temperatures, resists deformation under load, and delivers superior long-term performance in demanding electrical environments.
Key Performance Properties
The following table summarizes the typical technical characteristics of RLB’s high-quality peroxide XLPE insulation compound for MV cables:
| Property | Unit | Test Method | Typical Value |
|---|
| Density @ 23°C | g/cm³ | ASTM D792 | 0.92 ± 0.01 |
| Tensile Strength | MPa | IEC 60811-1-1 | 22.5 |
| Elongation at Break | % | IEC 60811-1-1 | 540 |
| Impact Embrittlement @ -76°C | Failure pieces | ASTM D746 | 0/30 |
| Tensile Strength Variation (135°C, 168h) | % | IEC 60811-1-2 | +4 |
| Elongation Variation (135°C, 168h) | % | IEC 60811-1-2 | -4 |
| Hot Set (200°C, 0.2 MPa, 15 min) | % | IEC 60811-2-1 | 60 (under load) / 0 (permanent) |
| Dielectric Dissipation Factor (20°C, 50 Hz) | – | IEC 60250 | 1×10⁻⁴ |
| Relative Dielectric Constant (20°C, 50 Hz) | – | IEC 60250 | 2.25 |
| Dielectric Strength (20°C) | MV/m | IEC 60243-1 | 40 |
| Volume Resistivity (20°C) | Ω·m | IEC 60093 | 1×10¹⁵ |
| Gel Content | % | ASTM D2765 | 86 |
| Impurity Content | – | – | Meets strict C1/C2 criteria |
These values demonstrate the compound’s balanced profile of mechanical robustness, excellent electrical performance, and high crosslinking efficiency — essential for reliable MV cable operation.
Why XLPE Insulation Excels in Medium Voltage Cables
- Superior Electrical Performance — Extremely low dielectric dissipation factor and high volume resistivity minimize power losses and ensure long-term insulation integrity under electrical stress.
- Excellent Thermal & Mechanical Stability — Rated for continuous conductor operation at 90°C with strong hot-set performance. The high gel content (86%) delivers robust resistance to thermal deformation and long-term aging.
- High Purity & Cleanliness — Produced using Loss-in-Weight feeding technology in a fully closed system, ensuring minimal contamination and consistent quality — critical for reducing electrical treeing risks in MV cables.
- Proven Long-Term Reliability — Modern XLPE compounds offer excellent resistance to water treeing, thermal aging, and mechanical stress, supporting service lives of 30+ years in properly designed cables.
- Versatile Processing — Optimized for conventional single-screw and three-layer co-extrusion lines used in MV cable manufacturing.
Typical MV power cable construction highlighting the critical XLPE insulation layer between semi-conductive screens.
Recommended Processing Conditions
The compound is designed for standard peroxide crosslinking (CV) lines. Suggested temperature profile for single-screw extruders (L/D 20:1–30:1):
- Feeding Section: 90–100°C
- Compression Section: 100–110°C
- Homogenization Section: 105–115°C
- Die/Mold Section: 110–120°C
Parameters should be fine-tuned according to line speed, screw design, and specific cable construction. Proper temperature control ensures optimal crosslinking and surface quality.
Packaging & Storage
- Packaging: 500 kg per package in corrugated cartons with tray base and inner sealed plastic film bag for maximum protection against moisture and contamination.
- Storage: Store at room temperature in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area. For optimal performance, use within six months of manufacture.
Why Cable Manufacturers Choose RLB XLPE Insulation Compound
RLB’s XLPE compound is engineered for consistency, cleanliness, and high crosslinking efficiency — key factors that directly impact cable quality, production yield, and long-term field performance. When combined with RLB’s complete cable manufacturing ecosystem (including high-speed extrusion lines, stranding equipment, and other compounds), manufacturers gain a reliable, integrated solution that supports both quality and productivity goals.
Inquiry Now to request detailed technical data sheets, processing guidelines, or customized XLPE compound formulations for your specific MV cable designs. Our team provides professional technical support and reliable long-term partnership for cable material solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical gel content for high-quality MV XLPE compound?
A gel content of approximately 80–86% is generally considered optimal for balancing mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrical performance in medium-voltage applications.
Why is hot-set testing important?
The hot-set test (IEC 60811-2-1) verifies the degree of crosslinking. Low permanent deformation after load removal confirms that the material has achieved sufficient crosslinking for reliable high-temperature performance.
Can this compound be used for both single-core and three-core MV cables?
Yes. It is suitable for both single-core and multi-core MV cables up to 35 kV used in underground, overhead, and industrial applications.
What standards does this XLPE compound comply with?
The compound is formulated to meet the requirements of major international cable standards, including relevant IEC and ASTM specifications for MV power cable insulation.
XLPE Insulation Compound - Reliable Doing Cable
XLPE Insulation Compound delivers outstanding electrical performance, high tensile strength and excellent thermal stability for medium-voltage cables up to 35kV. High-purity, closed-system production ensures consistent quality.
Product SKU:
XLPE Insulation Compound
Product Brand:
RLB Machinery
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