Document DdGXkG0b7nqYDqpdobR8ww5qd
VOLUME 74
POWER
BmMItfrf*1 1*84--UeOnw*ttUl pabUiitini Cooptej, loc. ELY C. HUTCHINSON, Editor
NOVEMBER 10, 1931
I PLAINTIFF'S < EXHIBIT
i E-30___________
Number
Fictitious Price Bait
Being in the market for the equipment of an extraordinarily important power house, a reputable public utility engaged a profes sional purchasing agent of wide local reputation to do the buying.
Competition was desperately keen, so here fras the opportunity, thought the machinery men, to cash in on their assiduously-developed friendship with the purchasing Pooh-Bah.
The buyer's representative, sensing the situation, was also
anxious to prove to his employer the wisdom of selecting him for
such an important work.
.
So, choosing two competitors for each principal division of the job. the agent told each confidentially of the purity of his desire to befriend him. But, since his price was high, the best that could be
b
done was to offer half the units at the other fellow's lower figure, i. which he then pretended to name. Thus each of the selected bidders
was used in an attempt to force a competitor to accept a fictitious i *' price for his product.
When the scheme was discovered the purchasing agent blandly called off the deal and announced he was ready to receive "final" prices from all.
And that purchasing agent occupies an important place in the business of his community today.
SC-ELEC-00450
Ro*r {
wStchboard wjr-i!
with aftbentot. un<i
varnished - cambrn
insulated \rir< o*.
signed for tin* porpoit
New Control Cables Have
Improved Characteristics
By H. M. FRIEND
Developments made in insulated wire and cable
based on recent discoveries by rubber chemists and
physicists and the experimental research work of
the cable manufacturers in applying these discoveries
ITHIN the iast two years important improve ments have been made in control cable. These may be classified as improvements in insulating materials; improvements in protective coverings: and new specifications. Insulating materials used tor con trol cable are rubber, asbestos, and combinations of varnished cambric and asbestos. Of these rubber is the most generally used.
Rubber-Insulated Contjeol Cable
When conditions are not severe, such as when high temperatures, chemical fumes, or fire hazards are not present and when the control cable is installed in a conduit system, rubber-insulated cable is satisfactory. When moisture is a serious factor in a conduit system, rubber is the most suitable insulating material.
Before discussing the improvements that have been made recently in rubber insulating compounds it is neces sary to mention the two most important discoveries in rubber chemistry made in recent years. One of these is the use of organic accelerators in place of those of the morganic types, such as litharge and magnesia, which
had been universally employed since the days of Good
year, By the aid of these new organic accelerator-
vulcanization may be accomplished at a lower tempera
ture and in a shorter time. Besides lowering the co<t
of manufacture the resulting product has better physicz;
and aging properties.
The other discovery' is the use of anti-oxidants the;
greatly improve the aging qualities of the rubber com
pound, These antioxidants were developed by the rub
ber chemists working on the accepted theory that tin-
deterioration of rubber with time is due chiefly to oxida
tion.
While there have been numerous other development
in rubber chemistry in recent years, these two "rr;li
discoveries are recognized as the most important sinc-
the work of Goodyear. They are now in general tu
rn the rubber industry and have added materially tr! 115
life of rubber products.
Recently cable manufacturer;, have devoted a con-m
erable amount of work to adapting these discoveries w
rubber chemistry to their rubber insulating compoiuui-
for cable. On account of the many characteristics ot bn
compound which can be changed by varying the
gredients added to the rubber, more interest has beer
aroused in rubber-insulated cable during the last tv-
years than in any recent period of equal length. _ This research work by the cable manufacturers in;
produced rubber insulating compounds in which
inherent weaknesses of rubber, such as, aging with tmu .
rapid aging with heat; deterioration by oils, acids am
*- t v*.
i
i*
\v=-iv .
alkalies; and injury by ozone, which is formed*when corona is present, have been largely overcome. As control systems operate at voltages of 250 or less, coronaresisting compounds need not be discussed here.
The problem of reducing the inherent tendency of rubber to deteriorate with age has been studied for a long time. As applied to rubber-insulated cable this subject was attacked bv one cable manufacturer some
vears ago before the recent discoveries in rubber chem istry by developing an insulating material that has the characteristics of a rubber compound but is softer and of lower mechanical strength than the standard rubber compounds. The composition of this insulation has been kept secret, but it is'-.understood to consist of an oil-base compound with only a small.amount of rubber added for mechanical strength. Therefore the properties of the compound do not depend on the characteristics of rubber, and it has superior aging qualities, resistance to the deteriorating effects of heat, oils, adds and alkilies as well as being less affected by corona. However, the physical properties and insulation resistance are lower than those of the standard 30 per cent rubber insulations, or the recent improved types.
In two articles on control cable in Power, Nov. 19, 1929, page 796, and Dec. 3, 1929, page 881, the writer
various-percentages of rubber witb-the new organic accel erators and anti-oxidants added to give superior qualities. In physical and electrical characteristics they meet the requirements of the standard specifications for 30 per cent rubber insulation with the exception of the chemical analysis, which they will not pass because of the presence of the organic accelerators and anti-oxidants.
To check the improvements in the aging character
istics of rubber compounds the rubber chemists have developed new tests for measuring the aging under accelerated conditions. This is necessary because to do so under service conditions would require too long. These tests depend on exposure to oxygen, usually at tem perature and pressure higher than normal atmospheric.
Two of these tests are rapidly coming into general use, the Bierer-Davis oxygen bomb test and the Geer test. In the Bierer-Davis test the samples are heated to 70 deg. C. in oxygen under a pressure of 300 lb. per square inch. This test is quicker and more nearly dupli cates natural aging than the other. In the Geer test the samples are heated in a current of air maintained at 70 deg. C. for 96 hr. After the samples have been subjected to these tests their physical properties are measured. The depreciation in tensile strength and elongation must not exceed certain limits. Leading specifications now include or are being revised to include accelerated aging tests made by the Geer dry-heat and the Bierer-Davis oxygen-bomb methods.
As an illustration of the improvement in the aging properties of these new rubber compounds data are given from an address delivered by Charles R. Boggs. May 13, 1931, before the Signal Section of the American Railway Association. A rubber compound conforming to the specifications of this section is given in Table I.
Table II and Fig, 2 give the results of tests made on shelf-aged rubber insulation and Table III and Fig. 3 give the results of Bierer-Davis bomb tests made to deter mine the effects of aging on bare-rubber-insulated wire at room temperature in the diffused light in Mr. Boggs'
-t T i!
'eg-
` L- :.- " if *>
.C &_+
,e:T-
z$-. *v**-'t'le id
Fig, l^-5ectton of multi-conductor robber-insulated control cable that may be laid directly In the ground
stated "At the present time the question of the most suitable rubber compound for insulated wire has not been settled. The fact that leading cable companies have recently developed new compounds possessing resistance qualities to ozone, heat and aging superior to the 30 and 40 per cent rubber compounds shows that there is a trend away from the old standard."
This development work on the part of the cable manu facturers and their application of the discoveries in rubber chemistry have resulted in great improvements in rubber insulation for cables. Some of these earlier developments gave compounds which, though possessing superior aging qualities and resistance to corona, were as interior in physical properties as they were soft and mushy. Further research work, however, has improved these properties, with the result that rubber insulation is now available which has superior aging qualities, does not deteriorate rapidly with heat, is less affected by oils, acids nnd alkalies and has great resistance to the effects of corona; as well as possessing high tensile strength, elasticity, toughness, density (impervious to moisture) and the electrical characteristics required of the stand ard high-grade rubber compounds.
These new insulating compounds consist, in general, of
TABLE I --RUBBER COMPOUND CONFORMING TO TELE SPECIFI
CATIONS OF THE AMERICAN RAILWAY ASSOCIATION'S
SIGNAL SECTION
Percentage by Weight
Para^3`P-tytci . fine. dr?
rubber....................................................
32
"Waiting.......................................................................................
23
Zinc oxide.......................
36
Litharge......................................................................................
5
Paraffin and ocokehte...............................................................
2
8ulphur........................................................................................
2
Total........................................................................................
100
TABLE n -- TEST RESULTS OBTAINED WITH SHELF-AGED RUBBER INSULATION
Age in Yean
*........... Comp ound Al ----
Tensde Strength,
Elongation, Inches; 2-In,
Lb. per Sq.In. Sample to Break
Tensile Strength. Lb. per Scj.In,
Elongation, Inches; 2-In. Sample to Break
t
1,312
n.oo
1,770
11.51
1
690
9.62
1,766
11, 10
2
647
7.96
1,662
10.59
3
789
6.55
. 1,641
(0. 49
4 702 5.37
^Compound A conforms to the specification* of the signal section of the Ameri can Railway Association, Table I.
iCompound B same la A plus organic accelerator and antioxidant.
TABLE III -- TEST RESULTS OBTAINED ON RUBBER INSULATION AFTER ACCELERATED AGING IN OXYGEN AT 300 LB. PER SQ.IN, PRESSURE AND 70 DEG- C.
Hours Heated
-`Compound '
.
nnmpnim^ B*
,
Tensile
Elongation,
Tensile
Elongation.
Strength,
Inches; 2-In- - Strength.
Inches; 2-In.
Lb. per Sq.In. Sample to Break Lb. per In. Sample to Break
46 464 6.41
96
Brittle
___
1,430 1,204
10.44 10.29
`Compound* A and B are the same a* in Table 11.
In general all-asbestos insulated cable should be con fined to open work. It may be used in conduit systems where moisture conditions are not severe, but either the combination varnished-cambric-asbestos type or rubberinsulated cable is better suited to conduit systems.
Recent improvements in all-asbestos insulated cable have been mainly in the impregnating compounds. A compound is now available that greatly improve- p,. moisture-resisting properties of the felted asbestos anil the outer asbestos braided covering. This is a black compound which is both flame- and moisture-proo:' Where white braids are required the finishing compoundare flame-proof only. Research is being conducted or: these impregnating compounds and improvement- ar-, soon expected to be available.
7l, 2 --Reunlts of test obtained with betf-ared rubber insulation
Compounds A and B are the same as in Tables II and HI
testing; laboratory. The physical results reported are average figures lor a number of samples.
Mr. Boggs, commenting on the tests, said that com parison of the physical properties of compounds A and B, whether judged by shelf aging or by accelerated aging, shows the wonderful improvement obtained by the addition of an anti-oxidant and accelerator to the compound that the manufacturer is now required to use.
Multi-Conductor Asbestos-Insulated Control Cable
Combination asbestos and varnished-cambric insulation multi-conductor control cable is a recent improved r\p For conduit installation this cable possesses the desirablequalities of asbestos for certain operating conditions ami will withstand constant temperatures up to 250 deg. F. It is suitable for conduit installations, as the varnishc' cambric gives protection from moisture. Where sever
Asbestos-Insulated Control Cable
For severe operating conditions where high tempera tures, acid fumes and vapors, oil, grease, or fire hazards are present asbestos insulation is superior to rubber. A standard type of this cable, consisting of a felted asbestos insulation impregnated with special compounds and covered with an asbestos outer braid, also specially impregnated, car: be operated under constant exposure to temperatures up to 400 deg. F. For services such as rheostat-grid connections, open wiring in boiler rooms, wiring around chemical soaking pits, and for back-ofswitchboard wiring exposed to high temperatures this type of cable is the most serviceable. The all-asbestos insulated type is made only in single-conductor cable: for multi-conductor control cable a combination of var nished cambric and asbestos is used.
Fig. 4^31nltl^ondactor type control cable with asbe&wn* and varniehd*cambric tabulation
moisture conditions are present, such as when the culm is submerged, rubber-insulated cable is better.
In the construction of this cable the conductors an stranded tinned copper insulated with a felted-ashcst"wall especially impregnated. Three varnished cambric tapes are applied over the asbestos. A second layer ot felted asbestos specially impregnated is then applied Colored-cotton marker braids are woven over eacii insu lated single conductor. The conductors are cabled with a lay and are then wrapped with a special moisture-pr["" tape which also prevents the outer black finishing com pound from soiling the identifying braids. The onu covering consists of a heavy woven-asbestos hrm impregnated with special black moisture-resisting am. flame-proof compound which finishes smooth. Anodic' manufacturer makes this type of cable with a varnishetcambric jacket replacing the special moisture-proof tape
Flff- 3--Test result*, on rubber insolation obtained after
accelerated OKing in o\)fren at 300 lb. per q,ta.
pressure and 10 deg. C.
Compounds A and B are the same as in Tables II and III
Improvements in Protective Coverings
In addition to the improvements in rubber insulation
the cable manufacturers have done considerable "-or
to develop better protective coverings for cable and hiui
recently put on the market cables with non-metal-
sheaths suitable for laying directly in the ground. The-'1
cables were developed mainly to replace the parin'
type that was laid in the ground without conduit a'1 which depended for its protection on a lead sheat-1h- "''I
galvani2ed-steel-armor tapes and impregnaated i`'
coverings. '
Several
manufacturers
have
modified
this
type
of
cnl'h l lint
for control service. These new types are so recein
they have not yet been extensively used in contrc*
iem&. but they possess characteristics which make them superior for certain services and they allow the design of a control system where the control cable is laid directly in the ground without conduit. This type also offers another choice for use in a conduit system in place of the conventional types of lead-sheathed or weather-proofiiraided cable. Difference of opinion among engineers recarding the relative advantages of lead-sheathed and weather-proof-braided cable in conduit systems may lead many installations to adopt the new type with nonmetallic sheath as it offers better protection than the weather-proof-braided type without the disadvantages of
lead. Several manufacturers have put on the market cables
of this type. While differing in construction details, they all depend on moisture-resistant rubber compounds and non-metallic protective coverings. The conductors for this new type of cable made by one manufacturer
saturant and covered with a seal of the asbestos base calking material is next applied. Two wraps of krai: armor tape are wrapped in opposite directions, making wall at least 0.060 in. thick. A layer of the asbestos-basv calk is placed over this armor to provide a moisture-pro r 1 seal. An outer covering consists of pre-saturated atphaltum-filled jute finished with special impregnating compounds and dusted with soapstone. When this cable is to be used in conduit, where it is unnecessary to pro vide so much mechanical protection, the outer covering is simplified.
The protective properties of this cable depend mainly on the calking material, the asbestos braided covering, and the protecting kraft armor tapes. The calking material was developed by research. It is claimed that it is impervious to moisture and the attack of earth acids and earth alkalies, and that it is practically inert and remains in a plastic state even at freezing tempera tures. The asbestos sheath filled with the calking mate rial takes the place of the usual lead sheath. It is claimed to be unaffected by electrolysis and is not subject to induced-current sheath losses, is not subject to crystalliza tion and other defects inherent in lead. The kraft armor tapes which are saturated are claimed to be impervious to decay or oxidation.
This article has not attempted to cover all the im provements in rubber insulating compounds which have been made, but has merely touched on the most important ones. The next few years will undoubtedly show addi tional improvements in control cable insulation and con struction.
The author wishes to thank the Rockbestos Products Corporation, New Haven, Conn.: and the Genera! Cable Corporation, New York City, for their assistance in the preparation of this article.
V
Controlling the Akron
Fig. 5---Over 12,000 ft. of asbestos insulated wire was used to connect the control of this rheostat to the resistance grids
are soft tinned copper. The insulation consists of intermediate-grade rubber that has good aging qualities and a thickness in accordance with A.I.E.E. specifica tions. A colored cotton braid for identification is placed over each insulated single conductor and coated with a clear moisture-proof finish. The individual conductors are cabled with a lay, and paraffined jute is used to round out the cable. Where conductors are numerous and consist of a core and outer layers a single-faced rubberized-cloth tape is applied over the core portion and over each subsequent layer. To protect the colors in the outer layer of conductors a single-faced rubberized-cloth tape is wrapped over each of these conductors. The valleys between individual conductors of the outer layer are filled with an asbestos-base calk that provides a seal over the entire surface of the assembly. An asbestos-braid sheath ^ to in., depending on the diameter of the cable thoroughly impregnated with a
This diminutive TVestlnffhouse switchboard on the navy airship Akron. 42 la. wide, 3ft In. high and 12 In. deep, with its 2,110 ft. of wire, controls all the power and lighting circuits of the ship. It weighs only 2*o<i pounds