Leading manufacturers of nuclear cables
The nuclear energy sector is being relied upon more and more, as we seek to find sources that move away from traditional fossil fuels. As a key component in their operation, cables within nuclear power plants must have higher performance levels compared to other industries, as they will be subjected to harsh environments and conditions.
Some of these vital nuclear cable attributes include:
- Flexibility and durability
- Heat resistance
- Fire resistance and flame retardancy
- Radiation resistance (MRAD)
Nuclear cable manufacturer
CDC is a highly innovative company which continues to expand on its specialist cable offerings. Our years of experience with designing and manufacturing cables covers a huge range of industries, including nuclear power plants where the standards for such components are incredibly high.
In addition to manufacturing and supplying a wide range of radiation-resistant cables, we also cater for totally bespoke projects and demanding applications requiring a number of conductors.
For instance, we use specialist materials to combine data, power and control applications in multicore cables for easier cable installation and overall efficiency. These cables are designed and manufactured in a number of differing configurations, with screening options available to suit the installation environment.
Our nuclear cables are extremely versatile and have been utilised in the following applications, both inside and outside nuclear containment areas:
- Gearboxes
- Transformers
- Specialised lighting
- Marine applications
- Pressure transducers
- Nuclear power stations
- Industrial sensors
- Control rod positioning
- Reactor coolant pumps
- Communication systems
- Fire alarms
- Safety valves
- CCTV systems
- Neutron flux detectors
- … and much more!
Our team will work closely with you to create something that fits your exact requirements.
We adhere to all ISO 9001:2015, and UL & CSA standards, which guarantees that all cables we supply to the nuclear industry are designed and manufactured to the highest quality that you can rely on.
Contact us now to see how we can help with custom cables for the nuclear industry.
Requirements for custom nuclear industry cables
All components installed within nuclear power plants and other similar areas will be subject to hazardous conditions, including extremely high temperatures, large amounts of pressure, and radiation exposure. This means they must be designed and created with these harsh conditions in mind.
Here are the main requirements that all nuclear cables must meet:
Fire resistance
Cables for nuclear power plants will need to be resistant to fire and flame retardant and free from halogens as well as be able to withstand high temperatures. Should a fire break out, they will also need to operate without emitting harmful gases.
Temperature resistance
The internal systems of nuclear power plants reach extremely high temperatures, and these extreme environments can put a great strain on cables. Therefore, nuclear cables must have long-term temperature resistance. By choosing the right materials combined with good design, cables can have a lifespan of up to 40 years.
Radiation resistance (MRAD)
It may go without saying that cables used within the nuclear industry need to be resistant to radiation, but their importance cannot be underestimated. Radiation can result in some of the harshest conditions in any industry, and all components must be able to keep working regardless of this.
We have materials that have excellent radiation resistance with tolerances of up to 200 MRAD (2.0 MGy) at Co 060 dosage of 0.80 MRAD per hour.
Durability/resistance to chemicals/oils/fuels/fluids
Due to their surrounding conditions, nuclear power cables must be highly durable. Not only do they experience high levels of stress daily for long periods, but their replacement can be more difficult than other sectors, so it’s essential that all parts can stand the test of time.
Our products resist a wide range of aggressive industrials chemicals compared to traditional cables, such as:
- Gasoline
- Acetone
- Hydraulic fluids
- Chlorothene
- Toulene
- Trichloroethylene
- 10% Sulphuric Acid
- 10% Sodium Hydroxide
- ASTM No .2
- ASTM No .3
Abrasion resistance
Select compounds offer excellent resistance to cut-through and other physical damage with extreme tear and abrasion resistance. Nuclear cables are manufactured with these abrasion-resistant materials, such as neoprene rubber and polyurethane, to ensure their longevity and reliability in these harsh environments, reducing the need for difficult and costly cable replacements.
Why choose CDC for custom nuclear cables?
Are you looking for custom cables designed for the bespoke requirements of nuclear power plants and laboratories handling radioactive materials? Here at Custom Designed Cables, we can design and manufacture custom cable solutions for a huge range of uses, including the harsh conditions of the nuclear industry.
Our team will work with you at every stage of the process to ensure that our custom nuclear cables not only meet the specific requirements of the radiation-resistant cable market, but also exceed the needs of your project.
Our excellent customer service and fast turnaround times are the cornerstone of the service that we offer. We maintain constant communication with our clients throughout each project to ensure that all products are delivered on time and to the highest quality standard, even for the most challenging deadlines.
In addition to exceptionally fast turnaround times and high-quality cable construction, we offer:
- Full adherence to cable industry standards
- Access to a comprehensive material and component library
- Free consultation and advice
As experts in the design and manufacture of custom nuclear cables, we can provide tailored advice for any radiation-resistant cable project – no matter how extensive or complex it may be. Whether you already have a cable design in mind or need full support from start to finish, contact us today to get a quote for your nuclear cable requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What are nuclear cables?
Nuclear cables are cables that are specifically designed, built and tested to withstand the very harsh conditions found in nuclear power plants, which can include extreme temperatures, pressure, fire, corrosion, chemicals, and radiation.
Other requirements for nuclear/radiation-resistant cables include the ability to operate without emitting harmful gases in the event that a fire does occur. For example, cable materials should not contain any halogens as they can produce toxic gases when burned, which is why LSZH cable materials are preferred in these settings.
How can nuclear cables be customised?
As highly experienced nuclear cable manufacturers and suppliers, we can also design and produce totally bespoke products for unique applications. No matter how complex your requirements are, we can help you create a custom cable solution that’s designed and tested with your exact environment and application in mind.
Here are some of the different aspects of your radiation-resistant cable that we can customise to meet your specific needs:
- Cable length and diameter
- Conductor material
- Insulation material
- Shielding
- Jacketing
- Armouring
- Cable connector types
- Temperature ratings
- Flexibility and strength
