Explore SAF™ Water-Blocking Benefits
26 February 2018Super Absorbent Fibre (SAFTM) has been used in the cable industry, in spun yarn format, for a number of years. Globally, it has become established as a raw material for water-blocking applications – along with a number of other proven technologies. Its manufacturer – Technical Absorbents – is now working closely with its yarn spinning partners to raise further awareness of ‘dry’ spun SAFTM yarns, help educate the industry about their benefits and ultimately encourage stakeholders to consider the superabsorbent technology when manufacturing or specifying cables.
Damaged cables can start to take on water. A SAFTM spun yarn will rapidly absorb the water at the point of damage and swell to form a water impermeable barrier, blocking further ingress. Such yarns are cost-effective, lightweight and the absorption rate and swell height can meet specification by selecting the most appropriate fibre grades/blends.
“There are potential cost reductions to be made,” explains Commercial Director Paul Rushton. “In some instances, it is possible to just use the one type of SAFTM spun yarn throughout the whole cable. As a result, manufacturers could make some significant savings on water-blocking raw materials and not have to stock-pile different products.”
The yarns are supplied on bobbins, easy to onward process, require fewer line stops and can be wrapped around or placed along the length of a cable in voids vulnerable to water penetration. As the SAFTM is spun with other staple fibres, the yarns have excellent absorbency profiles and shedding and dusting is limited.
“We are simply asking the cable industry to trial SAFTM spun yarns,” explains Commercial Director Paul Rushton, “either in conjunction with other water-blocking materials or alone. We can help supply samples and would be keen to talk to anyone interested in learning more.”
To find out more, visit www.exploreSAF.com/cable or email info@exploreSAF.com