Semi-Conductive Tape

Scapa Semi-Conducting tapes perform electrical functions within a cable. Their primary function is to
equalize the field current around the conductor or core and to ensure electrical contact with the
earthing system. This reduces the electrical stress on the insulation material and enhances performance.
They can also be used to prevent electrolytic corrosion of metallic armor layers.

Our range of semi-conducting tapes offer excellent solutions for both core and conductor screening.
They prevent extrudate penetration of the conductor wires, and with high tensile strength and abrasion
resistance, help to prevent bird caging through strong binding properties. The range also incorporates
tapes which have first class bedding characteristics, and are available in a plain or printed format.
All of these tapes are free from halogens and Sulphur to improve fire safety and prevent copper staining.

Key Features & Benefits

High electrical conductance.
Robust, abrasion resistant construction to withstand the cable making process.
Good long-term temperature stability (90C operating temperature, 130C short term during fault
loads).
Conformable to ensure good contact with the conductor or core.
High tensile strength and tear resistance to allow high speed lapping and for binding cores together.
Good temperature stability to withstand overheating.
Good penetration resistance to prevent strike-through of the insulation or extruded semi-conductive
layers.
Can be printed for core identification.

What Is Vacuum Pressure Impregnation?

Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) is a process that uses vacuum and pressure to seal porous
materials with varnish or resin. The process is used primarily for high-voltage motors and generators to
fill gaps in materials to create a void free insulation in various devices.
Industrial electromechanical equipment is designed for durability to provide reliable function and
increased longevity, but age, temperature, and environmental factors can degrade porous metals over
time. The process of impregnation seals porous materials with varnish or resin, improving the function
and longevity of equipment.
The Vacuum Pressure Impregnation Process
Sloan specializes in vacuum pressure impregnation, which is more effective than traditional dip-and-
bake methods and is better suited to high voltage motors and generators. Our basic vacuum pressure
impregnation motor repair process comprises several steps.
1. Preheating
We place the equipment in an oven that heats the equipment and allows moisture to evaporate.
This helps the resin better penetrate the material.
2. Dry Vacuuming
We remove the equipment from the oven and place it into a vacuum chamber, which removes
air and any remaining moisture.
3. Filling
We fill the chamber with resin, coating the part and filling in all the gaps and pores in the piece
of equipment.
 4. Wet Vacuuming
We reduce the vacuum levels and hold it for a set period of time.
5. Pressure
We increase pressure within the chamber using dry air, nitrogen, or other gases. This allows for
even deeper penetration of the resin.
6. Draining
We then vent the pressure, drain the chamber of excess resin, and remove the part.
7. Curing
Finally, the equipment is placed into an oven to cure the resin
The Benefits of VPI
In traditional impregnation, varnishes can lose up to 50% of their volume in the curing process. The
reduced volume leads to air pockets and gaps, making it more susceptible to damage and wear. The
vacuum used in a VPI creates a more solid structure that can withstand:
Leaks
Cracks
Corrosion
Moisture
VPI also accommodates longer insulation life and greater heat dissipation. Vacuum pressure
impregnation is a more cost-effective solution as it extends the lifetime of products while saving energy.

Vacuum Impregnation Methods

There are a variety of methods that can be used to impregnate metal parts. The method chosen
depends on a part requirements, specifications and sealant that will be used. All methods used are
effective and once porous metal parts are sealed and cured, they will be sealed indefinitely unless the
sealant material fails in the future due to exposure to chemicals, excessive heat, wear or other damaging
conditions.

Dry Vacuum/Pressure (DVP): This is the most complex and effective method of impregnation. The
DVP cycle requires two separate tanks, one for processing the part and the other for storing the
sealant. This process is best used for metal parts that contain extremely small, microscopic pores
that may be invisible to the naked eye. The process steps are as follows:

1. Parts are loaded into a process basket and placed into a processing tank.
2. A vacuum is activated in the process tank to remove all air, including air within the pores of the
parts.
3. Sealant is transferred from storage tank to the processing tank and the entire basket of parts is
submerged.
4. Vacuum is released and desired pressure is added to the process tank using compressed air. This
pressure will help the sealant enter the pores.
5. After desired amount of time, the pressure is released and the sealant is drained back into the
sealant storage tank.
6. The processing basket full of parts is removed from the processing tank and all parts are washed
and final processed according to the metal material and specifications of the part.

Wet Vacuum/Pressure (VP): This cycle requires only one tank that contains the desired sealant. The
process steps are as follows:
 1. Parts are loaded into a process basket and placed into the sealant tank.
2. Vacuum is activated in the sealant tank to remove all air, including air within the pores of the
parts.
3. Vacuum is released and desired pressure is added using compressed air.
4. Pressure is released from the tank.
5. The processing basket full of parts is removed from the tank and all parts are washed and final
processed according to the metal material and specifications of the.

Wet Vacuum (WV): This cycle is the quickest impregnation method. It requires only one tank with
the desired sealant. The process steps are as follows:

1. Parts are loaded into a process basket and placed into the sealant tank.
2. Vacuum is activated in the sealant tank to remove all air, including air within the pores of the
parts.
3. Vacuum is released and tank is vented to atmospheric pressure.
4. Parts are soaked in the sealant for desired amount of time.
5. The processing basket full of parts is removed from the tank and all parts are washed and final
processed according to the metal material and specifications of the part