Overview
Strainstall delivers its award winning SmartLoad® technology to support SSE’s operations during installation of overhead power cables.
- Sector Power and Utilities
- Location Cable Installation Project
- Services Load Monitoring
The Challenge
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) plc is the UK’s leading generator of renewable energy.
As part of its aim to generate and transmit competitively priced energy, it maintains 130,000km of overhead lines and underground cables.
For a routine operation, SSE approached Strainstall for a number of load links to monitor cable tension during overhead power cable installations. During discussions, Strainstall realised that accurate load data was crucial as SSE installed and tensioned 150mm copper overhead power cables. The team advised SSE on the benefits of its intelligent SmartLoad® technology to deliver accurate load monitoring during their critical wire tensioning operations.
With safety of paramount importance to SSE, the SmartLoad® solution was ideal and Strainstall delivered 12 wireless SmartLoad® load links with 0-6.5 tonne capacity within 12 days.
The Solution
SSE pulled 1.5 tonne tension on the cables by using a piece of plant machinery with a SmartLoad® load link attached between.
A chain lever hoist was then attached with a SmartLoad® load link between the chain leaver hoist and cable. Using the chain lever hoist, SSE was able to accurately tension the wire to 2.2 tonnes. The machine then begins on the next cable to be tensioned and once all 3 cables are at 2.2 tonnes, they take the tension off the wire by gradually releasing the chain leaver hoist to 1 tonne. The cable is then clamped down onto the overhead electricity pylons.
Project Gallery
The Impact
Successful load monitoring
SmartLoad® enabled SSE to monitor the loads accurately during all phases of the installation, increasing operational efficiency and the safety of its personnel.
Accurate load monitoring during critical wire tensioning operations.
Increased operational efficiency and safety of personnel.
Enhanced safety and efficiency in power cable installation:
